Having Christine at our labour took so much pressure off of myself, I was able to focus on Jilly’s comfort rather than the labour itself. It was invaluable to have an expert to help guide us through the most exciting day of our lives.
Jilly – I cannot imagine having gone through this experience without Christine. I honestly can say I would not know how we would’ve managed without her. It is such a crazy experience in itself, having someone there that was a constant and was confident was truly indispensable. I am forever grateful.
Matt
To say that I loved having Christine as my Doula would be an understatement!
From the moment we began working together, Christine was dedicated to understanding my birth plan and getting to know my and my husbands’ personalities. She really listened to what I wanted for my first childbirth experience, and researched ways to help me prepare for the natural, drug-free birth of my baby boy. This included finding ways to incorporate my yoga practice, getting to know breathing techniques that worked for me already, and coming prepared with every natural method of dealing with pain she could get her hands on. In the months, weeks and days leading up to my due date, she checked in often, and when I had questions she was always just a call or text away.
On the Big Day, Christine proved herself to be an absolute natural! She was patient, considerate, compassionate, and most importantly, she always kept me moving forward, never letting me dwell on the pain or feel sorry for myself. There wasn’t a contraction where Christine wasn’t by my side, counting me through and giving me words of encouragement and inspiration. When I showed doubts that I could handle the pain, she and my husband gently steered me back into my breathing, and I was able to re-focus and continue. Without this constant support, I may not have known my own strength, and for that I will always be grateful! Having a drug-free childbirth is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life.
In the weeks that followed, Christine proved to be as supportive of my recovery as she was to my birth preparation. It was so reassuring knowing that she was there for me as I healed up and navigated through my new life.
Christine will always have a very special place in our family and I look forward to having her with me on my next childbirth adventure!
Katie Rusert
Christine was a joy to have help with our first birth. She was at same time kind, caring and sensitive as well as professional, sensible and well educated. Even though we found her quite close to the birthdate she was very accommodating and the chicken soup at the postpartum visit was an awesome bonus. Much love.
Johanna, Dave and baby Cedar
Christine was amazing! She came right when I needed her. She listened to my needs and offered really helpful suggestions as well as being hands on. She also provided many techniques for my partner and mother to use with me. We couldn’t of done it without her. Thank you so much Christine!
Robin, Peter and baby Levi
Choosing to have a doula was not a difficult decision for us. I personally knew from early on that I wanted to experience childbirth with a doula to support both my husband and I. I’m an older new-mother and had the privilege of having most of my friends have babies well before us and hearing the positives of their pregnancies and labours. It was clear from many of their experiences that having a doula alongside you and your partner during labour was invaluable. I was a hard YES from the moment I became pregnant.
We were so fortunate to then meet Christine. Let’s be honest, pregnancy and childbirth are equally incredibly exciting and terrifying. But, from the moment we met Christine we felt at home. Comfortable. Safe. Confident that our birth team was complete and capable. Leading up to our due date Christine provided that little bit of reassurance needed to welcome the many thoughts and feelings before labour. She answered questions, touched in to see how we were, and ultimately just provided so much security during a pretty uncertain time (or so it felt). Once things got going, again, her calm confidence, warmth, and guidance were paramount. My husband felt so much more relaxed in his role because he knew he was also supported and not alone. Christine provided him with the space to experience the labour fully with me, but supported us both throughout, however it was needed. I specifically remember one moment while I was pushing and VERY focused, I could hear Christine coaching me with just the right words and intensity. She knew exactly what I needed in many moments. She has a gift for nurturing you so warmly, but also never letting you forget that you are infinitely more capable than you think you are. I am so grateful for her participation in such an intimate time in our family’s life. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
Kimberly and Adam
From the moment I met Christine, I knew I’d be in good hands! She has such a calm, reassuring demeanor about her. I was so incredibly nervous going in for my c-section (as was my partner) and Christine helped us both immensely! She let us know what to expect and helped us afterwards with the baby staying as long as we needed, which we are forever grateful for. We are so thankful that she was a part of this amazing experience!
Emily, Brian and baby Skye
Christine made me feel comfortable with her right from when we met. She was very respectful and supportive of my feelings and choices in an unbiased, informative and proactive way. She felt like a great friend and someone I could trust and talk openly and easily on the first meeting. She has a calm and confidant demeanor that empowers you in a time when you feel so vulnerable. When it came time to have our daughter (which ended up by scheduled c-section) I was so nervous. Knowing she would be there to help get me through and help with the brand new dad duties in the first hours while I was in immediate recovery gave us great comfort. Then once home I was still having a hard time breast feeding because of bad latching. After a lot of coaching while in the hospital, it was Christine’s technique and gentle and patient way that provided the success we needed to finally get it. Since then we have been feeding without pain. I would work with her again in a heart beat.
Holly