Here to Leave a Review?
Your review helps new parents to find the right doula for them. Please use these links to review our services and we'll copy and paste here. We appreciate you!
|
|
|
What Our Past Clients are SAying
We were so blessed to have Molly as our doula for the birth of our second daughter! After having a traumatic birth experience with our first daughter, we knew having the support of a doula would be crucial especially as we were planning to have a VBAC. Molly was such a calming presence and provided an abundance of support to both myself and my husband. She thought of things we never would have (like asking for a nurse who was experienced with VBACs), really helped break up some of the intensity I was feeling emotionally while I was in labor, and helped encourage me to trust my body (which is something I so desperately needed). I cannot fully articulate how invaluable Molly’s support was to us and am so excited to say we had a successful VBAC!
Emily O
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chelisa is amazing!!! Her voice is the most calming thing ever. Definitely in the right profession! She is dependable, trustworthy, hardworking, and as sweet as can be! So easy to talk to and not judgmental at all about my birth plan preferences. She came to my home and gave me tons of new information on birthing and delayed cord cutting, delayed bathing, etc. I really felt confident going into labor. I, unfortunately, had some complications and ended up having my baby about 30 minutes after I got to the hospital and was in too much pain to call Chelisa to let her know I was in labor. My mom called her when we got to the hospital but my baby girl came too quickly. Chelisa still came to the hospital and I am forever grateful for that because after the baby was born and I delivered the placenta and was stitched up, I continued having awful contractions. Chelisa was right by my side and I'll never forget hearing her say, "something is wrong here." Definitely the advocate I needed at that time. I ended up having to go to surgery because I was hemorrhaging. Thank God Chelisa was there! After I was home Chelisa stayed in contact with me making sure everything was okay with me and my baby girl and asking if I needed anything. I would recommend Chelisa to anyone and everyone! She's the best!!!
- Jamie M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cincinnati birth and parenting doula services are amazing. Sally was our doula, and her support and positivity kept us strong during a long and difficult labor. Some other positive notes: the pricing tiers make it easy to choose what's right for you, 2 prenatal in home visits, one post natal in home visit (with the package I used), doula on call 24/7, and if your labor goes long you won't be without a doula or have to pay extra. I highly recommend! Thank you Cincinnati Birth and Parenting!
- Mary C.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was our Doula for our first baby in December 2016. It was a rough situation from the start – my blood pressure spiked towards the end of my pregnancy and they decided to induce 2 weeks early. Giving me a solid 10 minutes to work through my feelings. Since I had planned on a natural birth with plenty of laboring at home, my entire birth plan was essentially tossed before labor even started. Molly was the rock that helped me get through this incredible disappointment and fear and all the emotions that were changing from second to second depending on what my blood pressure was doing, what my cervix was doing, what medications were being suggested. Molly insisted on coming to the hospital even though I told her it was going slow (per my insistence) and was there to help us field questions, massage my tootsies (She is an INCREDIBLE foot massager), and work through next steps. She kept me aware of my surroundings, helped me to process and understand all the things the nurses and doctors were doing to me and suggesting to me, and helped me to say no to things and accept what I could not say no to.
Molly stayed with me and my husband for close to 48 hours. She hung out with me while my husband took a well-deserved nap, she commandeered the nurse dry erase board and made sure our 2 requests were in writing, she kept our spirits up. When they finally decided a C-section was the best option (sigh. Sure.), Molly stayed and waited throughout the entire procedure. She was there in the recovery room to meet baby girl L and to help with the first breastfeeding experience.
I recommend a doula to anyone who is pregnant – no matter what type of birth you are planning. Husbands are amazing emotional support and I couldn’t have done it without mine. However, doulas are amazing strategy support and I certainly would not have tried for a natural birth as hard as I did if I did not have a doula. For anyone who is looking for a doula, I recommend Molly. She has the calmest demeaner which instantly calms your nerves and she is kind, and funny, and smart. Molly is an indispensable piece of my labor story and I am just so glad we found her. Thanks, Molly!!!
Hannah
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was our doula when my daughter was born. I was a first time parent, and didn’t really know what to expect. Molly was so helpful for both my husband and I, giving us resources and so much support! I didn’t even know what a doula was when I first got pregnant, and working with Molly turned out to be one of the best decisions. She’s wonderful.
Tessa Yi
Emily O
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chelisa is amazing!!! Her voice is the most calming thing ever. Definitely in the right profession! She is dependable, trustworthy, hardworking, and as sweet as can be! So easy to talk to and not judgmental at all about my birth plan preferences. She came to my home and gave me tons of new information on birthing and delayed cord cutting, delayed bathing, etc. I really felt confident going into labor. I, unfortunately, had some complications and ended up having my baby about 30 minutes after I got to the hospital and was in too much pain to call Chelisa to let her know I was in labor. My mom called her when we got to the hospital but my baby girl came too quickly. Chelisa still came to the hospital and I am forever grateful for that because after the baby was born and I delivered the placenta and was stitched up, I continued having awful contractions. Chelisa was right by my side and I'll never forget hearing her say, "something is wrong here." Definitely the advocate I needed at that time. I ended up having to go to surgery because I was hemorrhaging. Thank God Chelisa was there! After I was home Chelisa stayed in contact with me making sure everything was okay with me and my baby girl and asking if I needed anything. I would recommend Chelisa to anyone and everyone! She's the best!!!
- Jamie M
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cincinnati birth and parenting doula services are amazing. Sally was our doula, and her support and positivity kept us strong during a long and difficult labor. Some other positive notes: the pricing tiers make it easy to choose what's right for you, 2 prenatal in home visits, one post natal in home visit (with the package I used), doula on call 24/7, and if your labor goes long you won't be without a doula or have to pay extra. I highly recommend! Thank you Cincinnati Birth and Parenting!
- Mary C.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was our Doula for our first baby in December 2016. It was a rough situation from the start – my blood pressure spiked towards the end of my pregnancy and they decided to induce 2 weeks early. Giving me a solid 10 minutes to work through my feelings. Since I had planned on a natural birth with plenty of laboring at home, my entire birth plan was essentially tossed before labor even started. Molly was the rock that helped me get through this incredible disappointment and fear and all the emotions that were changing from second to second depending on what my blood pressure was doing, what my cervix was doing, what medications were being suggested. Molly insisted on coming to the hospital even though I told her it was going slow (per my insistence) and was there to help us field questions, massage my tootsies (She is an INCREDIBLE foot massager), and work through next steps. She kept me aware of my surroundings, helped me to process and understand all the things the nurses and doctors were doing to me and suggesting to me, and helped me to say no to things and accept what I could not say no to.
Molly stayed with me and my husband for close to 48 hours. She hung out with me while my husband took a well-deserved nap, she commandeered the nurse dry erase board and made sure our 2 requests were in writing, she kept our spirits up. When they finally decided a C-section was the best option (sigh. Sure.), Molly stayed and waited throughout the entire procedure. She was there in the recovery room to meet baby girl L and to help with the first breastfeeding experience.
I recommend a doula to anyone who is pregnant – no matter what type of birth you are planning. Husbands are amazing emotional support and I couldn’t have done it without mine. However, doulas are amazing strategy support and I certainly would not have tried for a natural birth as hard as I did if I did not have a doula. For anyone who is looking for a doula, I recommend Molly. She has the calmest demeaner which instantly calms your nerves and she is kind, and funny, and smart. Molly is an indispensable piece of my labor story and I am just so glad we found her. Thanks, Molly!!!
Hannah
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was our doula when my daughter was born. I was a first time parent, and didn’t really know what to expect. Molly was so helpful for both my husband and I, giving us resources and so much support! I didn’t even know what a doula was when I first got pregnant, and working with Molly turned out to be one of the best decisions. She’s wonderful.
Tessa Yi
Hands down the best money my partner and I have ever spent for one of the most important days of our lives! Molly is an absolute God-send and was absolutely made to do what she does so successfully. As a patient aiming for an unmedicated hospital birth, she helped me to remind me to stand up for my rights and the birth I desired as a laboring mother. Molly is attentive and is always one step ahead reading what you need before you even know you need it. We'll always recommend Molly for ANY type of birth!
Allie K
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly is a wonderful confidante to have during childbearing years. She has personal and professional experience to help you find your way through pregnancy, birth, and into (or further into) parenthood. Choosing her as a doula helped me to feel cared for. In a high risk pregnancy, that doesn't always happen very easily. She has a wealth of information and local resources. She provided a thorough childbirth class that somehow was very therapeutic as well. Molly was a calm presence during the intensity of labor and managed to take some amazing photos during and after the process. She's a great person to talk with and will ask questions that help you get to know yourself a little better, I think. Well, if I'm ever pregnant again, I'm sure I'll get a hold of her first!
Amy P.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was part of the Doula team that helped me to a successful VBAC2C!!!
Cera D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was the most wonderful doula! My husband and I are so glad she was there supporting us birthing our baby and don't think we could have had the birth we wanted (and had!) without her. I am very nervous about all things medical and Molly was so sympathetic of that which meant the world to me. She was such a kind and calming presence and I always knew she was there for me. Thank you so much Molly, we love you!!
Emma
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was an amazing support during pregnancy when I needed to build up my confidence in being able to birth my baby, and to be present for the experience. She was also a wonderful calming presence during the stressful hospital arrival and delivery.
Elianna P
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was unbelievably patient and supportive. And she got me Indian food while I was in labor :-)
Annah B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly is absolutely the most supportive, encouraging, open person. She listens so well to your needs and am so happy she is my Doula!
Samantha T.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I first heard about Molly from my pre-natal yoga teacher. We had been talking about how I will need support as I just moved here and my family is in Georgia. When I first met Molly we immediately connected so I did not interview anyone else. I signed up for the 5 birth classes and for her to be in the hospital with me when my little man arrives. I am due June23rd and I can already tell you she has been the best support for this first time mama! I have learned so much from the classes and have made connections with other first time moms. I do not fear the delivery day because I know she will be there for me supporting any decision I make. She gives lots of great advice and really educated me on my options. Something's I didn't even realize I had an option! I can't say enough to express how much I appreciate her already. I will try to write another review after the baby gets here but who knows what life will throw at that point.
Courtney S.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was an amazing doula to work with! She really got to know my desires for my 2nd delivery experience, my needs, as well my prior delivery experience. I had a C-section (questionable whether it was necessary) with my first, and wished I had an advocate to make sure I was more well-informed in making decisions, and especially to have extra physical & emotional support. I felt her calm & positive energy would transfer well to helping me throughout the delivery. I wanted a natural delivery this time for several reasons. She had assisted several VBAC deliveries in the past.
Molly gave us so much knowledge & coached my husband in assisting me throughout the birthing process. She used constant pain management techniques (massage, counter pressure, etc), and various birthing position recommendations when things became difficult or I wasn't progressing. She also helped me stay focused & relax between contractions. I had intense back labor too, so she worked extremely hard to help me manage the pain.
After 21 hours of natural labor, she helped me make a difficult decisions to have an epidural which could've slowed my laboring progress. However, she communicated with the nurses and advocated for me to receive the help I needed to progress, while keeping baby safe of course, and avoid the OR. After 32 hours, plus 2 hours of pushing (which she also offered great emotional & physical support through out), we met our sweet baby girl.
I am so grateful we had her honest, compassionate support. We had to make some difficult decisions & were so grateful for her input & support, especially when we had to make the next best choice for the delivery of our baby. She kept in touch with me often throughout my pregnancy, and after delivery, making sure I was doing okay and answering any questions (this was on top of our meetings prior to the birth, and after). She also provided breastfeeding help whenever I needed it. She even managed to take some beautiful photos of labor & delivery as she was able to. They are priceless, and I'm so glad she took them.
Elizabeth B.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We recently gave birth to our first child, and used Molly as our doula. I initially had to warm my husband up to the idea of hiring a doula. After having Molly by our side throughout the labor and delivery of our daughter, he now says it's the best money we've ever spent! We were induced at 39 weeks, and had our hearts set on a natural birth. Molly was a calm presence that we both needed throughout the three day process. We had setbacks throughout, and to have her there to reassure us was invaluable. To know that you had an advocate you could rely on brought peace of mind when we started to have doubt. In the end our birth was perfect and exactly what we wanted... Without Molly by our side we have no doubt things would have ended differently. Molly is the best doula ever, and will forever be grateful for her service. :)
Alicia & Jon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allie K
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly is a wonderful confidante to have during childbearing years. She has personal and professional experience to help you find your way through pregnancy, birth, and into (or further into) parenthood. Choosing her as a doula helped me to feel cared for. In a high risk pregnancy, that doesn't always happen very easily. She has a wealth of information and local resources. She provided a thorough childbirth class that somehow was very therapeutic as well. Molly was a calm presence during the intensity of labor and managed to take some amazing photos during and after the process. She's a great person to talk with and will ask questions that help you get to know yourself a little better, I think. Well, if I'm ever pregnant again, I'm sure I'll get a hold of her first!
Amy P.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was part of the Doula team that helped me to a successful VBAC2C!!!
Cera D
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was the most wonderful doula! My husband and I are so glad she was there supporting us birthing our baby and don't think we could have had the birth we wanted (and had!) without her. I am very nervous about all things medical and Molly was so sympathetic of that which meant the world to me. She was such a kind and calming presence and I always knew she was there for me. Thank you so much Molly, we love you!!
Emma
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was an amazing support during pregnancy when I needed to build up my confidence in being able to birth my baby, and to be present for the experience. She was also a wonderful calming presence during the stressful hospital arrival and delivery.
Elianna P
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was unbelievably patient and supportive. And she got me Indian food while I was in labor :-)
Annah B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly is absolutely the most supportive, encouraging, open person. She listens so well to your needs and am so happy she is my Doula!
Samantha T.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I first heard about Molly from my pre-natal yoga teacher. We had been talking about how I will need support as I just moved here and my family is in Georgia. When I first met Molly we immediately connected so I did not interview anyone else. I signed up for the 5 birth classes and for her to be in the hospital with me when my little man arrives. I am due June23rd and I can already tell you she has been the best support for this first time mama! I have learned so much from the classes and have made connections with other first time moms. I do not fear the delivery day because I know she will be there for me supporting any decision I make. She gives lots of great advice and really educated me on my options. Something's I didn't even realize I had an option! I can't say enough to express how much I appreciate her already. I will try to write another review after the baby gets here but who knows what life will throw at that point.
Courtney S.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was an amazing doula to work with! She really got to know my desires for my 2nd delivery experience, my needs, as well my prior delivery experience. I had a C-section (questionable whether it was necessary) with my first, and wished I had an advocate to make sure I was more well-informed in making decisions, and especially to have extra physical & emotional support. I felt her calm & positive energy would transfer well to helping me throughout the delivery. I wanted a natural delivery this time for several reasons. She had assisted several VBAC deliveries in the past.
Molly gave us so much knowledge & coached my husband in assisting me throughout the birthing process. She used constant pain management techniques (massage, counter pressure, etc), and various birthing position recommendations when things became difficult or I wasn't progressing. She also helped me stay focused & relax between contractions. I had intense back labor too, so she worked extremely hard to help me manage the pain.
After 21 hours of natural labor, she helped me make a difficult decisions to have an epidural which could've slowed my laboring progress. However, she communicated with the nurses and advocated for me to receive the help I needed to progress, while keeping baby safe of course, and avoid the OR. After 32 hours, plus 2 hours of pushing (which she also offered great emotional & physical support through out), we met our sweet baby girl.
I am so grateful we had her honest, compassionate support. We had to make some difficult decisions & were so grateful for her input & support, especially when we had to make the next best choice for the delivery of our baby. She kept in touch with me often throughout my pregnancy, and after delivery, making sure I was doing okay and answering any questions (this was on top of our meetings prior to the birth, and after). She also provided breastfeeding help whenever I needed it. She even managed to take some beautiful photos of labor & delivery as she was able to. They are priceless, and I'm so glad she took them.
Elizabeth B.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We recently gave birth to our first child, and used Molly as our doula. I initially had to warm my husband up to the idea of hiring a doula. After having Molly by our side throughout the labor and delivery of our daughter, he now says it's the best money we've ever spent! We were induced at 39 weeks, and had our hearts set on a natural birth. Molly was a calm presence that we both needed throughout the three day process. We had setbacks throughout, and to have her there to reassure us was invaluable. To know that you had an advocate you could rely on brought peace of mind when we started to have doubt. In the end our birth was perfect and exactly what we wanted... Without Molly by our side we have no doubt things would have ended differently. Molly is the best doula ever, and will forever be grateful for her service. :)
Alicia & Jon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I moved to Cincinnati with my husband just around the beginning of my second trimester with my first child. I knew almost no one in Cincinnati, and had this scary vision of myself and my husband not having anyone to call for support when the baby came. It also being my first time, I did not know what to expect and didn't have any real strategies to help me reach my goal of giving birth with limited interventions. Molly was a wonderful support. She helped me feel comfortable leading up to the birth, supported my birth goals, and gave encouragement to me when the baby decided to make us wait a loooong 11 days past the due date. During labor, Molly helped us stay home as long as we could but also helped us decide when to go to the hospital, led my mother and husband in giving me positive affirmations, fed me ice chips, took pictures, relayed information, and taught me husband the essential hip presses I needed. Throughout, she demonstrated confidence in my body and my ability to give birth. And even though Molly attends multiple births per month, her enthusiasm about my birth experience and my baby made me feel special and cared for. As I write these words, I get the feeling that I cannot express how important her support was to me and my family. I just remember thinking afterward that she was worth every penny, and more. After the birth, she has kindly shared information, resources, and answered the occasional question that I'm not sure who to ask of. In the end, my scary vision of feeling scared or alone during birth did not come true... rather, I was surrounded by support and positivity. I would wholeheartedly recommend Molly to any woman who wants a positive birth experience, which really, is ANY woman.
Maura H
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was this certain way we were coached through the labor that turned a medical procedure into a richly spiritual experience, which is what we hadn't yet known we always really wanted-until Molly showed us the way. We learned the art of loving and embracing through the pain, listening and responding to her body and the baby, staying focused on breath and relaxation and gently gestures and exercises to help with pain and to move the labor along. My wife was massaged with aromatic essential oils, guided through meditation and movement and given outstanding perspective on every plot-twist. Molly took great care of the ambience, the comfort, the direction, the perspective, and all with loyal, sincere dedication and concern, soliciting our wishes when they were unclear or needed to change from the birth plan. She was of the greatest assistance, attentive and fully-present throughout the entire process.
While I am sure that most doulas are adequate and well meaning, there is something special that happens when it is a true calling. Molly is passionate about her work and has the experience and knowledge to channel it into creating a wonderful event for her clientele that I am certain is second to none. We now consider her a friend and look forward to working with her throughout the next pregnancy.
Adam and Miranda B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As first time parents, my husband and I both agreed having a doula present throughout our birth experience was a must. We are so happy we chose Molly. She was the first doula we spoke with at a Meet the Doulas Event and after a quick conversation, I turned to my husband and said, ''She's the one.'' She was incredibly easy to talk to, seemed really calm and I found her relatable.
I looked forward to our prenatal visits. They were relaxed, and in all honesty for someone in their third trimester and pretty much homebound, they were fun! I never felt insecure to ask personal or silly questions. My husband always felt comfortable and a part of the conversation.
Her presence on the big day was invaluable. My labor was long and circumstancces arose that made it necessary to have a birth different than what I envisioned and prepared for. Despite this, Molly stayed calm and helped me feel peace about the changes taking place. I vividly remember all of us laughing while I was pushing. Even though my birth experience was different that what I anticipated, I do not view my labor as disappointing or less than other's birthing journey. My husband and I agree that Molly is a contributing factor to this.
I continue to stay in touch with Molly. Aside from being a great doula, she's a pretty fantastic person. I value and appreciate her advice. I would ask her to be my birth doula with future pregnancies, without hesitation. I highly recommend her to my friends and family, and really anyone that will listen to me drone on and on about the importance of a doula.
Gretchen and Robert J
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't have had a successful VBAC without her support of both me and my husband, reminders and suggestions of comfort measures, and she talked me out of getting an epidural when I changed my mind about wanting one during transition. I'm so glad she was there to talk me out of it and help coach me through transition, or I probably wouldn't have been able to push my baby out. Molly was a critical part of my VBAC team.
Lizzie and Andrew B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly, I'm not sure if I could have done this without you or not. I believed I was strong enough, but I'm so glad we met you and that you were there for me, by my side, to witness, encourage, and support the single most exciting experience of my life. You were amazing, and just your mere presence kept me strong. So thank you...there are no words great enough for any of it!
Serena
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was amazing. She is truly called to be a doula. When she arrived to the hospital labor room, she jumped right in and knew exactly what to do. Her soothing and encouraging words and voice made labor that much more manageable. Her soft touch and reminders helped me cope with labor pains. I know I couldn't have labored without pain medication for as many hours as I did if Molly hadn't been my doula. She also used aroma therapy, lighting, birthing ball, and my personal birth affirmations to help keep me focused on the Journey. Her assistance and support was also helpful for my husband. The extra help was great!
Adriana
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly gave me the courage I needed to plan for and go through a beautiful, unmedicated birth. She was wonderful throughout the process, providing me with educational and medical resources, intelligent and thoughtful advice and was a critical part of our birth process. If I had not had her with me, I suspect I would not have been able to have had an unmedicated birth. Her emotional support and pain relief/relaxation measures were invaluable to me during transition and birth. I had a remarkably easy recovery and a comparatively easy post-partum period which I know were in part because I managed to birth naturally and umedicated. If I have another child, I will be calling her!
Sharon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm so glad Molly was with us during the whole process. She was calm and supportive during the day and was a nice reassuring presence when things did not go the way we planned. I actively labored for more than 12 hours and pushed for about 6. Neither my husband nor I could have sustained that length of time without the assistance of a support person. When there began to be problems with the labor, Molly was very calm and reassuring. I think this was helpful to us - I'm not sure most people would have kept such a level head. I also thought Molly was amazingly nonjudgemental about our decisions and various caregivers perspectives (not all of which were great, of course) - She was a great listener and helped us sort through our options and supported our decisions. She didn't try to sway or influence us in any way. That's exactly the kind of I wanted to have with me during the process. and it's exactly what I think women need.
I was also impressed by how generous Molly has been with her time. She ended up being at the hospital much longer than expected (at least longer than I expected). She was fully present the whole time. I really appreciated that and I know it made a strong (positive) impression on lots of people from the L&D staff to my family. Overall, I really enjoyed working with Molly. She was a blessing to me, my husband, and my son. She is a great Doula and I'd recommend her to anyone without any reservations.
Kelly
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly walked us through what was expected of a doula and her role as a birth coach. She answered all of our concerns, fears and questions about the birthing process. She gave us information about birthing positions and breastfeeding. Lastly, she was with us throughout the 17 ½ hours of labor and delivery.
Most of our fears stemmed from not knowing what was going to happen, when
it was going to happen and how it was going to feel. By giving us several
articles, websites and book suggestions, she made us feel more knowledgeable and empowered about what was going to happen during the birthing process. She also gave us several laboring and birthing positions to try before the birth. All of this information was so important to us as we have never been through the birthing process.
During the laboring process, she gave not only me, but my husband support with pressure points and messaging techniques, breathing and encouraging words. She made sure the labor and delivery room was dimly lit and quiet per my request. She encouraged me to be my own advocate when the medical staff was not listening to my wishes for labor. By asking me what I needed, she forced me to vocalize to her and my husband what I wanted instead of staying quiet and tense. Her words of encouragement to me when I was exhausted and my husband for being a great coach helped us get through this difficult experience.When I was dilated to 8 centimeters and asked for an epidural, she did not make me feel inadequate because I could not get though transitional labor. She continued to help me through the delivery of our little girl with encouraging words and instruction, i.e., breathing and pushing.
If my husband and I decide to conceive another child, we would use Molly’s assistance again and we would recommend her services to friends/family who are pregnant.''
Marlene
Maura H
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was this certain way we were coached through the labor that turned a medical procedure into a richly spiritual experience, which is what we hadn't yet known we always really wanted-until Molly showed us the way. We learned the art of loving and embracing through the pain, listening and responding to her body and the baby, staying focused on breath and relaxation and gently gestures and exercises to help with pain and to move the labor along. My wife was massaged with aromatic essential oils, guided through meditation and movement and given outstanding perspective on every plot-twist. Molly took great care of the ambience, the comfort, the direction, the perspective, and all with loyal, sincere dedication and concern, soliciting our wishes when they were unclear or needed to change from the birth plan. She was of the greatest assistance, attentive and fully-present throughout the entire process.
While I am sure that most doulas are adequate and well meaning, there is something special that happens when it is a true calling. Molly is passionate about her work and has the experience and knowledge to channel it into creating a wonderful event for her clientele that I am certain is second to none. We now consider her a friend and look forward to working with her throughout the next pregnancy.
Adam and Miranda B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As first time parents, my husband and I both agreed having a doula present throughout our birth experience was a must. We are so happy we chose Molly. She was the first doula we spoke with at a Meet the Doulas Event and after a quick conversation, I turned to my husband and said, ''She's the one.'' She was incredibly easy to talk to, seemed really calm and I found her relatable.
I looked forward to our prenatal visits. They were relaxed, and in all honesty for someone in their third trimester and pretty much homebound, they were fun! I never felt insecure to ask personal or silly questions. My husband always felt comfortable and a part of the conversation.
Her presence on the big day was invaluable. My labor was long and circumstancces arose that made it necessary to have a birth different than what I envisioned and prepared for. Despite this, Molly stayed calm and helped me feel peace about the changes taking place. I vividly remember all of us laughing while I was pushing. Even though my birth experience was different that what I anticipated, I do not view my labor as disappointing or less than other's birthing journey. My husband and I agree that Molly is a contributing factor to this.
I continue to stay in touch with Molly. Aside from being a great doula, she's a pretty fantastic person. I value and appreciate her advice. I would ask her to be my birth doula with future pregnancies, without hesitation. I highly recommend her to my friends and family, and really anyone that will listen to me drone on and on about the importance of a doula.
Gretchen and Robert J
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I couldn't have had a successful VBAC without her support of both me and my husband, reminders and suggestions of comfort measures, and she talked me out of getting an epidural when I changed my mind about wanting one during transition. I'm so glad she was there to talk me out of it and help coach me through transition, or I probably wouldn't have been able to push my baby out. Molly was a critical part of my VBAC team.
Lizzie and Andrew B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly, I'm not sure if I could have done this without you or not. I believed I was strong enough, but I'm so glad we met you and that you were there for me, by my side, to witness, encourage, and support the single most exciting experience of my life. You were amazing, and just your mere presence kept me strong. So thank you...there are no words great enough for any of it!
Serena
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly was amazing. She is truly called to be a doula. When she arrived to the hospital labor room, she jumped right in and knew exactly what to do. Her soothing and encouraging words and voice made labor that much more manageable. Her soft touch and reminders helped me cope with labor pains. I know I couldn't have labored without pain medication for as many hours as I did if Molly hadn't been my doula. She also used aroma therapy, lighting, birthing ball, and my personal birth affirmations to help keep me focused on the Journey. Her assistance and support was also helpful for my husband. The extra help was great!
Adriana
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly gave me the courage I needed to plan for and go through a beautiful, unmedicated birth. She was wonderful throughout the process, providing me with educational and medical resources, intelligent and thoughtful advice and was a critical part of our birth process. If I had not had her with me, I suspect I would not have been able to have had an unmedicated birth. Her emotional support and pain relief/relaxation measures were invaluable to me during transition and birth. I had a remarkably easy recovery and a comparatively easy post-partum period which I know were in part because I managed to birth naturally and umedicated. If I have another child, I will be calling her!
Sharon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm so glad Molly was with us during the whole process. She was calm and supportive during the day and was a nice reassuring presence when things did not go the way we planned. I actively labored for more than 12 hours and pushed for about 6. Neither my husband nor I could have sustained that length of time without the assistance of a support person. When there began to be problems with the labor, Molly was very calm and reassuring. I think this was helpful to us - I'm not sure most people would have kept such a level head. I also thought Molly was amazingly nonjudgemental about our decisions and various caregivers perspectives (not all of which were great, of course) - She was a great listener and helped us sort through our options and supported our decisions. She didn't try to sway or influence us in any way. That's exactly the kind of I wanted to have with me during the process. and it's exactly what I think women need.
I was also impressed by how generous Molly has been with her time. She ended up being at the hospital much longer than expected (at least longer than I expected). She was fully present the whole time. I really appreciated that and I know it made a strong (positive) impression on lots of people from the L&D staff to my family. Overall, I really enjoyed working with Molly. She was a blessing to me, my husband, and my son. She is a great Doula and I'd recommend her to anyone without any reservations.
Kelly
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molly walked us through what was expected of a doula and her role as a birth coach. She answered all of our concerns, fears and questions about the birthing process. She gave us information about birthing positions and breastfeeding. Lastly, she was with us throughout the 17 ½ hours of labor and delivery.
Most of our fears stemmed from not knowing what was going to happen, when
it was going to happen and how it was going to feel. By giving us several
articles, websites and book suggestions, she made us feel more knowledgeable and empowered about what was going to happen during the birthing process. She also gave us several laboring and birthing positions to try before the birth. All of this information was so important to us as we have never been through the birthing process.
During the laboring process, she gave not only me, but my husband support with pressure points and messaging techniques, breathing and encouraging words. She made sure the labor and delivery room was dimly lit and quiet per my request. She encouraged me to be my own advocate when the medical staff was not listening to my wishes for labor. By asking me what I needed, she forced me to vocalize to her and my husband what I wanted instead of staying quiet and tense. Her words of encouragement to me when I was exhausted and my husband for being a great coach helped us get through this difficult experience.When I was dilated to 8 centimeters and asked for an epidural, she did not make me feel inadequate because I could not get though transitional labor. She continued to help me through the delivery of our little girl with encouraging words and instruction, i.e., breathing and pushing.
If my husband and I decide to conceive another child, we would use Molly’s assistance again and we would recommend her services to friends/family who are pregnant.''
Marlene
