TESTIMONIALS {a.k.a. love notes}
"The wisdom and compassion a woman can intuitively experience in childbirth can make her a source of healing and understanding for other women."
-- Stephen Gaskin
I have never felt such a sincere and generous presence. Laura has a gift of deep listening that helped me see my messy path with new light. My birth was long and full of uncertainties and, as a single latina mother, postpartum was terrifying without my family near. She stayed with me through it all, even months after the birth to ensure my success with breastfeeding and self-care. Who knew that in the challenge and fears all around me, I would discover through Laura's guidance the possibility of strength and stillness in chaos. I am eternally grateful for the faith she held in me, a gift I carry to this day. I thought I would want to just get through this birth and move on, but now I treasure this experience and can't wait to tell my daughter her birth story one day. "All is possible", I will say <3. Thank you Laura!"
Stephaine, Washington, DC
I have a job in children’s health – and if anything, that made me hyperaware of what can go wrong with a birth process, especially for black women like me. I was anxious about being seen in my full human complexity, especially in a hospital setting. From our first meeting with Laura in the third trimester, she understood my concerns and talked through strategies to make sure I would be heard, seen and appreciated. More importantly, once we arrived at the hospital (after a day of laboring solo at home), Laura attended to my well-being. She was a model of calm in the storm of labor: making sure I had ice, that I knew the names of attending staff and even that an exercise ball was available when the hospital’s could not be located. I decided not to use an epidural or narcotics in my birth; by the time I needed to focus on active delivery, I was no longer using any nitrous oxide. Laura was the best ‘drug’ for pain management in the two hours I pushed; her steadfast tranquility and quiet coaching were much more helpful than the direction I received from the attending OB-GYN. After delivery, Laura’s questions and follow-up helped our family prioritize healing and wellness amidst the flurry of logistical and new processes that a first baby entails. I’m thrilled to recommend her as a doula and birth support for families in the DC area!"
Chelsea & Michael, University Park, MD
Laura was truly my partner in the birth of my son and I am so, so, so glad I worked with her! She has found her calling and it was so wonderful to have had her with me during such a special time in my life. As a first time mom, I knew I wanted a doula, but I had no idea how much I would need a doula. I planned for a home birth and labored for six days at home before going to the hospital to deliver my baby. During those six days, I experienced back labor and my birthing team tried everything to help my baby arrive. It was exhausting from the back pain and lack of sleep, and I really felt like my resolve was tested. Laura stayed with me throughout that time, providing counter pressure on my back, offering words of encouragement, focus, and a warm, supportive presence. Laura helped me stay focused on my breathing, on connecting with my baby, and getting through the pain for nearly a week...it was such an endurance test! When I finally decided to go to the hospital, Laura took me and made sure I felt comfortable as we got settled into a new environment. She was my strongest advocate, speaking up for me with the doctors, helping me make crucial decisions, and taking excellent care of me - she helped feed me, brush my teeth, ensure the nurses were providing adequate pain relief, and keeping me focused in the present. After my son was delivered, she was there in the recovery room to greet us and helped me get started with breastfeeding, made sure I got something to eat, and encouraged me to sleep! I could not have found a more committed, compassionate, kind, sweet-natured partner for my transition to motherhood. Thank you, Laura!"
Megan & Preston, Arlington, VA
After having a positive experience working with a doula in New England for the delivery of our first baby, we were sure we wanted the support of a doula for our second baby’s arrival. We found Laura late in a chaotic pregnancy and I immediately felt safe and was able to focus on how to bring our baby into the world. Laura was always available from helping me with my birth plan to reviewing comfort measures and she even invited me to a prenatal yoga class that I’m fairly certain contributed to my labor starting. During labor she continued to be a knowledgeable and calming presence and struck just the right balance of offering helpful suggestions and letting me direct things as a second-time mom, which is just what I asked for. After delivery she took pictures that I will treasure for a lifetime, she stayed with me and got me settled in my postpartum room, and continued to be available and supportive even after she left. Laura is cemented in my family’s history and we will celebrate her each year when my daughter’s birthday arrives. Perhaps we could have done it without her, but I wouldn’t want to!"
Erin & Leon, Arlington, VA
Laura is a warm, compassionate and thoughtful doula. She has a wealth of knowledge and tools that helped us to accomplish our goals throughout the entire pregnancy and birth process . During birth and delivery, Laura was an incredible and empowering resource, helping us to confidently achieve the birth that we had envisioned. When we look back at the birth of our daughter, we are so grateful for Laura's knowledge, wisdom, and support. She was truly an integral member of our birth team, and we will always appreciate the calm, graceful energy she brought to this special time in our lives."
Sarah & Austin, Washington, DC
We met with Laura in the middle of our third trimester to discuss our vision for the birth and what the role of a doula would be. She stayed in touch with us for the remainder of the pregnancy and was in the hospital with us through all of the labor and delivery. She helped me articulate my needs to the hospital staff, reminded me to walk and sit on my birth ball as much as possible, helped me to find the words for questions I had but didn’t know how to ask. Most importantly, when decision had to be made for my health and the health of my baby outside of my hopes for the experience, she helped me stay focused on the love and blessings surrounding me, guiding me through the process with grace.”
Oliva & Jeff, Washington, DC
Laura’s work was amazing. She was a warm and kind presence, but not an invasive one. As focus was shifted to the baby, I felt that I truly had someone looking after ME. I was so glad we had her-- I had her-- as part of the labor and delivery process.”
First Time Mother, Fairfax, VA
Laura was an absolute angel for me throughout my pregnancy. I am so grateful for all the sincere love, support, advice, patience and care she offered me. Laura has an incredibly strong, knowledgeable and calming presence, and it proved to be so valuable to me every minute of my long labor and delivery. Her unwavering commitment and support made me feel confident I was in great hands. I know that without Laura at my bedside, holding my hand, I would have felt more overwhelmed, stressed and alone. She was a true partner who I could really trust throughout the entire journey. As much as I love my husband and family, they couldn't have provided me with all the focused love and attention that I needed during the experience. Laura was always there for me, including in postpartum. I am forever grateful and have only the fondest memories of my birth experience because of Laura."
Kinnari & Dean, Silver Spring, Maryland
Laura supported myself and my husband from the moment we signed up for her services. We can’t thank her enough! She provided pre-labor support through meet-ups, handouts, yoga poses, phone calls and emails. She also provided continuous and patient labor support and care during all stages of labor, over the phone and in person. She even continued with us after birth through in-person lactation support and helped us get on our feet. I really couldn't imagine the process without her."
Katherine & Joe, Manassas, VA
Laura has been the best birth doula ever. She was so helpful and kind, even when I wasn’t. Her skills were right on point and she knew what to do to keep me calm and focussed. I am really grateful to have had her help and support me through this. I couldn’t have done it alone.”