Imagine if our culture told us that birth was one of the greatest things a person might ever do. Imagine if the stories and images we were exposed to taught us that birth was an incredible and transformative experience - a rite of passage into parenthood.
— Leonie MacDonald
 
 
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Birth Doula Services

Although not everyone has heard the term “doula” or understands what a doula does, doulas are not a new concept. Since the beginning of time, we have been birthing with the continuous support of family/community members. Unfortunately, for the last 100 or so years, communal birth support has been traded for isolation. We’re under the impression, as a society, that we should go it alone. Well, that is not how we were meant to do this at all. And so a doula can be a valuable addition to your birth team. Especially if you don’t have solid support coming from anywhere else.

A birth doula is best described as a “non-medical” support person that provides continuous support throughout the pregnancy, during labor/birth and immediately postpartum. Your doula will be a guide as you navigate your unique pregnancy and birthing journey.

Doulas are trained in the physiology and psychology of birth, armed with information and the unique art of honoring, guiding, encouraging and providing physical and emotional comfort throughout the entire process.

The role of the doula is never to take the place of husbands or partners during birth, but rather to complement and enhance their experience. - American Pregnancy Association

 
 
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Your doula will answer questions, support your choices and help you (and your partner) to feel confident and prepared before and during birth. Birth doulas (also called labor doulas) are trained in specific comfort techniques that encourage relaxation, trust, focus, confidence and strength, as each stage and phase of the birthing process unfolds.

Birthing partners have said…

“The birthing experience was unforgettable, and she truly made what could have been a chaotic situation as calm and smooth as possible.”

“It was due to Nicole’s zen like peacefulness and step by step instruction/hands on help that kept my wife strong and able to deliver our boy.”

“I'm very thankful to Nicole for making what was a very challenging birth into a very positive memory for my family…”

“The greatest thing about having Nicole was that she was my rock and supported me so that I could be there for my wife. I was so happy to see her when we first arrived at the hospital. She lifted a massive amount of emotional stress off of me almost instantly.”

 
 

 
Natural birth South Jersey

My Philosophy

For most, childbirth is:

  • A normal biological/physiological function.

  • Something we are wired to do.

  • More of an athletic event than it is a medical one. (We often make it medical unnecessarily.)

  • A joyous, monumental, transformative and spiritual experience.

  • A time in one’s life when we must connect with our inner wisdom, realize our power, draw upon our strength, and rely on our intuition.

Whether this is your first time around and you have no idea what to expect, or you’re looking to have a more satisfactory and supported experience than you have had previously - and more guidance this time around, a doula is an excellent option.

A doula will help you sort out what kind of birth experience you truly desire, and then walk you through how to best prepare for this specific type of birth. If plans change - as they sometimes do - your doula is by your side through it all.

 
 

 

Natural birth?

Medicated birth?

Home birth?

Healing birth?

Hypnobabies?

VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)?

HBAC (home birth after cesarean)?

Midwifery model of care?

Obstetric model of care?

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

 

Based on your goals and values, what would you say is the best option for you? Does your method of preparation align with your vision? Are you aiming for a gentle approach? A highly medicalized one? Does your chosen birth provider and setting support and encourage the type of birth you have your heart set on? Or is a change in order?

 

 

Whether you’re planning for an unmedicated birth or not, would like to have your baby at home, birth center, hospital, or aren’t quite sure yet… a birth doula can assist you through the process of navigating all of the information and options available, and help you to come to your own realization of what your personal goals and values are. Your doula will work together with you, your partner, and your provider, to help you have a positive birth experience and memory.

Your doula will provide resources, and make recommendations for books and products that will enhance your pregnancy, birth, postpartum transition, and newborn/infant feeding experience.

Your doula will be by your side, helping you to realize your innate strength and inner wisdom… showing you that you already have what it takes to bring your baby in the world the way you have always imagined you would.

A good doula will help you with a plan to effectively communicate your wishes to your providers, support you in advocating for yourself, and team up with your partner/husband to amplify your voice when needed.

Comprehensive prenatal preparation sessions cover a wide variety of topics including informed decision-making, personal preferences, comfort measures, local resources, logistics, navigating the hospital birth environment, and the unique hormonal processes involved as your birthing time begins and unfolds. Your prenatal visits will be informative, and based on the content that you would most like to cover.

 

*For VBAC information and resources, please scroll to the bottom of the page*

 

 
Photo by Andrea Bertozzini on Unsplash

Photo by Andrea Bertozzini on Unsplash

Your doula will NOT replace your spouse or take over their primary support role. Doulas aim to compliment and encourage their role, to the level of involvement they are comfortable with at any given moment. Sometimes the spouse tends to be left out of the equation, when actually they are undergoing a transformation of their own.. and would benefit from guidance as well. The doula will support them, so that they may support you as best they can.

 

 

15-20 Lightroom-edited birth photographs can be provided upon completion of services and are included with all birth support packages. While the photography is considered to be “amateur,” the pictures capture the rawness and intensity of the moment and are a lovely reminder of your strength through such a transformative experience. Samples furnished upon inquiry.

 
 

 

What kind of support does a Northern Star Doula provide?

 
  • Unlimited email, phone (text/call) support throughout pregnancy.

  • Prenatal birth prep visits.

  • Birth plan/preference assistance.

  • Nutrition/exercise support.

  • Continuous physical, informational, and emotional support during labor and birth.

  • A calm, reassuring presence for you AND your partner.

  • Logistical/practical support.

  • Non-pharmacological comfort techniques, visualization, focal points, acupressure, counter-pressure, relaxation and light touch massage.

  • Co-creation of your desired birth space.

  • Empowerment & Encouragement.

  • Companionship.

  • Guidance through positioning/pelvic biomechanics.

  • Evidence based information.

  • Effective communication strategies.

  • Informed consent support.

  • Advocacy support.

  • Back-up doula network.

  • Hypnobirthing assistance.

  • TOLAC/VBAC sensitive preparation, information and support.

  • Assistance with first feeding, if desired.

  • In-home postpartum family transition visit within the first few weeks after birth.

  • Fourth Trimester Support.

  • Resources & Referrals

 
 

Watch this short video to get a better understanding of the support a doula provides, as well as the many benefits of having a doula to help you prepare for a more satisfying birth experience.

 
 
 

If you’re interested in learning more about Northern Star Doula, our philosophy, the services we provide, the doulas on our team, or have general questions about how a doula might be a valuable addition to your birth team, send me a message and let’s connect!

 

 
 
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Rachel Utain-Evans Photography

 

Do you…

  • wish for a peaceful & connected birth and postpartum experience?

  • want to have an embodied birth experience where you are empowered to lean into your innate wisdom?

  • desire a more peaceful and positive birth experience than some of the stories you have heard about?

  • wonder how you will exercise your birthing rights within an industrialized medical system?

  • long for a healing birth experience?

  • plan to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After CESAREAN)?

  • want your partner to also feel adequately supported throughout the process?

  • believe that we all deserve support through our birth & postpartum experiences?

  • believe in the importance of bodily autonomy during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond?

  • believe birth to be a transformative event deserving of reverence & honor?

  • want to do things differently this time around?

  • want to gather knowledge, tools, and insight about birth in advance?

  • want to make the best choices and don’t know where to start?

 
 

 
 

Considering a home birth? Watch this video about a nurse practitioner who decided that for her low risk pregnancy, a home birth would be the best choice for her family. She went on to direct a documentary called “Why Not Home” where she interviews other medical professionals such as nurses, midwives and doctors who while working in the hospital, choose to go outside of the hospital system to birth their own children at home.

 

Testimonials

 

I was skeptical when my wife started talking to me about getting a doula. I didn’t know what they would do or how much they could really help. But thank God we chose Nicole! She is the greatest. Fun, incredibly knowledgeable, easy to work with. Our first birth was rough - 35+ hrs of labor, NICU, blood transfusions, etc. But Nicole helped my wife prep for labor and make sure she was in the right head space and that baby was in the right position and this labor was less than three hours. Nicole was the one talking us through our race to the hospital as stressful as that was, and she was the one who met us at the there with a wheelchair and got us up to the room on time. She gave us plenty of time and attention throughout and after the whole process and educated us along the way. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone and we will be using her again next time!

Nolan P, Fort Washington PA - Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

 

Having Nicole join our journey into parenthood was the best decision we’ve ever made. She was incredibly generous with her time and sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience of birthing throughout. The greatest thing as a father about having Nicole was that she was my rock and supported me so that I could be there for my wife. I was so happy to see her when we first arrived at the hospital because she lifted a massive amount of emotional stress off of me almost instantly due to her energy, proactive caring for my wife and distilling the whole process into positive reassuring messages. Nicole is extremely calm, open, respectful, empathetic, light hearted and down to earth. We couldn’t have been happier to share such a significant life event with her and she will be forever near and dear to our hearts as a result.

Gerard H, Philadelphia PA - Hospital of the University of Penn, HUP

 

Nicole is absolutely phenomonal! As a first time mom, I knew from the beginning I wanted a doula for birth, but never realized the true impact they could have. After meeting Nicole for the first time, I looked at my boyfriend and said, "I don't think I can do this without her." We felt an instant connection with Nicole as she is extremely knowledgable, honest, and dependable. In having a natural birth, she exceed all of my expectations and I can't wait to have her for potential future births. She provided us with reliable information, helpful acitivites, and always answered any of our questions. She was never judgmental, but most importantly she supported us in any decision we made. To trust a stranger with one of the most important experiences of your life is absolutely terrifying, but Nicole made this so easy. It is amazing to look back and see how a stranger from the beginning turns into someone so meangingful. We can't say enough good things about Nicole. I felt like she was my number one fan and everyone needs a Nicole!! We are so lucky to be able to cherish our wonderful birth experience and memories forever.

Kimberly R, West Chester PA - Chester County Hospital

 

It took me two births and two stressful experiences to realize that who I chose to be my doula was not a decision to be taken lightly. Trust me, they are not all the same. I hired a doula for my first birth and while we connected during the consultation, it wasn’t a good match in the end. They were found on the first page of google search, and they had a beautiful website and were recommended in a large local Facebook group, so I thought it would be a good decision. Well as it turns out, not all doulas have the ability to advocate, and this was exactly the case with my first doula. She was sweet, and great otherwise, but when it came time to pushing, she said nothing about helping me get into a good position when I ended up on may back after a cervical check. It was like she froze. We talked about this in advance, and she was supposed to encourage optimal pushing positions as I said was most important to me. It didn’t happen. I went with a different doula for my second, with high hopes, and basically same thing. This time was even worse. No mention of position changes at all during labor even though we talked about this at length in our prenatal appointments. We have big babies and longer labors so it’s important that I had someone knowledgable and bold by our side.

Third time around and I landed in a convo with Nicole and she was able to make sense of it all fairly quickly. She helped me to be proactive during pregnancy and provided me with several different options for optimizing my baby’s position and pelvis as my due date approached. She had a plan. When I ended up on my back this time, and was clearly getting into a bad headspace, Nicole asked my husband outloud, in front of the whole room, if he wanted to hold my leg or if he thought we should try the position I had been talking about wanting to try? My husband was under the spell of the med staff. Then she turned to me and asked if I would like to try sidelying or hands and knees. I broke down crying tears of joy that someone finally heard me! My OB even encouraged me to stay on my back for a while to see if that moved the baby down, and Nicole jumped in and said “would you like to stay here on your back for a few more pushes or would you like switch now, because we can help you get into whatever position you want, it’s entirely up to you. You can always change back if you’d like.” She was exactly what I needed to be heard in that room, because it was about to be a replay of my first two births.

Thanks to Nicole and her professional yet sister-like approach, I was able to birth my 3rd big baby on hands and knees, with ease! No tearing like the first two times, and it was magical, and quick. I had a full 90 minutes of golden hour and my baby latched immediately and did not leave my chest for anything until we were ready. I cannot stress how important it is to ask your doula exactly how they plan to advocate for you, and to go with the one that makes you feel secure in your choices, not reiterating what is allowed in the hospital and so forth. It could mean the difference between birth regret and birth joy. It certainly did for me. I would love to give birth again just to spend time with Nicole, but we are 100% confident in ending on a good note. This became such a joke that we told Nicole she should change her business name to “Good Note Birth Services” haha. That being said, Northern Star fits her perfectly. She was the ever present light, and guided us in the right direction. Novel over. The End.

Ashley S, Collingswood NJ - Inspira Mullica Hill

 
 

Having the support of doula Nicole during my pre-natal, peri-natal, and postpartum months was such a blessing! Nicole came to my house three times before my delivery to learn about my lifestyle and birth preferences, offer advice, make suggestions for labor preparation, and calm my new-mom nerves. Her pre-natal tips were invaluable, and I greatly appreciate that she incorporated my husband in the teaching. I felt supported and very prepared leading up to delivery. When labor began Nicole was by my side, giving me the strength I needed to endure labor. She provided physical support and pain relief through touch and massage, acted as a liason between myself and the medical staff, helped me stay focused during times of mental stress, and continuously encouraged me with her reassuring words. Her personality is perfectly matched to her calling - she is positive, caring, calming, and makes others feel empowered even at the most stressful of times. Her interaction with my husband during the labor process was wonderful. She allowed time for the two of us to work through contractions together and stepped in to give him advice on ways to comfort me when he needed ideas or reassurance. Following the delivery of my daughter, Nicole stayed with me to help initiate breast feeding and answer the many questions I had. She texted and emailed me in the weeks following my delivery and gave me advice, literature, and reassurance on breastfeeding and newborn care. I truly don't know if I could have made it through delivery without Nicole. She was an invaluable resource and support person during such a unique and stressful time. She is absolutely wonderful and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking doula support services!

Jillian G, Philadelphia PA - Hospital of the University of Penn, HUP

 

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and have her be a part of our birth story. Nicole’s constant support through texts and emails in the early months to helped ensure I was in the best shape physically and mentally was so helpful. I was able to use many techniques, poses, and dietary suggestions that she shared with me (with evidence based resources for each). We also loved the home visits we had with her prior to my labor. When I was unexpectedly sent to triage and induced Nicole helped explain what to expect the entire time. She supported me through each contraction and made me feel safe and calm which is what I needed. I cannot imagine going through this pregnancy, delivery and and postpartum without her. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel at what she was able to give to myself and my family.

Nicole R, South Philadelphia PA - Pennsylvania Hospital

 

During our first consult with Nicole we knew immediately that she was the right fit for us. It was evident that she was passionate about her work, extremely knowledgeable and straightforward. Nicole listened to all our concerns about the birthing process and answered our questions clearly. During our prenatal visits, she educated us on exercises, positioning/posture in the third trimester, rebozo techniques and some natural remedies for issues such as heartburn etc. Most importantly, she taught us how to advocate for ourselves, ask the right questions to our providers, and navigate the system during the prenatal period and through the birthing process. This put us in the right frame of mind even before the actual time of birth.

I had an unusually long labor considering that this was my second child. Throughout it all, Nicole coached me through the breathing techniques, exercises and positioning to encourage labor to progress faster. My husband was also able to assist me with confidence because of all the education and coaching Nicole had provided us beforehand. It was physically the hardest thing I had ever had to do but also exhilarating and I was able to do it because Nicole supported and cheered me on in the most calm and poised way! She continued to support us during the first few weeks postpartum, by checking in with us and through a post-natal visit. During this time she made recommendations for breast feeding, appropriate exercise/activity, post-natal foods and even gave us some tips on helping our toddler adjust to the baby. We had been praying for the right doula to support us and Nicole was truly a God send. I highly recommend her. She was instrumental in helping us achieve the natural birthing experience I had always hoped for!

Miriam J, Cherry Hill NJ - Virtua Voorhees Hospital

 

From our prenatal visits through postpartum, Nicole was extremely knowledgable, kind, and supportive. She brings a calming and friendly presence to the room, which is so important from pregnancy all the way through childbirth. My first birth (not with Nicole) was very traumatic and had caused some PTSD. I wasn’t sure if I should try to give birth naturally, or go with a cesarean, as it had been suggested to me. Nicole weighed the options with us and helped us to process the decision. The main reason I chose to try for a natural birth was because of how much confidence Nicole instilled in me as we met together. I left our visits feeling very prepared and excited to give birth again. Our second birth (with Nicole) was absolutely amazing! She was the reason we made it to the hospital on time (it was a quick labor, which I attribute to the Rebozo she gave us!), she helped us to stay calm, she was a constant encourager and support for both my husband and I, talking me through every contraction and coaching us both through the entire experience. I will absolutely be hiring Nicole for our next birth, she is an irreplaceable part of our birth team!

Anna P, Fort Washington PA - Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

 

Can't say enough about what a great experience we had with Nicole. As a first time parent, it was great to be able to encourage my wife 'Text Nicole!' when she was feeling something new or uncomfortable, since I didn't have the answers but knew we had someone much more experienced by our side as a resource. Leading up to birthing, Nicole was a great balance between non-intrusive and also persistent in reaching out to me and my wife as appropriate to remind us she was available for support, offering tips, and answering questions. The birth itself was a whirlwind and marathon that took us far off our initial preferences but was manageable thanks to Nicole's support throughout a long few days. She encouraged us to take time to make decisions, went through alternatives and pros/cons with us, and ultimately remained positive about whatever we decided. My wife experienced about 15 hours of back labor and without Nicole's expert counterpressure, we surely would have had a very different experience and likely a c-section rather than the vaginal delivery we really wanted. I'm very thankful to Nicole for making what was a very challenging birth into a very positive memory for my family because of her help. Highly, highly recommend!

Adam P, Philadelphia PA - Pennsylvania Hospital

 

I was referred to Nicole by my good friend and business partner who has worked with her during the birth of her daughter. From the moment I first spoke to Nicole, I knew I wanted her on my team. As a first time mom, I wasn’t sure what to expect and could only ask my doctor so much. Nicole has a vast knowledge of pregnancy, labor and birth that gave me confidence. She made herself available to me as a valuable resource that was so helpful when I needed it most. She had a quiet strength during my labor that empowered me. She knew how to read my cues and tailor her support to fit my experience. She was never pushy or overbearing. She was the perfect balance of offering what I needed but being assertive enough to make me feel like she had a firm grasp on the situation. She was wonderful managing my husband and making him feel useful and supportive as well. The nurses and midwife all complimented her! I would 1000% recommend her to others.

Diana A, North Brunswick NJ - Pennsylvania Hospital

 

From a dads perspective, I can honestly say that I think Nicole was sent here from the heavens above to help us guys get through this with our wives. Our little guy is now celebrating his 7th day here with us and it’s because of Nicole’s wisdom and calming personality that my wife kept her cool. Every home visit I asked a million questions and Nicole had clear and concise responses. Nicole has so many birthing tips and tricks to ensure that my wife was as comfortable as possible given the intensity of her birth.

My wife decided to go the natural birth route and many times throughout she did not know if she could get through it, but again it was due to Nicole’s zen like peacefulness and step by step instruction/hands on help that kept my wife strong and able to deliver our boy. Of course I was there as well to help and Nicole helped me know how to be of best assistance. We felt so confident knowing she was in the room with us and was able to alleviate concerns. For example when my wife was not making progress with her dilation, Nicole knew exactly what exercises to do to help her progress. Thank you again Nicole for everything you have given our family.

Keith G, Philadelphia PA - Hahnemann Hospital

 

Nicole was the best doula we could have asked for. My goal for my second birth was to VBAC and go into labor on my own. She did everything in her power to make sure that happened! She's warm, funny, very knowledgeable and as an added bonus has great taste in music. From suggestions on what to eat and drink to help my body during pregnancy and labor to suggestions for childbirth education classes and how to strengthen my body, she is just top notch. I had a long labor and she helped us through it with peace and grace, judgment free, while always offering encouragement. This included massaging my back during every contraction while my husband napped because I had back labor and, during the worst of it, just holding me during contractions. We felt prepared this time around and that is all due to Nicole. She has been equally wonderful after birth, offering suggestions for breastfeeding, brought me herbal sitz bath packets, taught me how to belly bind, AND brought the best perineal sitting cushion. She checks in to make sure we are all doing ok. They say you form a strong bond when you go through an experience like birth with someone, and they are right. I will never forget her and how she helped us bring our son into the world. I just wish I knew about her when I had my first son.

Angela L, Paoli PA - Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

 

Nicole is a truly exceptional doula. For a newcomer in Philadelphia like myself with no family or friends around, it was necessary to find a bit more support than my slightly overwhelmed husband... I met with a few doulas, but after talking to Nicole, I knew she was on a whole different level of doula dedication and professionalism! She's extremely knowledgeable when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth and childcare, but also respectful - whatever type of birth you're planning to have, she'll support you in it 100%! I was hoping to do a Hypnobabies birth, but the circumstances of my early labour made me change my mind towards an epidural and she was able to switch to a completely different birth plan immediately without any issues or judgement. She supported me with strength and compassion through a very emotional time, when I was feeling extremely fragile. I was really grateful for the help she offered both, me and my husband (through pregnancy all the way to postpartum), advice on anything I struggled with (from family to probiotics) and her calm, kind energy. In situations when anyone I know would get frustrated or angry, Nicole stayed calm, respectful and supportive. She's also amazing with children - a real baby whisperer! She's a true gem and will offer you as a new mom more than you expected every time.

Ewa H, Philadelphia PA - Hospital of the University of Penn

 

We met with Nicole twice before the birth and after meeting with her the first time, I knew I wanted her by my side for my delivery. I think one of Nicole’s best qualities as our doula (and really why I chose her) is her calm nature. I don’t really know how to describe it in words, but she really made me feel at ease which helped so much during my labor. Nicole was extremely knowledgeable, professional, patient & kind.

Isis P, Philadelphia PA - Holy ReDEEMER HOSPITAL BUCKS COUNTY

 

Thanks to her I was able to overcome my trauma and fear from my first birthing experience, and deliver at a hospital without pain remediation or any more interference other than being induced. With her coaching, I had a better idea of the process in hospital and a stronger backbone to defend myself against unnecessary procedures (as long as the baby was happy). Nicole also was a great support when I had questions about various pregnancy pains and how to naturally resolve them long before delivery. I highly recommend her if you're looking for a doula.

Alicia F, South Philadelphia PA - Thomas Jefferson University Hospital PHilly

 

Nicole was a tremendous support to my wife and me as we prepared for my delivery and during labor. Her knowledge of both conventional and complementary medicine was exactly what we needed, and her warm presence put us at ease immediately. She helped us plan and practice for decision-making we might face during labor, and set out what our most important requests for the birth team would be. During labor, her expertise in positioning was tremendously helpful and I think helped me avoid a c-section when the baby was having trouble getting around my pelvic arch. I would recommend Nicole to any expectant parents, but I can particularly vouch for her understanding and support of queer families.

Sarah H, West Philadelphia PA - Pennsylvania Hospital, PENNSY

 

Thanks to Nicole we had a very positive birth experience. I don’t think I would have been able to do a natural birth without her support. I highly recommend Nicole. Here are the top three reasons why:

1) Home visits to prepare for birth - very educational and helpful! I learned a lot including exercises to prepare for the big day, what to expect on that day from doctors, nurses and midwife and how to advocate for myself. My husband and mom also felt more at ease. I felt good knowing that we were preparing them as well.

2) Techniques and coaching to help progress labor and delivery - 12 hours after my water broke, I was stuck at 5 cm. After 2 hours of special exercises with Nicole intended to help me progress, I reached 7cm and avoided pitocin (which I was told I’d have to use if I didn’t start making progress.) Throughout the two hours of delivery, Nicole coached me on the best way to push and provided positive encouragement (eg. “That’s the one. Another one like that. You’re doing great!”) which made all the difference.

3) Comfort techniques - During active labor, I wouldn’t have traded Nicole for a bag of gold! She’s the only reason I stayed calm and in control. Her counter pressure techniques, such as pushing in on my hips, were the only thing that provided comfort and the only reason I made it through without an epidural. Even though my husband had learned this same technique, he often did not apply enough pressure. He eventually got the hang of it.

After hearing what a difference she made in my birth, my cousin and sister, who are both expecting babies, will be hiring doulas in their cities. My husband and mom also rave about Nicole. Especially my mom whose own experience giving birth was less than stellar. Hiring Nicole is an investment in yourself that you won’t regret making!

Christie I, Philadelphia PA - Hahnemann Hospital

 

I will try and put into words how much Nicole has positively impacted my life as well as my husband’s. With every meeting with her our confidence in the birth process grew. After every prenatal appointment we would brief and she would give me evidence based information on what I had concerns or questions about. Nicole not only served as my counselor but as a friend that also went through birth several times and trusts the process. She was the presence in the room that kept me and my husband strong in our decisions. Nicole also kept my husband company and made sure he was okay during my long labor. When I felt uncomfortable with someone or something she made sure I had support either with her words or body language. Immediately after my son was born, everything and everyone was moving so quickly. Nicole quietly watched and made sure that we were all okay. I don’t know if we would have remained loyal to our birth plan if it weren’t for her being there. I would highly recommend Nicole to a birthing couple or birthing person who is looking for a doula who understands the birthing process, trusts it, and gives evidence based information. After our birth with Nicole she is forever imprinted on our lives and we still communicate on a regular basis. Our son will know that during his birth he had a birth angel watching over him and his parents.

Caley O, Cherry Hill NJ - Cooper University Hospital

 

To start, I can't say enough good things about this sweet lady. Nicole helped me tremendously in navigating some major decisions that would definitely effect the outcome of my birth experience. I found out that my baby was breech at 37 weeks pregnant and was pressured by my hospital to have a c-section, which I did not want, but thankfully she helped me to understand ALL of my options. She talked me through the different scenarios and helped me to prepare for a procedure that would allow my baby to flip head down so I could achieve a vaginal birth which was an important preference of mine. The procedure went well and I was able to have a wonderful, natural birth that I will always remember very fondly. I thank Nicole for her patience as I asked question after question, her sweet motherly nature in guiding me as a first time mom, and the way she really gives every mother confidence in choosing what is right for THEM and their baby. I do credit my wonderful birth and even post-partum experience to her and her wisdom. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for a Birth Doula!

Brittany D, Philadelphia PA - Virtua Voorhees Hospital

 

Nicole is such a blessing. Right from our first meeting I could tell she was knowledgeable and genuinely cares about the families she works with. I interviewed many doulas and she was absolutely the best choice. She guided me through the difficult decision to change my care provider at 7 months pregnant, and at her suggestion I contacted the amazing midwife practice I ended up switching to. She knows her stuff - from gestational diabetes to terrible morning sickness and heartburn, to pelvic and back pain, she shared her knowledge with me during each step of my pregnancy. She emailed often just to check in and make sure I was doing okay. And after birth she came by to check on us multiple times and was a huge help in starting our successful nursing relationship even through a tongue tie, mastitis, colic, and reflux.

My only regret is that I didn’t get to have her there for my birth (babe came way too fast and both Nicole and the midwives didn’t make it in time!) because I was really looking forward to that. She’s well versed in helping hypnobabies moms like me, and I have no doubt that she would have been an incredible support during my birthing time if my daughter hadn’t come flying out less than 10 minutes after getting to the hospital. I’m a pretty anxious person and I had a previous birth not go the way I wanted, so Nicole’s compassionate, calming presence was exactly what I needed. I can’t thank her enough.

Beth S, Horsham PA - Einstein Medical Center Montgomery

 

LET’S CONNECT!

 

 

VBAC INFO & RESOURCES

 


Click here to join the VBAC LINK FB COMMUNITY!

Click here to join ICAN SEPA FB Group (International Cesarean Awareness Network)

Click here for a boost in VBAC PREP > VBAC Essentials Guide!

Click here to take the Parent’s VBAC Prep Course

Click here to check out Vbac Facts

 


 
 
 

Extensive experience .

Wholehearted belief & support of vaginal birth after cesarean.

Proudly certified as an advanced vbac doula through The Vbac Link.