Testimonial for Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, CD(DONA), CLC
Hiring Stephanie as our doula was one of the best decisions we made while preparing for the birth of our first child.
When my partner and I started exploring childbirth education, we realized how overwhelming it could be to research everything ourselves. From our first meeting, it was clear how knowledgeable Stephanie is. She emphasizes evidence-based information, which was exactly how we wanted to approach birth decisions.
I wanted an unmedicated birth, although I was only about 60% confident I could do it. Stephanie never doubted me and fully supported that goal in all our preparation. She responded quickly to texts and emails and consistently provided detailed, thoughtful information.
Stephanie also prepared my partner to support me during labor. In prep meetings she showed him techniques and ways to help when things got intense. During labor she guided him on what was helpful, including breathing, positioning, and encouragement. When he wasn’t sure, she provided feedback and reassurance, helping him support me confidently. That guidance for both of us made a huge difference.
Stephanie is also a lactation consultant. She helped us prepare for breastfeeding, explained pumping, and got everything set up ahead of time, which was incredibly helpful.
During labor, I could text her updates and questions, and she always responded quickly and eased my worries. The moment I will always remember most was during pushing. I was exhausted, but her coaching, including reminding me to breathe for the baby and “blow out the birthday candles,” helped me push through and deliver my baby as planned.
Stephanie is knowledgeable, honest, and very dedicated. Working with her showed me how valuable doulas can be, and I would not want to have another child without her by my side.
-Melisa Zuniga
March 09, 2026
Stephanie Sauer Pasternak, CD(DONA), CLC
Bergen Doula - Birth Doula & Lactation Counseling
Birth Fee: $1950 to $4000
