GUESTBOOK
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Read Our Guestbook
August 25, 2009
New single dad
I cannot express how much I appreciate all of your education and support that you gave me during this pregnancy. I always felt
I was a very important part of this pregnancy and then labor, even though the outward impression was different between the baby's mom
and me. Chris, Emilie and Michele were amazing supports, all having their own individual styles brought to us through their support.
The middle of the night phone calls, the texting for reassurance and always being there when we needed. Thank you again! I am blessed with a new daughter!
Spring baby
Kathy and Mark Anania
Mark and I would like to thank you for the encouragement and coaching that you and Michelle provided during my labor. I know without you,
I would have have had a successful VBAC, everything from reommending a careprovider, pregnancy and birth planning support. Again, we annot thank you enough, Chris!
August 2009
Mike, Kim, Tony and Joey Z
Thank you for all of your support, Chris and Heather, during my pregnancy and the delivery of our son Joey! I felt in control and informed throughout the entire process, and actually feel better about my first delivery as well. We really also apprecaited all the support Heather gave us at the end of the pregnancy through the several rounds of false labor. it is good to have someone in your corner! Thank you and God Bless!
June 1, 2009
Joanne and Aylan
Thank you Heather and Chris for prenatal info, education and support.I wanted to thank you,
Heather, for your help thru the delivery and afterwards, It was a pleasure to work with you!
May 16, 2009
Holly and Brian
My first birth was nothing short of ‘typical'. It was one unnecessary medical intervention after the next which, of course, led to a cesarean section. I smiled through the pictures and the countless ‘congratulations' but inside I was dying. Had I really done all I could to make sure that my baby was born healthily? Did I really need to be induced? Did I really need cytotec and pitocin? Did they really have to break my water? Did I have to push when they told me? I knew from the moment I laid staring at the blue sheet waiting to hear the cry of my firstborn that next time was going to be different. I researched VBACs and a common trend I found was that successful VBAC moms had doulas. I found Doulas of CNY and began my journey. I emailed Chris, met with her, and she said that she would be my doula! I was well on my way to a VBAC.
The doula experience begins way before birth…. Chris met with me and asked me what my plan was and I said that I ‘wanted to try to VBAC' and she said ‘You will VBAC'. I sent her countless emails with questions and she answered them all! She also sent me some poems that I hung around my house and read them daily to keep me focused and motivated. She arrived at the hospital as soon as she could (even though it was her birthday!!), and through her kind and encouraging words, gentle touch, and level head- I delivered my second son: without being strapped to monitors, without ivs, without pitocin, without pain meds, without being confined to a bed, and waiting for my water to break on its own and pushing when my body wanted to. This is how babies were supposed to be born.
Overall, my whole doula experience was great. I can't wait to have baby #3! (Well, actually I can wait….. ;) )
May 15, 2009
Mary
I recently called St Joseph's Birth Center to find out where I could find DOULAS. They immediately told me of your organization, and went on to brag about how wonderful your support is for moms and their partners.
What I did not know is that you also provide help at home after our baby is born!
My mom was wondering about help, since she lives so far away. When I told her, being a midwife, she was so relieved!
I recently got married and we know we want to have doulas when we conceive. I am so glad you are here for all of us!
Mary
Jan 7, 2009
Matt and Tonya
For the birth of our second son I knew I wanted it to be different then what I had previously experienced with our first. I did a lot of research on natural drug free labor and decided that was the way for me. Also at that time I asked my friend, who is a certified doula, if she would be my doula. Her saying yes was the easy part. Next I had to work on getting my husband to agree. He was totally against it!! He didn't want to have anyone there to take away from his "role" in helping me. After a few months of talking to him about it, him doing some research of his own, and a few meetings with Heather, he was finally on board. Having Heather there with me was such a blessing. Not only did she educate us through some tough decisions and totally include my husband, but she advocated for me when I was not in the right mindset to do so myself. Plus, my husband felt relieved that if he left the room for something that I was never left alone and when he didn't know what to do for me Heather was right there helping me and him. When it was all said and done, my husband and I agree that we would not have had the birth we wanted without Heather there to help and support us. We don't plan on having more children but if we ever do Heather will be the only person we have as our doula and we tell everyone about how wonderful she is. I would recommend her to anyone and everyone who is going to have a baby. Heather Haywood is truly a blessing sent from the Lord to help women. -- thank you for your support! Matt and Tonya
Jan 6, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Elizabeth K
Chris, I never really got to thank you for all your support. Even though my labor was short it was extremely comforting having you there for Olivia's birth and after-the-fact. I was stuck in a crappy situation in regards to Dr. Thompson and it meant the world to even be able to call you up and "complain" and feel like I had someone on my side. What timing by the way! My memory is a little fuzzy as to when I talked to you on the phone, and I was so relieved to see your face!
Given the fact that I was in a dinky little triage room to start with zero comfort measures and had people getting irritated with me for getting up and going to the bathroom (they were trying to get a 20 minute read on the monitor and were insisting I had hours to go still), I really drew off of everything you said about focusing and listening to your body. When the residents said their hands were tied as far as checking my dialation till 7AM and not being to admit me, all I had was my own thoughts really. Well, my mom and and Tony were a huge help, but you know what I mean. :) So thank you for all your kind words and "coaching" and for holding my hand. :o)
Jan 6, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Theo and Margaret
Thank you so much for all your help, Chris! We feel so lucky to have our little guy safely with us and are enjoying the adventure so far!
We really appreciate all of your guidance, comfort and advice. Stay in touch!
Jan 5, 2009 at 9:00 am
Heidi and John
Dear Chris,
We wanted to thank you for everything you did for us during our pregnancy. You were able to support us in so many ways, from books and videos for education, to emotional support for both John and I, to pictures of Caterina's birth, to a sounding board for postpartum questins. We are definately glad that we met you and that you were a part of our daughter's birth! Enjoy your family and please feel free to stop by. We'll be in touch.
Jan 3, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Kristen and Tim
Thank you, Chris, for all of the amazing support you have shown us on this journey thriough pregnancy and childbirth, In getting to know you, we have found not only a wonderful doula but also a wonderful friend. Kristen and Tim
Dec 27, 2008 at 8:37
Martha M
Going into it I really wanted a natural birth but I kind of had this voice in the back of my head telling me all the horror stories you hear the whole
time you're pregnant and i was worried I wouldn't be able to do it. But I did and I was so proud of myself! I must say though that the information you give out in your class is definately helpful. I had no idea what to expect but when the doctors came in and were telling me the changes going on during labor i knew exactly what they were talking about and knew how much closer I
was getting. Thank you Chris for all the help and for checking in to see how things were going!
Dec 27, 2008 at 8:30
Name: Karen O.
Guestbook: Heather Haywood worked with us in preparation for the birth of both of our sons (and we had the pleasure of working with Chris and Julie the first time around, too), and Heather was present at both births. The first was a long-haul induction--36 hours of really challenging work with pre-eclampsia complications; the second was an 80 MPH hope-we-get-to-the-hospital on-time surprise. In both instances, Heather
was wonderful! She was an incredible resource throughout my pregnancies, always ready with information, advice, and support, and during and after labor was a tremendous asset for me and my husband. (And she captured priceless photos for us of our sons' births). I recommend doulas to
everyone I know who is having a baby. You never know what your birth experience will amount to, and having a caring expert on hand whose job is to look out for mom and her needs and desires is such a blessing!
Jul 14, 2008 at 11:33:14 re post
Shannon (mom to Timothy)
We were so thankful to have the experience of having a doula. I tell all my friends about it and send the link to this site to them. This was my 5th child and everyone said "don´t you know how by NOW to have a baby?" when they heard we were considering having a doula. Yes, I knew how and I also knew enough to ask for help. I have never had a good hospital experience, and THANK GOD I had Chris to rely on when I had a nurse that was insistant I was starving my baby, insisted I give him a bottle of water and was downright MEAN and RUDE to me at 3am! All because I was breast feeding. I thought those days were over, I thougth people KNEW better now, but I was wrong. Thankfully Chris was a phone call away (at 3 am, poor girl!) I had a difficult little guy. He liked to scream. And the nurses would NOT keep him in the nursery, even just so I could shower. Chris held him while he yelled. Kept me company. Enabled me to shower and use the bathroom. (after having a baby going pee is a whole new experience...) in relative peace. I am a very private person and requested no visitors apart from my husband so I was doubtful as to my feelings about having a doula...but what a Godsend. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! ::(I also have a belly cast from Chris that will hang on the nursery wall. It helps me remember, but also helps me see how SKINNY I am getting wink wink) ::~Shannon
Jul 14, 2008 at 11:52:24 re post from old site
Heather Carroll (ruopph@nlg.com)
Christine Goldman was our doula for the birth of our first child, Minne Miriam Carroll, born November 23, 2002. Chris met with us three times before Minne’s birth, and one time post-partum. We would highly recommend the use of Chris’ services to any first-time parents interested in hiring a doula. ::::In our first three visits with Chris, she answered questions we had about the birth experience and what to expect, and helped us draw up our birth plan, which was very useful. These meetings gave us the chance to get to know Chris and feel comfortable with her in preparation of the big day. We knew then that Chris would be a loving and caring presence in the delivery room, which helped to greatly reduce our anxiety level. ::::Chris met us at the hospital after we’d had 11 hours of early labor at home. By the time we got there, our expectation was that we would be having the baby within the next six to seven hours. It turned out that Minne was born 14 hours later, so our labor was long and hard. I was determined to give birth without drugs or medical intervention, and only through Chris’ assistance and care were we able to achieve that goal. ::::I was still only two centimeters dilated when we arrived at the hospital, but we went in the hot tub, and walked around, and sat on the birthing stool, and continued to progress about a centimeter every hour until we reached 9 ½. We stalled there for a little over four hours before I was completely effaced and could start pushing. That was a really long four hours, but Chris stayed with us the whole time, keeping a positive attitude and always suggesting ways to work through the contractions. After 2 ½ hours of pushing, we were rewarded with our baby, and happy to have had a successful vaginal birth with no tearing! ::::Chris is dedicated to h
Jul 14, 2008 at 12:06:19 re post from old site
Jan
I was so excited to see your website. Julie was my doula three years ago for the successful VBAC delivery of my son, Noah. It was the best decision I could have possibly made and would highly recommend a doula to any birthing mom. ::::My labor started at 10 PM on a Friday night and my husband was tired from working all day, and had been sick the week or so before. Julie came to the house and he slept for a few hours while I was in early labor, which he really appreciated, and that made it possible for him to be alert and available to me when I really needed him. ::::Julie massaged my aching back and legs, helped me to breathe and relax, and gave me some really nice guided imagery to focus on. The most valuable thing was that she never left my side!! I knew no matter what turn my labor took, she was there to hold me up and get me through whether it was a difficult labor or should I have to face the disappointment of another c-section. She believed in me and made me believe in myself. ::::I gave birth with confidence and joy. We will always have a special place in our hearts for our doula.
Jul 21, 2008 at 09:18:04
Mike & Rachel Pilawa (rpilawa@gmail.com)
We cannot thank Julie enough for being with us during the birth of our little girl, Nora. As first time parents, Julie gave us the confidence and reassurance we needed. She was with us every step of the way and kept us both calm when things picked up rather quickly! We couldn't have asked for a better birth experience and we know that it was with her help that we were able to achieve it. We have no hesitation recommending CNY Doulas to our friends and family; and we know that when the time comes to extend our own little family we will be calling Julie!::Thanks again, Mike, Rachel & Nora xxoo
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:03:55
Heather
As a L&D nurse at Crouse, I can honestly say that I enjoy the doulas so much! We are so busy on that floor and they are always so helpful.
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:10:53 re post
Linda
Thank you so much for the awesome childbirth prep classes! Chris taught us so much and got us thinking about not only labor, comfort techniques, but also newborn issues and postpartum preparation. ::Our labor went well, and I felt so prepared, and so did Dave. ::The next time, we are HIRING a doula to be with us too!::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:11:53 re post
Julie Gozan
When we had our first child, I wanted the birth to be an intimate experience for me and my partner. I didn´t want anyone but my partner present as coach and support. After a very difficult labor that was an overwhelming and frightening experience for both of us (resulting in an emergency C-Section), I realized how helpful it would be to have experienced coaches available to help me through labor and provide additional support to both me and my partner. Chris G and Maria S were like angels to us in that delivery room! We so appreciated their presence and the knowledge they brought to the delivery of our second child. They respectfully supported my choices, and having two doulas plus my partner there made me feel surrounded by care and love. Labor wasn´t easy, but it was a MUCH better experience (and I was glad I was able to have a VBAC rather than another C-Section). ::We also used the doula meal service to stock up our freezer -- the food is great! :)::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:12:38 re post
Michelle
There are really no words that can describe how important doula support is to a woman and her laboring team. The atmosphere is the room totally changed once Chris G came to help us! It was a total trust of labor, and what my body can do. I immediately felt reassured, as did my boyfriend and my mom. ::The info that she provided us with before labor was invaluable as well. Things that I did not know, options that I did not know I had, ::The support after the birth, when all of the nurses were doing their own jobs. I never felt alone or that I was not important. Every detail of my birth, though not easy, was supported by the people that I care about the most, and then Chris, watching out for all of us. ::She will always be a part of our family and surely we will be calling her in about 2 years! ::Thanks so much Chris! ::Michelle, Dan and Emma::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:13:19 re post
Tina D
Thank you Chris and Maria. I don´t think I would have gotten through my very LONG labor with out you both. Well having only one of my two sacs of water broken didn´t help things move quickly but The Lord had his perfect timing for our little girl to be born. Chris, I couldn´t have gotten through those last hard ,drug free contractions if it weren´t for you. Your encouragement and patience with me meant alot. Sorry if I was a screamer but you really helped to show me that I can labor on my own drug free and that if I just listen to my body and work with it that it will go a lot quicker. I also found that birthing on the rocking chair and on the ball really helped alot. It felt like instead of grudging through the pain in bed I could actually work with it. Thanks again for all that you did and Lord willing we will see you again in the future.::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:14:11 re post
Mary S
Thanks, Chris-- I want to thank you for such a valuable service you and your partner provide. All the women I´ve met from your agency are just wonderful, and of course, Christine has been such a tremendous help to me. And , I do mention your organization to others, and I am surprised as to the number of people that have heard of Doulas of CNY! ::I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a most Happy New Year............. ::Cheers, ::Mary ::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:14:59 re post
Heather S
Thanks to Chris I was spared a C-section! ::::I planned to have a “natural” delivery using hypno-birthing and the least possible intervention and Chris supported me with that. But when intervention was necessary, Chris quickly switched gears, and provided excellent support during a very complicated labor & delivery. ::::I ended up having to be induced because of pre-eclampsia. The labor was very difficult partially due to the use of Pitocin, partially due to back labor, and to top things off the baby was just not ready to come out. Chris was there for me throughout the very long process. She was there to support both me and my family. She provided relief to me through advice, massage, being my advocate with the medical staff, knowing when I should try a new position, etc. When the doctors were prepping for a C-section, due to the length of time the baby was in the birth canal, my family turned to Chris to see what we could do. Chris knew I had to change the position I was pushing from, and said so. I changed position and 45 minutes later I delivered a healthy happy 8 lb 3 oz baby boy. ::::Having her support throughout my pregnancy was great. Having her there during my very long delivery was the best decision I made during my pregnancy planning. ::::I give Chris & Doulas of CNY my highest recommendation. ::::I can’t thank her enough for everything! ::::Heather ::::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:16:36 re post
April and Ben
Chris, :I´m not even sure I can put into words how much it meant to me. Having someone to e-mail with questions was awesome. Then during labor you just seemed to know what I needed (ie shoulder rubs, encouraging words, hugs, etc) I would never have even known to tell someone else that I wanted that because I didn´t know I did until you were doing it and it was so comforting. and of course your all important job of rubbing my lower back during contractions. I know I wasn´t very flexible about trying different positions for labor, but I guess my body was just telling me, this is the way to do it. ::::Plus it was great having the birth plan all made up and you made sure they followed it. I know when I started pushing and no one was counting yet, I really felt lost but then when you encouraged the counting I felt a lot more control because I knew what the goal was. ::::Even when we had to do the emergency cs, you were watching out for Ben. I knew it had been too long myself as I was on the table that he hadn´t shown up but I was just trying to stay calm and praying that the baby was ok. I´m so glad you were there to remind the nurses to get him in the OR with me. ::::I just feel really blessed that I was able to have you there.... ::::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:17:22 re post
Charity
:Dear Chris: ::I want to thank you for all your support during Skyler´s birth. I do not think Andy and I could have done it without you! I think that having you as our Doula was the best thing that we could have done. Thank you again, Charity::
Jul 25, 2008 at 20:18:01
Kristen
Chris, ::Thank you so much for all your support during my pregnancy and labor. I was able to have a "natural" and successful VBAC. You really gave my husband the extra encourgement to help coach me through our birth. It was such a great experience and I can´t thank you enough for everything. ::::Thanks, ::Kristen & Steve::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:18:47
Nell and Nate
June 2007 Dear Chris, ::::Nate and I cannot thank you enough for being so supportive throughout our pregnancy, labor and delivery. We couldn´t have hoped for a better birth experience, and are thrilled with our new little girl! You are a true professional and any expecting couple would be blessed to have you attend their birth. Keep doing what you do best, and we look forward to working with you again in the future! ::::Many thanks, ::Nell and Nate Bartkowiak::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:19:36
Michelle
Chris,Thanks so much for the baby bag full of goodies for Megan. ::You´ve done so much for us already - like helping us through the BIRTH! You certainly did not have to give us anything else! Tom and I cannot thank you enough for all you did for us during my labor. We are both truly appreciative for your knowledge and expertise throughout the whole day!::
June 2007
Nancy and Frank
Dear Chris ::Thank you so much for all of your guidance and support during this incredible journey. We feel truly blessed to have had you by our side -15 hours seemed much more manageable! We are forever grateful!::
April 2007
Danielle D
Dear Chris: ::Once again, you have helped Mike and I achieve a wonderful birth experience. From Jackson´s birth almost 2 years ago, and now Broolyn´s birth just 6 weeks ago, you have been there for me when a woman most needs another woman to connect with. From coming over even in early labor to being there for the birth, I don´t think I could have asked for anything more. Thank you for encouraging me during those trying hours to hang in there so I could have the birth that I wanted. ::I think I would be struggling emotionally at this point if I did end up going to the hospital and giving up my dreams of a home birth. Although my memories of Brooklyn´s birth do start with a long early labor, the end result of a home birth will always be in my mind. WIthout you I do not think I could have accomplished this dream. As always I will spread the word of home birth and doulas to any mother- to-be that I know. ::I actually really think that since we are done having children, that being a doula is something that I would like to do. I truly think that every woman should have a doula at their birth. Even with my husband there, I found that during that time I tended to connect more with another woman. You have been such an inspiration to me; and helped me find something that I think I would really love to do. Once again, thank you for everything. I look forward to hopefully working with you as I look more in to becoming a certified doula. You will always be in my heart
March 29, 2007
Lisa and dan
Hi Chris, ::::This is a bit delayed, but we just wanted to thank you for the informative birth classes we attended with you. I truly felt like I learned ALOT and really feel quite empowered by the information you gave us. It´s nice to feel in control of our birth and know that, with education, we can make informed decisions. ::I do have to tell you that we catch alot of comments for planning a natural birth. The most popular comment we get from people is "you know, nobody gives you a trophy for going through it naturally..". That comment drives me crazy. Despite these comments, we have wonderful support from family and friends and will continue in our plan to have as natural of an experience as possible. ::Thanks again and we will keep you posted!! ::Lisa and Dan ::
Jan 29, 2007
Melissa
Only having a minute to write with a newborn in my lap, but just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to the doulas for postpartum service. It was so nice to have experienced ladies come and help me, answer my questions, hands on help with my little ones, and pretty much knew how to help! The mommy meal plan was given to me by a friend and it is such a wonderful idea. ::Thanks again doulas!::
November 5, 2006
Teri
Dear Chris, :::I was approached at my church yesterday because i was nursing Laila in the lobby. The lady came to me and said, "you can´t do that here." i told here the law says i can. She just kept insisting that i had to go to the mother´s room. by that time Laila was done anyways, but all i could say was...the law tells me i can nurse her here. she told me she did not know the law. (and can you believe that she said i couldn´t be there because there were men and children around! you would think i was dancing toppless with tassle an my nipples!) ::so i am writing just to say thanks for having the law on your website. i had read it there a long time ago. i came home and wrote a letter to my pastor explaing the event and including some scripture and the law (with explaination off your site). Because i had seen the law on your site before, i knew right where to find it! ::Thanks Again! ::Teri ::
June 21, 2007
Deb
Dear Christine: ::I just finished packing my bag for the hospital and putting a photo album together to be used as my focal point. As I was doing these things, I was filled with joy, anticipation and gratitude. ::One of the things that I am grateful for is you--it is a comfort knowing you will be withus to share in our experience and happiness. Thank you for all you do!::
October 1, 2006
Amy
It was nice to meet you girls at the Baby Expo! ::I can see why you are such awesome doulas--your caring nature is so evident! ::Your services are so inclusive and really cater to us pregnant and new moms! ::...and the chili was DElicious! ::::See you soon! ::Amy ::
June 1,2006
New mom
Thank you Julie and chris for the delicious meals!::
Jul 24, 2008 at 20:55:36
Jenn
Dear Chris,::::I wanted to let you know that we welcomed Auden Margaret Lutman Spring into the world almost a month ago (time flies when you're learning to breastfeed a newborn!). Thanks in large part to your class and your words of wisdom, I was able to avoid any interventions. I didn't even take an IV! Labor lasted about 30 hours, but only the last 12 were actually "hard." Fortunately I didn't have any back labor as Auden was positioned perfectly the whole time. The nurses at Crouse were SUPER, despite my rising BP and dehydration -- I absolutely loved them. The nurse who was there for the actual delivery (Florence Schweitzer) was especially terrific. ::::I want to thank you for all your help. I know for certain that Suzanne and I would not have had such a great experience if we hadn't taken your course. You prepared us to advocate for ourselves, and we drew on all your teachings. Thank you!!::::We hope you're enjoying your summer, attending lots of successful and beautiful births!::::Best,::Jenn
Jul 28, 2008 at 20:25:24
Kristen and Tim (koganowski@hotmail.com)
Where to begin...?! Chris's support before, during, and after our second son's birth was truly incredible. She met with us a a few times throughout the pregnancy, answering our questions, giving us encouragement, and helping us to create our birth plan. She gave us invaluable advice when we realized that we needed to switch doctors at 36 weeks. She met at our home when Kristen was still in early labor and gave us both so many wonderful suggestions (and back massages!) to facilitate Kristen's labor. She accompanied us in our transition to the hospital, ensuring that everything went as peacefully as possible (per Kristen's wishes). And then she helped us to achieve something beyond our wildest dreams: a VBAC WATERBIRTH.::::To top it all off, Chris has been such an inspiration that Kristen has now decided to become a doula!::::Chris, we cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for us! We HIGHLY recommend Doulas of CNY!::::Kristen, Tim, Miles (2 1/2) and Alec (2 months)
Jul 29, 2008 at 17:06:19
Angela Tomaka (angela_tomaka@hotmail.com)
The child birth class that I took was very informative and interesting. My husband and I left the class feeling prepared and ready to welcome our new child into the world. The class left no stone unturned and all our questions were answered. The class gave us insight into matters that we would have had no idea about including preparing a birth plan and discussing it with our doctor to feeling comfortable in saying no, to not being hook up immediately to an IV upon admission into the hospital. We learned so much from the class. The class is a definite must take for any firt time parents and any other parents who would like to learn more or get a refresher.
Aug 3, 2008 at 17:04:50
Ryan Fields (ryan.d.fields@gmail.com)
Speaking from the prospective of a husband and new father, I have nothing but great things to say about Chris and her Doulas. When my wife told me that she wanted a doula I was a little skeptical at first, because I thought we can do this ourselves. However after sitting down together with Chris in our apartment listening to her personal experiences about birth, I knew that having her in our corner in the delivery room was essential.::::Chris introduced my wife and I to a birth plan, and told us about the family birth program at Krouse Hospital. By the way nobody told us about these things including our OB. These two things alone were worth their weight in gold. Chris also makes herself very accessible, and she enouraged us to call her anytime if we had questions or wanted to talk with her not only about pregnancy but anything.::::Chris is a steadfast believer in a natural birth process, which is something that is very important. Especially in this day and age where you are just another number and the hospital wants to get you in out as quickly as possible.::::When my wife was admitted to the hospital, Chris and Allison were there within half hour of when we called. Chris and Allison were able to comfort my wife in ways that I couldn't. They were able to do this because they are mothers and have been thru the birthing process.::::For instance, my wife was progressing steadily and our OB wanted to induce because things were not moving quickly enough. Being induced was not part of our birth plan and when we told the doctor that we didn't want to do this, Chris and Allison were right there with us.::::Following the delivery Chris called us once or twice a week to see how my wife and I were doing. This meant alot to me.::::I highly recommend Doulas of CNY, and also they make awesome
Aug 9, 2008 at 13:05:30
Nicole Miller (Nicolemillermassage@yahoo.com)
We are so grateful to have Chris attend our delivery with us! She was incredibly supportive, caring, and nurturing during a very special time in our lives. My husband Mark is so happy that she was there to assist him and help him be the wonderful coach he was. We labored for 19 hours and ended up delivering twins through C-Section. Chris accomodated us entirely. When things got a little hectic, she helped guide us and provide my husband the comfort he needed. Thank you Chris, not only for your service, but for being the wonderful person you are!!!!
Sep 2, 2008 at 14:21:14
Edna C
I am so glad::that they were there. Allison was very helpful to me, especially during::the hard part of labor and the pushing. She was very calm and gave me a::lot of encouragement. Caitlin was FANTASTIC with my son. She was very nice::and he took to her right away. She helped him make his sisters birthday::cake shortly after we got to the hospital and played with him until we put::him to bed. After that, both she and Allison were available to me and were::also willing to give me space when I needed it (I appreciated that a lot).::Later, when it was time to push, Caitlin held my son for an hour and a::half just letting him watch. He wanted to be awake so we woke him up and I::am so grateful for how well she handled just letting him guide what he::wanted. Especially since most of the time it was just sit in her arms and::watch. Both she and Allison were so calm and collected they helped all of::us (myself, my husband and my son) be calm. I do not think I can::adequately explain how wonderful they were and how grateful I am to them::for being there. But I really wanted you to know how great they were and::how glad I am that Sarah recommended you guys.::
Sep 3, 2008 at 15:11:05
Tom & Tiffany (understated_thoughts@yahoo.com)
Simply wonderful. Chris brought peace of mind into what could have been a nightmare delivery. even when the doctors and nurses weren't sure what to do next with my wife, chris was there making sure the right things got done and in a timely fashion. I highly recommend this service to anyone thinking of having kids.
Oct 16, 2008 at 22:23:52
Tanya L. Mack (ryataun1@gmail.com)
myspace.com/rytaun
I had the awesome opportunity to be a friends personal labor and delivery coach, and knew from the time I heard her and the doctor say to me, "You really have a gift for this..." that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I'm just starting to look into certification through DONA, and wanted to say hello!! I love your website!::::-Tanya Mack
Oct 21, 2008 at 13:59:28
Natalie
Dear Chris,:: ::It was wonderful having you as my doula for our fifth baby! I definitely recommend any mom having a baby (new mom or experienced mom) to get a doula! You have so many neat techniques that helped me relax, and when the labor became intense, it was SO comforting to have you right next to me! I don't think my husband would have remained as calm as he did during our birthing experience if you hadn't been there with your calm presence and knowledgeable expertise, and I don't think I could have gone through the labor with this baby without pain medications if you hadn't been there! :: ::The postpartum care with Elizabeth last week was fantastic. The children really enjoyed her being here with them and doing things with them. She became part of the family very easily, and we are going to miss her being here in the mornings! :: ::God bless you all!::Big hugs,::Natalie
