Birth Doula Testimonials

Thank you Oceana. I have no words to describe how grateful I am to have connected to you and had your support during this experience. It was so wild and I thought I wasn’t going able to do it, but you were the most incredible team. Without you I don’t think would be possible. 

-Daniela

Oshi, thx for guiding us thru this beautiful experience. You are beyond amazing! 

-Yi, Daniela’s partner

When I had heard about having a Doula I wasn’t even sure what that meant. But I met with the Doula and became comfortable with her and decided to go that route. Then we realized my due date was during the vacation of my first Doula and I was introduced to Oceana. At first I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel having somebody at my birth that I had only met once briefly after building a relationship with my primary doula. And when the time came and I was in heavy labor I sent her a text to please come over and help. And she was there within 15 minutes. I had been laboring on and off for a few days and it was helpful to have someone assess what point in labor I was truly at and give perspective and encouragement. We also did some acupressure in hopes of moving things along. She was the most loving kind supportive person I could’ve even imagined. She rubbed my back and made me feel comfortable. She knew exactly when the time was to go, she took care of everything that I could not take care of including calling the midwives. I could’ve never done this without her. She got me safely to the birthing center holding my hand and hugging me the whole way. Got me inside and we delivered that baby in 10 minutes. She was so wonderful and loving and kind I am so thankful and feel so blessed to have such an amazing soul for the birth of my daughter.

-Franki

I chose Oceana as my doula for my second pregnancy. While Oceana had little previous experience as a doula, I could immediately sense her desire and motivation to get to know me on a more personal level so that she could support me throughout my pregnancy and during my labor. Oceana checked in on me throughout my pregnancy, taking the time to gain an understanding of the type of labor I envisioned and the ways in which she could best support both my partner and I. She asked about my previous pregnancy, labor and birth experience. She explored my fears and desires in ways that allowed me to reflect on areas that I would not have explored without her inquiry and support.

I planned for a natural, unmedicated birth for my second child. My first child was also a natural childbirth, therefore I had hindsight and experience. Having Oceana as my doula made my second pregnancy, labor and delivery a newfound experience even though it was not my first child. Oceana went above and beyond in every way. She checked in on me regularly to ask how I was feeling. She offered suggestions and support when I experienced the various pains that inevitably accompany pregnancy. With each discomfort I discussed with her, she spent a great deal of time researching potential remedies, then followed up with me to discuss my options. She spent the time to build a relationship not only with me, but also my husband and toddler son.

As we had discussed beforehand, I contacted Oceana as soon as my labor started. She immediately offered support and suggestions before she had even made it to my home. Upon arriving at my home, Oceana came fully prepared with everything we had discussed leading up to my labor. She remembered every detail - the type of music I wanted, the essential oils I preferred, the type of touch I liked and disliked. She communicated and assisted without stepping into what I felt was a responsibility of my spouse during my labor. 

As my labor intensified, Oceana contributed in ways that I will never forget to help me feel more comfortable. In the early phases of my labor we just talked, since we had already developed a friendship. This helped the time progress easily and kept me company while my spouse took care of preparing things around the house. She offered encouraging words, but wasn’t overbearing. She held up my hair when she noticed I was getting hot. She laid out birth affirmations that I could read in between contractions, which I am certain helped me maintain a positive mindset and overall faster, more positive labor. Oceana even contributed to the humor that we were able to find throughout my labor.

When we arrived at the birth center she set everything up, just as she had done at my home. She communicated my needs and desires with the midwife, allowing me to work through each contraction as needed and rest in between. Oceana recognized my labor progressing and filled up the bath when it was time. I will always remember how gently she laid a cold washcloth on my head throughout my time in the bath. While it may seem like a small comfort measure, it made me feel so much more comfortable in that moment just before my daughter was born. 

When it came time to push, Oceana stayed by my side and was a true source of comfort. I knew she was next to my husband and helping him stay calm as well. Most importantly, it was her presence alongside the rest of my birthing team that allowed me to quickly birth my daughter during that final phase. I was confident that I was surrounded by love and expertise and everything would go smoothly.

Simply put, Oceana was incredible and contributed to the most amazing labor and delivery I could ask for. Growing and birthing a child is life changing, no doubt, however by having Oceana as my doula my experience went beyond that of most. Oceana’s curiosity and insight provided me with a deeper attachment to the spiritual side of pregnancy, labor and childbirth. She asked me questions that allowed me to reflect on my discomforts, needs and desires, and thereby connect with the overall experience. If anyone is uncertain about including a doula in their pregnancy and labor experience then I will strongly recommend that they do so and strongly consider Oceana.

-Catriona de la Silva

My partner and I had the most amazing experience with Oceana as our doula. Her energy and presence was exactly what the both of us needed throughout pregnancy and our birth. A few of our favorite things about Oceana would be, her range in knowledge, which is remarkable, her intuition to be right where we needed her the most, her commitment to make sure we BOTH had the best prenatal and birthing experience and her calming energy which helped us stay grounded and in peace throughout the process. 

We trusted her to help bring our baby into this world the way we wanted and she went above and beyond what we ever imagined to make that happen. Oceana you are an angel and we are forever grateful for your guidance and hand in making sure we felt prepared, grounded and at peace. We can’t thank you enough.”

 -Melinda, Cameron and Wyatt 

Unfortunately, we didn't start working with Oceana until our 37th week, we wish we would have found her sooner! She is so knowledgeable and her presence both before and during labor really made all the difference. She was able to answer our questions, & provide a grounding and reverent presence, and give intentional touch (craniosacral therapy) that helped me get through some of the tougher parts of my labor.

 Oceana took the time to visit us in our home and really get to know my husband and me, even with such a short amount of time before baby was due.

We would both highly recommend her both as a professional, and just generally speaking as a human being. She was an integral part of our birth team.

 -Roxanne and Jared

You are our biggest advocate…we were at the birth center so it was pretty self-explanatory what we wanted but if we had been a at hospital, you would be the main one to be like no this is what we want and make it happen, and I think that’s the main reason people should hire doulas.

I guess the other thing is how you’ve had the experience to be a part of many births we weren’t sure well when do we go? Its just having that extra emotional person, you’re there to support my partner and you’re there just for nothing else besides that, supporting me and what I need, its not just to support me but to support the husband, like if you’re there for a really long labor like if husband needs to drink water or eat some food , you’re there to give breaks. Hiring a doula we are constantly telling our friends, you need a doula, without you, just the comfort level of knowing its not just Josiah and I, we’re kind of like a team together to make the decisions together like our little team, I felt like you Josiah and I were a little team, and we showed up together at the birth center

And also it’s not just about the birth, like you were so helpful with all the pregnancy questions I had like is this normal, hearing other people’s birth stories, and like I think your advice of having Josiah watch birth videos, like just kind of being there as part our journey, not just AT birth, but pre-birth, and having you come over post-birth to meet the baby more and ask about our experience was probably one of my favorite things, because you were there , and we were able to talk about the experience, together and  to share stories and experiences and talk about the birth together was one of my favorite parts, and build that foundation of a relationship and a friendship which is amazing.

-Karissa and Josiah

During my pregnancy, Oceana was a huge source of compassion, understanding and support for myself and my family. I live in Maine, but I would always call Oceana up after check ins at the midwives to digest the info I was given. While I was pregnant I was diagnosed with chronic hypertension, which was hugely distressing to me to worry that I may need to be induced due to complications. Oceana was so amazingly helpful in those times of great stress, offering knowledge and support as I navigated the medical system. One week before I went into labor, Oceana came to stay with me, attended my midwife visits in that time and helped me get settled and ready for our little one. When I went into labor at home Oceana was right by my side and didn't leave it until after I had given birth. 

Her presence was grounding, and she seemingly knew just where to be and what to offer exactly when it was needed. I never felt alone, I always had her right with me holding my hand and breathing deeply with me. 

I had a quick labor and delivery with no medication and I know that her presence contributed immensely in my ability to feel safe, secure and cared for in the most terrifying experience of my life thus far.

-Michel