As far as doulas (and humans) go, Denise is exceptional. We used a doula for the birth of our first child and were underwhelmed by the experience, so we knew to be more discerning when choosing a doula for the birth of our second, and that is how we found Denise. She met all of our criteria: the basics — she was warm, maternal, and experienced (both with birthing clients and as a birther herself, everything from unmedicated births to epidurals and C-sections) as well as the more advanced — she was familiar with all ways of giving birth and navigating options for when things (inevitably) don’t perfectly follow the birth plan. She took the time to understand us as a couple and as a family. She gained a deep understanding of our values and partnered with us to plan coping strategies (affirmations, mantras, aromatherapy, tensing, and breath work) that were aligned with the birth experience we were hoping to have. Through several false labor starts, Denise was super responsive to every text and call, and for several weeks after our son was born continued to check in and provide support. For the actual birth, Denise’s daughter had painted illustrations of my affirmations, and she reminded me of those affirmations throughout labor while massaging my lower back, providing strong counter pressure through contractions, and showing my husband how to do the same. Thanks to Denise, we both felt so supported and safe through the entire experience and were able to welcome our beautiful baby boy into the world exactly the way we wanted. Highly highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula!
"We will forever be grateful that our paths crossed with Denise on our journey to parenthood. Her role as our doula extended far beyond the day of our daughter's birth. She was with us every step of the way in our pregnancy and early postpartum -- available day or night virtually due to the pandemic -- to answer questions where she could, provide emotional support, and encourage us to trust our instincts when involving our primary care providers. Her calm demeanor was a reassuring presence for both of us, especially during some stressful moments leading up to the birth. Having Denise with us in the delivery room was the best decision we could have made. She worked seamlessly with the hospital staff to ensure my needs were being met (from supplying enough water and warm blankets to helping me transition into different positions and providing counter pressure on my hips and feet). Her steady voice and touch guided me through the most intense and rewarding day of my life. Her gentle yet firm reminders during and between contractions to breathe down to baby, lower my tone, take my break, let it go, imagine being back on the beach, and that I could do this -- that I was doing it -- gave me the confidence to keep going without medication to meet our baby. She made me feel seen and heard and cared for, which helped me find an inner strength I didn't know I had. A wonderful aspect of Denise's role (that we barely noticed at the time because of how inconspicuous she was) is that she captured the details of the birth by taking candid photos and notes about what was happening at a given time -- mementos that are so special to us. We will always remember her as a positive and integral part of our daughter's birth story. We highly recommend that anyone consider Denise as their doula! Thank you, Denise!!"
Sam and Drew
We felt instantly connected to Denise. Having her as a part of our pregnancy and birth changed the course of the entire process for the better. She was full of supportive and helpful tips and tricks, was always willing to talk through things with us, and made us feel empowered in whatever decision we made. During labor and delivery, Denise helped take care of us, assisted in pain management, encouraged us, and served as a confidant for both my husband and me. When our birth didn’t go as planned (does it ever?!) and ended in a c-section, Denise offered continual and constant support and noticed early breastfeeding cues from the baby and helped us establish breastfeeding in recovery. She continued to check in on us in postpartum, which we were eternally grateful for. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are difficult seasons of life, and Denise was a light that helped us to hold the emotional, sacred beauty in these seasons. I will never go through them without her support! - Anneka & Matt
"Denise was fantastic! She made sure we felt empowered and confident through a difficult birth where nothing went according to plan. She was a calming and encouraging presence throughout. She had helpful recommendations for managing pain and positioning to help labor progress. She helped us understand our own needs and communicate them to hospital staff. She was gentle when we needed her to be and firm when we needed her to be. We wholeheartedly recommend Denise!"
Megan & Andy
"Denise is more than a doula. She's a friend, comedian, professional, and confidant. Denise goes above and beyond and has a calming presence about her. My husband and I used Denise for my 2nd pregnancy after having a long and grueling labor and delivery with my first baby. Even my husband says how easy Denise was to work with and how she guided us through a smooth labor and delivery with our 2nd. If you're on the fence about hiring a doula or haven't found the right one... Denise is the doula you've been looking for!"
Thanks,
Natalie
I honestly loved your support during labor even though I was a tad lazy and not want to get up as much. I loved how you taught me to keep breathing through each contraction. Even though I felt like I couldn't do it you made me feel 10x stronger than I already am. Having you there was like having an angel guide me through everything. When I wanted to give up you were truly amazing. Having me try the peanut ball and also rubbing my belly for me and helping rotate me. I was truly grateful you had come to be with me during my birth. Hopefully for my next I'll have you also!
Artasia