Bridget

Charity was our doula for my second born. I had a negative experience with my firstborn’s labor and truly didn’t think birth and labor could be a positive experience. With Charity’s support in preparation for labor, assistance during, and check in’s post partum she changed my whole perspective. I look back on my labor with my daughter and am so pleased with how everything went. She helped me feel empowered with decision making, and helped me advocate with what I wanted. During labor having her expertise of positioning and pain management was instrumental in a smooth birth experience. I never thought I could do an unmediated birth but she made it seem possible and an overall positive experience. I can’t recommend Charity enough! 

Erin

Charity was the absolute best thing for my labor. This was my second baby and with my first I did not hire a doula, but I’m so glad I did this time!! I completely credit her for causing my labor to progress as quickly and easily as it did. My labor started slowly and I wasn’t sure I really wanted to progress because I knew it would become intense haha. But Charity talked me through things in a loving and calm way that helped my mind prepare to move forward. She respected all of my wishes, and also helped me into positions that really seemed to help baby move and progress quickly. She even had a flight to catch that day (I knew that going into it, she was completely transparent about her availability) and called her back up who was just as lovely to come support me for the last hour. Their transition was seamless. Overall, I appreciated the emotional and physical support, before during and after labor.

Lucy

Something Charity said when we met was that even though childbirth can be unpredictable and things don’t always go how we hope, she wanted me to look back on my birth and not see it as a traumatic experience because I was empowered and informed to make decisions for myself and my baby. I loved that attitude. Charity asked questions during our prenatal meetings to help me gain clarity about my goals for my birth. I was able to prepare and educate myself because I had clear goals and reasoning in mind. As first time parents, it was reassuring to know that we had somebody coming with us to the hospital who knew us and was familiar with childbirth in the hospital setting. We talked about what role my husband would play during the labor and about his fears. During the first part of labor we talked on the phone, and she was able to reassure us that we still had a long ways to go before the baby was here, so we felt confident to stay home and manage contractions in the comfort of our home overnight and part of the next day. I don’t think I would have made that decision without being able to talk to Charity through that long night. Charity was calm and confident the next day when she arrived at our house that it WAS time to go to the hospital! She helped us navigate the unfamiliar medical setting, and reassured me that various things were “normal.” She suggested that I ask for a nurse who was comfortable checking my progress in a non-traditional position when my nurse was not comfortable doing that, and was calm when things starting moving quickly and it was time to push. She was right there on one side of me while my husband was on the other while I was pushing. Overall, she let us take the lead but was present, comforting, and knowledgeable when we needed encouragement or assistance. I was thankful to be able to reflect on the birth afterwards with her, especially the parts that felt like a blur. We are thankful that we had Charity’s support when our son was born!

Emily and Kirk

I read a stat early in my pregnancy research that having a doula on average decreases the amount of time of being in labor. I knew right then I wanted to hire a doula. When we initially chatted with Charity it was clear she had a ton of experience and that her knowledge and calmness was going to be a great fit with what we were looking for.

I can’t even describe what a help Charity was with our labor experience and she was invaluable support in my VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 c-sections).  During pregnancy she helped keep both my husband and I grounded with both of our desires and helped talk us through fears we had.  She also had us talk through what our ideal birth scenario would be.

I don’t think there was enough reading or preparation in the world I could’ve done to be prepared to labor without an epidural for the first time.  It was invaluable during labor to have Charity’s coaching with specifics on how to breathe, moan in a way keep my pelvic floor relaxed during contractions, different positions, etc… things that I’d read about but that are so hard to put into practice in the moment. She knew what to say in each moment to help me get through another few minutes. She worked so great with the nurse and everyone at the hospital too. We were at the hospital about 2 hours when she suggested I get on all fours to push. I was reluctant to move because I was honestly so uncomfortable and just felt like laying there. But she helped me move to all fours and baby was out just minutes after that.

I am so thankful we hired Charity. Our biggest reason for trying for a VBAC was we wanted the option to have more children in the future without the increased risks that 3+ c-sections bring. I’m so thankful for the gift of this VBAC and I don’t think I would’ve had the VBAC without hiring her.  I would hire her again in a heartbeat.

Talon

We hired Charity to help us with the birth of our first child and it was one of the best decisions we made! We were very nervous and anxious about the entire experience which meant we needed a knowledgeable and steady influence to walk this journey with us. Charity was the perfect person for this role! Her meetings with us pre birth really helped answer questions and calm our nerves. My wife’s water broke about 34 hours before our son was born and at that point she was not having contractions or showing any signs of labor starting. We really wanted to avoid an induction and Charity was very helpful and supportive of that decision and helped my wife with exercises, positions etc to try and get labor going. About 20 hours later labor had finally kicked in and she was able to deliver naturally without induction or an epidural. I really believe without Charity’s help we would have ended up with a totally different experience than we desired. Would strongly recommend having her help with any birth and especially if you’re worried or nervous!

Brendan

Charity served as our doula during the birth of our first child. Despite having attended hospital childbirth classes, read numerous books, and participated in hypnobirth sessions with friends, Charity brought a fresh perspective and valuable insights. Her guidance allowed us to focus on crucial aspects during the moments, and I believe the birth wouldn’t have been as smooth without her support. At the hospital, she was an excellent advocate for both my wife and me and her demeanor was calming. I can’t envision navigating the process without her by our side.

Mandy

Asking Charity to serve as my doula was the best decision I made while pregnant. I cannot imagine having my baby without her. She helped ensure that the birth was a positive experience for me as well as for my husband. Charity is a professional who really knows her stuff. She was a wonderful resource throughout my pregnancy. She helped me craft a birth plan that reflected my desires. During the birth, she did an extraordinary job of helping me advocate for myself and think through my options in light of changing circumstances. Throughout the process, Charity was a calming presence. Most impressive was her ability to anticipate my needs as I moved through the stages of birth. Such skill reflects Charity’s deep experience and natural gifts as a doula. I’m so glad I hired her!

Bree

Charity was a wonderful and needed part of our birth experience. From the beginning she made it clear that she was there to support both myself and my partner through the birth of our baby and after. She made sure to understand what I was hoping to get out of the experience and thoughtfully guided me to identify and articulate my birth preferences. She was calm, never judgmental, and kind. We don’t have family in the area, and I knew I wanted another voice in the room, helping me advocate for my needs and goals. Ultimately my birth experience was everything I wanted it to be. I highly, highly recommend everyone hire a doula, especially first time parents. Charity has been in many more births and can help dispel some of the mystery and fear so you can approach the experience with peace and joy as much as possible.

Tess

We really appreciated having Charity involved with the birth of our third child. This was our first experience with a doula and it went really well. Overall it was just super nice to have someone to talk everything through with; before, during, and after labor. Between several pre-existing anxieties and concerns and several challenges/unexpected events that came up before, during, and after labor, we had lots of communication and discussion with Charity at all stages. We so appreciated her experience and suggestions and how she helped bring mental/emotional stability. The birth of our baby was beautiful and many thanks to Charity for being instrumental in that!!

Kayla

Charity is an excellent doula! I am a first time mom and had fears and an overall negative outlook about giving birth. During our first time meeting Charity, she emphasized how she has a really positive/beautiful view of birth (from her personal and professional experiences!), which is what I needed! Throughout all of our interactions (both during pregnancy and postpartum), Charity stayed true to her positive mentality, something I am so thankful for. Charity met with us before our son was born to understand our “ideal” birth and then provided great education and answered our questions. Our son was born 3 weeks early and Charity was fully available to spend the night at the hospital with us while I labored. She talked me through options for pain management and I felt empowered throughout!! I’m so thankful she was there to support me and my husband also. During the postpartum period, Charity was so supportive, with regular check ins. I felt genuinely cared for!

From my husbands perspective: We had a great experience with Charity. I especially appreciated having someone there who I could trust to be with my wife if I needed to step out of the room or go stand with our newborn son by the warmer as they gave him oxygen after delivery. She was very helpful throughout the birth.