One of the best ways to understand how I work as a doula is to hear it from others whose births I’ve attended. I provide references upon request – please Email me and I’d be happy to send you the list. In the meantime, here are some quotes from some of the families I’ve helped out who have answered an anonymous survey – I hope they give you a flavor of how I work!
Physical Support
“During the birth, you assured me that the physical elements that I was experiencing were NORMAL. You were great about massaging and talking, both of which helped to take my mind off of what was actually going on!”
“You rubbed my feet and hands for hours to help stimulate contractions.”
“You really stuck int here rubbing my back for so long.”
“You suggested that I change positions and encouraged me to do what felt right for me.”
“You were very strong even with your tiny frame. I could really lean on you without feeling like you were going to fall over. Also, when you helped me up I didn’t have to put much physical force into it as you did most of the pulling.”
“I had a cramp in my leg that was debilitating and I couldn’t think of what to do since it hurt worse during contractions. You helped rub it (first asking me if it was ok since it was really close to my groin). I really appreciated you asking, even though it was COMPLETELY ok.”
Emotional Support
“You were really caring and comforting.”
“I specifically remember you telling me during the pushing stage that he was almost out and that I could do it. Just hearing someone say that gave me the strength to continue on and not give up. Also, your continuous support while I was waiting for the epidural (that I never got) 
was a huge help as well. I think I would have just given up if you had not been there to cheer me on.”
“You talked to me in between contractions. I’m not really sure what we talked about but it was nice easy conversation that kept me distracted. And at one point you suggested music and we put the Enya cd in and that really helped.”
“The birth art, massage and information, one on one with my husband, made us feel like we were embarking on a journey together, not just a physical ordeal.”
“I felt very emotionally supported during my birth…I would describe an overall feeling of emotional support that radiated from your excitement about being involved in my birth and the relationship that you built with me and my husband prior to the actual birth experience.”
“I knew that you understood my desires for my birth experience, and I also knew that you would advocate on my behalf when choices were to be made. I felt like you were doing everything in your power to help me have a positive experience, and that you were my personal cheer leader!”
“Painting my toes put me in a great mood, and made things lighthearted.”
“During my pushing urges I made some pretty loud roaring sounds and you were very positive and assuring that they were good sounds. I liked that.”
Informational Support
“I really got a lot of benefit from the ice demonstration you did. (holding a piece of ice in your hand and using different techniques to cope with being uncomfortable) Before then, I thought breathing and distraction techniques were a waste of time. I did my own coping techniques during my labor… my breathing and all that was just my own variation of what they teach in class. You were very supportive of how I chose to cope with pain as well. I never remember anyone telling me to be quiet! ”
“[It was helpful to hear] what was going on down there! i couldn’t see or feel much, and everything was really surreal. comments that alleviated the mystery of what the heck was happening.”
“You told me everything I could expect before every procedure which helped with my stress level.”
“Prior to my birth, you were really there for me. Everyone wants to show up when there is a baby coming, but when you are pregnant, people get tired of hearing about all of your little concerns. It was so nice having you to talk to about what to expect. Because of you I felt more prepared for my birth experience.”
“I felt very informed about the birth process, and through the many discussions that we had prior to my birth experience, I felt that you knew where I stood on most issues. During the birth, I think that you tried to ensure that I was making informed choices and you acted as an advocate for my wants and needs. For example, we had discussed the issue of the pubic area being shaved before the birth, and you knew that this was something that I did not feel was necessary. When the nurse came in to perform this procedure, you helped me to politely refuse, both of us certain that I was well within my rights as a patient. You were a great source of informational support!”
Support for Partners
“My husband loved having a doula! As first time parents, neither of us had been throught the birth experience before, and my husband expressed concern that he would not know what to do to help me. Having you there gave him confidence and support. My husband especially liked the fact that there was another person in the room to help with massage, and to generally keep me company while we were waiting for the fun to start. You did a great job of helping yet also allowing my husband and I to have personal space.”
“What helped him was the information and research on what things I was going through, and he didn’t feel overwhelmed during the birth, because he had lots of help helping me and baby.”
“My mom thought you were great. It helped relieve a lot her stress knowing that she didn’t have to be the only person supporting me…and that she could take a break if needed.”
“I think you helped with our 2 yr old daughter after she woke up and you filmed the birth, which he was suppose to do but had too many other things going on.”
“I liked that you took care of helping me physically so that my husband could help me emotionally. Like when you got the wash cloth for my forehead and let my husband stay with me even though he knew where they were in our house.”
Interaction with the Hospital Staff or Midwife at a Home Birth
“Your interaction with the hospital staff was great. You asked questions and made sure that I understood exactly what was going on. Your interaction with the staff definately improved my experience because you often asked questions that I did not think of. Also, when we asked the staff for something (blankets, water, etc.) you did a great job of following up to make sure that it was brought in a timely fashion.”
“You seemed to really team up with the nurse especially. You are a people person and strike me as someone who is easy to get along with.”
” You let [the midwife] do what she needed to do and you supported me solely which was nice.”
“You stayed out of the way when they were doing what they needed to do but you were right there to talk to me.”
“I thought it was nice to have someone I knew helping the birth team, so i wasn’t being guided through it by a stranger.”
Unplanned Events
“When I found out I was having a c-section, you told me everything that I could expect. I was pretty nervous but going into it somewhat knowing what was going to happen, really helped.”
“Things did go differently, and they were out of everyone’s control but you adapted well and supported me during the time between when I asked for the epidural, and when [baby] was born without the epidural.”
“I had some pretty strong opinions about what I wanted for my birth, yet I was very relaxed when it came down to the reality of my birth experience. Basically, nothing went as I had “planned,” but everything went perfectly. I appreciated the flexibility that you demonstrated, and your ability to support my husband and I no matter what the situation. As changes came along, we were able to roll with them as a team, and the end effect was positive for everyone!”