Testimonials & Birth Stories Archive

February 5, 2018  

Kristin Dell’Anno | 2/5/2018

My husband and I loved having Colleen as our doula. This was my first pregnancy and I was very anxious and scared about giving birth.  We decided to hire a doula to help ease my anxiety and to give us extra support.  Colleen was warm and answered all of my many questions.  She never made me feel stupid for asking so many questions or for being nervous.  She sent me many helpful articles to read about pregnancy and childbirth.  When I finally went into labor, Colleen was there very soon after my husband called her and stayed until after the baby was born.  My labor was long and difficult. She was a huge support to not only me but also my husband.  My husband told me after that he was getting scared because of the complications but Colleen knew he was silently freaking out and calmed his nerves.  She comforted me when my birthplan didn’t go the way I wanted it to and when complications started to occur.  She knew what questions to ask the medical staff and advised me on other choices that needed to be made.  She never got in the way of the nurses or OB and never pushed her opinions on me.    I felt completely comfortable and trusted her 100% that she had my best interest at heart.  I honestly couldn’t imagine having gone through all of that without Colleen there.  I can’t recommend her enough.

February 5, 2018   

Rachel Lime | 2/5/2018

Colleen is an amazing doula, and I know for a fact that my birth story would have been far different had we not hired her. She is incredibly knowledgeable in all things baby and pregnancy and was available to us whenever we needed guidance leading up to the birth of our daughter. And she continues to be a valuable resource to us in managing the proper care of our baby girl. Hiring her will be a pivotal game changer for your birth because she cares for her clients like she does her own children – she’s the most wonderful advocate and friend no matter what happens when you go into labor. We cannot say enough good things about her and what she has done and continues to do for us! 

November 30, 2017

Christina Polychroni | 11/30/2017

When i hired a “doula”, i did not know much, and it was still early in the process. Who knew what a whirlwind this would become, how i would change providers to the birth center, and then- just when things would be comfortable and easy, the final climax that would really shake my world and lead us to Boston… I remember so many times texting you when i had any question that came to mind, calling you in tears, calling you in joy and laughter , and you were always there to support and provide the best advice you had. I remember so clearly the morning after Micah was born, you came in and i grabbed your hand in silence, looked at you in gratitude and an avalanche of love and blessed THANK YOU came over me. I could not speak in words but my heart was pounding so hard looking at you and realizing what a support system you had become! So i THANK you, i thank you for being who you are, for standing by me in perhaps the most difficult days and decisions i have ever been called to make, for everything you have given me so far- and for this bond that will remain in me for the rest of my life… Keep up the sacred work you do, keep reminding women of the strength we carry in us, and always remember that you have truly changed the life of at least one woman that is now writing this letter in tears of joy, bliss and gratitude.

November 2, 2017

Morgan | 11/2/2017

It’s difficult to describe how much I needed Colleen during my birth. I didn’t have the easy, beautiful birth that I was hoping for; the one that Colleen and my husband and I planned for. After 20 hours of labor without medication, including 3 hours of pushing, I was given a c-section. During the labor Colleen was there, holding my barf bag, cleaning off my face, applying counter pressure, counting for me when I pushed, telling the nurses to take the oxygen off when I couldn’t breathe through the mask, offering different positions when my baby’s cord was compressed, telling me everything was going to be alright when the doctor couldn’t affix the vacuum to my daughter’s head, and holding my hand as I agreed to the c-section that I desperately didn’t want. But what impressed me the most was when I was rushed off to 5 hours of emergency surgery for a c-section gone wrong, Coleen stayed with my husband and newborn. She comforted them when they needed comfort the most. She was the rock that I couldn’t be for them. I will never be able to repay her for what she did for me and my family that night. Postpartum, she was checking in on me, making sure we were all OK. Not only is she knowledgeable, she is kind and she is safe and she will be there in every way you can imagine, whether you have the beautiful birth that you planned or the traumatic one that you dreaded. I can’t say enough about how amazing she is.

November 1, 2017

Tiana Werber | 11/1/2017

My husband and I first met Colleen at a fetal positioning class she was giving at Hypnobirthing of CT.  It helped me better understand how a doula could help facilitate the process of labor.  We had been considering hiring a doula and I felt like we could be a good match.  She is confident, knowledgeable, and very experienced. And she loves animals, too!  Something felt so right about it that I feel like I already knew we would hire her before I first called her.  Thankfully, she was available for the timeframe of when our baby was expected to be born.  Colleen saved us a great deal of last minute stress when she told us at the 36 week visit that it was time to get our bags ready.  I still was not quite packed at 37 wks and 3 days, when I went into labor at 2am, but at least I had put together a list of items from the resources Colleen emailed so my husband could help me get ready.  We went to Vidone birthing Center soon after showering and packing, and our baby was also ready to go.  Within the next few hours, I went from minimal/no cervical dilation to 7cm.  Colleen rushed over once she heard labor had progressed quite fast and she was there by my side for the final stages when our little boy was born before 9am.  She helped with his first latch and stayed with us to support us through the initial post-delivery hours.  She has been an incredible support through the post-partum months, as well.  I had so many questions that I didn’t know I would have until the baby was born.  My family will be moving from CT next spring and I wish I could take Colleen with us to be our doula if we have another baby!

September 12, 2017

Holly Fisher | 9/12/2017

We hired Colleen as our doula when moving from NYC to CT in the middle of my pregnancy with our first child. While we originally intended to strive for a natural birth (I also preferred a hospital birth setting and the option of an epidural), complications arose towards the end of my pregnancy which required a scheduled cesarean section. I wasn’t sure what the role of a doula would be if I wasn’t going to labor, but Colleen met us at the hospital that morning and we were so grateful to have her there. She helped me relax and keep me calm before surgery, and sat with my husband while I was in surgery (I went under general anesthesia so my husband was not permitted in the operating room). Colleen helped us ask questions of the nurses that we wouldn’t have thought to ask — notably, she prompted us to request that our son to be brought straight to my husband while I was still in surgery. As first time parents, we learned so much from our prenatal sessions with Colleen. Her suggestions for sleeping alignment helped me maintain quality sleep through the end of my pregnancy. To me, the most valuable support was Colleen’s follow up after the birth of my son, when I was experiencing insomnia and anxiety. It was very comforting to have her as an ally and a resource. Even though I wasn’t able to have her coach me through labor, Colleen was such a great asset to my pregnancy and birth experience, and I would highly recommend her!

July 7, 2017

Heather Breslin | 7/7/2017

Asking Colleen to be my doula was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I could have made for my pregnancy and birth experience. There is so much information out there about pregnancy that it feels overwhelming for a first timer; having Colleen to guide me gave me the tools to feel not only reassured, but empowered to make informed decisions.

I ended up being induced at 41 weeks and had a very long, mostly unmedicated labor, Colleen went above and beyond during that time, staying with me for over 24 hours. Labor is a rollercoaster, and she adapted to my needs and helped me through every stage. She was strong, knowledgable, kind, compassionate, encouraging, and firm when I needed it. She helped make me more comfortable during contractions and was a calm voice of reason for me and my partner. It’s difficult to put into words how much her presence contributed to a positive bith experience, despite some challenging circumstances. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her. 

After my son was born, Colleen was, and continues to be, someone I know I can reach out to and rely on for guidance. There are some people you meet in life that you can tell have truly found their calling and what they do seems so natural to them. That’s Colleen. I would 100% recommend her to anyone in my life!

July 6, 2017

Sarah King | 7/6/2017

Colleen was incredible! She and her apprentice were crucial during my very intense labor.  her kindness and constant support i was able to calmly deliver my son with very little intervention. She provided me with constant counter pressure on my back during surges, helped me navigate the day with loving guidance, and helped me feel completely confident. what was really incredible was that she had already been up 24 hours due to another mother who was in he room next door. I never felt like Colleen had split her time she was literally always there and ready to help. she also provided me with awesome pre and post natal care.  

Couldnt have done it without her and her wonderful apprentice Hannah. 

April 3, 2017

Cassandra A | 4/3/2017

From our first meeting with Colleen I knew we were in good hands. Colleen has a calm and confident spirit. She had practical and timely advice of how to care for myself and my baby throughout the pregnancy that I did not recieve from my OB. Colleen guided me in what exercises to do, nutrition advice, and had a VERY helpful resource page with articles and links about different preganancy topics. She always responded to a text message or email within several hours the following day. I trusted her knowledge and guidance as she has four children of her own and I could sense the dedication she had for all her other clients. Colleen was reassuring that I would go into labor naturally and finally on day 11 it began.  I was elated to finally get the ball rolling.  Labor was scary and I was relieved Colleen was there to light the way at every turn and explain what was going on with my body. I could NOT have gotten as far as I did (8cm and 20ish hours of labor) without her support.  I did not want my husband touching me during the surges. Colleen was there to emotionally and physically help change my position to make me as comfortable as possible while sitting or standing next to a hospital bed hooked up to the fetal monitor. Colleen was a sounding board for us during the trying times with the doctors and nurses but never overstepped our boundaries. She was encouraging and loving during this life changing event and I truly feel blessed to have had her walk us into parenthood.  She is an outstanding doula with a heart of gold that I would highly recommend to any mother. 

March 26, 2017

Jaclyn Heneghan | 3/26/17

As first-time parents, having Colleen as our doula was a wonderful experience. She is warm, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Colleen met with us several times before our baby’s birth to go over our wishes, pain management techniques, and to answer any questions we had. She provided us with resources to help us make informed decisions along the way and checked in with me frequently.

During labor, Colleen’s presence was hugely comforting and her calm encouragement helped me work through my pain. She created an ambiance in the birthing center that was unreal; with essential oils of my choosing, mood lights, and my favorite music that I could sway my hips to with each contraction. Colleen was also able to show my husband how he could be of help and he was so grateful for her guidance. I had extreme back labor pains and can’t imagine going through that without Colleen’s techniques, and encouragement. 

After our daughter was born, Colleen visited us in our home to make sure we were settling in and provide support with breastfeeding. She had births back to back but still managed to pickup my placenta from the hospital and had capsules made right away for me. I absolutely believe she was the the driving force for allowing the best day of our life to be nothing short of amazing. We would have been overwhelmed without her calm nature and wisdom. Overall, we loved working with Colleen and would not only recommend her to anyone considering a doula but insist they have her by their side in such a beautiful life changing experience!

  -Jaclyn & Frank

March 9, 2017

Kaitlyn Gustafson | 3/9/2017

Colleen was so wonderful to work with. She really took the time to listen to what was important to me during my birth and had my labor room set up with my requests. I enjoyed a wonderful, calm birth experience solely because of her. She respected my decisions and supported my requests. She is also available 24/7 via text which was amazing for questions during my pregnancy. My first time labor was so much smoother because of her! 

March 2, 2017

Tiffany Orcutt | 3/2/2017

My experience with Colleen as my doula for my first pregnancy was overwhelmingly positive. From the prenatal visits in which she visited my home and we got to know each other, to the information she shared throughout my pregnancy (especially insight she provided in dealing with less than favorable situations with medical care providers), to my birth itself, Colleen was an invaluable asset to my entire experience. During my birth, Colleen kept me nourished, applied the right pressure through every contraction and cheered me on through the pushing phase. Colleen’s strong relationship with the midwives at St. Rapheal’s Hospital in New Haven, where I delivered, certainly enhanced my birthing experience. When I ended up needing an emergency cesearean due to my baby’s unexpected breech position, Colleen was next to my husband in the operating room. I owe, in no small part, my ability to labor without medication and handle with grace when events took an unexpected turn, to Colleen’s support and steadfast encouragement. I will unquestionably use her services again in a future pregnancy.

February 27, 2017

Catherine Sibley | 2/27/2017

Have you ever read or been told that having a doula attend your birth is a must? Well, based on our experience, we would take this advice as the absolute truth! If it were not for Colleen being present, our birth story would have played out in a very different way. We are sure of it! We would have been back and forth between the hospital and our home 100 times because we would not have progressed far enough into labor. That would have been tiring and stressful! All of this was avoided with Colleen’s guidance.

From the moment we signed up for Colleen’s services, she offered us countless resources to help us prepare physically and mentally for our birthing day. She taught us exercises to do to help our baby get and remain in the best position possible for birthing, and for the brief moment a not so positive position was assumed, Colleen knew exactly what to have me do. It was amazing, our baby repositioned and at the same time labor started to progress even more!

Our goal was to experience a natural, drug-free birth that was as calm as possible. This is exactly what we experienced! Colleen worked brilliantly with the staff at Vidone Birth Center at the St. Raphael campus of Yale New Haven Hospital. All of this, wrapped up with Colleen’s placenta encapsulation service, set us up for a postpartum experience we could have only dreamed of! We are so in love and enjoying every moment with our bundle of joy!

We would highly recommend Colleen’s services to anyone and everyone. Thank you so much Colleen!

With all of our love,

Cate, Brian, and Baby Jules

February 23, 2017

Lauren Crawford | 2/23/2017

Labor was one of the scariest, intense, crazy things I’ve ever experienced. As a first-time mother, I had no idea what to expect, and let’s be honest, there’s really no great way of describing it to someone who has never gone through it. Colleen helped us prepare to the best of our abilities. In the weeks leading up to our birth, she helped me take supplemental vitamins and drinks that helped with the worst of my pregnancy symptoms. 

I really wanted a 100% natural birth at Danbury’s birth center. But, the cosmos had something else planned (or at least my daughter had something else planned). She planned on staying in my womb indefinitely. My water broke a few days after my due date, and while I was having contractions during the day, they’d mysteriously disappear at night. Colleen helped me distinguish these contractions from real labor and made suggestions for some ways to kickstart labor.

Unfortunately nothing worked, not even castor oil! After three days, our midwives admantly recommended induction. I was devastated. On the way to the hospital I cried the whole way. I was so scared of pitocin and that I wouldn’t be able to make it through labor naturally. 

Having Colleen with me was like having a mother with you in the room. She knew what to do to help and often just let me collapse into her when I couldn’t handle a contraction on my own. I continued to labor without any drugs for a few more hours. 

When I finally made the decision to get an epidural I felt that if I didn’t have some kind of break (my contractions were coming in waves of 3-4 without any break in between) Colleen encouraged me that it was okay. I was so happy that I did. 

Colleen helped us welcome our daughter and came a few times in the next few weeks to help us adjust to our new normal. I will definitely use Colleen when we have our next baby.

*I wish to say more but there’s a character limit!

February 14, 2017

Mary Donovan | 2/14/2017

I had the pleasure of working with Colleen during my son’s birth in November of 2016. I was nearing my 40th week when an ultrasound revealed a “large” baby and the doctors were suggesting a C-section. We met with Colleen and loved her and felt extremely fortunate that she was willing to work with us so late in the game. We knew within minutes of meeting Colleen that we had made the right decision. She was extremely knowledgeable, kind and calm and we felt at peace knowing she would be with us. I went 9 days past my due date and was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia with severe features and was induced upon diagnosis. Just prior to the induction we called Colleen and she started over to the hospital. I learned later that this is usually not the case and doulas often wait until things have progressed, but we were so grateful to have her with us during that time. She stayed awake and was by my bedside the entire time which even allowed my husband to get some rest. I was on bedrest due to magnesium treatment but was able to labor for 12 hours with Pitocin without an epidural because Colleen was there to help with positioning and provided so much helpful guidance to keep things calm and peaceful despite the circumstances. After 24 hours we decided that a C-section was the safest option for me and the baby and at that point we told Colleen that she should go home and get some rest. Many people thought I would have been traumatized by the birth because I had so desperately wanted a drug free experience and ended up with so many interventions and ultimately a C-section. I experienced a lot of physical trauma, but I was at peace with the birth and we owe a lot of that to Colleen. We did everything on our time and in our own way and made best decisions possible given the circumstances. We are forever grateful for her help and would highly recommend her to anyone.

February 2, 2017

Ryan and Melody Barton | 2/2/2017

My wife Melody and I hired Colleen to serve as our doula after she came highly recommended to us. Within five minutes of meeting Colleen, we knew she was the one for us. The deciding factor was different for me and my wife. Personally, I was attracted to her knowledge and experience. For Melody, Colleen made her feel relaxed, comfortable and most importantly safe. Melody and I wanted a natural birth. We took all the classes, read all the books and were prepared. Colleen made sure of that. She spent more time than we could have ever expected teaching us breathing techniques, pressure point massages, exercises and stretches for proper fetal positioning etc. The list goes on and on. We were ready. Life doesn’t always follow a ‘birth plan’. After laboring for six hours at home and six hours at the birthing center Melody was not progressing. She was in a lot of pain, too much pain. We could all see it on her face. I didn’t know what to do and Melody was so tired she was relying on me to make the proper decision for her. I was lost. While holding my wife’s hand and supporting her back Colleen didn’t miss a beat. She gently leaned down, reminded Melody she was doing a phenominal job and listed a couple options. After weighing the pros and cons we decided to go across the street and deliver our baby at Danbury Hospital, straying from our natural birth plan. Looking back on this moment my wife and I know this was the correct path. Without Colleen’s guidance, we may not have come to this decision with such peace and confidence. Having her knowledge and expertise was an invaluable resource at a time when we needed it the most. In closing, Colleen is a knowledgeable and gifted doula. We have already recommended her to others and look forward to having her by our side for baby number two!

December 2, 2016

Yan Austin | 12/12/2016

I guess like everyone, I was nervous about having my first baby. I have a spinal injury from my time as a high school athlete, so I was maybe more concerned than most, especially about having an epidural. When one of my friends suggested hiring a doula, I knew it was the right choice to help put my mind and body at ease so I could relax and stay focused on my labor. My husband and I interviewed three doulas during my third trimester. Colleen stood out from our first meetig with her by helping to personalize the flood of information you get as a soon-to-be-mommy. During her second prenatal visit, she trained us both in infant CPR and shared some natural remedies that are supposed to help prepare your body for delivery.

When the big day finally came (one week late!), Colleen was there at the hospital to guide me through my labor. My husband was there too of course, but while he was loving and supportive, something about Colleen’s presence was especially soothing to me. I felt safer with her helping me through each contraction. I guess the natural remedies helped too, because after five hours of labor I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl! I didn’t get an epidural, and my midwife said my delivery was the quietest she’d ever seen 😛

Colleen really helped me find the strength to get through the whole process without an epidural. She was kind and caring, and when she came to visit us a few days after my baby was born, she shared a lot of information about what to expect next. Even months later, I could still text her new mommy questions about breast feeding and lactation and she was as thoughtful and generous as ever. Thanks Colleen!

November 28, 2016

Christel Ruppert | 11/28/2016

My husband and I are so glad we chose Colleen to be our doula! Initially, my husband and I weren’t sure if we would need doula services as we were in the process of taking birthing classes. However, I am so very thankful and grateful for choosing Colleen! Not only is she professional but she is so very kind, patient and just a wonderful person to be around! She was very thorough and informative in our initial meetings and I loved how she provided so much advice on what to do before, during and after birth. There is so much information on the internet it can be overwhelming but Colleen made it easier for me to by organizing and listing information and resources for me. The day I went into labor, we called Colleen as Colleen arrived in perfect timing! She made me feel extremely comfortable and used the techniques we discussed to ease my contractions. We labored at home as long as I could and arrived at the hospital at 9CM! I was able to achieve natural childbirth (no epidural, no Pitocin) with Colleen’s help. Colleen was there for me every step of the way, even after my daughter was born. She became more than just my doula, she became my friend. Thank you Colleen!!

November 19, 2016

Renate Saunders | 11/19/2016

I could not have gone through the birth of my son without Colleen.

She helped and guided me through every step of the way and I had a lot on my plate.

Colleen was always very patient with me and was a real source of comfort for me and my family. I ended up having some complications during the delivery and had to make some serious decisions and Colleen was the only one who remained calm and allowed me to think clearly.

I would recommend her in a heart beat and the only thing I wish I did was have her from the very beginning ! Unfortunately I only found her on the homestretch…. but better late than never !

November 10, 2016

Julia Orozco | 11/10/2016

I found Colleen online, during one of my sleepless nights during pregnancy. I knew what I wanted from my birth, just didn’t know how to get it.  I have heard many stories of OB/GYNs not respecting mother’s wishes and even some “horror stories” from their own experience.

I did my research and decided that hiring a doula would be a good option. I liked Colleen from the day we met, she was real, very straight forward with your best interest in her mind.

One thing I really appreciate about her is that she pointed out the red flags when I told her how my that time OB/GYN treated me. She suggested to consider switching OB/GYNs. I’m not going to lie I wasn’t too crazy about that idea. Today I have to say it was the best suggestion on her end and the best decision on my end that we made. I like that I was able to reach her any time I needed her, she always knew how to help me and calm me down. SHe was a big help during my labor, helping me to alleviate my pain during the surges. I’m really glad I had her there with me! I’m very sure that without her (and my new health provider) I would have ended up with C-section. My birth didn’t go 100% according to my plan but I have to say thanks to my awesome team that was very willing to work together we made the best of it and I was very happy and confident with me choice !

November 9, 2016

Jessie Doros | 11/9/2016

Colleen is an amazing doula, I would HIGHLY recommend her for anyone considering a doula.  She is extremely responsive (within minutes) so you can get a hold of her anytime, and she’s always there for advice, recommendations, support, etc.  She was worth her weight in gold during my delivery – she stayed with me through my 26 hours I was in the birthing center and saved me from a C-section with her knowledge and positioning techniques (shake the apple tree for back labor!). Additionally I was able to find the incredible Vidone Birthing Center because of Colleen.  They provided the exact care I was looking for and I completely entrusted them.  My husband and I joke that we will fly back there just to have our next baby.  I did placenta encapsulation with her as well which I also believe prevented me from any postpartum depression. She had also recommended a moms support group for me, Life After Birth, which was a game changer. She is an amazing resource and friend – I still keep in touch with her today even though we now live in CA!

September 21, 2016

Katie and Greg | 2/8/2016

September 20, 2016

Kevin Ashley | 9/7/2016

One of the best decisions we made during our pregnancy was asking Colleen to be our Doula! If you are even remotely considering hiring a doula, I can save you lots of time and tell you to just hire Colleen! From the moment my wife and I sat down with Colleen, we felt connected. She was extremely knowledgeable and it was obvious she loved being a doula. As both a mother-to-be and a father-to-be we both had our own list of questions and concerns. Colleen was very patient and answered all our questions knowledgeably and confidently. She took the time to understand each of us and what our needs were. She was always prepared. She was a rock when we needed her and always calm, comforting and encouraging. Looking back, we can’t imagine the experience without her by our sides. We spoke with quite a few other Doulas in the area and their references. From prenatal to post-birth, Colleen helped us so much. None was better than Colleen and we couldn’t recommend her more highly.

September 20, 2016

Jeanine | 8/16/2016

The thing that surprised me most about pregnancy was the unexpected fears that come up and the resources I would need to prepare for the birth I desired (as much as I possibly could). I’m so thankful I had Colleen to turn to with every concern and question. She would text me back within minutes with an answer, an article, a website or Amazon buy now link. When my baby was breech a few weeks before labor she had a chiropractor reference ready for me with exercises on cue that helped me flip baby Violet right around in time for labor. What surprised me most about labor was the amount of decisions Brent and I would have to make on the spot. Contractions were all I could focus on and having Colleen there with so much birth experience to help us feel grounded and support the choices we wanted to make in each moment was so comforting. And the emotional support she provides will be what you remember the most. I was experiencing the deepest body sensations I have ever felt while she held the weight of me and baby in her arms, guiding me through each breath and listening for what I needed. I would recommend Colleen to any woman who desires to feel supported, grounded, powerful and trusting of her birth experience. Oh!! And after having her for post-partum support in our home was just the icing on the cake. We had our placenta encapsulated, which left me feeling energized and stable. And she helped me take care of baby while we packed for a big move when Violet turned 3 months old. I can’t say enough great things about her and wish you the courage to say yes to getting the support you deserve, that only Colleen can give in her way, on this beautiful special adventure.

September 20, 2016

Angela Strassheim | 8/9/2016

Looking back on the birth of our daughter, I don’t know how I could have managed all the levels of labor without Colleen. She was a great teacher, coach, and energy spirit from the weeks leading up to the birth and weeks after. She is involved on a deeper level then most doulas and offers services beyond just showing up for the birth. From suggesting a hypnobirthing class to placenta encapsulation, I really felt taken care of by Colleen and trusted her knowledge. I am forever grateful for the empowerment I felt during my birth experience even with options that were taken away from me. We are so thankful that she is a part of our birth story. Even at the very end I asked my husband to hand his phone over to her to capture the actual moment of birth so that I could see it later from another perspective. She knew just what to include, I love the images so much! They are so meaningful to me as a photographer myself. I will recommend her to anyone I know giving birth in Connecticut.

September 20, 2016

Galina Zelfond-Orlosky | 7/21/2016

I don’t think there is enough space for me to praise what Colleen did for me and my family. My first birthing experience was successful vaginal birth after 27hr labor. My second pregnancy was riddled with complications, including an external cephalic version, 33hr labor and an emergency C-section. So when it came to welcoming our 3rd and final child into this world, I was anxious and worried about a potential C-section and we decided to consult with a Doula for support. We met with Colleen 3 times prior to actual delivery. She coached my husband and me through positions, exercises, infant CPR and supplements that would help with our most recent pregnancy and delivery. Unfortunately this child decided to arrive 2 weeks late, so my anxiety was at an all-time high with our OB/GYN practice recommending a membrane sweep and induction at 42 weeks. So when the outcome of our nearly 36hr v-bac labor and delivery was a single push flawless arrival of our son – I can only say that it was solely due to Colleen’s efforts and knowledge as a Doula.

Colleen is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, supportive, kind, gentle and loving professional. I came out of this pregnancy and birthing experience more empowered, more centered, more in control of myself and our child. My hospital stay post-delivery was just 24hrs and I was enjoying our newborn at home.

We also used Colleen’s services for placenta encapsulation, tincture and umbilical cord keepsake. She arrived just a few days after our birth with the most adorable gift bag of pills, potion, and heart shaped dried cord and chocolate.

We love Colleen and everything she did for us. We simply sing her praises and encourage everyone to work with her.

September 20, 2016

Storm Keefe | 7/13/2016

Working with Colleen, from beginning to end was such an awesome experience! She was calm, informative and easy to work with leading up to the day of the birth, making herself available for everything we needed and more. One the day of the birth she happened to be delivering with another mother, and had to send her on-call partner in her place for a bit, and despite what I am sure was a LONG night and day for her, she rushed to us when she was finished with her first delivery and was there for basically all of mine too! She helped my husband and I stay calm, focused and comfortable and also worked with us to help get the baby in position when we realized he needed to move a bit to keep things going. Colleen came prepared with music, oils and lots of love and serenity, and was such a wonderful presence throughout our whole birth. When I needed to regroup and pull away from everyone and everything to keep progressing, Colleen was able to change gears instantly and managed to get a ton of photos which we are SO grateful for! I would highly recommend working with her and having her as part of your birth journey, she is so sweet and easy to be around and obviously very skilled at what she does!! We also had her encapsulate my placenta and make it into a tincture, I would recommend she do both as well too! She is incredibly thoughtful and sweet and you wont go wrong by having her by your side.

September 20, 2016

Tiffany Frisenda | 5/5/2016

Hiring Colleen was one of the best things we did during my pregnancy in preparation for our new baby. Her prenatal advice left us feeling confident and prepared. We feel that her advice helped my labor progress quickly and smoothly, and her presence and coaching helped calm us both during labor. She is very easy to talk to, warm, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Colleen to anyone seeking a doula for prenatal, labor, and post care.

September 20, 2016

Melanie Falzone | 4/13/2016

Hiring Colleen as my birth doula was one of the most important decisions I made during my pregnancy. She attended the birth of my first baby who I had in January 2016 and I also had her encapsulate my placenta.

Going into pregnancy was scary for me initially. I have a medical history which has left me being told by doctors for most of my life that I may not be able to get pregnant or carry a baby to term. I believed I could have a safe and very healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery and Colleen did too. She was a huge supporter and a constant source of encouragement and knowledge on a road I’ve never traveled. Any time I had a question, I’d text or email her and she responded always same-day and with a very thorough answer and always with resources to support her answer. She has treated me from day one with a great amount of respect and compassion (let’s face it – being pregnant has its rough moments!). During labor, Colleen was a rockstar, guiding me through each surge (contraction) and encouraging and reminding me of what to do to help keep me on track to have a beautiful and natural birth. I birthed my daughter exactly how I had planned for so many months and Colleen was absolutely instrumental in that, and I am forever thankful to her for her patience, expertise, and kind soul throughout. She never “got in the way” and my husband is equally thankful for her for all her guidance. As he says, we took all these wonderful classes and learned a lot, but when that baby is ready to come, your mind just goes blank! Colleen seamlessly stepped in to remind both of us of what to do. Without her, my birth story would not be the same.

I HIGHLY recommend her if anyone is considering a doula. You will not be sorry and you will look back on your experience knowing you picked an invaluable professional to be a part of your birth team. She is not just a doula, she is the woman who will remind you that you are beautifully designed to give birth to new life.

September 20, 2016

Lydia Willsky | 4/12/2016

After researching childbirth and all that came with, I determined that I wanted to have a natural childbirth. For me, this meant taking a hypnobirthing course and hiring Colleen as our doula. Both decisions were pivotal and I credit both with enabling me to have the birth experience I wanted–even when wrenches were thrown into our “plan” along the way. When our baby was still breech at 36 weeks, Colleen provided me with techniques to help flip her, but even more importantly, supported me once those techniques did not work and my husband and I turned to ECV to flip the baby. (It worked, thankfully). Once I did go into labor at just over 40 weeks, Colleen played an even more crucial role in allowing me a natural, drug-free birth. I dilated swiftly, but our tiny, opinionated, and stubborn daughter simply did not wish to descend (she was most likely facing posterior). After three and a half hours of pushing accompanied with back labor, my resolve began to crumble and I started mentioning words like “epidural.” Colleen was the voice of encouragement I needed in that moment. She reminded me how strong I was and how far I had come, and when I decided to employ vacuum extraction, she was completely supportive. Colleen both rolled with the punches and allowed me to do so. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for us–during pregnancy, in the delivery room, and after Rose was born. Needless to say, I will be calling on Colleen for any future pregnancies!

February 6, 2016

Andrea Fardelmann | 2/6/2016

We hired Colleen after interviewing several doulas in the area. We felt that Colleen was the best fit, and we are so glad we choose her! From the moment Colleen became our doula she was extremely informative and had an endless wealth of important knowledge to share. This was valuable information that I never would have had, if it had not been for her. After working with her throughout my pregnancy, I felt so well prepared, educated, and most importantly confident in my birth. She was always my number one resource along the way. She was available anytime I had a question, and was there to calm my nerves when I needed it most! My birthing experience went exactly as we had planned, and we believe that Colleen was a big part in making our birthing goals become a reality. With her by our side, we were able to labor at our home, relaxed and confident for 6 hours. When she thought I was ready, we made our way to the hospital. We ended up spending just 1 hour in the hospital before our baby girl was born. Colleen helped to make the natural and peaceful birth that I had dreamed of a reality, and we wouldn’t have been

able to do it without her by our side. We are so grateful that we worked with her and she still remains my number 1 “go to” for any and all questions about our baby. We can’t thank her enough!!

January 28, 2016

Heather Houston | 1/28/2016

We were unsure until late in my pregnancy whether we wanted to hire a doula, and I’m so glad we did.  Colleen was an integral part of our birth experience.  Happily, she was available on short notice.  After meeting with her and discussing our birth plan, it was clear that she was knowledgeable about the kind of birth we wanted to have. i was also reassured by the fact that she has several children of her own, so has her own experience to bring to the table.  She came to our home and met with us to help us prepare for the birth, and gave training on basic infant care and first aid.  I feel that we were pretty well prepared for a natural childbirth with our choice of hospital and healthcare provider, but Colleen offered helpful additional information.  She was supportive when I went past my due date and helped me get through the process of stalling the induction that my provider was encouraging.  Unfortunately, I did eventually have to have the induction, but with Colleen’s help we were still able to have a natural childbirth without medication.  Colleen has a very grounding manner,  and she knows when to step in to provide extra support and when to play down her presence.  I felt she was very respectful of my partner’s role as my birth partner while providing additional, essential care and support.  She worked well with my midwife, too. Colleen also provides placenta encapsulation services, which I recommend to help with the tough postpartum hormonal changes.  She even returned to the hospital to pick up the placenta, since they would not release it right away.  Colleen took a lot of photographs during the birth,  and shared them with me, which was great. She also paid me a visit a couple of weeks after our daughter’s birth, just to check in and make sure that the transition was going well. She’s very professional and kind, and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula.

January 24, 2016

Greg Korotash | 1/24/2016

From a husband’s perspective, I cannot even think how our birth of our first child would have gone without the help of Colleen. I was a nervous wreck with the thought of going through the process of being a new dad, but with her help she made everything effortless.  From the first time we met (about 3 months before birth) she showed such care, compassion, and love to me and my wife.  She offered wonderful services in breathing techniques, birthing options, exercise’s, care for a newborn, CPR, and lactation.  She was always a quick phone call or email away with any questions that arose.  My wife experienced a long labor, and this is where her services were PRICELESS.  Working on just a couple hours of sleep herself for a few days, Colleen was there by my wife’s side the entire time.  She was always a step ahead and was able to sooth my wife when I didn’t know how to be helpful.   Constant massages, soothing oils, music, and just the confident tone in her voice put myself and my wife at ease.  She knew the right times to rest, and the right times to kick things into high gear.  It was wonderful knowing that I could be in another room, or run out to get food and Colleen was there to care for my wife.  She truly provided the utmost respect and support to my wife and me! After birth, she visited us at home to make sure things were running smoothly, and to this day she is there to help us with anything that arises.  Let’s face it. Us as men, we really don’t understand what our ladies go through and can’t really connect with them 100%.  This is where having her shined. From our first phone call, to months afterward, her services were invaluable. I can’t being to think what I would have done if she wasn’t part of our birth experience. Thank you so much.

January 23, 2016

Jackie Chase | 1/23/2016

Our decision to use Colleen as our doula was one of the best we made during our pregnancy. We had an immediate feeling of ease and comfort with her which made it an easy decision. Her encapsulation services were an added bonus. She is professional, available, and thoughtful.

As most do, we had a specific birth plan which involved a natural birth with a midwifery group in the birthing center. Henry did not adhere to the plan we had envisioned, so we quickly had to adjust our thinking. Colleen provided much needed positive reinforcement, support and encouragement in this tough and emotional transition. The remainder of our birth was also a journey, and Colleen played a critical role in this long haul. She saw to it that the hospital staff created an environment as close to the birthing center as possible, and wasn’t afraid to speak up on our behalf. She was involved when she needed to be, but also knew to step back and give us space when not. Perhaps the most critical part of Colleen’s service was towards the end of our birth when ‘failure to progress’ got the doctors talking C-section. Colleen quickly jumped to action with her rebozo techniques and positioning that finally got our baby to drop. While the hospital staff may have been a bit thrown by her methods, her effort single handedly helped us avoid an unnecessary surgery. We couldn’t thank her enough for this.

From her personal in-home attention leading up to the birth, to her postpartum visits and availability to offer advice, we could not have been happier with our experience with Colleen. We recommend her with all our heart to anyone considering a doula for their birth.

January 9, 2016

JoAnna Almo | 1/9/2016

I don’t know what I would’ve done without Colleen at my birth. Despite all my hypnobirthing preparation and being very well-prepared and not scared of childbirth at all, when my first real contraction hit the first thing I thought was “this is definitely PAIN.” Colleen was everything I imagine a Doula should be. She was extremely nurturing and loving… She soothed me and massaged me and really made me feel like I was taken care of. She was also very knowledgeable and had a lot of techniques in her repertoire for managing childbirth. (walking up and down the staircase at an angle skipping a step in between, laboring on the toilet with my arms tightly wrapped around her, etc,) She knew when it was time to rest. And she knew when it was time to get back at it lest labor stall. She is very strong–she was able to bear all of my weight. She is intuitive and knew what I needed when I needed it. She was able to be soft when she needed to be soft and she was able to be assertive when she need to be assertive.  My favorite part of having Colleen at my birth was this incredible birth music that she had… It was this very tribal percussive song that is designed for childbirth… She encouraged me to dance through my contractions and it really helped. I wholeheartedly endorse Colleen as a Doula. She is a wonderful and generous woman and I would be honored to have her at any of my future births.

December 15, 2015

Brooke Fiorillo | 12/15/2015

Colleen was an absolute necessity for our pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Leading up to the birth, Colleen consistently checked in with us, gave us tips and was always there to answer any questions or concerns we had. I felt very comfortable and confident in Colleen before labor.

Words cannot describe how amazing she was during my labor! I had a very long labor that was planned to be a homebirth and when things changed she helped us make the best decisions and was right by our sides the entire time. I couldn’t be happier with the hospital she recommended we transfer to—I believe it really was the next best place besides home to give birth!

During labor and especially the pushing stage, Colleen gave me the most confidence out of everyone. When I wasn’t sure I was making progress during pushing, she assured me I was and cheered me on in the most loving and non-interfering way. It gave me the energy to push more effectively.

After the birth Colleen took my placenta and encapsulated it for me—I didn’t have to worry about any of that! She brought it to our home a couple of days later along with my beautiful placenta art. I love knowing that if I have any concerns I can still contact her. She has been giving me tips during my breastfeeding challenges. Besides being an amazing doula, Colleen has turned into a friend. I would recommend her to anyone having any type of birth and would absolutely have her attend any future births I may have! I don’t think our birth would have been as pleasant without her there.

October 26, 2015

Tatiane & Toby Roberts | 10/6/2015

Dear Colleen,

We are so glad to have chosen you as our doula. You were always very thoughtful and caring from the moment we started working together. Your techniques helped me to stay calm and encouraged me every minute during labor.

I had a beautiful natural birth and couldn’t have done it without you. I will be forever grateful.

Thank you!

October 1, 2015

Sarah | 10/1/2015

My husband and I hired Colleen as our birth doula and we couldn’t have been happier with our decision. We feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to Colleen. Without her depth of experience, knowledge, calmness and empathy (amongst many other wonderful descriptives too long to list here) I doubt we would have achieved the natural birth we were hoping for. Colleen was a hugely helpful source of information and reassurance leading up to the birth. She was proactive in providing us with many helpful articles and suggestions, as well as being on hand to answer all questions two nervous first time parents had. I am quite a shy person; however, on first meeting Colleen I felt very comfortable in her presence and felt instantly that I could trust her to be our guide and advocate. When we thought I might be in the early stages of labor, we called Colleen and she was invaluable in confirming our thoughts and calming our nerves. Colleen knew exactly when to come to our home as I progressed through labor. We had planned to deliver in a hospital and with Colleen’s guidance we had the confidence to labor at home until it became necessary to move to the hospital to deliver. At the hospital Colleen was tireless in her assistance, helping with all manner of things, and we were so happy to have her there to help us achieve the natural birth we so wanted. Colleen also came for a post-partum visit and she was incredibly helpful and reassuring when I was having difficulties getting to grips with breastfeeding. We also took advantage of Colleen’s placenta encapsulation service and were very pleased with the results. We would not hesitate one second to recommend Colleen to other couples seeking a doula.

September 29, 2015

Milan McGorty | 9/29/2015

I gave birth 3 months ago to my son Max and I can’t begin to say enough good things about Colleen or how wonderful her services are.  My husband and I are first time parents so we didn’t know initially what the role of a doula was or if we wanted to hire one.  I’m so glad we did because Colleen was one of the best decisions I made regarding my pregnancy and birth plan.  She provided me with a plethora of resources and educational material for a better, healthier pregnancy.  Colleen also connected me with various people in her holistic healthcare network- each of whom contributed towards my “beautiful birth”.  What I found endearing was that Colleen sacrificed time out of her own life and family to be available whenever I needed her.  When it came time to give birth, she was “my person”; she showed up right after I called and was at my side for over 24 hours of labor.  Colleen provided unbiased emotional support during my pregnancy, she worked with me to facilitate my natural birth plan, and she even kept in touch with us during the postnatal period.  One day I will be able to tell my son the story of his birth and all the amazing women who helped to make it possible…thank you Colleen so very much from the bottom of my heart, I will forever be grateful xoxo

May 31, 2015

S. Vine | 5/31/2015

Colleen is extremely kind, knowledgeable, and compassionate. She is amazing from the very beginning always checking in with you to see how things are and how she may help. I took advantage of both her doula and placenta encapsulation service. I was completely satisfied with both experiences. Colleen definitely helped me tremendously through the unknown territory of having my first child. I highly recommend her to any mom looking for doula support and post partum depression prevention.

March 21, 2015

Amanda Ryan Moitoso | 3/21/2015

Colleen is simply amazing. From the start, she was always kind, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. I was very anxious to give birth as a first time mom, and she was always there to answer any questions I had, in addition to giving me lots of tips on how to prepare for a natural birth and ease my anxiety. She responded to me almost immediately whenever i texted or called, and as the day approached she would check in with me frequently. Due to some special circumstances, I needed to be induced. This lead to some medical interventions that were not part of my birth plan, but Colleen was there for me 100% and never made me feel like the decisions I made were “wrong.” Whatever I needed/wanted, she would try to get for me. Colleen was also an incredible support for my husband, who was a bundle of nerves during the birth, to say the least! She was able to reassure him during the process which gave him the peace of mind he needed. Even though I was induced and needed an epidural, I was able to have a vaginal birth and Colleen was there to support my husband and me through it all. I honestly can’t think of anyone else I would have wanted there besides my husband to help me through it. As a woman about to give birth, (especially a first time mom) you need someone in your corner to stick up for you, remind you of your birth preferences, and Colleen was the one to do all of that for me.

She was also incredibly helpful to me after my son’s birth as our post-partum doula. She came to our house and supported me, whether it was cooking, cleaning, or helping me with breastfeeding/caring for my son. She gave me peace of mind and ultimately the confidence I needed to feel like I could “do this.” Those first few weeks were hard, but Colleen really saw me through them. She went above and beyond her call as a doula. Hiring her was the best thing I could have ever done for myself and my family, and I will cherish my time with her forever!

March 4, 2015

Michael and Erika | 3/4/2015

For the birth of our 2nd child we wanted a reputable doula as my husband has to watch over our 1st child (we believe in the attachment theory) and found Colleen via DONA International. She was very accommodating, sincere, and supportive throughout the entire birthing process. Examples include but not limited to the following: a) willing to travel to my house for pre-birth visits without any charges, b) arrive timely to the hospital for labor and was very supportive and an excellent advocate for what I wanted as determined by the birth plan we’ve created, c) assisted in breastfeeding recommendation post-birth.

Colleen responds very rapidly to my cell phone anytime during the day whether is by text or voice time, even at 1AM.

The most important feature I believe besides the ones I’ve mentioned is she is NON-JUDGEMENT, which in reality is what a mom faces endlessly from majority of people around her (e.g., family members, “friends,” health care providers), hence all of these support groups. I felt very comfortable during our initial meeting.

Overall, I strongly recommend Colleen.

February 25, 2015

Emma Eaton | 2/25/2015

After having twins I needed help and I had no idea where to look. I didn’t know postpartum doulas existed and I definitely didn’t know what one could do for me.

From my first phone call with Colleen I was completely comfortable. The minute she stepped foot in my home I felt at ease, and within the hour my (considerable) nervousness about having a stranger in my postpartum wreck of a house evaporated. Without being asked she knew what needed to be done both to help with me and the babies and to get my house back in order. Having her here was very calming for me and the babies both responded so positively to her. I also think she may be part octopus; the first day she was here I went up to shower and when I came down she had one baby on her chest, one on her lap, and was happily folding laundry. They’re my kids and *I* can’t do that.

Colleen was with me for several weeks and became a member of the family. She was able to help juggle both babies and my three year old as we navigate toilet training, in addition to giving me a break and keeping the house running. She never got ruffled, never forgot to do something, was always game for anything. She gave sage advice if I asked for it but I never, ever felt like she was judging me for decisions I made on my own either.

I don’t know how to adequately sum up the difference Colleen made in my postpartum period. I felt grounded, supported, and strong with her here in a time when I was navigating my new life in the dark. It was like having all the best parts of your mom there, along with a personal assistant, nanny, housekeeper, and most importantly friend. If a postpartum doula is in your future I can’t recommend Colleen highly enough. If you’re on the fence about getting one – do it. I wish I’d known about it with my first child, I think it would have changed the whole experience of being a new mother for the better.

February 2, 2015

Zejfa Jahic | 2/2/2015

My husband and I were expecting our first child; needless to say we were rather nervous about the delivery experience and sought out the assistance of a doula. It was important for us to find someone who would be a good personality fit and would have the ability to make us feel at ease. Colleen, from the very first day, was available to answer any questions we had and provided the reassurance we needed. What’s more, she educated us about the many pregnancy/delivery related benefits we were unaware off, such as delayed cord cutting, delayed bath, importance of vitamin C, etc. During delivery, Colleen ensured that I was relaxed and in the right state of mind to deliver our baby girl. Post-delivery, Colleen came out to our home for a lactation consultation (on Christmas day!!) to ensure that the baby was latching on properly…let’s face it, breastfeeding is not as natural as many claim it to be, so having her there to coach us through some of our difficulties was invaluable. To this day I use Colleen as my sounding board if I have any questions or concerns – it’s a relief to have someone as knowledgeable as her at my fingertips. If we had to do it all over again, we would pick Collen to be our birthing partner. Thank you for all you did – we appreciate it so very much!

January 2, 2015

Pauline Crisci-Goncalves | 1/12/2015

I do not know what my husband, Alan, and I would have done without our birthing doula, Colleen Myatt. Colleen was an integral part of our birthing experience. She was the most caring, compassionate doula you could ever hope to have while journeying through the labor, birthing and postmortem process. Colleen was kind, soft-spoken and extremely attentive to my husband and me. From late-pregnancy to postpartum, Colleen was always available by phone and text to answer our questions and concerns.

Two weeks prior to my scheduled induction, Colleen helped us write a birth plan, go over birthing positions and provide information regarding breastfeeding. When Colleen arrived at the hospital to deliver my baby girl, she brought a wave of serenity to the room and gave me the confidence I needed to know everything was going to be all right. Unfortunately, my labor and birthing experience did not go as planned due to unforeseen complications. After two days of being induced, I had to have cesarean- section because my baby, Alexandra could not fit through my “small pelvis.”

The day after Alexandra’s delivery, Colleen came to the hospital on Thanksgiving Day to check on us to make sure everything was okay after surgery and delivery. The following day after being discharged from the hospital, Colleen came to our house and helped take care of Alexandra, while my husband and I needed to catch up on much needed sleep. Colleen was our rock during this stressful time and I cannot thank her enough for helping us “keep it together. “We refer to Colleen as our guardian angel.

August 14, 2014

Alyssa Joy Lewis | 8/14/2014

I was so impressed with Colleen when we first met her. She was very knowledgeable about the birth topics that were important to me, and I knew that she supported my birth preferences no matter what her own views might be. She was extremely professional and personable. I could always call her with my questions or concerns. She provided me with unbiased advice and told me what options I had, and offered her personal experience or opinion when I asked for it. She was also so kind to check in with me regularly to ask how I was feeling physically and mentally, and to make sure I was taking care of myself (I always needed help remembering to drink water).

She also was good about including my husband, Adam, in the process. She showed him how to help me with certain positions and exercises that would help in labor. There was never a point that I felt separate from Adam in my birth experience. Colleen worked with us like a team player. She also got along great with my mom, who was with us at the birth as well. It really meant a lot to me seeing everyone working together to make sure baby and I were doing well. No one was stepping on anyone’s toes. It was perfect.

I wanted to have as natural a birth as possible in a hospital setting, without pain medication or interventions. Colleen was familiar with hypno-birthing, on which Adam and I had taken a class, so she knew how I wanted to labor. But when I was almost fully dilated and my water hadn’t broken on its own yet, I started to worry that I wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer on my own. I started asking if it was too late for pain relief. Colleen suggested and explained an option that was more in line with what I wanted, and that wouldn’t require medication, even though it was a small intervention. I decided to do it and am so glad I did. I don’t think I would have made the same choice without her advice, calm encouragement, and support. She played a major role in our birth experience, the result of which was a healthy, beautiful baby boy!

After delivery, Colleen came back to our house to check in, to help me and baby latch, and to encapsulate my placenta. I love that she is a placenta encapsulation specialist because it was something I was really interested in doing. She went over all the great benefits with us and I was all the more convinced I should do it. She was very thorough. She came to the house with all of the equipment and made sure everything was done properly, from the preparation to the finished product. And she made sure I understood how to take them. Even after this was all done, she checked in with me to see how things were going. And she even sent us a little photo album of the pictures she’d taken! What a nice gift for us to remember our special day!

Overall, a great experience with Colleen. Wonderful doula, wonderful lady.

July 15, 2014

Lea Toussas | 7/15/2014

I met Colleen two weeks before my scheduled c-section. I was looking for post partum help once I was home with my newborn. I knew instantly that this was who I wanted to be with me an my new baby during this time.  Colleen would follow up with me all the time sending me helpful tips etc… as my due date approached. She was always concerned with how I was feeling.

When I left the hospital I could not wait for her to come to my home. I really needed the support.

Colleen provided me with so much help and knowledge when it came to breastfeeding my baby. She also gave me so much support and comforting during my brief ‘baby blues’ period which lasted a week after I came home form the hospital.  She made me feel so much better she always had a postive attitude.  Most of all, the love she gave to my newbown was as though she was part of the family. She also was so loving with my three year old son who was having a difficult time adjusting to the new baby. I don’t know what I would have done without her.  The best thing I did was hire Colleen without a doubt.

June 29, 2014

Jamie Towie | 6/29/2014

Colleen was an amazing doula for the birth of our first baby.  I was a little skeptical about hiring a doula at first, but after talking with friends and famiy, I decided having a doula would ease my anxieties about labor and birth. I hired Colleen 24 hours before I went into labor.  She was by my side every step of the way and was so supportive to both my husband and me during the entire process.  She was professional, knowledgable, caring.  Hiring Colleen as a doula was the one of the best decisions we made.

After the birth of our baby, we hired her as a postpartum doula.  She cooked and cleaned for us as well as answered any questions I had about the baby and breastfeeding.  I highly recommend Colleen to any mom (and dad) looking for support during labor and birth and beyond.

May 11, 2014

Haley McCarthy | 5/11/2014

Colleen was a wonderful doula and I highly recommend her services. For a first time Mom I had no clue what to expect but Colleen’s personal and professional experience boosted our confidence. My labor was very quick for a first time and with the help of Colleen and my partner we were able to get through a very quick and intense experience while still meeting our birthing goals. It was great to have non-judgemental, kind and caring support available to my during the end of my pregnancy as well as labor and delivery.

Thanks Colleen!!!

April 30, 2014

Stephanie Pearson | 4/30/2014

This past weekend I delivered my first child…A healthy baby boy. I contacted Colleen to be my doula in my 7th month of pregnancy. From the beginning she was prompt with communication. She met with me for an interview and 3 other times before my delivery: To discuss my birth plan and teach me the techniques we would use during labor to keep things calm and smooth. From the moment I met her I felt comfortable and safe in her care. She listened clearly and respected all my wishes while also giving me information which better informed me and enabled me to add some things to my plan that I wouldn’t have known were possible without her. Not once did I ever feel judged for my decisions–only supported completely. My membranes broke before I went into labor and things didn’t go exactly how I had hoped. She kept me calm and focused regardless. She was absolutely 100% my advocate at the hospital. I wanted a doula so that I would have a voice in the event that I wasn’t able to get what I needed on my own, and I had exactly that. She was persistent with my requests to the nurses. I truly believe without that persistance my requests would not have been made a priority. She also made my husband her partner and I know he had a beautiful experience as a result. I am so grateful that I had her with me and I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank You Colleen!! –Stephanie, Jim, and Baby Liam.

January 22, 2014

Jonathan David and Mary Nalubega | 1/22/2014

We were referred to Colleen by an nurse who taught our birthing class at St Mary’s hospital in Waterbury, CT. We met with Colleen multiple times and really got to know her and her style. She taught and trained us on breathing techniques, labor positions, stages of labor, how to use birthing ball. With her assistance we were able to complete a birth plan and list of item to make the experience as enjoyable and relaxing for Mom as possible. She gave us a lot of confidence and courage going into the experience. The night before the Birth,m she came to our hotel and guided us through pre-labor and labor. We helped really calm Mom, running a bath and helping with breathing. She was essential to us getting successfully through Labor and to the hospital. Everything she taught us came in handy and was a big part of our successful birth. She helped with the initial skin–to-skin contact and first latch on. With her guidance, Mom was able to successfully breastfeed within an hour and half after birth. Since arriving home, she has been even more essential to us. She has helped as a Lactation consultant, helping us try to establish successful breastfeeding techniques and schedule. She was so incredibly calming and reassuring to Mom, helping her deal with the emotions, hormones, joy, confusion and all that goes along with the birth experience. She will continue with us for a few weeks and we’re so thrilled to have her. She has a great way with Mom, shes a natural mother and great with our daughter, and she clearly enjoys her work/role. I would recommend her and her services to anyone considering using a Doula