Christine Marcella

2/8/2017

Susanna was, without a doubt, a significant reason why my VBAC was a success!

Susanna was my doula for the birth of our second son on February 27, 2015 at Mount Auburn Hospital. I am guilty as charged for not writing this review sooner.

In the middle phase of my pregnancy, Susanna was an excellent, knowledgeable resource. I was happy that she had experience supporting drug free births. Towards the end of my pregnancy, as it became clear to both of us that my originally planned hospital and OB/GYN was not going to fully support a VBAC, she encouraged me to switch to the Midwives at Mount Auburn. My first appointment with Mount Auburn was at 35 week!! (Much to the dismay of some family members.) But, I knew I had made the right choice.

Susanna was very flexible with our schedule and met with us in our home to help us with various exercises and stretches.

During our son's birth, Susanna was calm and confident. She made sure my preferences were made clear in a polite and respectful manner. I was very fortunate to have her support and would highly recommend her!

Julia j

11/20/2016

This review is long overdue, my baby is over 1.5 yrs now, but I know I owe this one to Susanna :) Out of sveral doulas I interviewed, Susanna instantly struck me as the one who would be most helpful during the important hours of my and my baby's life. I couldnt be happier with my choice - Susanna is a top notch doula and I can honestly say that without her we would be struggling so much.

If I needed a doula again, I wouldnt be searching for one any longer because we have Susanna. Thanks to her energy, knowledge and dedication to the entire process (and my process was reaaally long), we avoided possible interventions and I felt her terrific support all the way through.

So BIG THANK YOU from our entire family :)

Krystina Friedlander

11/13/2015

Susanna was the doula for the homebirth of my daughter in the summer of 2014. She brought exceptional depth of experience, compassion, a sense of humor (especially a sense of humor), and skill to my birth and in the postpartum. We met throughout my pregnancy and I was grateful for her wisdom and attentiveness to all that I was experiencing.

In labor, she was a reassuring presence and drew on her knowledge and birth training. By the time I called her I was deep into active labor and had a hard time communicating with my midwife over the phone--it was Susanna who correctly assessed that it was time for her to head on over. I wish I could say more, but I was so far into labor itself that the next thing I remember was being fully dilated and pushing out my baby (ok I remember her lightly rubbing my lower back and always being nearby, which helped me stay calm and focused). In the postpartum, she was helpful and supportive when I had trouble nursing due to a very painful tongue and lip tie (and needed all the support I could get). There was never any need to ask for help when she was around -- dishes were done, laundry was in the dryer, and there were plenty of cuddles for the baby.

I have a photograph of the two of us together with my daughter that I treasure as a special moment that we shared, and I'm so thankful for her continued friendship and presence in my daughter's life!

Caroline V

4/22/2015

I knew we liked Susanna from the moment we met her.

It was great to have three prenatal sessions to get to know each other so that by the time my birth rolled around she felt like a trusted friend. These prenatal sessions were like our own private birth classes, where we felt we could ask any questions we liked. As the birth approached, it was great to be able to text her with questions, updates, and for emotional support. That emotional support became critical when the baby decided to make us wait two weeks beyond the due date!

The night I went into labor, I texted Susanna at 2AM. We texted back and forth for over an hour before deciding this was definitely it and heading to the hospital. At the hospital, Susanna provided great physical and emotional support to me, but what really surprised me was what great emotional support she provided to my husband as well. Having her there made me feel really safe and protected -- I knew I was in good hands! She supported us through 36 grueling hours of labor, and we would have felt lost without her.

Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions we made ahead of my daughter's birth. Having Susanna help guide us through the experience (before, during, and after labor) was really wonderful, and I recommend her wholeheartedly.

Brian M.

4/21/2015

I would enthusiastically recommend Susanna to other couples expecting a child. As a first-time father, I had no idea of the help a doula could provide to me as well as to my wife. Far from pushing me aside or replacing me, Susanna allowed me to be the best support I could be as my wife endured a 36-hour labor with our first child. With gentle and timely guidance, Susanna put me in the best position to help my wife as often as possible, and she gracefully stepped in when my wife asked for a more experienced hand. Susanna was our quiet advocate in conversations with hospital staff and our reassurance when we were unsure of the path forward, all while allowing us to make the decisions that were right for us. In addition, being with my wife throughout a difficult 36-hour labor was an emotional challenge I never expected, and Susanna was as attentive to my emotional well-being as she was to my wife. She cushioned what could have been a traumatic experience for both of us with her knowledge of what was going on and her calm, encouraging demeanor.

Samantha Sanders

7/25/2014

Karen Morad

10/1/2013

We met Susanna through another doula whom we were planning on having at our birth. But circumstances didn't allow her to attend and so Susanna was arranged to take over. All said and done, we could not have been happier. Having only met Susanna once before our birth proved enough to feel completely comfortable and at ease with her professionalism, confidence and personality. These relationships have a lot to do with chemistry, and it is obvious that Susanna is an expert at reading situations and putting people at ease. I can say with assurance that Susanna was a major part in making our natural, non-medicated birth a safe and positive memory. We would recommend her without hesitation.

Michelle Malafronte

4/1/2013

 We are so grateful to have had Susanna as our doula. Along with our Bradley education, she was the reason we had the natural, unmedicated birth we hoped and planned for.

Susanna provided support and education throughout our pregnancy. She answered our many questions honestly, and with an open heart and mind. She always let us know our options, and explained why some mothers choose one way or another. She offered homeopathic remedies for my ailments. She explained our options when it came to birthing and birth education. We never once felt judged or pressured, only supported.

During labor and the birth, Susanna was instrumental in helping us communicate with one another, the nurses, and the nurse midwife. She made us feel comfortable in a hospital setting. Susanna cared for me with massage and cool rags for my head, while making sure Vinnie kept me hydrated and encouraged me with love and positivity. I will never forget my beautiful, perfect birth!

Susanna made sure we had post-partum support as well. She continued to help us with nursing, caring for baby, and caring for mama. Susanna helped me to recover quickly, and with as little discomfort and stress as possible.

We look forward to our next pregnancy, labor, and birth with Susanna!