Elaine was a godsend from start to finish. From the moment my husband and I met her, we knew her presence would be a game-changer — even just weeks before giving birth. Being an avid researcher, I initially thought a doula would simply be a helpful “bonus” to all the preparation I had already done. I was wrong. She became a critical part of our entire birth story, from preparation through labor and into postpartum.
Elaine was with us through 32 hours of labor, including four hours of pushing. It was intense and deeply challenging, and at times very difficult for my husband to witness. While he was there for the whole thing, Elaine filled in the gaps in a way no one else could. Her presence made the difference — not only in supporting me physically and emotionally, but in helping my husband support me through every moment. He said more than once, “I don’t know how we would’ve done this without her,” and I couldn’t agree more.
I hoped for an all-natural, unmedicated birth, and Elaine fully supported that, while also gently reminding us that birth is often out of our control — that we don’t always get the story we want, but the one we need. Nearly everything that happened was everything I didn’t want: my water broke early, labor was jumpstarted, and the experience unfolded very differently than I imagined. Still, Elaine helped me feel deeply proud of what I endured, and continually grounded me, helping me return to what mattered most: a healthy baby, not a perfect story.
Postpartum, her support didn’t stop. Her follow-ups and availability helped me process everything in a way I didn’t realize I needed. Throughout the entire journey, Elaine brought a calm, grounded, and wise presence — gentle and kind, yet steady and firm when needed. We didn’t just gain a doula; we gained a teacher, an ally, and a friend.
-Cristina
January 31, 2026
Masa Womanhood
Birth Fee: $1300 to $1700
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $55