What clients are saying…
“She provided the perfect motherly care and support without having my real mother there.”
— Katie R. | March 2022
“Colleen was my doula for both of my births. I always knew that I wanted to birth with midwives, in a birth center, and that I wanted a doula. But then, COVID happened, and it was even more crucial to me that I had a doula. I knew that I wanted a doula because birth providers (OBs and midwives alike) can be attending multiple births at a time. And even if they aren't, they are there mainly for the medical aspect of the birth. They aren't necessarily going to be caring for you and coaching you through the birth. I wanted a natural birth but I wasn't 100% confident in my ability to accomplish that and knew that having a doula would greatly increase my odds. I'd always pictured my birth experience to include my husband actively participating, and my mom present. But then, COVID. My mom couldn't attend, only a doula and my husband. Colleen was the perfect fit. She 100% provided that motherly attention. Even before the big day, she went above and beyond to provide support with her pre-natal support group and two pre-natal educational meetings 1:1. She was also always checking in on me and gave me so many resources to be ready physically and mentally for labor. Then when I was laboring she was the perfect support person - she had already shown my husband how he could support me and she was there to coach him on how to be helpful. Without her I think I might have even had a hospital transfer the first time - she kept my husband and me calm by keeping us informed and reassured, knew when to bring the midwives in to assess, but also knew when to step in and suggest different positions to try when things were stalled to give me the best chance for a natural delivery without transfer. She provided the perfect motherly care and support without having my real mother there. She even spoon-fed me after my daughter was born! I had two successful, comfortable, natural births during a global pandemic largely because of her wonderful care. She is who you want as your support person!”
“This is the second time we used Colleen as our doula because we couldn’t imagine another birth without her by my side. She is truly the best! Throughout my pregnancy with Baby #2, Colleen was extremely attentive by checking in often to see how I was feeling, both physically and mentally. She also has offered me helpful advice throughout the process. Colleen understood how emotional pregnancy can be and eased all of my worries. When I was at the hospital, Colleen stayed with me for the whole duration of my labor and delivery. When I first got to the hospital I was only three centimeters dilated. Colleen gave me helpful suggestions and showed me exercises on how to speed up my dilation. She also gave me massages with lavender oil, which helped relax me in labor. When I was pushing she was instructing me on different positions and doing rebozo exercises with me to help me get the baby out. There were moments when I didn’t feel that I could continue to push and wanted to give up. Colleen was my personal cheerleader and helped motivate me to successfully push my daughter out. Thanks to Colleen I didn’t need any interventions and got the natural birth that I wanted. More importantly, I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Colleen wasn’t just my doula but also became my friend. I trust her and feel that I can confide in her about anything. My husband loves Colleen as well and has joked around that I trusted Colleen more than him during my labor and delivery (which is true..haha). Without any hesitation, we both highly recommend Colleen and her doula services.”
-Heather | January 2021
“I recently had the incredible privilege of working with Sooo-z as my doula, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am for her exceptional care and support throughout my pregnancy and labor. She made multiple visits to my home, providing attentive and compassionate support. Her responsiveness to my questions and texts was remarkable, and she was always there when I needed her, no matter the time of day or night. Her calming presence and gentle reassurance during labor helped me stay focused and empowered throughout the process. Sooo-z's knowledge and expertise as a doula were evident in every aspect of her care, helping me make informed decisions aligned with my birth preferences. Her non-judgmental and supportive approach made me feel heard and respected at all times.”
Sooo-z's dedication and availability were truly exceptional, and her passion for her work shone through in every interaction. She provided invaluable comfort measures during labor and advocated for my preferences with the medical staff. Her professionalism, knowledge, and responsiveness made my birth experience more positive and memorable. I am forever grateful for Sooo-z's guidance and support during this special journey into motherhood. -Emma Z
I knew right from the beginning I wanted a Doula after taking a Hypnobirthing course and boy did I hit the jackpot with Sooo-z! Having her with me throughout my labor and delivery was more than I could have imagined. Her positive words and affirmations, foot massage, and help breastfeeding was more than I expected! I had the most wonderful experience and I can't thank her enough! I look forward to working with her again in the future!! -Julia W.
Sooo-Z is an incredibly kind, calming, and thoughtful doula and overall an amazing person! Before I went into labor she taught me different positions and moves that would help me prepare. At the hospital, she helped so much by relieving pressure during contractions and made sure to include my husband in the process as well. Her voice and presence are very soothing. She made sure the hospital staff knew my preferences and advocated for me during the whole process. She played a very active role in my (long) pushing and made sure the baby was immediately handed to me.
We are first time parents and had no idea what to expect going in. It was so helpful and calming to have Sooo-Z with us the whole time, especially because the nurses mostly just come in for checks or updates. I would 100% recommend working with Sooo-Z for a more calming birth experience!
We also worked with Sooo-Z as a lactation consultant and she immediately helped me figure out a method and a schedule that worked for both me and our baby. She even brought us homemade cookies! It was really special to see her with our baby whom she helped deliver. Thank you again for helping all three of us!! I highly recommend working with Sooo-Z for any needs related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! -Grace B
“Grace was wonderful. I don’t think I would have been able to have a natural birth without her assistance. She helped me cope with the discomfort of childbirth emotionally and physically and was a cheerleader through it all. My last birth was a c-section, and for this birth a vbac was very important to me and Grace was able to help me achieve a wonderful outcome - a vbac and the healthy delivery of a baby boy.” — Jessica
“When we were planning for our child's birth, we knew that working closely with a doula would give us the confidence and sense of security we needed––especially because of a history of traumatic birth in my family. Grace gave us that and so much more. She took time to get to know us and had a strong understanding of who we are and what we desired. During labor, Grace's guidance, both through the phone and in person, helped us both feel grounded in our spirits and decision-making. I was unexpectedly induced and had a long labor, which I could not imagine getting through without her close support. We needed someone to tell us (me and my husband both!) that I was going to get through it, especially given that things did not go as planned! Her coaching helped me push through (in the end, literally!) the other side without losing confidence. If not for Grace's presence, I feel certain that things may have gone very differently. Her support continued beyond the labor itself, into our fourth trimester period––this was so important for us, as we were mostly getting through it alone. We are so grateful for her warm, encouraging and uplifting support, her calm presence and her knowledge––"wise arriving" is absolutely the right phrase to describe what we experienced. Thank you Grace, from all three of us!”— Maryam & David
“It was anxiety-relieving to know ahead of time and during that Grace would be there throughout. Grace has a friendly, calm, and patient aura which helped my husband and me remain in a good headspace during labor. She is intelligent and capable while also having a high EQ. This translated into her interfacing with hospital staff with perfect balance of deference and pushiness, leading to optimum care for us." — J. Brennan
“Colleen is a wonder. She came highly recommended via a family friend as I prepared for the arrival of my 3rd child and first home birth. Colleen is attentive, knowledgeable, organized, and wonderfully communicative. Colleen was kind and supportive during my labor and allowed me the use of the most wonderful tens unit! I'm hugely thankful for her support before, during, and after my child's birth.”
-Amanda | November 2022
“Hey Colleen, wanted to drop a quick note: just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for everything. I have to be honest I was a little weary when Julianne first mentioned hiring a doula, not because I didn’t trust them, but just didn’t think we needed one. I didn’t really understand the role you’d play, but boy was I wrong. Julianne’s goal was to deliver a successful VBAC and while she did it, I feel like she accomplished so much more mentally, because of you. This delivery was way more emotional and special and we really could not have done it without you by our side. Thank you doesn’t describe my gratitude towards you but I can’t find any other words. You were amazing!!”
-Mike | February 2023
“As a prenatal chiropractor, I worked with Colleen’s clients for about 8 years hearing them rave about her as their doula! When I got pregnant myself, I was excited to get to have her support myself! Even hearing all of these amazing things about her through the years, her support through my pregnancy, birth and postpartum completely surpassed my expectations. Because of my background, I have a special appreciation for her guidance and expertise in pelvic positioning, and I know her advice throughout pregnancy and hands-on help during my birth helped me have the beautiful, intervention-free birth I had envisioned for myself. I feel lucky and blessed that I had her help bringing my baby into the world, in the exact way I wanted, not an easy feat in a hospital setting! Her postpartum help has also been AMAZING - she makes herself available for questions through her postpartum groups with her other clients, and even visited us a couple of days after returning home from the hospital for a check-in. We also used her placenta encapsulation services, which was also great. As a person who has always been sensitive to hormonal changes in the past, I was nervous about the hormonal shifts after pregnancy. I took my placenta pills regularly, and my mood was completely stable through my entire postpartum time!”
-Cristina Poulos | November 2022
-
"This is so clearly Colleen's passion..."
I can't imagine going through my pregnancy without Colleen. She is compassionate, unbelievably supportive, and highly knowledgeable. From the moment we hired her, she sent over so much information that helped guide me throughout the rest of the pregnancy. Each week she has an optional support group offered for you to check in and ask questions about where you are and what you are feeling. It was fantastic hearing what other pregnant folks were experiencing at different stages to get a head start preparing. This is so clearly Colleen's passion and my husband and I felt at ease from the moment we met her. I'm so grateful for all she did to help me throughout this incredible journey. We love you Colleen!
-Sophie H. | 10/28/2022
-
"I will forever be grateful. "
Colleen was just what I needed after a traumatic first birth experience. When I found out I was pregnant with my second child I knew I needed an experienced doula in my journey to having a VBAC. Colleen came highly recommended by my midwife and after speaking to her once on the phone I knew she was the right fit for me. All throughout my pregnancy she was responsive, supportive, positive and reassuring - a calm steady hand. And during my lightening fast birth, she was the same. Her guidance, expertise, and support in all aspects of my pregnancy have made a huge impact on my life and I will forever be grateful.
-Rebecca Little | 11/2/2022
-
"Her help is truly invaluable"
I can't say enough good things about Colleen! She prepared me and my husband for the birth of our daughter and made us feel confident and prepared for the process. When I went into labor she was by my side coaching me and caring for me, I don't think the outcome would have been so positive without her support. My daughter is almost 8 months and Colleen still reaches out to offer support through the postpartum process. Her help is truly invaluable. We will definitely hire Colleen again!
-Katelyn | 11/2/2022
“professional, easy going, caring…”I highly recommend Colleen as your next Doula. She is very knowledgeable, professional, easy going, caring and will truly prepare you through your pregnancy journey. The value of information and network of women you get access to is amazing!
-Jessica L. | 8/12/2022
“the Doula every woman deserves to have by her side”I highly recommend Colleen's services. She is professional, fun-loving, and kind. She is knowledgeable and has the experience needed to provide top-quality care. Colleen is the best Doula I could've hoped for. She's the Doula every woman deserves to have by her side.
-Summer | 11/2/2022
-
"Responsive & Attentive..."
Colleen was an incredible source of support and wisdom during my third pregnancy and second attempt for a VBAC. Even though we were long distance and only able to connect virtually, Colleen's guidance and words supported my mental and physical preparation as though she were right by my side. Responsive and attentive, Colleen tailored her advice and feedback for me as the position of the baby changed and as we approached the end of my pregnancy. She also provided overall pregnancy wellness and advice for me to do day to day to ensure a healthy and safe delivery and recovery. I couldn't have asked for more from her virtual support and she has my highest recommendation!
-Jennifer Feliciano | 11/14/2021
-
"Colleen helped me form my birth team"
Hiring Colleen as my birth doula was a turning point in my first pregnancy. Before Colleen I felt scared to be pregnant in a new area away from family. Colleen helped me form my birth team. She recommended a Hypnobirthing class. As I “grew” she taught my husband how to help me elevate back pain. Colleen helped me find the confidence to birth my baby without drugs. During delivery, she didn’t leave my side, she held my hand and afterwards she made me food. Colleen took beautiful photos of the birth. She visited me the next day with my placenta already encapsulated. When I had trouble breastfeeding, she recommended my lactation consultant. When I had trouble adjusted to my new role as a mom, I reached out to Colleen and she recommended my perinatal therapist. I am pregnant again and I knew right away I wanted to work with Colleen. It feels so good simply to know I have the support of Colleen.
-Julia Rothman | 10/21/2021
-
"Supportive and helpful throughout the pregnancy"
Colleen was absolutely wonderful. She was very supportive and helpful throughout the pregnancy. Providing informational materials, answering questions that came up and hosting pregnancy support groups through zoom with her clients. She offered a childcare course which we took and it helped tremendously in teaching and preparing us for bringing baby home(changing diapers, swaddling, car seats, infant CPR and more). During labor she came late at night to help us get through it all. She was with us every step of the way up through our baby arriving. It was a long labor and so helpful having her there supporting me and my husband.
-Samantha | 3/9/2021
“She is a master at what she does”If you're in need of a doula, look no further! I highly recommend Colleen. She is a true professional with an array of knowledge. My wife and I had a home birth and wanted things to be as natural as possible and Colleen made our wishes feel heard. We were educated on various exercises/routines to prepare us for the big day. She was extremely supportive and very much hands-on when I couldn’t be. I had just had hand surgery so I was not 100%, however, Colleen made sure there was no gaps in between my wife’s support team during labor. We felt very confident and secure having her here during labor. When we have a second child, we will definitely be hiring her again. She is a master at what she does and words cannot explain the value you’ll get when hiring Colleen. Thank you for helping us birth our baby princess Saige!
-Christopher Adorno | 2/9/2022
“we couldn't have done it without her”My husband and I loved working with Colleen. We hired her to help us with the birth of our first child, and we're so glad we did. Colleen was very accessible throughout my pregnancy. Whether I reached out via text or joined her prenatal support group, she always had a lot of helpful knowledge to share. When it came to delivery, my husband and I agreed we couldn't have done it without her. I had a rather long labor, and Colleen was by my side the entire time, helping me through. I can thank her enough. I highly recommend Colleen and look forward to working with her in the future should I become pregnant again.
-Carrie Khatri | 1/27/2022
“Colleen is a wealth of knowledge”My husband and I took a childbirth education course with Colleen, as we are expecting our first child this month. Colleen's course provided us with a plethora of information about the stages of labor, coping mechanisms during labor, post-partum and more! What we enjoyed most about the course was how Colleen paired the information with her extensive experiences as a doula. She was able to provide context to many of the topics that were covered in the course. We also really enjoyed how she involved all participants, specifically the birth partners, by sharing tips for supporting a laboring person before, during, and after birth. Colleen is a wealth of knowledge and we highly recommend working with her to best prepare yourself for a healthy pregnancy, birth and beyond!
-Maria Stewart | 1/15/2022
“You can not go wrong with trusting Colleen”I am so happy that I decided to have my placenta encapsulated after the birth of my second child, the difference in postpartum recovery was very noticeable between my first and second births. Colleen did an amazing job in preparing and beautifully packaging the capsules and even made a beautiful heart keepsake from the umbilical cord that was so touching to receive. The directions were well written and easy to follow. I noticed that I was less moody this time around and feel that the capsules aided in a steady milk supply. You can not go wrong with trusting Colleen she is amazing at what she does and you will feel great too!
-Leslie | 12/14/2021
-
"with her I felt secure and a sense of relief that everything was going to be ok"
As soon as my husband and I found out we were pregnant with my second baby, I knew I wanted to deliver naturally and as I gathered resources, getting the support from a doula was top on my list. Colleen was highly recommended by my midwifery practice. Right off the bat from my initial conversation with her I felt secure and a sense of relief that everything was going to be ok. She far exceeded our expectations of having a confident, compassionate, supportive, informative and honest doula. By the grace of God, our beautiful, healthy baby girl was born naturally, without intervention, even with shoulder dystocia. Colleen was the one person I could trust during my prenatal and birthing experience and I leaned into that trust in her and God with every ounce of my being during the challenges that came with delivering a baby naturally with shoulder dystocia. Colleen is one of the most kind, loving, respectful, and knowledgeable people we have met. Her wisdom provided us peace during our whole birthing process. My husband and I love her and we can't imagine a birth without her there. We are beyond grateful to have met her and she is absolutely an essential player in the prenatal, birthing, postpartum process!
-Kelly Simpson | 12/7/2021
-
"...so warm and caring off the bat"
I hired Colleen as my Doula about halfway through my pregnancy when I was doing research on Hypnobirthing techniques. I was referred to her by another professional in the field and had our first introduction over zoom (since this was in the midst of the pandemic). Colleen was so warm and caring off the bat, I had a very safe, comforting feeling with her and trusted her advice based on all of the experience she had. She was super accommodating through the pandemic , there were times my midwifery practice was requiring Covid testing weekly in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and Colleen was always able to provide what was needed to try and be present for my birth. Not only did Colleen give me tons of tools to utilize during my pregnancy, but she also ran a weekly call with her other clients which was super helpful to connect to other expecting moms. She was able to attend my birth and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. Afterward she provided such great postpartum support as I severely suffered from baby blues the first 2 weeks. She was always available for questions or even just to chat. She held weekly postpartum calls as well which I also found really helpful. Colleen is incredible at what she does and I will definitely be using her again for my next pregnancy and birth!
-Casey Minlionica | 10/06/2021
-
"Colleen prepared us with the knowledge to take control of the birth process"
We cannot imagine either of our births without Colleen. She was instrumental in both births of our sons. For our first birth my husband was on board with a doula because he was supportive of what I wanted, but for our next birth he was adamant we get Colleen again, no questions! Colleen prepared us with the knowledge to take control of the birth process with confidence that allowed us to have the best experience possible. Not only was she there for support and to help push things along smoothly on the big day, but she worked with me throughout pregnancy so I was prepared both mentally and physically. She was always available for any questions I had and is very knowledgeable on everything pregnancy and birth-related. Her exercises, food and tea recommendations truly prepared me for labor. During labor, she was a huge motivator. Her words of encouragement kept me going and she was supportive in ways that my husband just couldn't be. It actually took a lot of pressure off him! My number one recommendation to pregnant women is to hire a doula, specifically Colleen. We are so grateful for our experience with her and to have her in our life!
-Brooke Fiorillo | 10/3/2021
“The tools, knowledge, and care she provided were absolutely crucial to bringing our first child into the world”As first-time parents, my husband and I were looking into the best possible resources for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Colleen was recommended by a friend who also used her doula services. We are virtual clients given living out of state. The tools, knowledge, and care she provided were absolutely crucial to bringing our first child into the world. Her guidance during pregnancy helped me feel more supported and prepared to achieve the birth plan I chose for our family. Her continued support postpartum has been essential for my healing and success with breastfeeding. I would highly recommend her to anyone in search of a doula!
-Jennifer Terrill | 5/27/2021
“The tools, knowledge, and care she provided were absolutely crucial to bringing our first child into the world”As first-time parents, my husband and I were looking into the best possible resources for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Colleen was recommended by a friend who also used her doula services. We are virtual clients given living out of state. The tools, knowledge, and care she provided were absolutely crucial to bringing our first child into the world. Her guidance during pregnancy helped me feel more supported and prepared to achieve the birth plan I chose for our family. Her continued support postpartum has been essential for my healing and success with breastfeeding. I would highly recommend her to anyone in search of a doula!
-Jennifer Terrill | 5/27/2021
-
"...truly awesome!"
Colleen was extremely helpful when I met her during the last few weeks of my pregnancy. We did everything remote since I live in NJ. I'm so grateful to have had her as a support at the end of a stressful pregnancy. She provided valuable information and was so knowledgeable. I would recommend her to anyone. She's truly awesome!
-Jessica | 3/17/2021
-
"the first 5 weeks of my postpartum period have been positive and healthy"
Colleen encapsulated my placenta for me after my first birth. She made the process and pick up very easy and efficient for us by meeting us at the hospital and dropping the pills and other items off at our house. This is my first pregnancy and the first 5 weeks of my postpartum period have been positive and healthy. The placenta pills have helped me! Thank you for providing this service!
-Kaitlyn Kimball | 3/18/2021
-
"Having a doula, is in my opinion, essential to the birthing process."
Having a doula, is in my opinion, essential to the birthing process. Colleen is knowledgeable, calm, and confident about the birth experience which is incredibly helpful in the throes of labor. Her experience has provided her with so many connections with the hospitals, doctors, and midwives which also made the process more seamless and easily communicated. She provides much information and support during the pre-birth months as well to keep you on track for delivery. And, her follow-ups postpartum were meaningful and so, so helpful.
-Elaine | 3/24/2021
“While I have known Colleen for about a year, I feel as though I will have a connection with her for life!”When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we felt uninformed about the birthing process and only knew what most deem a “normal” hospital delivery. We have heard of women giving birth unmedicated and wanted to learn more about our options. We reached out to Colleen for support after she came recommended from a work colleague and friend. Upon an initial virtual visit with Colleen, we immediately felt a sense of comfort and empowerment. She supplied us with a plethora of resources to grow our knowledge of evidence-based births that contradicted much of the “mainstream” information that we have received. Colleen guided us in four major ways. The first was to set a foundation to prepare us for the birth of our daughter. She introduced us to Evidence Based Births, Hypnobirthing, Spinning Babies, and other holistic approaches to prepare for labor. She met with us in person to understand our goals, teach birthing techniques and baby basics class! Second, Colleen supported my emotional needs. I am naturally an anxious individual and seek feelings of security in my experiences and with whom I meet. My trust and confidence in Colleen only grew over the course of my pregnancy. She was always accessible when I had a question or needed reassurance. Not only did she answer my questions, but she provided us with articles, links and/or resources. Additionally, her prenatal and postnatal groups fostered a sense of community among the women with whom she works. Third, Colleen helped make the labor and delivery of our daughter what we imagined. Colleen was in contact with my husband from the beginning of my labor to guide us through every step. When she arrived, my husband said I bolted straight for her! Both my husband and I were overall more relaxed and comfortable knowing Colleen was there. She is highly knowledgeable about techniques to help women through surges and deliver without an epidural. She helped us advocate for the experience we envisioned by expressing my birth plan to then nurses when I was unable to do so. I genuinely believe I may not have been successful in my goal of an unmedicated birth without Colleen. Finally, Colleen supported us in the fourth trimester, which many do not hear about or prepare for. She visited with us and discussed my experience giving birth. I almost gave up on breastfeeding more times than I can count. Colleen made me feel like whatever decision I chose regarding breastfeeding was OK and provided encouragement to help me continue as well. She was 100% right to wait until the 3-week mark! I am still breastfeeding now and have successfully started feeding a bottle (with Colleen’s suggestions to ensure she wouldn’t reject breastfeeding). Colleen also provides an additional service of encapsulating placentas, which we elected to do. I can honestly say I initially did not believe I would feel a difference when taking the pills, but I felt more energized and more emotionally regulated when taking them (opposed to missing a dose). I can say that I appreciate Colleen and what she has done to support us more than she will ever know! While I have known Colleen for about a year, I feel as though I will have a connection with her for life! If my husband and I have more children, there is not doubt Colleen will be present for their births as well.
-Stacie | June 2021
“she helped create the calm birthing environment I had envisioned”During labor, Colleen was the best physical and emotional support! Not only was her physical touch extremely helpful during labor, but she helped create the calm birthing environment I had envisioned. She also helped my husband understand how to be supportive as well.
The best part about working with Colleen is that her support extends farther than just the birthing room. I have been working with Colleen since the first trimester and most importantly she stays connected with you postpartum. She's been working with me and answering any questions I may have about myself and the baby. Going through the entire pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience with Colleen helped keep me grounded, informed and at peace. If we're fortunate enough to have more children, we are definitely going to use Colleen again and I recommend her to anyone having a baby.
-Alyssa Goldberg | May 2021
“I recommend Colleen to any expecting woman”Colleen was an incredible support during my home birth. She is extremely knowledgeable and made both my husband and me feel secure and calm. She helped me every step of the way – whether it was suggesting a new position or just rubbing my back and reassuring me that things were going great. Colleen was also so helpful postpartum, especially in the early days to establish breastfeeding. I recommend Colleen to any expecting woman, her incredible knowledge and compassion can support ANY journey!
-Vicki | October 2020
“She got me through what felt like an impossible journey”Colleen was an invaluable member of our birth team. She was there for all of our questions and concerns before, during, and after the birth of our daughter. Colleen has always answered our questions efficiently and thoroughly and continues to do so to this day (8 months later!). She’s extremely knowledgeable and reliable and it’s comforting knowing she there for us when something comes up. Colleen was the first person to arrive when I went into labor and she was the last to leave after Bella was born. She got me through what felt like an impossible journey and I’m eternally grateful to her for her wisdom and guidance.
-Carine | September 2020
“The keyword for Colleen is support. She is there for you across your whole journey.”I can’t express enough how important of a role Colleen has played in my life since I decided to have a doula for my first birth and she was recommended to me a year ago. Colleen goes above and beyond for her clients, and hold each one near and dear with ongoing care leading up to, during and after the birth. During Covid, she gave up hours of her own time each week to start Zoom sessions for “pre-natal groups” and also “postnatal groups” which were massively valuable to all of us. It was a hard time and for her to align us and open a forum to speak and relate to other women about what we were going through, has been invaluable. The keyword for Colleen is SUPPORT. She is there for you across your whole journey. She says that she will always be your doula, and she carries through with that promise, acting more like a friend along your journey, align with being a trusted advisor. Colleen is full of love and she wants the best for each of her clients, supporting us on physical, mental, family, and personal levels. I could write a whole chapter on how amazing Colleen has been during this process, but I recommend you hire her to find out yourself. She makes your birth an amazing experience. I was scared, and Colleen was there to answer all my questions. It was long birth and she was physically there with me for over 30 hours pending her support, guidance and compassion. She started out a stranger and quickly earned my trust. Everyone I have met through her has also had incredibly wonderful experiences!
-Casey | October 2020
“Colleen goes far beyond just being your doula.”We’ve been so blessed to have Colleen as our doula for the birth of our first child! She’s been a tremendous help from the moment we met her till now – 4 months postpartum! Not only Colleen has guided us all way through the pregnancy and birth but she also played a key role in WHERE I delivered my baby. I had an amazing birth experience and even though due to COVID she wasn’t able to physically be present during labor and delivery, she had equipped me and my husband with knowledge and confidence to get through the toughest times with no stress or anxiety. Colleen goes far beyond just being your doula – she is like your guiding angel who is always there when you need her – and I am so grateful for that!
Colleen created weekly prenatal and postpartum video groups where mothers get to meet each other and share their experiences and tips. I made friends through these groups that are helping me now as a new mom.
Colleen is very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and kind. I would recommend her to any expecting mom in a blink of an eye. She’s been a blessing to our family and I hope she will become one for yours as well.
-Tanya | September 2020
“Get Colleen as your doula, … It will be the best decision you have ever made!”Colleen was a great fit for me and my husband because it was very important to us to have a low intervention birth and to have a Doula who was familiar with hypnobirthing, as well as fetal positioning and Rebozo work.
During my pregnancy, she was always only a text or phone call away to answer any and all of our questions and concerns. When I tested group step B positive she referred to us many resources to help us educate ourselves and make an informed decision. Additionally, Colleen started a post-partum support group for her clients to help new moms cope with the pandemic and motherhood.
When the situation arose that another one of Colleen’s clients was going into labor at the same time as me, Colleen was totally prepared with her backup doula at the ready. In the end, due to timing, Colleen was able to attend BOTH births like the super doula that she is and the backup was not needed!
With Colleen’s help, I did achieve the low intervention birth I wanted. I had terrible sciatica throughout my third trimester and it made it difficult to push in the position I desired so I ended up pushing on my back (not the “ideal” position or how I had pictured my birth) but again, Colleen was ready with what I can only call an “elastic pulley with handles” to help me using my whole body to push.
My husband and I went back and forth on whether we should have a doula attend the birth of our daughter and waited on hiring Colleen until my third trimester. We both wish we had signed up from the beginning and will be sure to use her in the future as we hopefully continue to grow our family. To this day when asked for advice from soon-to-be parents our best advice is “Get Colleen as your doula, don’t think about it, just do it! It will be the best decision you have ever made!”
-Tina | September 2020
“We loved working with Colleen”We commenced working with Colleen when I was 32 weeks with my first child. She was extremely helpful as we prepared for the birth of our daughter, during the labor and delivery, and postpartum. We wanted to have an unmedicated birth in the hospital. During labor, Colleen played relaxing music and suggested various positions that were extremely helpful. Postpartum Colleen came to our house to see how we were doing. She also holds weekly postpartum zoom chats, which I have found helpful because you meet moms within the same age group. We loved working with Colleen and hope to work with her again on the future. I highly recommend Colleen to anyone looking for a doula.
-Gina | September 2020
“From our first meeting, we knew we had found a trusted partner.”I planned for a natural birth and I had read about how doulas could help you to remain relaxed, suggest alternative positioning to make for smoother delivery, and would be there to support you in making decisions. Given we live 45 mins from where I would deliver, I also wanted someone knowledgeable to help us decide when the right time would be to change locations.
Colleen was recommended to us through a Hypnobirthing class and in addition to the above, she also brought a tremendous amount of knowledge and research, recommendations on how to prepare your body (exercise, stretch, and diet), reiki, fetal positioning, as well as post-birth lactation, placenta encapsulation, and recovery support. Through her large network of clients, she also facilitates prenatal and postpartum groups.
From our first meeting, we knew we had found a trusted partner. Colleen brings a calm energy to the room and helped me to feel empowered to follow my birth plan. She was a constant point of contact for my many questions as a soon-to-be first-time mom and helped my husband to prepare on how best to support me and our child.
In addition to the information and articles she provided, the prenatal group helped to connect me with women who were going through the same things, which was so helpful and cathartic. Now in the postpartum group, I’m so happy to have the sounding board and a weekly check-in that I very much look forward to!
While I know I’m the exception rather than the rule, Colleen helped me to speed through the toughest and most rewarding 4 hours of my life. I truly believe that the preparation she provided on the day of and in the months beforehand allowed me to have a natural, successful, and SHORT labor and delivery!
I would highly recommend her to moms looking for someone you can rely on to give you honest and research-supported recommendations and help you to tackle the challenges to have a great birthing experience!
-Tracy | July 2020
“She really cares about fostering a happy, healthy experience for mom and baby”
Colleen is amazing! She provided great support leading up to and throughout the birth of our daughter. She helped us navigate the stages of labor as it progressed and gave me and my husband gentle guidance and encouragement. It was a busy night at the hospital and the staff was stretched thin, so having her there with us was critical, especially as first-time parents not knowing what was going on. She was a source of knowledge and a calming presence and we both wholeheartedly agreed that hiring her was the absolute best decision we made while preparing to welcome our baby. Colleen was also a gem in the days and weeks postpartum. She checked in on me regularly and made suggestions for ways to troubleshoot issues I was having with breastfeeding. She really cares about fostering a happy, healthy experience for mom and baby, which is evident in her work with clients.
-Lauren | February 2020
“She exuded confidence, focus, and decisiveness”
I had the pleasure of working with Colleen for the delivery of my first child. I had met several other doulas (in Manhattan, Fairfield County, and Westchester County) for in-person interviews. The majority seemed competent and passionate about their work, but it was only after meeting Colleen that I felt I had found someone who I wanted to accompany me and my husband on delivery day. While being a very calm and warm person who immediately felt “motherly” to me, she exuded confidence, focus, and decisiveness, and I knew she would work well with both me and my husband. I hired Colleen early in my second trimester, and in addition to her two pre-delivery visits that were wonderful, she was very responsive to any questions I had throughout my pregnancy. She referred me to a wealth of evidence-based articles, daily relaxation exercises, online pregnancy workouts, and a chiropractor, all of which were essential in helping me to have a very healthy pregnancy while commuting into Manhattan and working long hours up until days before delivery.
My labor started with my water breaking around 2am, and it was Colleen that I texted in the middle of the night, more than 12 hours before I made the call to my OB’s office. Colleen coached me and my husband through early contractions over the phone; she knew when it was time to come to my home, and then when it was time to head to the hospital. Just as I had hoped, I was able to labor mostly at home, arriving at the hospital just in time to push. Had I wanted to go to the hospital sooner, or wanted an epidural, or needed a C-section, I know Colleen would have been supportive as she truly respects your intuition as to what is right. I felt very safe working with her, and she is well-respected at Greenwich Hospital, which is where I gave birth. She also continued to be a wonderful resource to me post-partum. I recommend her most highly!
-Alexis | February 2020
“She answered every text message I sent with all my crazy questions.”
It was rather late in my pregnancy when my husband and I decided we wanted to hire a Doula. We met Colleen at a Childcare class at Hypnobirthing in Westport and knew that she was the one. I never even had to interview her. Her passion and love for what she does just emanated from her. She had one available spot in December and I couldn’t hire her quick enough. Colleen always had complete respect for birthing plan. She never tried to convince me otherwise she just helped me to be completely informed with all decision making. When she visited our house she showed genuine interest and compassion towards our family and even our pets. Her extra touches like her reiki sessions and beautiful gifts just made me love her more and more. She answered ever text message I sent with all my crazy questions. She even helped me make an amazing bone broth for my delivery. As far as the my daughter’s birth she came prepared and created a setting that was tuned exactly towards my needs. She facilitated the bond between my husband and I and intervened only when she found it necessary. She knew me so well just within the few times of meeting. She visited us after we were home and directed me toward wonderful lactation support. She has also helped me to find postpartum care. Even though I hired her as our Doula she became my friend and I am forever grateful to her for supporting the most incredible moment of my life. I was so inspired by her that I am now training to become a Doula too. I hope I can make even one women feel as amazing and important as she did for me.
-Anon. Client | February 2020
“She was super helpful the entire journey!”
I had my homebirth with Colleen! It was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life… she was super helpful the entire journey! So much good and important information from her beautiful births links. I’m recommending her to all my pregnant friends
Thanks for being with me, supporting and understanding me like we know each other for years.
-Radika | February 2020
“I left each birth feeling empowered, cared for, and informed”
My birth experiences would not have been what they were without Colleen. During both of my pregnancies, Colleen was a constant source of support and wisdom; she was also never judgmental, making me feel as though the decisions I made were my own and simply providing various avenues to pursue. During my first birth, she helped me to feel calm and focused even as my pushing extended to three hours. During my second birth, it was she that read the signs correctly and got me into the car as soon as possible, knowing that my baby would be delivered imminently (which she was). She is also an expert at fetal positioning, which can feel like the most uncontrollable element of the later stages of pregnancy.
In other words, I cannot recommend Colleen highly enough. I left each birth feeling empowered, cared for, and informed due in great part to her.
-Lydia | November 2019
“…by far the best decision I made during my pregnancy”
Words fail to express how grateful I am for Colleen and how much she means to me and my husband. Hiring her as my birth doula was by far the best decision I made during my pregnancy. We interviewed several doulas before hiring her and we knew from the moment we met her that she was the one.
From the minute we started working with her and all throughout the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum times, Colleen was there to support us and ready to share her immense knowledge and useful contacts with us. The two sessions she offers at 30 and 36 weeks were incredibly helpful as they included tips and techniques to get my body ready for labor, ensure optimal fetal positioning and keep me comfortable during the last weeks of my pregnancy. She also taught us so many things about breastfeeding and infant care, including infant CPR, and the notion of informed consent.
She is a wealth of knowledge and her passion for her work is obvious. On the day labor started, she stayed in constant touch with me until we told her that we were ready for her to come over. I felt such a relief the moment I saw her at the maternity ward. I knew I was in caring and professional hands and that she would be an advocate for me. My plans to have an unmedicated birth fell through but she helped me and my husband remain calm and made sure to create a quiet and peaceful environment for the birth of my baby. My labor was long and difficult but she worked so hard to make sure I was as comfortable as could be. I honestly don’t know how I would have gone through it without her. She was my rock during the hardest and most beautiful day of my life and for that, I will always consider her part of our family.
-Marie-Laure | November 2019
“Excellent and supportive”
Colleen was excellent and supportive during my pregnancy and after. She provided me with excellent advice and let me know all of my alternatives, but never pressured me to take a particular one or judged my choices. She was also extremely helpful with my first breastfeeding sessions.
-Sarah | August 2019
“Any family would be lucky to have her as their Doula.”
Let me start by saying that Colleen has a special place in our family’s heart. We feel blessed to have had her as our Doula. Thanks to her support, guidance, and kindness, I felt calm and confident during my pregnancy. Colleen taught me exercises to help with my baby’s positioning for birth, and they worked! Before getting her services, I was really nervous about my labor, but that changed. When we got to that day, Colleen was by my side, answering all questions, taking care of me, and explaining the situation. She was my rock! Thanks to Colleen, I had a positive birthing experience.
One of the things I valued the most is that Colleen gives evidence-based advice and recommendations. And not only that but her support after my baby was born in Spring was huge! I really appreciated that she was following up with me, available for any questions and sharing resources that were helpful for my postpartum.
I highly recommend Colleen, she has a special gift, and I feel any family would be lucky to have her as their Doula.
-Pilar | August 2020
“…I was heard and cared for”
I loved having Colleen support our birth during pregnancy, during birth, and postpartum. She is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. She helped me decide what was right for me and my baby by providing all the options and giving me opportunities to do my own research without trying to sway me one way or another. I was so thankful to have her in the room during our daughter’s birth. It made me feel like I knew what was happening every step of the way and that I was heard and cared for.
-Anna | June 2019
Looking for more testimonials?
Click below to browse reviews from Beautiful Births and Beyond clients from before 2019