Dad's & Partner's Reviews

Renée was an invaluable part of our team during my wife’s first pregnancy and the birth of our child. I was initially unsure about hiring a doula. After working with Renée, I wouldn’t recommend childbirth without one. She gave us the confidence and tools to feel prepared for the birth, and was a source of strength and calm during a very long and strenuous labor.

Renée taught me how each stage of labor and delivery worked, how my wife’s body would react, and how the physical, emotional and mental processes are connected. Armed with this knowledge heading into the birth, we were able to make sound, reasoned decisions for my wife’s care and comfort during each step of the process. Renée was there for me when I needed her, stepping in as a second supporter and caregiver for my wife after a sleepless night in the delivery room. She stayed with us for more than 40 hours, helping to ensure a healthy delivery and providing immediate breastfeeding and bonding support. I do not think we would have had the confidence and presence of mind to make clear decisions that led to a healthy childbirth without her.

Renée’s approach was perfect for us. She equipped us with the knowledge we needed. She was caring and direct in her communication, and was a great listener throughout. She truly wanted what was best for us, and wanted to support our decision making, whatever it turned out to be. I would recommend Renée to anyone who wants to feel knowledgeable, supported and confident in birthing a child.

Wilson A.

Our Doula experience was a real step above our last experience.

Thank you so much. You’re amazing.

Your approach is unique because it did three things well.
Your prepared us for what to expect.
Even though we’d done it before, it was five years ago. I think Mother Nature deliberately makes you forget so the human race won’t go extinct.

Your thoughtful, research-based guides were very helpful and frankly educational. This prepared us for every step of the way in detail. I was amazed by how close our experience was to the projected version in your materials and live walkthroughs with the “baby.”

You reminded Nilda that she had the right to choose and do what her body was built to do by nature.

By explaining to Nilda (and me) the role of contractions, the power of breathing, and the science of hormones, it allowed her to embrace the experience. Instead of running away from the contractions, she went towards them and it was an experience I will never forget.

Siena’s birth was a beautiful one no doubt. But, Lucia’s carried with it a primal, almost spiritual experience as I watched my wife connect with her child’s birth in a loving way. Amazing!

You gave me something to do.

It might sound funny, but we men need a role beyond contributing our sperm in the birthing process. I was there as my wife’s coach. I was present to provide her support as she climbed the escalator to her postpartum self.

During the birth, I focused on holding her hands, saying supportive things to her and connecting to her when she needed it. It is the most connected I have felt to my love in a long time.

This was all made possible by your non -judgemental content that provides clear encouragement to be free, to be in love.
—

I would happily Recommend you to any family who is going to have a baby.

I am almost sorry we are done at number 2.

LOL.

Hugs,
John

Ps – thanks for continuing to be there for our family.

Before meeting Renée I didn’t even know what a doula was. I had no understanding of the importance of a doula, or the role they could play in the birth process. After learning more about the significance of a doula, speaking with Renée, and hearing her perspective, it became clear to me, and to Amanda, that including her in the birth of our daughter would be a great benefit to us.

During our first consultations with Renée she initially, and importantly, helped us by affirming our belief that we COULD successfully see our vision of a natural birth through in a hospital setting where we knew that would be difficult to achieve. We were aware that hospitals generally have a very clinical approach to any obstacles we might encounter, so we wanted to go into the experience prepared to stick to our plan to do things as naturally as possible. Realizing Renée not only understood our vision for our daughter’s birth, but also that she was aligned with it, confirmed she was the person we wanted to include in the experience of bringing our first child into the world.

Also during our first meetings with Renée she taught us some excellent techniques for preparing for the birth, ideas that I in particular could do with Amanda to reduce the amount of physical and mental stress her body was experiencing due to her pregnancy. Things like stretching, massaging, and breathing techniques, and the use of a rebozo to help alleviate the weight of the baby on her stomach. Each of which we used every day in the weeks and days leading up to her labor and that were extremely beneficial in preparing for the birth. Amanda expressed to me that all the techniques we learned from Renée were great for making her feel relaxed, and helped in increasing her physical and mental strength prior to going into labor. Renée also gave us suggestions for the early labor process to help reduce any anxiety Amanda (or I) might encounter, some of the ideas were – additional breathing and massage techniques, use of scented oils, staying fed and hydrated, and keeping a relaxed state of mind. Each of these suggestions proved to be critical as Amanda’s labor began.

After being at the hospital for a while and Amanda having been in active labor for quite a long time she told me she was at a point where she would like for Renée to Join us, so I called her and she said she was on her way. The timing was perfect, both Amanda and I were completely exhausted, she had been in labor for many hours and we needed Renée’s assistance and revitalizing energy. Upon arriving at the hospital Renée immediately and calmly immersed herself in the situation and began offering reassurance, encouragement, and physical assistance to Amanda that let her know she had the strength and capability to get through the remainder of the birth. The addition of Renée’s calming presence gave both Amanda and I a mental boost, and the added strength we needed to keep going. She helped me by giving me a break, and helped Amanda by stepping in, guiding her, keeping her hydrated, and using massage techniques and position changes to ease her discomfort.

We had known that our daughter was in a posterior position in the womb, which meant added discomfort for Amanda and an increased possibility of intervention by the hospital during the birth. Amanda was very fearful of a c-section and was adamant about not having one. Fortunately Renée was able to help Amanda avoid a c-section by suggesting various position changes throughout the labor, and also by helping to try and move the baby while she was still in her belly by positioning Amanda in very specific ways. The combination of these things led to Amanda having the vaginal birth she wanted and planned for. I truly believe that had Renée not been there to assist us, Amanda would have ultimately been forced into having a c-section. I am so thankful Renée was with us to provide all the guidance she did so Amanda could give birth to our daughter the way she had hoped she would. Watching her give birth was the bravest and most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed.

Working with Renée was a wonderful experience – she is warm and calm, she taught us a lot prior to the birth, she assisted us during the birth, and she did it all without being overbearing or seeming overly involved in the whole process. She always knew when to, and when not to insert herself in the experience. She was sensitive to my and Amanda’s dynamic, and that allowed us to maintain a strong connection throughout the birth of our daughter. Her ability to strike this balance created a very personal experience for the two of us, while also making us feel empowered by her presence.

Including Renée in the birth of our daughter was a wonderful choice. I cannot express my gratitude to her enough. I am so thankful we met her and made the decision to have her as our doula.

Renée is incredibly loving and nurturing.  She was very present and aware of our family’s needs and it was only natural we ask her to be our doula again for the birth of our second child.  Renée  is the perfect investment for any family to make.

To the mothers, there is nothing like one mother talking to another.  My wife could relate so clearly to Renée and hear things differently from her than she could from me.   To the fathers, Renée is the investment in your wife’s and your own sanity.  When your wife’s emotions are running wild and fear is taking over Renée is there to walk her through it.   From the
pre-birth visits to the after birth counseling she is all in.  Renée is a wealth of information and loving support.

I appreciate Renée so much and highly recommend her.  Some may not think there is not a need for a Doula.  I say, it is a great investment, which is why we made that investment for both of my daughters in working with Renée.  We love Renée !

Having Renée be a part of the birth of our daughter was the best decision we made!

As a husband I knew my wife really did research on all things when it came to the birth of our child especially after the long journey we were on. We had 5 miscarriages over three years and 7 doctors before getting our miracle baby. My wife is very into the organic and healthier choices and more holistic ideas, so when she brought up things we can do to be more in charge and in control of our birth plan, having a Doula came up.  I of course not knowing anything about having a doula needed to be informed.

When my wife set up a 3 hour course with Renée I at first was a little hesitant, but when Renée came over I immediately felt this woman is someone trustworthy and good at what she does. We got to spend the first hour getting to know each other and let’s just say after 20 minutes of having her explain what she does we wanted her to be part of the whole birthing process and hired her on the spot!

I don’t think I personally would have made it through the delivery especially after the 48 hours labor, we went from a natural child birth plan to; inducing, epidural and emergency C-section.

Renée said from the beginning she doesn’t make medical decisions but she helps make things clear and gives us the space and time to control the environment. She was with us every step of the way all night helping massage Natalie, coaching us, keeping us focused and strong. When things turned to the C section she helped us make sure we understood what was happening. When the drama happened and we were in a state of panic when the baby ended up in the NICU Renée kept us focused on the positives including focusing Natalie on breastfeeding knowing important steps that we needed to do for the baby.

I would have not made it without her!

Not being as strong as my wife and what I just went through in the operating room I almost lost it! Well, I did lose it – Renée kept me strong!

After all that is said and done our baby is fine and Renée even went out of her way in the follow-up postpartum visit and I know she did more than she was supposed to. She was one of the best decisions we ever made through all this and to think at one time I didn’t know what a Doula was!  Now I can’t imagine not ever having a Doula for our delivery!

I am forever thankful for her and now consider her a great friend! We will definitely have her at our next birth!

Love,
John, Natalie & Aria Buonsante