TESTIMONIALS
It’s hard to put into words how important and meaningful Erica was in the joyful birth of our daughter. From the moment we met, her radiant warmth shone - even through zoom - and I felt instantly connected to her vibe and attitude toward birthing. My goal was to have a birth with as minimal medical intervention as realistically possible, and as a first time birthing parent, I knew I would value Erica’s experience and knowledge in the delivery room.
Throughout the weeks leading up to birth and delivery, she was checking in and providing words of encouragement on days that felt too long and too hot to be so pregnant. When I went into active labor, Erica came to our home and gently guided by husband and I through contractions and made sure to take care of *both* of us as labor progressed. She was such a calming presence in our home, it truly felt like she was part of our growing family.
I have no doubt that Erica’s guidance and knowledge kept me laboring at home for as long as I was able to, and we arrived at the hospital nearly ready to push. Her presence and guidance among the medical staff was beautiful - she really was valued as an equal and her opinion carried so much weight for me.
In the middle of pushing - which I was able to confidently do without an epidural, a goal she and I discussed several times prior to labor - I saw her calm and beautiful face, telling me just four more pushes. Lo and behold, her instinct was correct - our beautiful daughter was born after those four pushes.
Erica was there for all of us to ensure my daughter’s birth was joyful and as calm as possible. She was also there postpartum to check on our little family of three, and gave us tips on breastfeeding and continues to check in on us. I cannot stress enough how much Erica feels like family.
"I couldn’t imagine a better, kinder, more nurturing person to share this experience with us. THANK YOU, ERICA!"
"Erica has the perfect demeanor for a doula. Her presence is very warm and calming, and my husband and I got such a great feeling from the first time we talked with her!
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This was our first child, and we really didn't know what to expect. We wanted someone to help navigate the medical system and advocate for us, and Erica did this perfectly. She listened carefully to our goals and concerns and helped us develop a birth plan. Before and during the birth, Erica helped me to feel confident and capable. I felt like I was in control during my labor and delivery, which is exactly what I wanted. She was also easily available via phone in the weeks leading up to and after the birth, and answered all of my questions as they came up.
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Labor progressed very quickly for me and Erica came on short notice, and was so flexible as our birth plan and needs changed. She helped me to feel calm as contractions worsened and as I started to push. When I was exhausted and so sure I couldn't do it, Erica was very encouraging. She also took the most beautiful photos of my husband and I with our new baby in the delivery room! It was so helpful to have Erica with us at the hospital, since she knew what our hopes for the birth were, and knew we wanted to avoid unnecessary interventions. She also helped start breastfeeding right after delivery, and my daughter had such an easy time latching and feeding after that. Erica was exactly what we had hoped for when we first decided to work with a doula - someone knowledgeable and calm to help us handle the stress and unexpected parts of birth." -M.T
"Throughout the entire process, Erica filled our experience with warmth, generosity, deep care, and deep knowledge. We could not recommend her more strongly to anyone seeking a doula to support their birth!"- J&R. K
​(partner): As is the case with many births, ours had many surprises, which is intimidating for a first time parent. From the moment Erica came to the hospital I felt at ease. Her presence is warm and comforting. During the birthing process she regularly checked in with us, answered all of our many questions with a clear understanding of our stress level, and offered food, water and massage at all the right moments. She even took pictures when big moments were happening and our hands were tied! I was especially grateful for Erica gently moving my hands to Marissa’s head to be a comfort to her in moments when I was both overtired and overwhelmed- these subtle adjustments were so welcome and helped me to be my best in a new and difficult experience.
From the moment we began our prenatal meetings with Erica, I felt an immense sense of relief and confidence building within me. She provided comprehensive education about the birthing process, which significantly eased my fears and uncertainties. Her patience and clear explanations during our discussions were invaluable, as she answered all my questions thoroughly. This not only informed me but also bolstered my confidence about the birth. Moreover, Erica's guidance was crucial in helping us make informed choices, leading us to avoid unnecessary medical interventions. Her approach was both respectful and empowering, ensuring that the decisions we made were in line with our preferences and needs.
Erica's personality was the cherry on top of her professional expertise. Her soothing and calming presence made every interaction pleasant and reassuring. She has this incredible ability to create a serene and comforting atmosphere, which was especially appreciated during moments of stress or doubt. Her perfect blend of knowledge, warmth, and calmness not only provided me with a beautiful birth experience but also left me with fond and cherished memories of the entire journey. Erica's support and care were instrumental in making our birthing experience as empowering and fulfilling as it was.
As a husband, I was initially nervous about the idea of involving a doula in our birthing process. However, I can now confidently say that Erica's presence was invaluable and exactly what we needed to feel secure and confident in our birth plan. I was amazed by her dedication; she stayed with us for over 19 hours, ensuring that both my wife and I were comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. Her ability to work harmoniously with our doctor, while still being a strong advocate for my wife's needs, was truly impressive. She struck the perfect balance, being respectful of boundaries but also assertive when necessary.
Erica's impact on my wife during labor was nothing short of extraordinary. She provided calming reassurance, teaching her breathing techniques and offering tools and resources that helped her navigate the intensity of labor. Her presence was a soothing force, and she had an incredible way of calming my wife during the most challenging moments. Her role extended beyond just support for my wife; she was a coach, cheerleader, and advocate for both of us. Her words of affirmation and encouragement were not only what my wife needed to hear, but they were also a source of strength for me. Erica's support and guidance were instrumental in making our birthing experience as positive and empowering as it was.
