For any parents-to-be who are looking for support during the birth experience and transition into parenthood, my advice is to hire Marianne as your doula. She is the person you want by your side during this exciting and lovely life event that can be exhausting, stressful, and unpredictable. Her readiness to advocate for my preferences and needs, while providing both emotional and physical support, made the difference in what was a positive birth experience for my husband, daughter, and I.
During the latter half of my pregnancy, Marianne scheduled calls and met in person to prepare for the big day. She helped outline my birth plan by listening to my preferences, educating me on my options, answering questions, and providing insightful advice without any judgement. She also shared exercises, massage expertise, labor positions, and breathing techniques that helped ready my husband and I for labor and delivery.
Most importantly, she was fully present and supportive during the birth. Her maternal presence was really comforting. She made me feel calm, safe, and supported the whole time by bringing an entire toolbox of ideas, explaining the different labor sensations, and negotiating with the hospital staff to achieve some important elements of my birth plan. When labor started to feel intense and overwhelming, she helped me focus on breathing and strategies to progress the birth process. She also engaged my husband to assist in massaging and comforting me. Best of all, she captured the priceless photos of our first moments as a family of three.
Childbirth is a defining moment in a person’s life. Marianne played an important role in making mine an incredibly positive one. She, my husband and I, all shed tears of joy when my daughter was born. I’m so glad she was a part of that incredible experience.
-Sara Thomas
August 06, 2023
East West Doula, LLC
Birth Fee: $2000 to $3000
