Love Letters

Our beautiful grandson and nephew, Jack, was born this January. My daughters and I wanted to hire a doula for my son and his wife because although having your first child is the most incredible and exciting experience, it can also be scary and stressful.

An expectant mother can read every book and listen to every other mother’s stories, but nothing really prepares her for exactly what happens during pregnancy and childbirth. Doctors and nurses are wonderful for all that they do, but they tend to have several patients and cannot devote the same time to the patients that a doula can. We believed that Renée would add invaluable support to my daughter-in-law during her experience. We knew that she would be there with her and my son during the labor and delivery. We knew that she would provide them with guidance on getting through it calmly and knowledgeably so that it would be a better experience for them both.

We were all lucky enough to spend some time with my daughter-in-law while she labored with her doula present. Renée was nothing short of amazing – experienced, attentive and caring. My daughters and I were so happy that we were able to provide my son and daughter-in-law with a doula, and my daughters even wished that Renée had been working as a doula back when our children were born!!

Cindy, Proud Grandmother Christina and Tia, Proud Aunts

Renée was by far my saving grace and angel not only throughout my birth but, throughout the past 2 1/2 years. Renée is not just a doula she has been a friend and a shoulder to lean on through every possible scary thought and experience a new mother to be could have.

Renée went above and beyond for my son, my husband and myself. She stuck with me through both pregnancies although my first I suffered a loss. I could not have gotten through it without Renée!

She made the birth of my rainbow baby magical. I am proud to call Renée a part of my little family!

Hiring Renée was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy.  It was a joy to work with her throughout the pregnancy and birth of my first child.

In our prenatal appointments, Renée combined expert knowledge with a calm, positive coaching strategy to prepare my husband and me for the labor process. In one meeting, she mentioned to me what a gift it is to experience childbirth. She told me it would take me to what might feel like my limit and instead of fearing that I should embrace the opportunity and really prove to myself what I am made of. As a former professional ballet dancer I was used to pushing my body to its limits, so Renée’s advice really struck me, and as a result, empowered me to decide to proceed with a natural birth.

My plan for a natural birth became more challenging when learning my baby was in a posterior position in the womb, and also because my water broke before actually going into labor (medically termed PROM, or Premature Rupture of Membranes). These factors traditionally influence hospital birth practitioners to encourage pregnant women to opt for various forms of medical intervention during their labor process, which is what they immediately did with me. More importantly, after arriving at the hospital I realized too late that they, and the practice I had chosen were not aligned with my plan for a natural childbirth. Realizing this, I knew a birth on my terms would be a challenge to achieve. I made the decision that avoiding an epidural was my best shot at not having any of the subsequent unnecessary interventions the doctors were encouraging. I was extremely adamant about not having a cesarean section, which was what I feared an epidural might lead to. Renée was particularly encouraging and helpful in assisting me in maintaining my will to carry out a natural birth in the way I had planned to. And although the labor process wound up taking a considerable amount of time, ultimately things unfolded almost exactly like I’d envisioned.

When Renée met us at the hospital, I was in full active labor and my husband and I were both completely drained and exhausted, and frankly a little scared! Renée’s presence instantly changed the atmosphere of the delivery room and helped restore our energy and confidence. Upon her arrival she introduced several helpful techniques like aromatherapy, massage, breathing suggestions, position changes, stretches, and boundless positive encouragement letting me know I COULD and WOULD get through it. She came when my husband and I needed her most and tirelessly worked to get me through the final hours of labor naturally, all while being sensitive, calm, and never overbearing.

Though I may have doubted my strength and resolve at various points throughout the process, Renée never doubted me. She believed in my ability to have the birth I was hoping for, and through her coaching, knowledge, and experience, my birth story is one that I am incredibly proud of! I am sure things would have turned out differently had we not hired Renée. She is an incredible doula and person. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of working with her, and because of it I am left with an amazing, positive memory of my first birth experience.  Not to mention a beautiful, healthy baby girl.  Thank you Renée for your kindness and assistance, I couldn’t imagine having done it without you!

After experiencing an unplanned cesarean section with my first child, I knew that I wanted my next experience in labor and delivery to be different. When I became pregnant with my second, I reached out to Renee immediately. I was emphatic about surrounding myself with as many supportive people as possible, so that I could reach my desired goal: to VBAC.

Renee’s knowledge of the birthing process, coupled with her unwavering support of my birth plan made a world of difference from the very beginning of my pregnancy! Every step of the way, Renee was there to reassure me of my strength and remind me of my goal.

Throughout labor, Renee was there to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. She distracted me when I needed distracting, fed me when I needed fuel, massaged my back through the pain, and advocated on my behalf when it came to the hospital staff. I never felt overwhelmed, unheard or alone.

Not only did Renee help to make my second birth experience everything I hoped for, she also took pressure off of my husband. This allowed him to experience labor without the anxiety of having to protect me, and that made HIS experience a better one as well. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the woman and professional that Renee is; every woman should be lucky enough to have such support through birth.

I immediately felt comfortable with Renee, like I had known her for years. I hired her in my third trimester and I wish I’d done it sooner. It was my first pregnancy and I had some logistical complications that were making me anxious (changing doctors in the 7th month, living in 2 cities 9,000 miles apart, etc.). Her knowledge and positive, warm spirit put my mind at ease and made me feel excited and capable about the journey and challenges that were to come.

She was a calm, reassuring presence in the delivery room, and very supportive in the weeks after my daughter’s birth. I knew (and know, still) that I could email, text or call her with any questions, however small. She was also helpful in reinforcing and focusing my communication with my husband during this period.

I highly recommend her to anyone who is having a child – first, second, third, tenth! Every woman should have a doula.

Ana Tiwathia, Brooklyn 2015