Testimonial for Christine Graves from Melissa D'Ambrosio

Testimonial for Christine Graves

Chris was incredible start to finish!

We waited a lot longer than most people to hire a Doula because it’s a daunting task and I wasn’t sure if I really needed the extra support during birth. I can tell you that I did need the support and Chris was incredible. She is the person that you want on your team! My partner was there to support me during labor and Chris was able to help us both through the process. It it was all new to us both but if I have another baby in the future, Chris will definitely be included in that labor plan too.

My labor was 24 hrs long and Chris was there for more than half of it , she brought loads of expertise and tools to help me through contractions for a unmedicated back labor, and we were able to talk through my decision to eventually get an epidural at 8 cm and 20 hrs in. As soon as she arrived, I felt more peace because she brought tools for pain management and was able to help me through the worst of it with ease.

She helped me weigh my options as far as treatments and interventions in the hospital and was there to support me through almost four hours of pushing.

Chris was able to guide my partner and my labor nurse in helping me change positions and try different movements to turn my baby from sunny side up so that my labor was less painful. She was successful, which is remarkable and not only did those interventions help with my baby’s position but they also helped with pain management.

The hospital was packed when I was delivering, and 12 other moms were pushing at the same time so there was a point when I thought Chris was going to deliver my baby and honestly, I would trust her to do that!

She approached the entire process with care and a gentleness that a longtime friend would have, even though she only knew me for a few months. I genuinely hope she’s still practicing when and if I have another baby because I want her in the room again.

-Melissa D'Ambrosio

December 08, 2025