Testimonial for Called to Birth Doulas & Birth Services
Navigating our first pregnancy and planning an out-of-hospital birth, we knew it was important to have someone beside us with experience in the arena of childbirth. Riva was an absolute godsend. Before the due date, we met with Riva to discuss “the plan.” We talked through everything from “What if the baby is late?” to “What if Dad passes out?” and even snack preferences. We planned for every scenario we could think of, and when things changed, Riva adapted effortlessly and guided us through every pivot with confidence. When labor began, Riva stayed in contact all day, making sure Mom was resting, hydrated, and nourished. Later, she arrived at our home and stayed by our side for the next 36 hours. Her support showed up in countless ways: helping Mom in and out of the bathtub more times than I could count, keeping both of us hydrated and fed, and helping us make informed decisions, including the eventual transfer to the hospital. At 9.5 cm dilated, Riva held Mom through contractions and helped keep her steady while the epidural was placed. She coached pushing with incredible calmness and precision.
The scariest but happiest moment of my life came after 51 long hours of labor, when our baby’s heart rate briefly dropped during delivery. Our daughter had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and wasn’t making a sound. As the emotions and worst thoughts came into my mind, I looked at Riva. She smiled, gave me a thumbs up, and calmly said, “It’s all good, Dad.” Moments later, I heard my baby girl cry for the first time.I looked at my wife, who had endured nearly 53 hours of contractions like an absolute warrior, and realized our journey to meet our daughter was complete.
To any first-time parents: hire a doula. And if you can, hire Riva!
-Cassie/Kacy Manning
May 13, 2026
Called to Birth Doulas & Birth Services
Suzie Schuster & Riva Lane
Birth Fee: $1850 to $2250
Postpartum Rate: $50
