Testimonials
We understand how important it is for you to have consistent support during your birthing experience, and we want to assure you that we are here for you. While each of us hopes to be present at our client’s birth, we recognize that life—and especially the process of giving birth—can be unpredictable. To ensure you always have a caring doula by your side, we've created a backup doula circle of care.
This means that if the need arises, you will have an experienced compassionate doula ready to support you, whether for just an hour or throughout your entire labor and delivery. We genuinely want you to feel comfortable and connected, which is why we hold regular meet-the-doula gatherings. These monthly gatherings give you the opportunity to get to know the wonderful doulas in our backup circle, helping to foster a sense of familiarity before your birthing time
Our main goal is to make any transition to a backup doula as smooth and comforting as possible for you and your birth companion(s). Below, you can read heartfelt testimonials from parents who have been supported by a TDC backup doula, sharing their experiences and the warmth they felt from our caring community. Your journey is unique, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Johanna was sent to support Jenn
"We were slightly apprehensive about having a backup doula, but retrospectively had nothing to worry about. Thank you for being the calming helpful presence we needed!" -Aaron
Kara and Mikes's backup story/testimonial
"It was so hard for us to make the decision to hire a doula. None of our birthing friends had done so; it really felt like an extravagance or an indulgence of sorts. But everything I read and heard about doula care tugged me in that direction and I felt, deep down, like having a doula would give all three of us as healthy a birthing experience as possible. Our midwife recommended Johanna and she was just as skilled, calming, knowledgeable, and kind as all of the reviews we read about her attested. Despite COVID prohibiting in-person meetings, our virtual meetings with her solidified that we had made the right decision. Johanna helped us prepare and work through what was important to us in the birthing experience such that we could look forward to labor and delivery rather than fear it. When I went into labor two weeks early, Johanna was with another momma in active labor. But, one of the beautiful things about her doula practice is the skilled and amazing back-up doulas she partners with. We had taken a childbirth class with Andrea Denali and were so fortunate to have her at the ready for us. Johanna got our info to Andrea seamlessly so we could focus on labor, and Andrea was right there for us when we needed her. Johanna was also an incredible support to us in the postpartum period. From breastfeeding advice to reassurance and help processing the hard parts of our birth, she gave us peace of mind and confidence in some difficult days. We wish every expectant family had this kind of amazing doula support!”
Sonja's "Surprising Birth and Two Doulas" Story
Johanna Wright is AH-MAZ-ING! I was in such distress bc my water had broke but I was not experiencing contractions. The doctors told me I would need to be induced (which in my mind meant drugged)! I was terrified And I was six weeks early and had not been able to do any class in preparation for the birth. Johanna told me the research that she had read and told me that this was MY birth experience and MY baby! She empowered me and I decided to wait just a little bit longer before being induced. FINALLY my contractions began! Johanna was with me every step of the way... helping me to breathe and relax and remind me that my body and my baby were doing EXACTLY what needed to be done in order to bring my baby into this world. I felt SO assured. Joanne Dahill also came because she was my assigned doula and Johanna was a sub because Joanne had another birth she was attending to. I was SO lucky to have two doulas helping me. In the end, I gave birth to my son who was 6 lbs and 11 ounces. My husband who works 12 hour days was able to sleep on the couch in the room until the real pushing began. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to go through all of it without my doulas. I feel like they saved mine and my baby's life... but regardless they made my dream of a drug free delivery come true. My husband and I both agree that they were worth every single penny spent to get them to be part of my sons birth-day. I am TRULY eternally grateful and don't think it's possible to repay them for how they helped bring my baby boy into this world.”
Katie's "The Beauty of a Back Up Doula" Story
"Early in my pregnancy, I knew I wanted a doula. I started researching doulas and found Erin Luben’s wonderful website. She seemed like the perfect doula for us. We met Erin for the first time at a “Meet the Doulas” event and loved her even more in person! We were also impressed by the other doulas that were there that night. We met and loved Julie McBurney– so much so that we debated who to hire all the way home! They both were so calm, competent, and reassuring - we knew we couldn’t go wrong.
We ended up hiring Erin, but as it turned out, both Erin and Julie were incredibly supportive and played major roles during my pregnancy and birth. Erin was there for me through thick and thin during the months leading up to my birth. She addressed my fears and concerns, led an amazing birth class, and empowered me to hold out as long as possible before I needed to be induced. Erin was very sick when I gave birth, so Julie served as my back up doula. I will never forget when Julie first entered my labor room – I was panicky from the intensity of my contractions, but she came in and instantly surrounded me with her calming, reassuring confidence and support. Julie stayed right by my side throughout my very long (30 hours!) labor and delivery, even when she was pregnant herself! She suggested different positions to try, walked and rocked with me, and provided gentle, non-judgmental support through some tough decisions. She was also an incredible support for my husband and helped him be an amazing birth partner for me. When I didn’t think I had the strength to push any more, Julie encouraged me to reach down and touch the top of my baby’s head, which gave me the confidence and determination for those last few pushes.
When our son was finally born, Julie took the first picture of us as a new family – a beautiful photo that I will treasure forever. I am in awe of the incredible service she provided to us. When Erin was feeling better, she came and visited me in the hospital and continued to provide wonderful post-partum support once I went home. Both Julie and Erin helped make the birth of our son an amazing experience and I will forever be grateful to them both. I feel so lucky that I got to benefit from the expertise and loving support of two amazing doulas."