Fernanda Soares

8/1/2023

After a complicated labor for my second baby, when I got pregnant for the third time, I knew I needed to feel more in control during my pregnancy and labor, so I decided to look for a doula. Diana came highly recommended by a friend and from our first connect I knew she was the perfect doula for us. Diana is calm, caring, knowleadgeable, perceptive and extremely dependable. Diana and I live in diffent states and that did not stop her from supporting me virtually during the course of the pregnancy and from driving almost 15 hrs when I was near my delivery date and wait here for 2 weeks until my delivery. Diana's experience, background as a nurse and her caring personality allowed her to notice how I was doing even from afar and to give me the right advice and guidance . I felt supported and in control, just as I needed to be. In addition, Diana had so much experience and knowledge about pregnancy, labor and delivery, that she was able to help me through pregnancy discomforts like back pain and cramping, and also to guide me through pain management options during delivery, which were extremely useful. During delivery, Diana got to the hospital before I did, she knew the medical staff and hospital protocols, she stayed with us the entire time and was incredible. She guided me and at the same time allowed me to have control, and enabled my partner to play his role and support me better than ever. After delivery, Diana stayed with us and she detected a drop in temperature on the baby that even the nurses missed, and that was crucial for a quick response and his recovery. She also stayed an extra day to check in on us and make sure we were doing well. She and I are still communicating constantly and I continue to feel her support and love. Diana's passion for being a doula and caring for others is clear in every interaction and I was so lucky to have her as a doula and to keep her as a friend for life!

Elizabeth Walsh

1/18/2023

Phenominal Ambassador, Charismatic Teacher, Unconditionally Supportive and Empowering Resource... this is how I would start to describe Diana the Doula. 

Choosing Diana to guide us through our pregnancy and delivery journey was one of the best decisions my husband and I have made in our adult lives. Sincerely.

I was a careerwoman and became pregnant for the first time at 35 years old.  Primary focusing on my professional aspirations, I knew little to nothing about pregnancy before becoming pregnant.  I thank my lucky stars that we were able to find and work with Diana as our doula.  

Diana is a reliable and trustworthy subject matter expert in the field of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.  She worked diligently to educate my husband and me on the phases of pregnancy and labor and delivery, via phone calls, video chats, and in-person, hands-on sessions.  She empowered us with the knowledge needed to feel comfortable and confident at each stage of pregnancy and labor/delivery.  Diana's in-person support for the duration of my 28 1/2 hour labor and delivery was a godsend for me and my husband and our daughter.  She was like a delivery room sherpa ... guiding us to the top of the mountain and back down again.  

She is an absolute joy to work with and helped us to feel at ease when navigating these uncharted waters.  It was a relief to know that I had an expert resource only a phone call away.  She answered the phone every time I called-even at 2am.  

Diana started as our doula but is now someone I would call a lifelong friend.  She is an exceptional doula and I would highly recommend her to anyone. 

Mike Walsh

1/18/2023

Diana Walker is an excellent doula, and I would very highly recommend her to any expecting couple.  My wife and I hired Diana as our doula, and it was one of the best decisions in my life.  She excelled as a guide to help us navigate our first pregnancy.  My wife's pregnancy turned out to be rocky and emotionally draining due to our daughter being diagnosed with a genetic disorder during the first ultrasound.  Our experience was clouded in doubt and confusion, even up until several weeks after our daughter was born, as she was in the NICU for 15 days and we didn't receive a full diagnosis of her condition until her second month.  During this entire time, Diana was our main resource of advice and wellspring of empathy which supported my wife with her struggles during the difficult pregnancy and birth process.  Diana also ensured that I was included in the process and ready to assist my wife during birth.  Her overall knowledge integrated into her training sessions developed me into a competent delivery coach.  On game day, Diana was an outstanding advocate for us in the hospital because she set our expectations with clarity, she put into layman's terms what medical provider recommendations were, and she gave us experienced advice to assist in decision making.   She was a consummate professional by being cordial with the medical staff on game day (which decreased tension/stress in the room), by helping me be well-informed as a father, and by enabling me to feel like I belonged in the room during the birthing process.  As a former Captain in the Marine Corps, I greatly appreciate Diana for being an excellent trainer, a knowledgeable subject matter expert, and displaying the utmost professionalism.  She is a must-hire individual if you are looking for a doula.  If my wife and I are blessed with another pregnancy, we will surely be hiring Diana Walker as our doula again.  

Brooke Wright

11/7/2022

Diana was a great resource during my pregnancy and delivery. She provided us with books, exercises for later pregnancy, and guidance in what labor would look like. As a first time mom the peace of mind that I had going into my labor was largely due to the preparation and education Diana provided us with. The connection that she brings to the process is unmatched, she has become family to us.

Caitlin Landis

10/29/2022

I was the first of my friends and family to use a doula, and I hadn't even met anyone before that was one, so to say I didn't have much knowledge regarding doula services was an understatement. Finding Diana for a doula in my second pregnancy was one of my luckiest moments. My first birth was nowhere near the experience my husband and I wanted. When I became pregnant with my second child, I knew I wanted someone experienced to advocate for me.

During my first conversation with Diana I knew without a doubt she would be able to help provide a better environment in my second pregnancy and birth. She was very empathetic, and I truly felt like she understood what I had felt like I lacked in my prior delivery. I wanted to attempt a VBAC, and she was 100% on board.

I wasn't prepared for how challenging the end of my pregnancy would be with looking after a toddler. Diana came through with much needed constant support and care. I was very impressed when I had some back pain and my doctor did brush it off but Diana suggested stretches that helped so much! My husband and I both loved the class she did with our toddler to prepare for baby sister. 

Ultimately, I did have a C section, but felt at peace with the decision since I had done everything I could possibly do to avoid it. Diana arrived at the hospital before my husband and I, she prepared us for the c section partly by instructing my husband how he could support me during the surgery. My second c section was literally night and day different from my first, and my husband I both believe that is due to Diana. Also, I truly do cherish the pictures she captured of our daughters birth. 

It's truly hard to put into words how fortunate my husband and I felt to have Diana during my second pregnancy and birth. I wish we could have found her for the birth of our first child. We were both so impressed and very thankful to have found Diana. 

Aparna Soni

9/6/2021

Working with Diana was one of the best decisions we made for my pregnancy and for our child. From the moment we started working with Diana, she was always available for us when we needed her. As various unexpected issues came up during my pregnancy, Diana went above and beyond the call of duty to help us through them. When I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, Diana immediately made herself available for FaceTime calls and relieved my anxieties. She was incredibly friendly and personable and mingled so well with our parents, always taking the time to answer their questions as well. Toward the end of my pregnancy, we found out our baby was malpositioned, so that very week, Diana made several trips to our home to teach me some exercises to encourage the baby to reposition. The exercises worked; baby turned head down within a few days, and we were able to avoid a planned c section! I cannot express in words how comforting and helpful Diana was during my nearly 24-hour labor. It was like having an experienced & knowledgeable coach and a caring maternal figure all rolled into one. Even to this day, we periodically contact Diana with questions regarding our baby, and she immediately responds. With Diana, you have much more than a doula; you have a true partner in your journey through pregnancy and parenthood.

Lindsey

7/26/2021

We were lucky to have Diana Walker as our doula for the birth of our second child. Our child was born in May 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital restrictions only allowed one support person in the delivery room with me. As a result, Diana was our virtual doula. And she was every bit as amazing as she was in-person for our first delivery. At the end of my pregnancy, we met with Diana via FaceTime/zoom for “re-learning” sessions. It’s amazing how much we forgot in 3 years! She also did a “big brother class” for our oldest child. It was extremely helpful for someone else (i.e., not mommy & daddy) to talk to our oldest about his new role and how to approach his new baby sister. Nearing the day of delivery, I sent Diana pictures nearly daily so she could see how much baby had dropped/belly shape had changed/etc. On the day of delivery, I called her as soon as my water broke, and she was available via text message, phone, and FaceTime as we determined how long I could stay at home. At the hospital, she remained my advocate via FaceTime on the computer as we navigated new rules (e.g., some pain options weren't available due to covid, etc.), and a quicker timeline (second baby). She worked with the nurses and physicians from her home. Despite the challenges of a virtual setting (e.g., it was harder to hear everything, reading body language, etc.), Diana did not let these issues hold her back. She was right there with us at every decision point and provided much needed support. We are so thankful for her! 

Monica Cambridge

5/31/2021

Where do I begin? There are truly no adequate words to describe just how instrumental Diana was throughout my entire pregnancy and now postpartum. My husband and I expressed interest in having a doula because we ultimately wanted someone who would be an additional advocate in the delivery room. What we didn't realize is Diana would not only be that, but so much more. We met with Diana 8 times during my pregnancy and with each meeting we leaned in and felt more and more confident about the labor and delivery experience. In between meeting with Diana, she would check in with me via text/phonecall, and I would text her weekly for advice on all the "fun symptoms" that come with each trimester. Diana even made a special trip to my workplace during my 37th week of pregnancy because I was so nauseous and vomiting at work. On our actual delivery day, Diana was incredible. She advocated for me to be off the monitor for a bit and move around, and doing so helped move my labor along significantly. She sensed when my husband and I needed a moment to ourselves, and also worked alongside the nurses beautifully. When our son was born, my husband had a moment where he thought something was wrong with me. He was able to look at Diana for reassurance that everything was okay, and he'll tell you-- that moment alone was worth every penny of having her there. The most unexpected service Diana provided us has been her postpartum follow up. I never thought I would need someone to follow up with me and check on all the things going on with me postpartum, but I am so grateful for her compassion and care in doing so. The thing that truly sets Diana apart from other doulas is her passion for her practice. It is so very evident that this is her calling and she invests in her clients because she absolutely loves what she does. We cannot recommend Diana enough and look forward to a lifelong friendship with her! 

Cristina Padilla

4/14/2021

Diana Walker is so much more than a doula, she is a godsend!

As first time parents, we needed a lot of help. In the time of COVID, there were no childbirth classes available. Diana provided us with an at-home crash course on childbirth and parenthood. She brought us books, a folder of resources, and even a baby doll to practice holding and changing. Within a short amount of time, she taught us enough to go into the birth feeling confident and empowered. She prepared us not only for the birth we had planned, but also for all possible scenarios – and thank goodness, because my birth was one of those where nothing went as planned!

During my labor and birth, she was a steady, knowledgeable and supportive presence. As a registered nurse and social worker, Diana helped us understand and digest everything that was happening. What could have been a scary situation felt manageable and safe because we knew we had Diana in our corner. In the end, we brought a healthy baby girl into the world. Despite the uncertainty, it was a very special experience and I attribute much of that to Diana’s presence.

After we came home from the hospital, Diana continued to be there for us. She visited, supported us and loved on our dogs and baby girl. To this day, she is always available to answer any questions we may have. Looking back on everything, I can’t imagine not having Diana there. Along the way, she truly became part of our family. Diana will be my first phone call next time I get pregnant!

Kyle & Rachael Moore

3/11/2021

My wife and I have two daughters under the age of 2. We prepared for birth and went through the delivery process with Diana's help, encouragement and guidance. When my wife first proposed the idea of a Doula, I was skeptical of the need for one especially since it is an additonal cost along with all the other hospital fees and what not. Diana, in particular, as our Doula, proved to me her worth. We met with other Doula's before deciding on Diana. While they were kind and seemed like they would be good encouragers, what sold us on Diana was the sheer number of births in which she has been involved and also the fact that she is a registered nurse. These 2 items, along with her genuine love for parents and babies, make her valuable beyond measure (not exaggerating). For my wife and I, aside from all of the prep-work before the birth, which was very valuable, the keys to Diana's value as a Doula have been 1) her understanding of my wife, 2) her support of my wife and I working together (helping us when we needed but stepping out of the way when my wife needed my support in particualar) and 3) her confidence and ability in managing/directing the hospital staff. In both births, but especially the 2nd, because Diana knew my wife and understood her body's birth timing, Diana literally saved the day. Because my wife gives birth at hyperspeed, when the hospital staff was dragging their feet (no criticism), Diana kindly but firmly pushed them to call the doctor ASAP. If not for that, Diana or I would have been delivering the babies ourselves. Again, Diana is an RN, understands doctors and has massive volumes of experience; it pays off. Diana also did an amazing job of helping my wife NOT push when the doctors had not arrived yet; sounds crazy, but this is incredibly difficult and she is so strong leading in this area. I could go on for pages. Diana didn't lessen in value in our 2nd birth, she increased dramatically. Diana is an amazing Doula and worth every penny. 

Zoe Mattler

1/20/2021

I will be forever grateful for Diana and all she’s done for me and my family. Even though we found her later in my pregnancy, she offered plenty of guidance and helpful resources before birth that made me feel more prepared. She was patient in answering all of my questions and responded quickly to all of my paranoid texts. She dropped everything to come over in the middle of the night when my contractions were getting stronger and my anxiety was building. And when my labor and delivery didn’t go exactly as planned, her quiet strength and reassurance kept me from panicking. Diana really takes the time to get to know you and in the delivery room when you aren’t always able to communicate coherently, she reads your body language and makes sure you get exactly what you need. My son was rushed to the NICU soon after birth and Diana kept in touch every day that we were in the hospital, as well as the first few days after we got home. She was not only concerned for the well-being of my baby, but also for my own health - physically, mentally, and emotionally. In the midst of the fear of delivering a baby during the pandemic, when what was already stressful has become 10x more complicated, Diana was and continues to be such a light. Her joy and positivity is contagious and I couldn’t imagine going through this experience without her.

E.M.

1/18/2021

We chose to hire a Doula to help our daughter with her first child and are extremely happy with how wonderful the birth experience was, having Diana Walker as a birth coach.  We chose Diana for her background experience as both a registered nurse and certified doula and the strength of the client testimonials.  After a phone interview we were clear she was a good fit for our family. 

Having a first child during a pandemic brought up a number of fears for our daughter.  Even though she was reading and taking online birthing classes from the hospital, it was mainly working with Diana, that gave our daughter a calm and encouraged outlook. 

Diana met with us regularly in the months prior to birth. Her classes were thorough, engaging,  and included many loaned resources of books, baby doll, exercise ball. She was available 24/7 through the entire pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum experience.  Her nursing expertise was very valuable as she helped us understand the medical issues that arose with the baby and supported us emotionally through recovery & the few days the baby spent in NICU.  

She has extensive knowledge, a calm demeanor, a sense of humor, a kind heart, and a keen awareness of what we needed and when we needed it. Diana went far beyond what we had expected and I cannot imagine a better experience. She took the time to get to know our family, creating a team effort so that we could best support our daughter and the beautiful process of bringing a child into the world.  I recommend her without reservation.

Maram

10/28/2020

Words will never be able to describe what an incredible person Diana is! She's really passionate about what she does. She dedicates so much time and effort to her mama's. She sacrifices her personal commitments to be there for her clients.

My delivery experience was something i'll forever cherish thanks to her efforts. She was calming, educational, supportive and she even created a space where my husband was able to support me and coach me through the birthing experience.

Thanks to her i was able to naturally deliver my 8lb and 13oz baby who was posterior and we managed to flip him back during labor. 

She's not ur typical doula that just shows up on ur delivery day! By the end of ur birthing experience she'll be more like a family member!

Heloisa and Philip

9/3/2020

Diana is an amazing doula! Both my husband and I can attest to Diana’s ability and knowledge. My first pregnancy with no doula, a really long labor finishing with a c-section. So, for this second one my husbnad and I wanted to have an experienced and encouraging coach to help us along the way. In addition, I wanted to complete childbirth naturally with no medication. Diana was helpful to educated us in what to expect in the weeks leading up to the birth.  She develop a childbirth plan to give to my doctor at the hospital, she used classes and a dool to prepare my toddler (Eduardo -3 years old) to have a sister, she helped with the childbirth process itself and and what to expect postpartum. Our daughter, Cecilia, was born at the IU North Hospital. Diana was very professional and nurturing throughout the labor and delivery. I found her coaching, and knowledge to be superior to my nurses. Diana was quick to suggest laboring positions and to ask questions and make suggestions that were in my best interest. In addition to her active coaching, Diana also provided music, essential oils and massage. Diana helped us achieve our ideal labor and delivery. I had a natural birth after a c-section! Cecilia was born naturally, a fast labor just as I wanted. Diana was a great cheerleader in moments where I thought I would not be able to deliver the baby. She is awesome and we recommend her highly. Thanks so much Diana!

Veronica Sexton

8/13/2020

Diana is the best doula we could've asked for. I delivered my daughter with confidence and without fear because I had Diana by my side. She is always prompted to help and answer any questions. She is all-in-one. Diana taught my husband and I about pregnancy, delivery, newborn basics, breastfeeding, and so on. Her knowledge is extensive and when plans related to my pregnancy and delivery changed many times, she was always ready to come up with a new plan of action, respecting my choices and needs. During my labor/delivery (33 hours), Diana didn't leave my side. She guided us through the process, advocating on my behalf at the hospital, working on my pain and needs, supporting my husband, and always making sure we had the best experience we could have. During my pregnancy we faced stressful situations that just got worse with the pandemic/quarantine and Diana made sure we were always thinking positive and happy. My husband and I don't have family close and now Diana is part of our family because she gave us great family moments during hard times which ones we will be always grateful for. 
We couldn't stress enough how important Diana was during our whole experience with pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum.

Thats why we highly recommend Diana as a doula.

Paulo Figorelli

5/5/2020

Working with Diana was the best support we could have had. In our second pregnancy we hired Diana to be our doula and all support that she provided from the very first call until after the delivery was an amazing experience.

From short to long calls, from enumerous text messages and lessons Dana guided us through this pregnancy and supported us to have the most amazing experience, jsut as my wife wanted.

Thank you so much Diana.

Rachael

1/24/2020

Diana was a wonderful Doula and a very important part of our pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum experience.  Diana played a huge role in making both the days leading up to delivery and the actual delivery less stressful and a smooth experience. 

From the day we hired Diana she worked with us to make sure we felt comfortable going into the delivery.  She came to our house every other week to go through the different situations that might occur, the options we had in regards to medical intervention and crafting our birthing plan.  Before we even got to the actual labor/delivery we had already spent many hours with Diana and felt very comfortable with her; she knew exactly how we hoped the labor would go and understood our personalities and how best to work with us.  This gave us a lot of peace going into delivery.

Diana was with us every step of the way during delivery and I am confident had she not been there it would not have gone as smoothly as it did. She worked with my husband to help him coach me and keep me focused and she was wonderful with the nurses and doctors.

Beyond pre-delivery and delivery, Diana went above and beyond her duties.  She has stayed in touch with us since our little girl was born and is always available to answer any questions we have.  She even brought me to the emergency room when my husband was unavailable to take me (this was postpartum).  Diana would drop anything to support and help her clients.  She truly does this because she loves it and loves her clients.

Both my husband and I would highly recommend Diana. She was knowledgable, selfless, and brought us so much comfort throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Tynessa Franks

5/16/2019

I would highly recommend Diana for doula services. I was new to Indianapolis and fairly late in my pregnancy (~7 months along) when I reached out to her. She went above and beyond to make herself available and to ensure that we fit in teaching sessions to cover all of the material she typically offers. Before hiring Diana, I researched a couple other doula services, and I believe her flexibility and personable approach sets her apart. This was my second pregnancy. I did not have a doula for the first pregnancy, and I definitely had more knowledge and was more aware of my choices going into this labor/delivery. 

You'll be in great hands if you work with Diana! 

Jenni Grafton

11/25/2018

We had a great experience using Diana as our birth doula. She came to our house numerous times leading up to the birth and took her time going over breathing, relaxation, positions, massage, basic newborn care, ect. She provided us with many handouts and books about pregnancy, labor and newborn care. This was my first child and we wanted to be prepared so we took several birth classes along the way. In the end we felt Diana was the most informative out of all the resources we used. I ended up having a pretty long hard labor and she was there with us every step of the way; including spending three long nights in the hospital and getting sent home the first two for not progressing. I'm not sure how I would have handled it all without Diana there to guide us! She was availale by phone or text 24/7 from the moment we hired her until well after the birth. It is obvious that she trully cares about her clients and made us feel like family!

Ashley Nixon

9/20/2018

I cannot recommend Diana enough! She was referred to us by a friend of ours, and after having a very terrible experience with a previous doula, I wasn't sure I wanted to use one for our second child. Diana worked with us and quickly put my fears and anxiety at ease. I had a wonderful natural birth experience, and it was truly because of her and all of the care and teaching she did to prepare us for this journey. She kept the room calm and quiet, listened to me, reminded me how to breathe through contractions. I remember holding and squeezing her hand through contractions, and just knowing she was there supporting me was so comforting. She was truly a source of strength for both me and my husband. We love Diana dearly!

Alice Smith

9/6/2018

I don't even know where to start! In preparation, Diana met us for several meetings/classes in the comfort of our home. She taught us various pain management techniques, massage, relaxation, stretches for pregnancy, basic newborn care, etc. It was all quite useful. She visited more often and was more involved than I expected both before and after the birth. She does whatever it takes to make sure you feel ready, you and baby are doing good, and you have the support you need. She was very generous with her time and really made sure it felt like a doula-mother relationship and not just a doula-client relationship. I would definitely recommend Diana to any friend if she is available on your date and I would use her again for any future children.

Diana was invaluable to my birth experience. As a first time mom, I was hoping for an unmedicated birth, but in a hospital so I knew I'd need a doula as an advocate. Diana prepared my husband and I for all the possible scenarios of L&D and helped us make a birth plan at one of the earlier meetings. I'm glad she made us so prepared because it turned out my baby went 9 days past his due date and the hospital wanted me induced. Diana helped me stay as close to my birth plan as I wanted to and was able to despite being induced. She empowered me to make informed decisions on steps I needed to take with the progession of labor even if they didn't completely align with my birth plan. Birth does not always stick to your plan - a lesson I learned! It was great having Diana work with me the whole time during labor and until we got settled after. Your comfort and health and safety during labor are her primary concern.

Lindsey Bullinger

7/15/2018

Diana was the best decision we made regarding our childbirth. She is very knowledgable, compassionate, and understanding, and truly wanted to work with us to understand what our desires and preferences were. She is uniquely skilled as both a doula and an RN - able to empathize and communicate effectively with the medical staff during labor - something we valued quite highly. She helped educate us through several one-on-two meetings during pregnancy, prepared us for a variety of scenarios, came to our house as soon as we suspected I was in labor, was a phenomenal birth coach and patient advocate, stayed with us in the hospital until we agreed we were comfortable, and visited us several times postpartum. She goes above and beyond for her clients - for example, she called me while she vacationed internationally to check on me postpartum - and has become such a trusted and valuable resource during our childbirth and postpartum experience. We are now several weeks postpartum and we continue to ask her for advice. We are so thankful we had her as our guide during our first pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.

Erika Vladovich

3/7/2018

I don’t know what I would have done without Diana! Throughout my entire pregnancy Diana has always been a calming presence. She makes me feel like I can accomplish what is ahead of me, even when it feels daunting. My husband and I have said numerous times that we couldn’t have done this without her.

When I first met Diana I felt comfortable, like I could tell her anything. She made it clear that she was there to support me in any decision I made. Even in our consultation she was already asking me how I was feeling and giving me advice. She spent two hours with me that day and never made me feel rushed.

I called Diana to let her know I wanted to work with her and she was just as excited as I was. I worked with Diana from my 3rd month.  In the beginning there isn’t as much to prepare for, but Diana addressed all my concerns and questions. And I had a lot! I let her know that I wanted to be prepared, but I didn’t want to know every little detail about pregnancy and giving birth. She assured me that this was perfectly ok. And when I received some difficult news after one of my OB appointments, I called Diana and she met with me that day so we could talk it through and she counseled me to feel better.

I went into labor at night and headed to the hospital at 2:30am.  Diana was with me the entire time.  She never left my side and helped me to follow all my wishes. Even my silly wishes…I didn’t want my husband to see the action that was going on “down there” and Diana made sure to hold up my maternity gown every time I pushed!

Now that my baby is almost 7 weeks old, Diana is still there to help and support me as I’m healing from giving birth. She has also helped me navigate how to be a new mom and provided guidance when I had questions about my baby. Simply put she is AMAZING and I am so grateful she was recommended to me :)

Amanda Brown

2/24/2018

I was pregnant with my first and told only my closest friends the exciting news. One of those friends immediately referred me to Diana. She told me all about her kind heart and expert advice that had made her pregnancy and labor a wonderful experience. I didn’t know a thing about doulas but I also didn’t know a thing about being a mother! So I took a chance. When I met with Diana I was certain she was going to be what I needed to calm my nerves and give me strength to take on the unknown fears of pregnancy and motherhood. I couldn’t have been more right. She met with my husband and I numerous times in the comfort of our home teaching us every skill and necessary knowledge needed to get through this life-changing experience. At 36 weeks I found out I had no amniotic fluid left and I had to be induced immediately. You’d think I’d be absolutely terrified and unprepared for this news, but truly, I was ready for this unexpected change in my birth plan. Diana had prepped me for every possible detour and it eased my fears. The day I found out I had to be induced, Diana was at the airport about to board a plane for a short trip to the east coast. A premature birth of course wasn’t expected, but Diana retrieved her luggage and told the airline crew I have to be somewhere else right now and won’t be boarding. She was at the hospital with us within an hour. That’s the thing about Diana, her clients come first. She won’t let you down and she definitely makes sure you don’t ever feel alone. She was involved in every single step of the way until our son entered the world almost 48 hours later.

Tanya Conner Woodward

2/18/2018

Our family used Diana Walker as our doula for both deliveries of our children.  We used her for a hospital birth with our first and an at home birth with our second.  Both times Diana was a wealth of knowledge and support and we could not have had as successful of deliveries without her.  We preferred as natural of a birthing process as possible with both, and Diana was sure to be our advocate and supporter in this wish, especially when in the midst of labor, when your mind is farthest from focusing on your birth plan.

Something further to note, Diana was able to provide even more services when we did the at home birth, as she was not tied to the parameters set up previously when she worked for the hospital.  She did several preparation meetings with us prior to the birth and was sure to visit several times afterwards to ensure a smooth postpartum for mom and baby.  We think of Diana as part of our family, as she was there to help with ensuring smooth deliveries, during two of the most special moments of our lives.

I highly recommend Diana for anyone considering using a Doula.  She is such a wonderful, caring person with great bedside manners that truly has a passion for what she does.  There is no doubt about that!

Courtney Wiser

2/21/2017

I think the most important thing for pregnant women and especially new moms to know is that no matter how much planning you do for your labor and delivery, you cannot actually plan how it will happen. Diana prepared me for every possible scenario through her explanations of what labor is like and how it progresses to what will happen during a C-section. I loved meeting with her monthly to discuss how I was feeling and practice breathing and relaxation techniques; however, I would say her most valuable moments were during my labor. I was set on having a natural birth, but things do not always go as planned. I started laboring at 10:00 pm without any sleep and my contractions were 5 minutes apart.  I labored for about 5 hours when Diana thought we should go to the hospital.  Once at the hospital, I was checked, but only measuring at 1 cm.  The nurses said the reason for this was because my son was posterior and not on top of my cervix, therefore my contractions were ineffective. And here is where Diana shined! Something they do not really tell you during your doctors appts or hospital visits, is that the nursing staff, although wonderful, is not really there to help you handle situations like this. Diana immediately said we need to get you moving so that he can shift. I walked the halls, did squats (yes, I said squats), was on all fours, etc. I did everything Diana said to help things change. An hour later, they checked me again and my son had moved into the proper position. I was then able to continue laboring as planned, but I know that without Diana I would have had a C-section. I also received a lot of compliments on my breathing techniques from the nurses and doctors. In addition, Diana was there for me afterwards to check on me for days and weeks. She has become a part of my family and I look forward to using her again for my next pregnancy.

Anna Carey

2/17/2017

Diana was exactly what I needed to get through the birth of my second child. My first baby was a looooong, difficult labor and I was afraid of the same thing happening again so I looked around for a doula that would help make the second birth a bit better. It was great having Diana in my life for what I think might be called "complementary medicine". In the months before the birth she showed my husband how to massage my back to lessen the pain, taught me that dried cherries lessen cramps and generally educated the whole family.

She set aside a couple hours to teach my 5 year old about babies in a way that really helped when her sister came. Diana also helped us come up with great ways for my oldest daughter to feel included.

When it was time for the birth, I was so thankful to have Diana around. I went through 3 shifts of nurses before I delivered, but Diana stuck with me the whole time. I had a 24 hour labor and 2 hours of pushing and I don't think I could've gotten through it without her. She was a source of strength and really helped keep me (more) comfortable and safe. She had a lot of good tricks. She showed me ways to position myself to be more comfortable and came prepared with a great bag of tricks like massagers and essential oils that magically halted my nausea in its tracks. The last L&D nurse I had was not so good (and thankfully stopped being a L&D nurse that week) but Diana did a great job of advocating for me.

I've already recommended her to a friend who also thinks she's great and wouldn't hesitate to hire her again if for some crazy reason we decide to have another child. :)

Justin Wiser

2/4/2017

I am so grateful for Diana.  Diana was there for us for the birth of our first child.  Her "training" classes were very informative and convenient.  She worked with our schedules and the sessions were at our home.  Because of Diana's support on the day of birth (technically days, Sunday to Monday night), we will ask her to be there for us if we are blessed with more children.  Diana's knowledge and advocacy skills are amazing and truly made a difference.

Gabrielle Caron

2/16/2016

When I met Diana, I was still a bit unsure of what a Doula was...But after meeting with her, I decided that this was the perfect addition to my birthing experience. Since I'm not from Indiana, I also loved the idea of having extra support during the process. As I hear from other friends who are pregnant talk about the long hours they've spent in a classroom for birthing classes, I realize how lucky I was that Diana was in my life. She brings the birthing classes to you at your convenience. That is perfect for two busy working parents-to-be! Not to mention- she is always a phone call away. My husband appreciated that there was someone like Diana that could help him to support me through the pregnancy and birth. For a first-time father, he found her knowledge and experience to be invaluable.

Even though my birth did not go as I had planned (which they seldom do), Diana was a great resource and liaison between us and the medical team. Since we came up with the birth plan together, she was my advocate. When so many things are going on during the birth, it does cloud your vision. It was good to have a reminder that this is my birth experience and to be present in the moment.

Having Diana as your doula is the whole package- personalized birthing classes, on-call anytime, help constructing a birth plan, there to assist you at the birth and be your advocate, there to take photos after the birth so you don't have to worry about getting someone to capture those first moments, keeps a journal of your birth experience so you always have the memory, and meetings after the birth to check up on baby and check for postpartum issues/depression. Plus, she becomes a friend. I would highly recommend her to anyone- as I already have to all of my pregnant friends!

Danielle Houser

2/9/2016

I can not say enough good things about my experience with Diana as my doula. It was very important to me that I deliver my first baby naturally with no medication and if it weren't for Diana I truly believe this would not have been possible. She helped me remain calm, provided direction for my husband who otherwise would have been lost in anxiety and fear, and guided me to the very last push. When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby she was on the top of my list of people to call. She has gone above and beyond my expectations throughout my pregnancy. My husband and I made the decision to have a home birth this time around and I can not tell you how helpful she has been throughout this process. I have been in contact with her at least once if not twice a week. She is always there to calm my fears and rid my anxiety. Anticipating the pain that accompanies labor can be very anxiety provoking but knowing that I have Diana in my corner really helps lessen that fear. She is not only my doula she has grown to be a friend of the family and we always look forward to our meetings with her. I would recommend Diana to anyone.

Lea Lundquist

2/4/2016

Words can’t describe how thankful I am Diana was my doula! I had 2 very long, hard, natural labors that I wouldn’t have made it through without her. My husband & I are a unique couple and with our eldest I wanted a doula but was concerned we would have hard time finding a good fit. Diana is incredible! She is strong, smart, funny, and she exudes love and support- which is exactly what you need in the delivery room. I was induced with my daughter at 4pm on a Tuesday and she wasn’t born until 4am on Thursday –the whole time Diana was there by my side to give exactly the support we needed at that moment. My body went through every emotion and physical feel possible in that time, and with her experience and awareness she knew exactly what I needed in each stage of the process. During the pregnancy she provides exceptional support- being a nurse she gave great advice whenever I had a medical question or wanted to get her thoughts on what my doctor said, and she also worked with me to prepare labor techniques that would work for my body. When I got pregnant with my son I couldn’t imagine having him without her. The best part about her is that she listens to you (and during labor sometimes it feels like no one is listening to you but is working from monitors and manuals) and she makes sure everyone in the room is doing what you need to have the safest and best birthing experience. She explained everything that was happening and anytime I got nervous she reassured me and made sure I knew exactly what was going on. I have nothing but wonderful things to say and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.

Lauren Abbott

2/3/2016

Diana was a Godsend! I had heard that she was pretty amazing from a mutual friend, so when I found out I was pregnant she was the second person I contacted (yes, my husband was the first!). I was so scared of pregnancy and the birthing process as this was my first time, and Diana didn't belittle those fears or make me feel like I was ridiculous or irrational. She was available day and night for me to talk to, so much so that my husband would often be the one suggesting I contact her because she was so reliable. What I especially loved was that I knew I could always run a question by her, and she was very honest on whether that was something I needed to contact my OB about or not, and she even coached me on what to say using a more medical lingo as she is also a RN. I will say without going into too many details that my pregnancy was not one without concerns. My husband and I had our fair share of stress and scary moments; however the amount of stress we had in dealing with those situations was certainly reduced having Diana on our team. My pregnancy resulted in an emergency C-section, and I was so prepared for just about any situation thanks to Diana that I honestly did not recognize myself in handling that news and going through that process with the confidence, determination, and lack of fear I believe I possessed. What's more, Diana did not see that her "job" stopped once our baby was delivered. She truly invests herself into her families; Diana checked up on us in the hospital and visited us in the NICU in the following week and also checked on me once we were settled at home. If my husband and I are so lucky to get pregnant again, she will probably be the first person I contact next time just so I can make sure I get on her calendar! Thank you so much, Diana!
Love, Lauren, Micah and Lucas Abbott

Molly Scheller

2/3/2016

A friend of mine encouraged me to meet with Diana after she had worked with her the year prior, but I was pretty skeptical that I would actually be interested. I didn't even really understand what a doula was, but I agreed to meet her. After we had lunch, I had a complete change of heart. As a first time mom, I was terrified about the entire process of being pregnant, delivering a baby, and being a mom. Diana was a source of knowledge, encouragement and comfort throughout the entire journey for both me and my husband.

Each time we met during my pregnancy, I felt empowered and more prepared to take on the dreaded delivery. She helped us write up a birth plan and served as our advocate during the delivery of our son. My husband and I have both said the entire process would not have been nearly as wonderful had she not been there. She was truly invaluable to us.

My son is now 5 months old and I continue to reach out to Diana with questions. Diana is a friend to our family. It was truly one of the best decisions I've made for myself, my husband and our son to hire her as our doula.