Written by a mother having her 2nd baby and wanting a very different experience than she had with her first.
"Laura was a phenomenal doula for my second pregnancy. Her knowledge was clear and her care was grounded in compassion and the wisdom of experience. She immediately recognized and empathized with the negative aspects of my first pregnancy/birth experience and worked with me to establish a birthing plan aimed at overcoming the obstacles I had faced. She helped me figure out exactly what I was hoping for with the birth of my son, and in the end I had the most peaceful and beautiful birth.
She was so supportive through pregnancy and labour. Always providing just enough information without making things feel overwhelming. During labour she was excellent at providing support and comfort measures while labouring at home. She was also very helpful in deciding the perfect moment to make our trip to the hospital. It was so reassuring to have her guidance on what is typical during labour. She advocated for me at the hospital and stood up for all of my preferences! She was kind and respectful, yet firm when dealing with medical staff. I could go on forever with how much we valued her!
Finally, she prepared a document for us on my birth story. It brought me to tears. She wrote about moments that I had almost forgotten about through the blur of adrenaline and fatigue. It is a document I will cherish forever. I look forward to sharing it with my children one day." JH
From a beautiful woman having her first baby and who really loved the Chimes Ginger Chews that I keep in my doula bag! They kept her going!
"Laura is amazing. As a member of our doula team she was with us during the last trimester of pregnancy, through labour & delivery, in the first weeks after baby was born, as well as for several postpartum support visits later on. It was great to have her continuity of care during such a transformative time in life. Her energetic yet calming presence helped us feel grounded throughout the process. We really appreciated the stories and laughs she shared along the way -- she has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from her work as a doula and also her personal experiences as a mother. She was open to answering our many questions and helped us feel confident and comfortable. During labour & delivery her presence was reassuring. And I still firmly believe that her special ginger candies helped me get through labour! We are so grateful to Laura." AL
Written by a father.
It was their first baby, and they were away from their home country and family.
"I’d like to begin my testimonial by saying that my wife and I did not know what a doula was. I met Laura at an event, and she introduced me to the doula services, and after a brief discussion with my wife we decided that Laura was going to be the doula for the birth of our first son Jonah. It was one of the best choices we’ve ever made! At first, I thought we were making this decision because we do not have our families with us here in Kingston and going through a pregnancy by ourselves in a foreign country was scary. I now realize that this was the least important of the reasons why we chose to have Laura with us.
Before the birth: Laura is extremely knowledgeable about the pregnancy, and the state of mind of each parent month by month. She would go through every change that the woman’s body undergo during this beautiful process, and she would always have a positive energy, and very calm spirit even when talking about possible sad circumstances. This helped us establish a trusted environment where the relationship with a doula was more like a relative rather than a professional. She would always answer our questions and concerns and point us in the right direction in case she did not know the answer. Finally, she valued and supported the importance of the partner, and I felt guided and excited to become the best support for my wife.
During the birth: the delivery day was the day I realized the true power of having a doula with us. Not only she was very comfortable with the entire process, which helped us feel less under pressure, but just like a mother does she supported my wife every single step of the way, from getting adjusted to the birth room, to stimulating positive thoughts and laughing, to helping relaxing. My wife says that having Laura close was just like having a caring mother, even better, since she has a lot of experience with births. Of course, she never forgot about the partner, not even during the birth, she would guide me through every decision, and keep my feet on the ground in the moments my mind was telling me to freak out. Last, but not least, thanks to Laura we have the best photoshoot of the birth of our little Jonah.
After delivery: being the postpartum a very delicate phase, we were extremely glad we had Laura with us. She met with us twice after birth, making sure that breastfeeding was going fine, and most importantly that both parents were happy and healthy. The positive energy she always shows helped us go through those tough days in which sleep deprivation and tiredness kick in, and you begin to doubt your capabilities.
I strongly suggest new parents to hire Laura as your doula, it’s a choice you will never regret, and it’s a bond you create for life." FA
Words from a mom who wanted breastfeeding and postpartum support after a second Cesarean Section.
“Laura was my postpartum doula and was always so thoughtful during our time together. She took time to truly listen to my concerns and offered words of encouragement when needed. Many of the tidbits she shared stuck with me and gave me a new perspective of my birth and breastfeeding experiences. She also cared deeply for my baby which showed in how she interacted with him.” JT
Written by a woman having her second child and who also wanted to have a more positive and enriching experience.
"After the birth of our first child, my husband said, "Why didn't we hire a doula?" I thought we were prepared after taking the birth class and because our family doctor would be the delivery doctor. I was wrong! By the time we reached the hospital, we were both exhausted and confused after an extremely long early labour stage. The nursing staff, bless their hearts, are wonderful, but they take breaks and change shifts over the course of your labour and delivery. They have different styles and approaches, and ultimately their concern is the baby and your physical wellbeing, not your comfort or peace of mind. While some are willing to let you labour the way you like, others may not be if it interferes with the monitors. My husband was my only support, which was exhausting for him.
Needless to say, we chose a doula for the birth of our second baby. Before the birth, Laura and I met to remind me about what to expect and she guided me through coming up with a birth plan. Even though Id' done it before, there were many things I didn't realize I had a choice about when it came to labour and delivery and Laura outlined different options. She kept in contact frequently as we approached and past passed the due date, helping us plan if the baby decided to come during an impending snowstorm.
When labour was underway at the hospital, she arrived and sprung into action! She helped me find comfortable and effective labouring positions. She rubbed my back and held me when I needed it. She helped my husband take a break and also let him know when I needed him, so I didn't have to. She anticipated my needs and encouraged me when I felt weak. The doula lets the nurses and doctors focus on their job and the mother focus on hers. Our doctor later described Laura as "amazing" and my husband said it's "definitely worth it".
Have mercy on yourself and your partner, hire a doula! Hire Laura, she's the best there is!"
MA
This new mom wanted support in the form of rest and in building confidence going out. For her, PP help meant quiet care while she rested, and together taking the baby shopping and going out for lunch!
"If you're a new mom who, like me, could use some help, Laura is a lifesaver! Getting through the newborn stage was much easier because of her. A doula and mom herself, she was extremely knowledgeable and sweet and kind to my daughter. Having Laura's help was a great investment in my happiness and my baby's, and well worth the money spent. Thank you, Laura!" KM
It can feel very intimidating to bring home a second baby and I love helping families find their confidence by helping them to see how competent they really are!
"Having a parenting support practitioner for my second child was particularly useful to help to remind me about newborn care as well as guidance and support when it comes to balancing the needs of our newborn and toddler. Laura gave me some strategies for how to manage with two kids on top of my household tasks and I fell so much more confident that I can do this.
In today’s day and age, there are many women, like me, who do not have friends and relations who are real expert in the realm of children and babies I fell that Laura is tremendously gifted with children and she has a lot to offer other mothers, both in terms of self care and baby/child care.
She also has a lot of experience to share with respect to sleep and feeding strategies.
Overall, I feel more confident with my newborn and new my new role as a mother of two. I feel that I had (and continue to have) a support when I need it, but more importantly, feel more confident and relaxed in my own ability to nurture my children.
I really like the way Laura relates to our toddler with gentle compassion and respect for her individuality. Laura is amazingly calm and soothing with the newborn. I strive to bring this attitude and approach more into my own parenting." MS