When I was pregnant with my first son, I was told by my OB that I would never give birth naturally because my pelvis was too small.  When I finally went into labor, it ended in a C-Section and my husband and I were  devastated.  I knew I didn't want to have another C-Section with my next baby.  So when I became pregnant again, we began searching for a doula who would support our decision to have a

VBAC.

We found Marianna and immediately connected with her.  I had many fears about birth because of my first experience and because of my prior OB's opinion that my pelvis was too small. We had many session with Marianna during which she calmed my fears and made me feel confident in my body's ability to birth my child.  In addition, Marianna gave us many resources to help our journey towards our VBAC, and she found our wonderful midwives for us.

When I went into labor, she was right there with us for over 20 hours.  She allowed my husband to be primary in my support, but she was there to give him advice and to make him feel confident in what he was able to do for me.  Also, she was there when labor got very hard to remind me why I was doing it naturally and to give me confidence throughout to finish what I started.  

I had the most beautiful birth experience and I know it wouldn't have been possible without Marianna there to support us.  After 26 hours of labor, I gave birth naturally to my son and it was the best experience of my life.  We can't thank Marianna enough for being there for us, she is an asset and we are so thankful to have had her there for one of the most important days of our lives.   

 

"Marianna is an amazing doula. She's very knowledgeable about pregnancy, the labor & delivery and breastfeeding. She listens to what her clients wishes for their labor and delivery are and does her best to uphold that for the duration of the labor and delivery, through whatever events may come up... whether it be few hours or 20!

 

She was present at both my births (one home birth and one natural at the hospital birth) and was my grounding point. She made my husband feel more at ease and helped keep him engaged and involved throughout the labor. When something came up that we needed time to think about or needed clarification on she would help clarify the situation and then make sure we as a couple had time to make a decision without being pressured by hospital staff.

 

Should we have a third, I would hire her again the minute I knew I was pregnant and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for someone to support themselves and their significant other through the labor and delivery of their child."

 

Rob and I met Marianna at a “Meet the Doula” gathering and I was at once at ease by her knowledge and obvious care for our needs as a couple and mine as a new mother. From that point on, Marianna has been a tremendous asset to our comfort, not only in the birth process, but prior to and following the birth…Were it not for Marianna and her support of both myself and my partner and our desires for a natural birth, the challenges I faced would have seen me utilizing medical intervention. Marianna helped me stay my course, supporting me as a woman, giving me the strength I required, to persevere and arrive at the final destination both Rob and I wanted.

 

Marianna’s follow up has been crucial to our comfort as new parents. I have called her frequently with seemingly silly questions; she has directed me to great references as well as shared her own experiences with me.

 

I would highly suggest a doula.... hospital, birth center or home. And without a doubt I believe Marianna has a gift as a doula, bringing comfort, strength and love to the birthing process.

 

When we hired Marianna, we were expecting to have a fairly uneventful labor and delivery. I thought I was going to need her the most when my baby was born, but it turned out I needed her the most before the birth. Three weeks before my due date, I discovered that our daughter was breech. After two weeks of trying many, many times to turn her, we surrendered to fate and scheduled a c-section. Throughout all of the ups and downs, Marianna was right by my side, helping me to make the decisions that were right for me.  Thanks to Marianna, I was able to make sure all my concerns about the c-section were addressed appropriately and our daughter came into this world in a room full of love and peace. We will be eternally grateful to her!

 

 

 

 

I am so glad that I had Marianna with me throughout my pregnancy, the birth of my daughter and then afterward while struggling with nursing. It made the process so much more relaxed and it really meant a lot to me to have someone I knew I could call and totally depend on to be there for us, ask the embarrassing questions to and know I would get what I needed. I was also really able to focus on myself and what I needed to do during the birthing process knowing that someone whose opinion I completely trusted and who had been through it multiple times before was there for me. I recommend her to my friends when I can and I look forward to her help with the next one. Thanks Marianna!