Testimonials
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It's my business (literally!) to provide the best services possible. Read what past clients have said...
Paula was absolutely wonderful in every way. We wanted to find a doula who had experience with deliveries at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, who could provide us with advice and support about pain management during labor, and who could empower my husband to be the most helpful. Paula exceeded our expectations on all three fronts. We were so impressed with her experience at LPCH—she knew many of the doctors, nurses, and staff members so was able to help us navigate the facility to have the best experience possible. We ended up loving our nursing staff and had a great experience in the hospital. We particularly loved having Paula as a support person during the times we were alone in the labor/delivery room. We were able to ask her what was happening, what would happen next, and felt much more in control of what was going on. We also loved having Paula come to our house during early labor. I was able to labor at home for 8 hours before going to the hospital. Paula encouraged me to try different positions to relieve some of the pain from my contractions. Paula’s calm and in-control demeanor was a perfect balance to our personalities and was exactly what we needed to get through a challenging yet exciting time in our lives. My husband was particularly grateful to have Paula with us. Paula guided us, respected, and supported all of our decisions. We couldn’t recommend her more highly!
-Erinn A.
November 2011
First, I would like to say that I had an amazing home birth! After meeting Paula for the first time, I knew right away that she would be my doula. I was drawn to her warm and caring personality right away. And, I am thankful to this day that she was a apart of my birthing team. Paula was very strong and motherly during my active labor, she massaged me while I was contracting, her TENS worked great and her presence was my pain killer. Knowing she was here to support me in any way, gave me all the comfort I wanted, she encouraged me to walk, rest and drink. Whenever I thought I couldn't go on, she was right there helping me through it. I've very blessed to have met Paula and if I would have another baby, without a doubt she would be my doula. Paula has become a very special friend and I would happily recommend her services to everyone.
-Lica D. mama to Lennon
July 2011
I wanted to thank Paula for making my 28 hour long labor just the way I imagined it would be - drug-free and with pretty much no complications, resulting in a birth of a healthy beautiful boy!
If it wasn't for Paula who came over around 5 or 6 in the morning and helped me get through contractions at home, I probably would have gone to the hospital way too early and might have been induced, because my labor was progressing slowly. Paula made sure me and my husband had something to eat, to drink, that I went to the bathroom regularly, and she made me feel as comfortable as I could possibly feel during intense contractions. She also brought TENS, which helped me a lot to get through contractions. Paula went for a walk with me while I was in labor, made sure I was comfortable, and was there for me at all times. She also made sure my husband rested while he could and took a nap while I was having contractions. The baby wouldn't turn so transition was getting long, and Paula along with our midwife Bethany made sure that I knew what was going on and that I knew what my options were to get the baby in the right position. Paula did some maneuvering with my belly using a sheet, put me in the tub, and our baby boy eventually came out after about 2 or 3 hours of pushing :) Paula was very supportive of our wishes to have a drug-free labor and did everything in her power to make sure that's how it was. Also she was available pretty much 24/7 before our due date and after in case I had questions. And being a control freak that I am I had quite a few J Also, possibly because of my labor being drug free, my baby latched on 20 minutes after he was born and had no problems breast-feeding since. Thanks again, Paula!
-Maria F.
May 2011Choosing to work with Paula was one of the best decisions that I made for my delivery. I delivered my baby one month before due date and I really appreciate that Paula made herself available to assist me at such a short notice. She provided so much support at each stage of labor and her suggestions were invaluable. Pain relief options suggested by her helped me a lot. In short, she is a true professional and at the same time very friendly and supportive person. I would highly recommend Paula for anyone looking for delivery doula service in Bay area
- Lekha S.
April 2011
We decided to include a doula in our birth plan because I was unsure whether or not I wanted a medicated or natural birth. I also wanted to spend most of early labor at home, and felt that it would be helpful to have someone there for support. Finally, I didn’t feel confident in making informed decisions during labor (with regard to interventions, among other things) and wanted to have someone there who knew the pros and cons of the choices I could be presented with. Paula took on all of these roles. She joined us at home and helped me labor through 5 hours of frequent, painful contractions. She helped us decide when it was time to head to the hospital, and stayed with us as I made the choice to have an epidural. She helped me voice my concerns and state my preferences at a time when I was not able to think very clearly. Most importantly, she was there when my husband needed her support and when I had moments of doubt that I could go through with the late stages of labor. 24 hours after labor began, Paula was there to see our baby girl arrive! We are so grateful to have had her assistance and knowledge, and would recommend her to any expecting mother or couple.
- Marianne and Scott W.
March 2011
Paula you were an amazing doula. Although I wish the circumstances of my labor and delivery were different it was so nice to have you with us every step of the way. It was great to be able to get a hold of you before the baby was born. I felt like you were always available to talk and answer any questions that we had. My husband and I particulary liked that you were always very calm and reassuring throughout our prenatal visits, the delivery, and the post natal visits. Because this was our first delivery and it was a complicated one it was nice to have your advice and guidance throughout the process. We were apprehensive to have to get an epidural and to ultimately have a C-section after 32 hours of labor but you seemed to roll with punches. I especially loved how you coached me through the whole process, reminding me that even though my delivery was not going as I had planned that the baby was healthy and strong and the end result would be the same… I would have a baby! I felt very cared for while you attended to my bedside especially during the times where my husband needed to have a rest. As uncomfortable as I was your presence made me feel comforted and my husband and I were so happy that we had you there! Thank you so much for helping us welcome David Daniel into the world!
Love,
-The Blomgren's
December 2010
I was in labor for 5 hours -- from the time my water broke until our daughter was born. Funnily enough, partially because I was in denial that I was actually in labor and partially because everything just happened so fast, I labored at home with my husband for about 4 hours without Paula being present. It wasn't because we didn't want her there, it just sort of happened that way! When my husband finally convinced me to go to the hospital, Paula met us there, and was there when I was pushing all the way until we finally got settled in our hospital room, about 6 hours later. Paula was invaluable in helping me during the pushing. She knew exactly what to say to me to help me work with my contractions and be able to push effectively, and it just seemed like she and the doctor, nurse, and my husband were all a big team, working together to help me have the natural birth that we wanted. I had a few hours of stitching afterwards, and she was helpful in guiding me through what to expect, helping me make a positive decision to have some pain medication for the procedure, and just caring for me during that time. She was also really helpful in helping me figure out breastfeeding for the first time! Also, it was great to have her stay with me and care for me while my husband was with the baby during the different standard procedures.
I was on the fence about whether or not to hire a doula for several months, but ultimately, we were very pleased to have her be a part of our birth experience, and grateful for the role that she played. We appreciated her expertise and experience. She has a kind and gentle personality, and is assertive without being intrusive -- that was one thing that I valued since I really wanted my husband and I to share this special experience together without feeling like someone else was intruding.
I highly recommend Paula! "
- Rebekah L.
August 2010
Joyce: I feel so fortunate and thankful to have Paula as our doula! On first meeting Paula, I immediately knew she was the one because she has a genuine warmth about her that instantly put me at ease. I wasn't looking for someone to pamper me but just wanted someone who would be a reference source and experienced guide to help me cope with my pain and fear. She was a perfect fit to our birth team and we credit her with our positive, natural birth experience. She was calm, attentive, and gave great massages. Her energy was so nice to have around. I not only benefited from having Paula present, but so did my husband. She allowed him to be more relaxed through the whole birth process which made him more helpful and supportive. In addition, she took photos of our birth and gave us a wonderful keepsake of pictures. I don't know what we would have done without her.
Julius: I fully expected to be there as much as possible for my wife during labor and delivery. However, I knew that there may be times where I may have to step away for a while – if I get tired or hungry, if I have to go talk to a nurse or doctor, or if I have to use the bathroom or take a shower and freshen up. I knew I didn’t want to leave my wife alone for any (prolonged) amount of time. Also, since this was our first child, I honestly didn’t know how things would unfold during labor and delivery. Sure, I read all the books and did all my research, but there’s so much that could happen, that some uncertainty rested in my brain. Paula provided a reliable and comforting physical and emotional presence to back me up when I had to take a break or step away to talk to hospital staff. She recommended and provided massage and other therapeutic techniques (breathing, TENS) to help my wife get through early and active labor. Paula acted as a sounding board and a “buffer” whenever the doctors and nurses started doing things without adequately explaining what was going on, so we could be fully informed about all the procedures and our options. I honestly feel that having Paula with us contributed immensely to my wife having an uncomplicated and speedy (by “first birth” standards) delivery with no pain meds! Thank you Paula!"
- Joyce and Julius
June 2010
Paula was a great support during the birth of my son Alexander. She helped me through the labor with suggestions on how to manage the pain, with her gentle spirit of encouragement, and her great sense of humor. Paula massaged my back while I hung onto my husband and he told me stories during each contraction. It eased the physical pain and helped give me the emotional strength I needed. I felt like we were a team, I was the race car driver and Paula and my husband were my pit crew. I would not have been able to do it without them. Paula also gave my husband the encouragement he needed to continue to provide the support and strength I needed from him. She helped us with the doctors and nurses, telling us what to expect and when something didn’t seem right. Having Paula with us through the birth was very beneficial and I would highly recommend her services."
- Tana K.
June 2010
I’m so thankful that we chose you to be our doula. I strongly believe that you gave me the courage and support I needed to get through the labor without any medications. I didn’t think I could do it, but I did! You worked so well with Carlos and Michelle, and you were there when I needed you. Thank you!!"
- Maureen B.
May 2010
Paula,
Thank you so much for attending my birth, and helping me achieve the labor I wanted. It could not have been more perfect. There were many moments each hour that your touch, words and experience pulled me through. I really really loved the lavender oil and massage techniques you used to calm me down. I loved the time in the bathtub as you held the water on my back, or held my head while in transition. Your eye contact and encouraging words helped me push and bring Caleb into the world. I still remember your coaching and emotional support. My dream of having a child naturally became a reality because of you. You stayed with me after the birth, when my husband was tending to the baby and my mom was making calls. I love that you never left my side until I was ready. As I think back on my labor, there is not one thing I would have changed. Thank you!!!"
- Tanya M.
Feb 2010
I had a dream of how I wanted my labor and delivery to happen and it exceeded what I had dreamed of. I am grateful to God who was with me throughout the whole process and grateful to Paula and my husband Joe. Paula came to our home soon after we called her at midnight on Sunday night and helped me just as I was entering the active stage of labor. I was in back labor and she advised various positions to help the baby to rotate. She also gave me massages to ease kmy back pain and helped me to sleep through the night between the contractions. On Monday morning we decided to go to the hospital and she came with us and stayed with us throughout the whole labor and delivery.
Just the fact that she was there to stay with me gave me great confidence and the motivation to pursue the natural delivery I so wanted. Paula kept encouraging me to breathe and applied her hot pack (what would i have done without it!) on my back during the contractions. She championed the pushing stage by teaching me how to push. Thank you!
My Ob/Gyn was so impressed with Paula that she told me she has already recommended her to many of her patients. There were a couple of times when I wanted to yield to the pain and get pain medications, but because of the encouragement of my husband and techniques taught by Paula, I was able to handle the pain. I delivered only after being in the hospital for 7 hours! This was better than what I had hoped for. Paula is great! I wholeheartedly recommend her to everyone."
- Supriya S.
January 2010
