Lindsay Maielli

2/4/2019

Rebecca was our doula during the labor and birth of our second child. She actually filled in as a back up to our doula when she had an unexpected illness right before I was due. We were so grateful that Rebecca stepped in at our time of need. Although we did not meet her face to face until I was in active labor, she jumped right in as soon as she arrived! My labor went very quickly- 3 hours total and only 9 minutes of pushing- to all of our surprise- but Rebecca was invaluable to my husband and I during the intense and beautiful process! She knew my nurse that was on duty which made me feel like I had a team surrounding me. She allowed and helped my husband to be my first responder and helper. She affirmed us both throughout my labor and helped me feel at ease. She was a knowledgable sounding board when I had questions as I progressed. She applied pressure to my lower back when my contractions got so intense and it really helped. She made me feel calm. With Rebecca and my husband's support I was able to have the natural, drug-free birth that I was hoping to have! It was a beautiful and empowering experience. She helped me after delivery too and helped me feel calm and confident as the doctors helped me through the postpartum part of my delivery and as I nursed my newborn for the first time. She gave us lots of encouragement. My husband and I both were so grateful to have her support and expertise with us during one of our (now) most treasured memories of all time- the birth of our daughter! Anyone would be so blessed to have her as their birth partner/doula!!

Erin Spencer-Mullen

3/9/2017

My husband and I worked with Rebecca during the delivery of both our second and third children. My first child was delivered at Penobscot Bay Medical Center as an unplanned cesarean birth. When I became pregnant with my second child, I knew I wanted a VBAC and knew I needed additional support, so we chose Mercy Hospital in Portland and decided to hire a doula. We interviewed a number of doulas in the Portland area and chose Rebecca because we immediately liked her and she came very highly recommended from the birth support community.

Rebecca was always very attentive and present during our meetings leading up to the birth. She really listened to what had not worked in the first birth and helped us envision ways to improve our subsequent birthing experiences. In our case, I wanted my husband as my primary support, but wanted someone to support him and advise us. We also wanted to maintain a calm and positive atmosphere in the birthing room and did not want medical updates throughout labor. Rebecca helped by communicating these desires to staff as they changed shifts.  In addition, she helped to provide alternative labor positions; brought a birthing ball, encouraged us to try laboring in the shower room with the door closed etc. She lit the room with candles, diffused lavender scent and played relaxing music.  Her calm and reassuring words helped to carry me through the rough spots!

Rebecca's quiet, strong and intuitive presence allowed us the space to have our own experience. My husband was able to focus his attention solely on me and Rebecca tended to everything else! There was always water and ice and candles when and where we needed them. She coached him on ways to physically support me and when needed, she was able to step in to give my husband a break. We were so thrilled to work with Rebecca twice and I attribute my successful VBACs in part to her presence!

Lydia Klenova

1/3/2017

Rebecca assisted my husband and me during the delivery of our first child at Maine Medical Center, and I cannot imagine those long and painful hours without her experience and knowledge. I wanted a natural birth and Rebecca was supportive of this desire. She offered a lot of positive advice and she made me consider pain in a way I’ve never done before. Even though I didn’t know Rebecca well, her warm and caring personality made the most intimate moments feel natural. Her familiarity with the Birthing Center made every stage of labor and delivery much easier on me and my husband. She knew where to get fresh water, warm blankets, coffee, etc. I’m sure if we’d asked, the nurses would have provided everything, but the beauty of having Rebecca around was that she anticipated our needs and was of great support not only to me, but also to my husband. Her knowledge of techniques for pain relief and her guidance allowed me and my husband to just focus on myself and the baby, without the stress of remembering all the information gathered during pregnancy. Rebecca created a warm atmosphere in our room at the Birthing Center, with soft light and the use of aromatic oils which she massaged on my lower back to help ease the pain. She’s also an incredibly strong woman, an aspect that turned out to be extremely helpful during the final stages of delivery and after many exhausting hours of pushing. Rebecca is also knowledgeable about lactation and was there to assist me with baby’s first suckles. To sum up my experience, it’s true that Nature provides us with instinct and there is valuable information on the internet, in addition to classes. I also recognize the amazing staff at Maine Med. However, there is nothing that compares to having an experienced, knowledgeable and caring person at your side every instant during such an important and vulnerable moment. Rebecca was our champion the entire time. Thank you Rebecca!

Casey Putschoegl

12/31/2016

I could not recommend Rebecca more highly as a doula. After having a cesarean section with my first son, I was determined to deliver my second son vaginally (VBAC). I hired Rebecca after hearing many positive things about her, and she worked with me on preparation, exercises, and most importantly, my mindset. Rebecca was so attentive before and during the birth of my son. At the hospital, she was so comforting and caring, she felt like a family member. She used oils, breathing techniques, positioning, and massage to help me relax during my labor. More than that, she helped me keep a positive mindset, evaluate pain options when they were presented and continue my willpower for a VBAC. With her support, I was able to deliver my second son vaginally, and I could not have been more proud and happy. I know that hiring her was the single biggest success factor for me, and I'd hire her again in a heartbeat if we still lived in Maine. I'd recommend her to my closest friends that are considering a doula... it's a birth-changing experience!

Suzy Dowling

12/29/2016

Rebecca was instrumental in our second birth. Prenatally, she provided us with substantial emotional support, and truly listened to our requests for the birth, and to our experiences with our first birth and our pregnancy journey. She connected with both my husband and with me, and was a constant but unobtrusive presence throughout my labor and delivery, providing exactly what I needed throughout the process, from massage, to food, to giving my husband needed breaks. Post-partum, she connected me with a therapist for post-partum depression, and helped us with much needed overnight postpartum services while we dealt with our daughter's colic. I would highly recommend her, she brings a tremendous amount of experience and compassion to her work.