Testimonial for Nicole Lakey
I didn’t have a doula for my first birth, and having Nicole for my second was a night and day difference. She truly changed my birth experience.
From the start, Nicole was more than just knowledgeable—she was a rock. She listened to what I wanted, asked about my previous birth, and even checked in with my partner about his hopes. She gave us tools to improve communication once the baby arrived—things we didn’t even realize we’d need.
But where she made the biggest impact was in the moments that mattered most. Labor is intense, but with Nicole there, I never once felt lost or alone. It was like she carried the mental and emotional weight so I could focus on trusting the process.
She knew exactly what I needed—before I did. She tied my hair back when contractions got overwhelming, suggested position changes, reminded me to eat at the right moments, and advocated for me with the medical staff. Her calm, steady presence made me feel completely taken care of.
I loved that she fully supported my choices. I wanted a hospital birth with an epidural, and she embraced that. But because of her support, I actually delayed the epidural longer than expected—not because I was trying to, but because I was coping better. That made a huge difference in my recovery.
She also introduced options I never would have thought of—like my partner catching the baby, a placenta tour, and even donating the placenta for search and rescue dog training.
But most of all, Nicole gave me confidence—in myself, my body, and my baby. I now look back on this birth with pride, empowerment, and joy.
I cannot imagine going through labor without her. If I have another baby, she’ll be one of the first people I call. I’d recommend Nicole to anyone expecting a baby. She made all the difference.
-Kiki
March 01, 2025
Nicole Lakey
Cascade Doula Care
Birth Fee: $2500 to $4500
