Testimonials for Doula woman

 Carmen, Dec. 2022

Martha. Wow, how can I express my gratitude for your presence at Eden’s birth? In these early post birth days I wanted to take some time to write a note to you while these memories and feelings are still so fresh in my mind. 

Firstly, you are doing exactly what you are meant to do. I could see and hear your heart and passion for this “work” in our calls and visits, but in the actual unfolding of birth I could see it come alive. Like a light within you. This is a gift and I’m so grateful to have been able to witness it. 

I’ve realized I’ve been very challenged in being fully myself with others, but not in a self conscious way so much as, not wanting to step on toes or to be too much for those around me. Haha I remember swearing in the tub when the surges were so powerful and then apologizing even when both you and Ben weren’t in the room, which is an example to me of how deep this runs in my soul. 

Through your gentle guidance, presence and reassuring words I felt like I had the ability to fully BE, and that is a huge gift as well. 

In other times I felt your presence guiding me back to the truths I knew in such a perfect way. Like the exact verbs to unlock what I needed in that moment, which is a testament to your intuition and attuned spirit to others. It was miraculous to me.

I felt so encouraged and cared for by both you and Ben the entire time. It was a long time as well, and both of you had such tremendous strength, compassion and patience. 

As far as free birth goes - I can’t express how much it has taught me, and I’m sure that cavern will continue to deepen as I explore it further. I deeply appreciated the ability to go entirely with what my body and soul were feeling. It is such a different experience. As the hours pass since Eden has arrived more and more is being revealed to me through memories, of how incredible it was to truly usher life into this world. For it all to unfold exactly as it should was so profoundly peaceful. 

I realized my only moments of fear were when I slipped into an old mindset of thinking things “should” be a certain way, but never in thinking that something was actually wrong. The entire time I trusted that Eden and I were entirely safe. Maybe a bit exhausted and delirious near the end haha but safe and healthy. 

I am so so very grateful for the entire experience. I am very grateful for your generosity in time and care and travel and everything else. You are an incredible human. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you more in the downtimes when contractions slowed down a bit, definitely felt like we are kindred souls. Ben doesn’t open up to many people and I could see him opening up to you which delighted me. 

Eden is doing so well, being welcomed into our little bubble. Cypress is being adorable as well. He’s acted up a few times, but many more times he’s come over to me, said her name, kissed her head. It’s amazing how they can understand without knowing. Ben is cooking up a storm, and I’m laying around nursing and soaking up these first few days. Feels like the best early Winter solstice gift. 

In peace and love,

Carmen 

ERIN K., Sept., 2022

From the moment we spoke, Martha felt like an old friend. I was pregnant with my first child at 40 and planning a homebirth. I was looking for a traditional midwife and feeling frustrated by my lack of options in Chicago.  Martha quickly became a trusted friend and support person.  She helped me to clarify and find confidence in my vision.  She traveled to Chicago for my prenatal appointment, spending time with my partner and I in our home. She trusted me, supported my vision, and helped me to harness my inner-authority for an autonomous Mother-led birth.  She saw the fears that my partner needed to confront in order to show up confidently to our homebirth, and helped him to address them with compassion. Martha met my sister, who would be present at my birth and began planning with her.  I looked forward to each phone call and visit.  I grew so much personally and spiritually with her by my side. I felt powerful and capable as I stepped into my homebirth.

When my contractions began, Martha called to gauge how far along I was. I labored at home and Martha communicated with my sister.  She timed her arrival perfectly, and showed up as I was in active labor.  She held my hand through each contraction, reminding me to breathe and stay grounded.  With a quiet confidence, she seamlessly blended in with my partner and sister.  Martha is a gifted healer and energy reader.  She was grounded and saw what I needed while in the depth of active labor and transition.  When I felt like I was sinking, she brought me back to my breath.  She helped me to create a sacred and loving entrance for my baby, and honored me as I was reborn a Mother.

I felt seen, supported, and held by Martha throughout all stages of pregnancy and birth. 

Postpartum, she brought me food, eased my fears, and reminded me to trust myself above all.  I know that I can forever reach out to her when I need support.  Martha's work is so sacred, her energy is so clear.  She is completely present and vibrates pure love.  She was exactly the wise woman presence that I deeply craved and envisioned holding my hand at my baby's birth.  She supported me in birthing my first child at home in power and truly coming into myself. I am grateful to Martha and to the magic of birth.  Martha honors the magic and truly honors the Mother.  If am so lucky, I will absolutely ask Martha to attend my next birth !!!

Client J.K., June 2022 You have a gift of holding space for women to see themselves more clearly.

KAYLIN, Nov. 2021

Part 1: Planning a home birth? Read this! 9/25/21 was my second birthing experience with Martha. After my first birth (see review posted on 8/4/19). I already knew the type of birth and prenatal experience I wanted (no interventions, declining pretty much everything- I had my hemoglobin checked and that was it). The Midwife used the fetoscope during office visits to listen to baby's heartbeat. I didn't want any dopplers, but the Midwife said she needed to use one during the birth... We decided to do a home-birth this time, and my #1 goal was to stay out of the hospital. I initially contacted Martha for any Midwife recommendations in my area, and she gave me 3-4 recommendations, which helped to narrow down the search.... I didn't want any dopplers, but the Midwife said she needed to use one during the birth....- in the end it didn't matter, keep reading to find out why! Martha is always supportive of one's decisions, without judgement. She encourages you to make the best decisions for you, and to follow your instincts.

When my labor started, I was 1 week post due date. That night when I felt things were progressing, I called Martha and the Midwife at the same time. After a short description of how I was feeling, Martha was on her way without hesitation. The Midwife suggested I wait until contractions were consistently 5 minutes apart and lasting at least 1 minute long (this is standard). Up until that point I had some really strong and longer contractions, followed by some shorter and weaker ones, so things weren't consistent. Martha later told me she doesn't follow those "rules" for contractions, because every woman and every birth is different, and basically you never know what might happen during a birth. See part 2...

Part 2: After hanging up with the Midwife, things continued to progress, but I never really knew if I was in the desired timeframe for contractions, and by the time I definitely was, my mind was gone since I was deep into the "labor zone." Martha in the end ended up calling the Midwife to notify her, since my. husband was busy caring for our 2 year old who woke up.

After Martha arrived at my house, labor did slow down for a little while, but Martha just gave me some space to try and rest, and she returned to the room when she heard things getting louder/progressing. My birth was definitely chaotic since my 2 year old son who was not initially supposed to be at my birth (family was on the way to pick him up), ended up being there since the end of my labor went so fast. Basically, I had a longer 1st stage of labor, and my active labor and pushing stages probably happened within 2-3 hours max.

Guess what happened- with Martha's calm demeanor, we ended up delivering our baby WITHOUT THE MIDWIFE! The Midwife arrived about 5-10 minutes after baby was born. My husband calmly delivered our healthy baby girl. Martha is non-medical, but her calm presence helped make us feel that everything was well. I am very grateful that baby was healthy and there weren't any complications. I didn't think we would have an UNPLANNED UNASSISTED BIRTH, but like I said before- birthing is such an unpredictable experience, and you never know what might happen. My husband and I were again, so glad that we hired Martha. I likely would have been more anxious having the baby without the Midwife if Martha hadn't been there. Once the Midwife arrived, Martha made me a delicious meal, which she helped feed me while I was arms full and breastfeeding my bundle of joy. See part 3...

PART 3: Martha tag-teamed with my husband during my birth in helping watch my son, while keeping an eye on me, etc.  I'm sure she did a lot more that I wasn't even aware of since I was busy birthing or caring for baby.  Martha always makes sure all my needs are met before she leaves. She is always available if you need someone to talk to, and makes it knows she is there for YOU! Martha is selfless and she offered to donate blood for me in case I needed it, when it was a concern of mine...Martha just rolls with the punches and basically will probably help with almost anything. 

Don't wait too long, as Martha will likely book up! I highly recommend her for a home birth!

Client R.R. 2023, about Tools of Radical Self Responsibility

I feel so energized! Thank you SO much (Martha). I love your style so much and I feel so safe talking through things with you! I will highly recommend that to others.

Client K.J., 2023 about Homebirth Prep

Thanks so much for walking with me in a big transition into mothering.

Client  T.J, July 2022 Absolutely blessed to have you walk with us, and share and hold space through such a powerful journey 

Catherine Thuruthumaly 3/25/2022  Words cannot explain how helpful Martha was in my journey of pregnancy. I not only gained a doula but a great friend. She is always available and puts you at ease through a very stressful time. If you are thinking of a doula, you don't have to look any further! 

 Kelsey, 2022 It was such a pleasure working with Martha as my doula. I had deeply embedded fears about pregnancy and childbirth that she helped me work through during my pregnancy, and she was always available for support when I needed it. Our sessions were educational and so helpful. My hospital birth was beautiful (despite my fear of hospitals), and I truly believe that Martha's support is a huge reason that I had minimal tearing, minimal interventions, and overall a great birth experience. I would have felt very overwhelmed had she not been there. She helped guide me into different positions, kept me and my husband calm, and was just a beautiful resource to have there with me. I could not reccommend her enough. I learned so much from her that I didn't get from my OB and it made all the difference. Thank you Martha!! 

Anu

5/18/2021

Martha is truly a star at what she does ! Her holistic approach to healing and empowerment was simply amazing. From the first antenatal visit to postpartum visits, Martha's professional, caring attitude was so endearing. She empowers and puts the woman at ease at the same time!! I feel blessed  to have found her !!
I would highly recommend Martha's services to anyone in need !!

Thank you, Martha!! 

Jessi Y 

12/27/21

When I first learned what a doula was, I knew I wanted to work with one if I got pregnant.  I met with many doulas in the Milwaukee area who seemed wonderful, but I felt a connection with Martha. Not only was she aware of size discrimination in healthcare (I'm a person of size), but she's had experience...

JY, May 2021

My husband and I are so thankful that we chose Martha as our doula. She was so resourceful and supportive. Right from the beginning I was a fan of her holistic approaches and knew from her kind and professional demeanor that she was the perfect person for my pregnancy journey. I wanted someone who was supportive, empowering, and knowledgeable, and Martha was exactly that. Martha continually reminded me that my body was made to do this and that I knew my body best. She was always respectful, honest, and open-minded. I wanted a natural birth with no medications and as little interventions as possible. Having Martha by our side throughout this journey helped me to believe in myself and trust my own intuition. She helped me take control of the delivery of my baby. Although, the beginning of my labor did not go as I thought it would with my water breaking early, Martha helped keep me calm. Because my contractions did not start right away, Martha gladly came over to help naturally induce labor since I did not want to get induced. I was able to have a smooth and beautiful labor and delivery in the hospital and gave birth to the most beautiful little girl. Knowing that Martha was there the whole time put me at ease because I knew she would advocate for me and follow my birth plan as best as possible. After having my little girl, we were having some breastfeeding issues, and with no hesitation Martha gladly came over to help out. It was so nice to share how I was feeling and have someone there to listen to me and fill me with positivity. Martha shines in all categories and we cannot thank her enough!

Thanks again Martha for all the knowledge and positivite empowering energy you shared with our family!!

Katherine

4/29/2021

Martha gave me the courage to be a rockstar in the delivery room!  Even though my "birth plan" changed - I wanted an intervention free birth, that was not in the cards.  Martha gave me encouragement to have my induction my way, and with my consent.  Full of love and peace, she was a comfort througout my labor.  She was there, by my and my husbands side for the entire lengthy labor process (during the begining of the pandemic!). 

Prior to my hospital stay, she provided me with wisdom and educational material so that I was prepared to be in control, not my doctor, regarding choices in the delivery room.  I felt so empowered, even though I was not having my "dream delivery".  

Martha helped me with my second baby. My first, I felt like I was at the mercy of the medical establishment, however, with Martha, I knew that I was in charge.

Thank you so much Martha!  I've been meaning to write this for a long while now!  Almost 11 months, healthy and happy!

Erin

4/16/2021

Martha is everything I could have hoped for in a doula and more. I interviewed a handful of doulas in the Milwaukee area who were all great but Martha stood out immmediately and after our first Zoom meeting I had NO question that this was the supporter, guide, and birth worker for me and my husband. 

First, Martha is direct and clear... a no-nonscence person, which I love! Second, she made it abundantly clear that no matter what my birthplan was she would have my back and respected my choices. This is KEY for me and I recommend it for any first-time birthing person: work with someone who respects the woman first and then is knoweldgeable about all of the options second. This is your body and your journey. Your birth supporters help you understand your options and then honor your instinct about what you, your body, your family need. This describes Martha all the way through. 

Martha is a deeply intuitive and wildly wise birth worker as well as an impeccable professional. My husband went from questioning the purpose of a doula to considering Martha part of our family after going through this process. 

Martha will be one of our first calls when it's time for #2! 

Eleanor

4/11/2021

My partner and I cannot thank Martha enough for her support in the birth of our son. Martha was encouraging and supportive of our birth plans, informative and helpful in gathering information for us, and worked with our birth center and midwife to create the perfect birthing enviorment. I really don't think I could have had the natural birth I hoped for without Martha's support, I had a long and arduous labor and Martha was so encouraging and reminded me to breath and that I was doing everything right to bring my baby into the world. Martha was also great in advocating for what I had set out as my birth plans. Our midwife and birth center were very supportive, but I can imagine how things would have been very different in a hospital. If you are considering a hospital birth I think a doula is really the way to go, they help be your voice when you are in "the zone" during birth and work with you to establish what your goals are before labor so they can be there for you. Martha also worked to help prepare my partner to be a great birth partner, and I honestly think he was such a great support because of her work with us. All around, Martha was incredible and I highly reccomend her. If we have another baby I know I will be calling Martha! 

SARAH, AUG. 2020If you’re at all on the fence about whether to hire Martha as your doula, do it! My husband and I cannot say enough positive things about our experience with Martha. We began our doula search when I was about 30 weeks pregnant with our second daughter.  My labor and delivery with my first daughter was traumatic and resulted in an emergency c section. It was extremely important to me this time around to do whatever I could to give myself the best chance of a VBAC. Enter Martha. I realized how uninformed my husband and I had been with our first experience, so began calling multiple doulas to see what it was all about. I spoke with several seemingly qualified women, but was instantly drawn to Martha. She has great energy and was supportive of whatever I wanted to do, without judgment. I knew I wanted an epidural and wondered if that was compatible with a doula’s approach to birth. I never once felt judged by Martha. In fact, I felt the opposite.  Her presence was invaluable  - she knew what questions to ask of us and of the midwives and nurses to help us understand and explore all of our options in the moment. I truly believe that without her support, we would not have successfully had the VBAC we planned for.

 We would work with her again in a heartbeat! 

Hayley Kutz, 5/3/20As soon as my husband and I met Martha,  it was an instant connection. We felt like she understood who we were and what we wanted. It was the easiest and best decision to hire her. She asked questions we would have never though of and always worked to make us feel like we owned our birth. She helped me discover that my OBGYN was not on board with my birth plan and helped me find a midwife at 35 weeks pregnant!  Martha helped us through every decision and was always on our side.In the process, she provided amazing physical, moral, and emotional support to my husband and myself. She wasn't just a person in the room; she was our teammate.  We will 100% be hiring her again for our next birth and recommend her without hesitation to absolutely anyone looking for a doula.

Johanna, 2/17/20After having an unplanned c-section with my first birth, I felt very strongly that hiring a doula would be critical if I wanted my second to be a VBAC. I'm so glad we found Martha. I loved our prenatal home visits when she came to talk to my husband and me about our past experience, what our goals were this time, etc. The home visits were just so much more comprehensive and personalized as compared with my brief OB visits. I felt so heard, validated, and supported. Martha had lots of great experience, knowledge, and wisdom to share, but was first and foremost focused on my views and preferences. I felt very well-prepared for my birth, and Martha was an essential part of that.  I’ll never forget how, when the contractions were getting really intense, and I was struggling to breathe through them, I heard Martha say quietly from across the room, “Ahhhh.” And somehow it just clicked that that was the sound my body needed me to make, to keep moving through this labor and to allow my body to relax and open. Another crystal clear moment I remember was when I was on the home stretch, getting ready to push. I’m also so glad we hired her for the postpartum period. It was so wonderful to have her come to our home during that tremendously overwhelming time! She did everything from offering breastfeeding support to playing with our toddler (which was usually what we needed the most!) They even baked cookies one time. Martha was definitely the right choice for our family!

Because of Martha's amazing support, I was able to have a successful VBAC in November of 2019. After having an unplanned c-section and labor/delivery that did not go the way I imagined it to at all, I knew I needed to find special support to have a sucessful VBAC. The second I met Martha, I knew I needed to have her on my team.... She knew exactly how to move with my body as I stood and swayed side to side. She took on all of my weight and digging fingers without any hesitation. Within 2 hours of epidural, I was pushing and our second beautiful baby girl was delivered vaginally.Martha was an advocate for me in the hospital considering I was a "VBAC" patient. She did not treat me like a VBAC patient. She helped me draft my very straight forward birth plan and offered resources and guidance to help me mentally prepare myself for an all natural labor.. We are glad we invested and would recommend Martha 1000000%. 

Bryn, 2019

I initially chose Martha as my doula because I really like her easy going personality and comfortable warm presence. Throughout our time working together these qualities remained true. Martha really made sure that I was the one to call the shots and had things the way that I wanted them and she had knowledge and information to share when we requested it. She remained calm throughout my labor and helped me to be focused and present through the most challenging part of my labor. I also really appreciated her attentiveness during the days and weeks after birth. She was a joy to have in our home. Martha is a lovely person and a skilled doula! "

Alissa, 2019

I initially reached out to Martha because she had training in techniques I was interested in, like Spinning Babies and Hypnobirthing. Her energy was immediately warm and positive, while her knowledge was clear and matter-of-fact. We spent a lot of time talking with Martha about what I wanted - a spontaneous, non-medicated birth. She also gave me a document called "Owning Your Induction" which proved very powerful.  One we decided to go ahead with the induction, Martha not only made herself available despite being three weeks before my due date, but guided me through a very painful active labor with wisdom and patience. I received pitosen and did not have an epidural, which may have contributed to a very intense stretch of contractions. Martha coached me to give in to the experience instead of attempting to manage the pain, which proved invaluable in the end. She encouraged the spontaneous movements I was making and gently pressed me to keep on with them because she knew it was helping things progress - even when I just wanted to curl up in a ball and ride it out. She also showed my husband how to support me during labor.  About 24 hours after starting the induction I gave birth vaginally to a healthy baby girl,... 

​​​"(Martha) was an amazing support to the mother..helpful, and respectful and a huge asset to the hospital staff.  The doula really listened to the mother and supported her in every way she could.  She worked well with the hospital staff in making the mother's experience a positive one."  TIPHANIE, R.N. (June 2016)

Kaylin, 2019

"I was initially on the fence about whether or not to spend the money on hiring a doula. It was my first pregnancy, and I envisioned having a mediction-free and intervention-free birth. Since my insurance didn't cover a homebirth with a midwife or a birthing center, I opted for a hospital birth. I found Martha on one of the doula websites, and after reading all of the positive testimonials we decided to meet with her. Martha is very experienced in attending births, and despite all of the research I had done on my own regarding the birth experience I wanted, she was able to bring some things to my attention that I wasn't aware of and could look into more. It is also very apparent that Martha loves what she does, and she does not do it for the money.  With hospital births, you typically will end up with a doctor of midwife who you have never met before. It was very comforting having Martha there, someone I knew and trusted, who was also familiar with the labor and delivery experience. I had my birth plan, but it put me at ease knowing that I had discussed it extensively with Martha ahead of time, and knew that she would help inform me if hospital staff was about to do something against my wishes. My birth plan consisted of declining most of the hospital protocols/interventions, as I wanted the most primal type of birthing experience as possible despite the hospital setting.  She helped me to trust my body and the birthing experience more than I already had on my own. With Martha present at my home prior to leaving for the hospital, I was able to labor at home much longer than I would have without her there.

Lauren, 2019

"Martha was initially my prenatal yoga instructor but, once I learned that she was a doula, I was eager to know more about her. ;;; She raised many questions that I had not thought of and I was grateful for her guidance! Additionally, she would guide me through some gentle yoga poses and stretches to help with my lower back pain and also process my emotions regarding my pregnancy and labor. When I went into labor, she remained a calm and supportive force.  It was reassuring to see multiple nurses and my doctor recognize her and have a positive experience with her in the room. Everyone acknowledged that they enjoyed working with her.  Martha also provided me with 12 hours of postpartum care which was an invaluable experience. It was great to have somebody to watch my baby while I did something to take care of myself like shower, nap, grocery shop or cook a small meal. Those moments helped me get back to feeling like myself after the birth!  If you are looking for a kind, understanding and supportive doula, Martha is your girl. Thank you so much Martha!!!"  

Koren T., July 2018 

"I had a WONDERFUL experience having Martha as my doula for my first child. She brings positivity and an open heart to every meeting - exactly what you would wish for in a pregnancy/birthing coach. Martha was great at answering all my questions throughout my pregnancy and during postpartum. She was always quick to respond and provided me with great resources. She is very non-judgemental and I always felt comfortable around her. Best of all, she made me feel EMPOWERED to make the descisions that I felt were best for me and my baby. My birth was a long one - 24 + hours - and Martha was there supporting me and my birth wishes the entire time. She interacted well with the hospital staff and provided suggestions to help my labor progress. My husband and I are looking forward to having her as our doula again when we have our second child!"

Emily, 2018

I strongly recommend that you consider Martha if you are interested in working with a doula that is caring and determined. She served as doula for the birth of my husband and I’s first daughter. During a long (38 hours!) labor, much of it spent at home, she was constantly by our side. Martha was a vital source of support when we were laboring at home and provided a great deal of certainty that what we were going through was normal and natural. She was great about helping me relax between contractions and offering advice on different positions that I could try to move things along. When we finally decided to go to the hospital, Martha actually beat us there and was waiting at the entrance. During our time in the labor room, she was proactive about providing advice and context about what was going on and served as an advocate for my care. I am really happy that I was able to deliver vaginally in part because it was nice for Martha to be able to experience that after being by my side the entire time. I overheard the nurse that was with me during the last part of my labor thank Martha for being there, which speaks to the value of having her presence. ...

Laura, 2018

My wife and I had a wonderful experience with Martha as our doula. We were looking for someone to guide us through the process of preparing for giving birth, since neither of us had done it before. Martha is a skilled listener - she always focused carefully on what we were saying, and truly seemed to understand our wishes. She answered our questions and helped guide us through the process of getting ready for birth. During labor and delivery, Martha was there as a supportive presence, giving words of encouragement, and giving my wife acupressure support during her contractions. As the birth partner, I appreciated having Martha by my side because she was a calming presence. Her encouragement and support helped me to be fully present for my wife. We had been told by many people that birth never goes the way you expect or plan. That may be true, but we were lucky to have the kind of birth we envisioned. We wouldn't have had such a positive experience without Martha's support. I would heartily recommend working with Martha!, Laura M., Oct. 2018

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Sarah D., oct. 2018

My husband and I hired Martha as our doula for our first birth. We met her and immediatley were drawn to her welcoming and calming demeanor. She is a keen listener and very respectful. After making the official decision to have a doula for this birth, I was immediatley put at ease that we would have someone quite experienced to go along with us for the remainder of my pregnancy. When I went into labor, Martha was the first person I called. I trusted her and felt like she was a long time friend. Marhta was present after the birth for breasfeeding support and just the joyful bliss of meeting our newborn. She wrote a beautiful and detailed birth story for our family that we will treasure! She met with us after the birth to check in and offer any needed services. I would highly recommend Martha as a doula and look forward to working with her again if we expand our family. 

​"Patient and kind. Excellent support. Respectful-both of patient and hospital staff. I would love to work with Martha again."

Nurse, C.H., 2016

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-Eliza Cypress Feb. 2018

"Martha is an angel. From the first meeting, to our prenatal visits, to the big day - Martha and her experience and knowledge helped my husband and I have the BEST birthing experience we could have  EVER dreamed. Martha helped me pre labor at home - and was my coach, advocate, guide and shoulder to lean on once we got to the hospital. I genuinely could not have done it without Martha, and am so thankful to have met her. Without Martha's positivity, encouragement and guidance I would not have been able to stick to my original plan for unmedicated birth too! I remember hearing  her calm, confident voice.  Martha helped me stay positive during pregnancy, and helped me stay calm and confident during the labor. I swear I didn't have any tearing or stitches much in part to having a doula by our side.  Martha, thank you for being with us the entire time and for your expert help at the hospital after birth also.  Thank you for continuing to be available post partum for questions and help also - you are a godsend and if/when we have our second we will  for  sure  be calling you again. "

E.G. July 2019

"Martha was wonderful and provided the exact support I /we needed before, during and after birth."

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Jennifer, 2018

"Martha was my doula for the birth of my second child in September 2017. She was absolutely vital to me having the birth experience I was hoping for. She is a very calm and reassuring presence and was able to sense exactly what I needed, when I needed it. She was very much in tune with me before labor began and during - she was able to anticipate my needs while still remaining in the background. After a typical hospital birth with the cascade of interventions, I wanted to do better with my second birth. Thanks to switching to midwives and working with Martha, we made it happen! She helped me labor at home as long as possible - something I never would have been able to trust myself enough to do. She was very hands off - I think she sensed this is what I needed from her. She very much made the birth be about me and my husband and our soon to be born baby and faded into the background. But when I needed her (to help hold the fetal monitor on my belly so I could stand during painful contractions upon arrival at the hospital, to gently remind hospital staff to keep lighting dim, to continually encourage me this was something I could do) she was right there. It was absolutely thanks to Martha that I was able to have a completely natural, intervention-free hospital birth. It was everything I could have hoped for and I'm so grateful to her. 

Ana, 2018

"Hello my name is Ana, and Martha was my doula for my second baby, she was great i had only meet her a week in advance prior to my birth delivery since baby came a week early. So i had only meet her once before she was in the hospital with me. she is very warm and mother like, not judgmental very profesional with tons of expiriance under her belt. I was alone in the hospital with no familiy members during the birth and Martha was my only support, thanks to her the breathing excerises and the walking around help me speed up the birth of baby boy. She ask the nurses questions that i coulnt even think of during my labor and took notes of everything thats was going on and beaing done to me. 

MEREDITH GOLDBERG (May 12, 2018)  

"I loved working with Martha! She's so knowledable, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. She was flexible and so attentive and it's clear she's passionate about what she does. I cannot imagine going thru my pre partum, birth and postpartum care without her! She's a great advocate and a listener. I would recommend her to anyone! She has awesome energy."  

CAROLYN FRASER, (Jan. 2018)  

"Martha is an amazing doula, and anyone would be lucky to have her at their side throughout the pregnancy journey. She was very supportive in the months leading up to my son’s birth, customizing her services to fit my needs, providing valuable information, answering my questions, and even joining me for a prenatal labor and delivery class. Her presence in the delivery room was incredibly comforting and helpful.  She is very knowledgeable about birthing in a hospital setting due to her background working in the medical field combined with her experience as a doula, so she was able to explain things and help me better understand my options. Her positive energy was great in the postpartum period as well, when she visited my home to help ease the transition to motherhood and make sure I was doing well with my new little one.  I can’t imagine having done it without her!," 

KAMAHRIA HOPKINS  (August 2017)

"I highly recommend Martha and her extraordinary doula services. From the moment we met, I knew she would be a great fit. Martha is the perfect mix of knowledgeable, peaceful and expansive. I loved our prenatal sessions - the yoga and reiki in particular. I can't thank her enough for the incredible support she provided to me while I labored primarily at home in the middle of the night. And then later at the hospital when my son made his debut earthside. Even weeks after, Martha continues to check in with me and offer her support." 

MARIKA K. (Sept. 2017)

"Martha was a calming presence and my advocate at the birth of our daughter; she has continued to be an important part of our lives as a post-partum doula,..

LISA EMKAY (Nov. 14, 2017)

 From the moment I met Martha, I knew she would be my doula. I didn't even bother to interview anyone else! It was as if I was reconnecting with an old friend, rather than meeting someone for the first time.  I genuinely enjoyed every prenatal visit and appreciated Martha's amazing Reiki ability. ...She instictively knew exactly how much love and guidance to offer. I chose to have a hospital birth that included an epidural. Martha respected my choices and decisions and never tried to steer me off of my chosen path. Martha encouraged and supported me throughout every step. Martha helped me decide the kind of birth experience I wanted to have. In order to create my "birth plan," she asked me the important questions that I needed to answer for myself - but in such a way that I never felt pressured or judged. Martha supported the plan that I wanted and acted as the perfect guide.  Choosing Martha was one of the most rewarding decisions I made on my pregnancy journey. I can honestly say that I made a friend for life."

"Martha's time, efforts, guidance, and insights were invaluable in all ways leading up our daughter's birth and beyond. ..... COLIN KOHLS HARBECKE (Sept. 12,  2017)

KERRI G. (April 3, 2019)  Upon meeting Martha, I knew we had found our doula and didn't even bother interviewing anyone else.  Martha's peaceful, non judgemental demeanor immediately put me at ease, which I knew would be important during the birth process with my high strung personality.  As the pregnancy progressed, our doctor became more concerned with test results that indicated our natural, unanesthetized birth would be impossible.  I was devastated to say the least, but Martha was always my cheerleader, reminding me that I had the strength to "rock it" my way.  .  While our daughter's birth did not go as planned, I feel blessed to have had Martha by our side the entire time.  Looking back at January 20th, I feel like I gained two new family members, my daughter and Martha.  We highly recommend her services!! 

LINDSAY (Sept. 16, 2017)

"Thank you  for your support and expertise during labor.  In the moments when I felt I couldn't do it, your voice and breathing helped me keep going!

JENNIFER HOLT (8/11/16)

"I knew I wanted to have a natural birth long before seeking a doula.  I had been planning on having a hospital birth with an OB I really trusted, but I knew I would need a little more support if I wanted a medication-free birth. So I (looked) for a doula and I just knew Martha was the one when I met her. She is warm, funny, incredibly encouraging and makes you feel very comfortable from the beginning. During the labor process, she provided constant encouragement which is something that is so needed in those moments. I had the birth that I wanted because Martha was by my side." 

MOLLY TAL (2/20/17)

"I knew I wanted a natural childbirth but was worried about being able to do so in a hospital so I  Iooked into hiring a doula. I found Martha online and knew she was the person to help me. She is so flexible and really helped me relax and prepare. When I went in to labour Martha was right there, She worked with  me through each contraction , helping me to stay calm and comfortable.  One of the more helpful things Matha did for me was to gently remind me of my goal throughout the labour process and offer suggestions to help  me reach it. I was able to labour at home for quite awhile and Martha remained a support when we went to the hospital, helping me not get caught up and distracted in the medical setting. I know for a fact that I could not have accomplished my goal without Martha's help." 

VALERIE ROSSI R. 

"I chose to work with Martha for the birth of my daughter in March. I knew right away upon meeting her that she was the doula for me! Martha has an incredible energy and calming presence. I found her to be very knowledgeable and non judging. She provided me great information. Martha was very responsive and I loved the prenatal sessions. I also really benefited from her reiki. I would highly recommend her as a Doula! "

TIFERRET BERENBAUM (Dec 2016)

"It was such a pleasure to work with Martha! She is so sweet, thoughtful and caring. Any questions I had, if she didn't know the answer, she went and found them. We felt so comfortable with her right off the bat. She went above and beyond with my husband and me, I labored for 41 hours, a few hours into her birthday, and she stuck by our side without complaint, holding my hand all the way through. I highly recommend Martha!" 

LISA TREMPER (7/7/2016)

"She was available last minute and was a tremendous help.  Since she had not met me until  I was in labor, Martha was very understanding and helpful through my entire labor....

"We couldn't have gotten through it as well without you. Thank you!" Client S.A. (Jan., 2018)

Kristin, 2015

"Martha was my doula for the births of my two children. She was a great support in the weeks leading up to my first birth, giving me an idea of what to expect. When my water broke in the middle of the night, she came over and we walked around the backyard through the early contractions. When the going got tough, the main thing I remember is her calm voice reminding me that I wasn't having a contraction in my shoulders, helping me relax. My husband also really appreciated having her there, too.

Client K.S. (August, 2017)

PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION: "(Placenta capsules), kicked my baby blues to the Curb!" 

Barbara Aho 

"Martha has been great for me. I just couldn't get by without her reiki."