Best Doula Lowell Near Me

Brian Murphy: It was such a wonderful experience having Dashanna as our doula.It had been many years since we had a child and both of us had had experiences we didn’t want to revisit.Having Dashanna help with planning, strategies, and information went great. Even though we thought we had everything planned out, we still had an emergency birth and Dashanna’s assistance with planning paid off so the experience focused on my wife and child and Dashanna was only a speed dial away.I can’t speak highly enough about the attention to detail, planning and communication was with Dashanna and how great the birth went.I highly recommend Dashanna, not only for her expertise but for piece of mind during an overwhelming event.

Sarah Holmes Berk: We hired Dashanna as a postpartum doula, and she was wonderful! This was our first baby, so we weren’t sure what to expect or how well we would adjust. I know Dashanna would be a good fit from the start, when she acknowledged that the fourth trimester can be HARD while also reassuring me that we could do it and enjoy it.Our baby came three weeks early, and Dashanna gave us great input on what to expect (even though we had not hired her as a prenatal doula). It was wonderful to have a trusted third party available to give feedback as we responded to the doctor’s recommendations.Dashanna’s visits postpartum were really helpful. She was so good with our daughter and gave us the opportunity to spend time together and catch up on chores and self-care. It was also so wonderful to talk to another young mom, as I haven’t made any parent friends yet. She had great tips for newborn care without being pushy in the least.I really can’t say enough good things about Dashanna! Highly recommend her services, especially if you are nervous about entering parenthood. And check out her childbirth education class, which I reviewed in March.

Maura Giannattasio: My husband and I took Dashanna's Not Ya Mama's Childbirth Education class. Dashanna has a wealth of knowledge which she shares with expecting parents in an approachable and nurturing way. Her warmth and humor helped us to feel immediately at ease, which allowed us to absorb the information, ask questions, and confidently prepare a birth plan. When it came time to have our baby we felt prepared for anything thanks to her!

Emily Bruno: Great comprehensive and fun class! Would definitely recommend to expectant parents.

Notonmywatch: I honestly felt robbed of having a doula experience with Dashanna. I wish things were different and I thought she would get better but I felt so alone in her care. The moment she missed the birth of our baby is the moment I knew I should’ve picked someone else as a doula. I know things happen but that was what I was expecting her to be there for. Birth! I should’ve asked for a refund but I know times are hard and God will provide. Maybe the other reviews are paid but the whole time I felt neglected.

Kelli Shaw: Words can’t describe how amazing working with Dashanna has been. From our very first video chat she immediately put me at ease. She vibrates with an energy that is so warm and joyful, you can truly tell she has found her passion working in this field. Dashanna was with us for our birth, as well as postpartum care, and I am so grateful. After having two babies naturally, I felt wholly unprepared for my scheduled c-section. Dashanna was always there to listen to my concerns before hand and helped educate us on what our c-section would look like. Unfortunately, babies have their own plans and our girl came 3 weeks early via emergency c-section. Dashanna was right there with us, holding my hand and also supporting my husband for the surgery and after birth for the first feeding. Coming home after a c-section, our twice weekly visits with Dashanna were a blessing. Her love and support for whatever we needed each day were absolutely invaluable. Just knowing that I had that extra support and having someone to tell me “yes this is hard but you’re doing great” has made this transition into the fourth trimester so much easier for our family. Dashanna we cannot thank you enough for all the care you’ve give to us and we are so grateful to have found a new friend in you!

Karen DeVincent: Dashanna is the absolute best. She kept us calm before our child arrived, was a lifesaver in the hours after they were born and rushed into the NICU, and provided much-needed support in the months to follow. Dashanna's deep peri/postpartum knowledge coupled with her high level of emotional intelligence makes her a great fit for any parent seeking a high level of care. We would enthusiastically recommend Dashanna to support any parent(s) as they expand their family. Dashanna is a very special person and we feel lucky to have found her.

Natalie S: My husband and I took her Childbirth Education class and it was so helpful - we learned a lot, but more importantly, I'm freaking out less. Dashanna is really the perfect person for this - she's super knowledgeable but also very comfortable and warm to chat with. Highly recommend!

Sherene Davidson: Having Dashanna as my doula was the greatest resource during my pregnancy, and initially, I was not sure what more I could learn from a Childbirth Education Class. However, there is always more to be learned! The group class was great because this forum provided more people to ask excellent questions that I hadn't thought to ask. The class and materials were thoughtful, organized, and beyond informative. I highly recommend - especially if you think there isn't more to be learned about the the pregnancy and childbirth journey!

Abby Shain: Dashanna is SO knowledgable and easy to talk to... would recommend her Childbirth Education Class to all parents-to-be.

Jacqueline Reynolds: I hired Dashanna as my postpartum doula and I was so glad I did! I used her for both daytime and overnight care and felt completely comfortable leaving her alone to take care of my baby so that I could shower, nap, whatever I needed that day. This was my second baby so I knew what I was getting myself into, but it was still great to have her to answer random questions I had about breastfeeding/pumping, baby sleep schedules and other things I had completely forgotten about from the first time around. Would highly recommend!

Kate Wyman: Dashanna provided the most incredible support during our pregnancy, at birth and postpartum. While I have a lot of favorite qualities about Dashanna, my top is her ability to hold space. She supports every decision with kindness and grace.During our pregnancy, I felt so supported by her knowledge and caring demeanor. She gave us the answers to all of our questions, around everything from the best maternity clothes to the stages of birth. She really prepared me for my birth, which ended up being a long induction. I can still picture her beside me while I pushed our beautiful baby out! She also supported us during postpartum with our baby's 4 month developmental leap by helping us to find more structure, not to mention emotional support. Being a new parent can be challenging, and knowing that I could reach out to Dashanna when I needed help was such a comfort.Having Dashanna alongside us for the journey of birth was the best decision we could have made. I am so grateful for her!

Naychelle Lucas: Working with Dashanna as my pregnancy and Postpartum Doula was a wonderfully amazing experience!! I was so nervous about navigating my first pregnancy and didn’t feel like I was getting enough support from my OB, not to mention being pregnant at the start of the pandemic. I reached out to Dashanna and from our very first video call I felt supported, less anxious, and excited about my pregnancy journey! Throughout my entire pregnancy, I could reach out to Dashanna for any question, big or small and she was always there with help. She walked me through every trimester and taught me the stuff about pregnancy and birth that no one talks about. Dashanna was also a great resource to my husband and I as a couple. She helped him become a better birthing partner and Postpartum support.Having her as my Doula while I gave birth and visiting me at home after the hospital was invaluable. When your up with a new baby in the middle of the night and your panicking it’s so nice to know you’re not alone and Dashanna is there to help.I can’t say enough positive things about her and her services. I’ve recommended her to every pregnant woman I know!

Jennipher Terry: Dashanna gave me a ton of help when I went back to work after my second child was born; she has a great personality and she's lovely to work with! We created schedules that actually work and she helped us find excellent childcare near my husband's new job. It really freed us up to have someone with great attention to detail looking into daycares for us. Caring for Mamas offers great customized postpartum help.

Jessica Darius: I knew I wanted a doula when I had a baby and I'm so glad we chose Dashanna. My parents live far away and couldn't come help for the first week or two. Dashanna was great at the birth - helping me and my husband through labor. And she stepped in for a couple of postpartum shifts to help us get some rest until our families got into town! So glad she was our doula, she'll be a wonderful part of our birth story forever.

Madison Frost: I cannot express how thankful I am that we made the decision to have Megan as our doula! From our very first prenatal visit, I could tell she would be such a calm presence and strong advocate during labor. She helped me process some of the challenges I faced during my first birth and plan for and envision what I wanted my second birth to be. When the big day came, Megan was incredible. She helped me with comfort techniques for my back labor, kept me relaxed, and advocated for me throughout. She was so hands on but also knew exactly when to let my husband help or let me be. She’ll say it was all me, but she was a big part in me having a beautiful, empowering unmedicated birth. Cannot recommend her enough!

Amy Bauer: I first met Megan in person when I was 6cm dilated and arriving to the hospital in active labor — and in that state, she made me feel immediately calm, at ease, and like we were old friends. Megan was the backup doula for our actual doula, who we missed having attend our birth because our son decided to appear earthside 10 days after my due date :)Simply put, I credit Megan with being able to have my dream second birth. For my first, I was induced and had the typical "cascade of interventions" you hear about. This time around, my body went into labor naturally and I wanted to have an unmedicated delivery. I can say without a doubt, if I hadn't had her calm, rock-steady presence in the room, I would have gotten an epidural. She helped ease my anxiety, was there with a gentle back rub during hard contractions, suggested various laboring positions, and helped me feel strong, capable, and empowered during my unmedicated hospital birth.Also, she took the most gorgeous photos of our birth experience. I cried when looking through them and am so grateful that she was there to capture those moments. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

Talia Hahn: Megan was a tremendous source of support during my pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Our prenatal visits were a great opportunity to get to know each other better and were very educational. The books she lent me were also helpful. Most crucially though, having Megan help us labor at home as another set of hands and a calming voice in my ear was invaluable. Her steady presence at the hospital rooting me on and her understanding of the hospital procedures was also helpful. Megan helped me and my husband feel proud of our daughter's birth story and are very pleased to have worked with her. We highly recommend Megan to anyone looking for a doula!

Emily Hanson: We're so lucky to have been able to work with Megan! She was an invaluable resource throughout the pregnancy for information, support, and guidance -- all things that, as new parents, we really needed. She helped me develop a birth plan that was true to who I am and what I wanted, offering her expertise in both traditional and modern birth practices throughout. Additionally, I never thought I’d want birth photos, but having that as an additional service she provides was an unobtrusive, incredibly special bonus. The photos she took while supporting the birth of our son are something we’ll treasure forever. I couldn't feel more positively about the birth experience, and can't imagine having gone through it without Megan along for the ride!

Kristie Ferrantella: Megan was the best! It was our first pregnancy and I was labeled high risk due to having T1 Diabetes. Megan walked me and my husband through evidence based birth practices and helped us make decisions and advocate for ourselves. She was available not only throughout the pregnancy and delivery but was a huge asset postpartum. I couldn't recommend her more!PS She also takes the best photos that I'll cherish forever as they capture the raw emotion of meeting my son!

Marianna Zak Hill: Megan is amazing! She was an invaluable support person for my partner and myself and a great resource throughout the process. She is so knowledgeable, compassionate, and empowering. I look forward to working with her again if we get the chance.

Diane Hamann: Hiring Megan was the best decision I made during my pregnancy. She excels at bringing together the ancient wisdom of birth doulas/midwifery and more modern evidence based birth. I was aiming for a natural birth at the hospital until I was diagnosed with a breech baby, which complicated my birth options at the last minute. Megan was a comforting, steady, cool headed and caring voice to turn to when I needed advice and was going through a lot of stress dealing with the breech diagnosis. I was beyond grateful that she was with us as our advocate during delivery with her deep knowledge of hospital procedures and comfort measures during labor. Megan stayed the whole time and even took pictures of the birth, which was so precious to me since my breech delivery was chaotic and my memory a bit fuzzy by the end. I look forward to partnering with Megan again should we decide for a second baby!

Jess Thompson: It's no easy feat to strike a balance between the scientific, evidence-based practices of mainstream medicine with the ancient, heart-centered mysteries of birth. Megan accomplishes this balance with confidence, competence, and authenticity. If - like me - you're just as likely to read through paper abstracts as you are to consult your pendulum during pregnancy, then Megan is the perfect fit.

Helen Provost: Thanks to Megan, I was able to have the birth that I dreamed about (completely unmedicated). She coached me throughout pregnancy and then during labor not only did she provide natural pain management, but she also held space for me which was equally important. Megan’s pregnancy, labor, and postpartum knowledge is deep. I felt completely confident in my own body’s ability having her by my side. She’s the sweetest person, a wonderful woman to have in your circle of powerful females.

Nicole Mathieu: I gave birth to my first child in July 2021 and my husband and I had the absolute pleasure of working with Megan as our doula. We actually didn't meet Megan until very late in my pregnancy and that couldn't have mattered less. Megan was so personable and easy going and very communicative. She gave us so many helpful tips leading up to the birth - including some great stretches and movements.During the labor she made all the difference in my very difficult delivery. She made sure I felt supported the entire time - she was the perfect balance of motivating and zen for me!! My husband has said numerous times that having Megan with us made him feel all that much more secure in supporting me as well. When my birth plan to go unmedicated got derailed due to long hours of back labor, Megan was there to support us in the decision to use an epidural. When my labor was not progressing and had stalled, she was there to help us weigh the pros and cons of the next steps we wanted to take. She never overstepped and was there for me the entire time I pushed for 3.5 hours. She stayed with us until the wee hours of the morning after the delivery to ensure everything went smoothly post-delivery as well. Then, as if being on her feet with us for nearly 24 hours wasn't enough, she went above and beyond and coordinated with the placenta encapsulation service and took care of the delivery simply because it wasn't too far from where she lived. I cannot recommend working with Megan more - she is a calming presence in an otherwise overwhelming experience and any person delivering would be lucky to have her as their doula!

Halley Grogan: Megan was so helpful during the birth of our second child. She met with us twice prior to the delivery to discuss our goals - this really helped all of us determine everyone’s roles. She provided both emotional support and practical tips for managing this more difficult second pregnancy. During the actual birth, Megan was a consistent cheerleader during a longer than expected induction followed by a very quick delivery. Megan also connected me with resources within my community to help with my postpartum recovery. Throughout the entire experience Megan was so responsive and a great communicator which made both my partner and I feel so supported. Couldn’t recommend her more and wish she had been with us during the birth of our first child.

Meaghan Lyons Bonner: Megan is a truly gifted doula - someone who instantly makes you feel held and understood. She was instrumental in helping me navigate a challenging pregnancy and supported my birth preferences, even as they changed. Thanks to her care, my daughter’s birth was a very positive experience despite it not being what I had initially envisioned. No matter what kind of birth you may be considering, Megan is an invaluable asset and a deeply kind person to have in your corner.

Amanda Waddell: I first met Carolynn when she came as the back-up doula for the birth of my first child. It was a really challenging 24-hour labor, and even though I had not met Carolynn prior to her arrival at the hospital, she calmed me down right away and got things progressing to where they needed to be. I couldn’t have had the unmedicated birth I wanted without her there. Both my partner and I immediately knew that if we had another child, Carolynn would be our one and only doula.For my second birth, Carolynn was instrumental in making me feel calm and confident throughout my entire pregnancy, even when we went well past the 40-week mark and needed to consider induction methods. Again, with her help, we avoided interventions and our beautiful baby arrived naturally in under an hour (!).My two birth experiences were SO different from one another, but Carolynn was my guiding light for both and will always hold a special place in our hearts. She is a gift to all!

Colleen Dugan: Carolynn is an absolutely phenomenal doula! My husband and I are both so pleased that we found her and were able to have her by our side during delivery, pregnancy and postpartum. She was such an incredible resource to have. From the first phone conversation I had with Carolynn I could tell she was a knowledgable, trustworthy, kind and intelligent person. I truly respected her honesty and knew she was going to be a great fit for our family. I ended up having some issues with high blood pressure during pregnancy and Carolynn was an amazing resource. She offered insight and evidence based articles to help me and my husband navigate options for our pregnancy/delivery. When she came to our home for our first visit we all hit it off and our next visit she provided great resources on pregnancy/the birthing process. She even gives you a binder full of resources, which I used often. It was such a help to me to have Carolynn to talk to before and after appointments- she helped ease my anxiety and formulate questions about concerns I had with my providers. My water ended up breaking two days before our daughter was born and she was posterior, which we did not know at the time- which lead to a late night call to Carolynn- who helped my husband and I navigate the next steps. Carolynn met us at the hospital and did some rebozo work to help reposition our daughter- which was tremendously helpful in relieving strong back contractions and nausea. My husband was super appreciative of her help, especially so he could catch some sleep during my long labor. During my labor she answered all questions we had, set up lights and music in the room and gave the best lower back massage to help ease discomfort. She was super supportive of my husband and me. Our postpartum visit was lovely, and because of her showing me how to use the moby wrap I have two hands free to be able to type this! I would highly recommend Carolynn as a doula! And if you are on the fence about using a doula I would say it is totally worth it! Although my birth did not go exactly as I had envisioned, since I ended up being induced two days after my water broke and on pitocin, thanks to Carolynns help I was still able to have an unmedicated vaginal hospital delivery and wouldn’t change a thing!

Caroline Sheedy: Wow, where to start?! Working with Carolynn was absolutely wonderful and my husband and I felt fully prepared for the birth of our first child. We met with Carolynn twice prenatally and were able to get an amazing crash course in all things about labor, delivery and even some post partum stuff. We had taken a class, but working with Carolynn allowed for a much more personal experience where we could spend more or less time on certain topics and cover off on anything that we felt we needed or wanted more information on. I had a really long early labor but I wanted to wait to have her join us until we were at the hospital. Carolynn was available to us via phone/text for anything we needed during that time, including just reassuring that everything I was experiencing was totally normal. Having her by our sides while at the hopsital was amazing. It allowed my husband to focus on me and neither of us had to worry about trying to remember what we should be doing. Carolynn provided comfort and expertise throughout the entire experience. Carolynn was able to remind us what we learned with her and provide us with evidence based research to help us make decisions. I can't say enough about how amazing it was to have her with us and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to birth with a doula!

Molly Sanchez: My husband and I welcomed are daughter earthside on Sept 18, 2019 and could not have done it without Carolynn. From the moment I got pregnant, I knew I wanted to have a natural birth but was still fearful of the unknowns since this was my first baby. I started doing my research and knew I had to build a support system in addition to a care team we could trust with our birth preferences.Initially, I wasn’t completely sold on whether we needed a Doula. I was hesitant that hiring one would get in the way of my husband’s experience. He’s a very hands on person and wanted to be involved in the birth every step of the way, so I didn’t want him to feel like he was being replaced. Once meeting Carolynn, we very quickly learned that this was not the case at all. Carolynn became part of our team; was a huge resource as we got ready for the big day and supported my husband as well as me throughout labor. This was in addition to an amazing team of midwives.Carolynn helped us approach labor with a positive mindset and steered us towards evidence-based resources and real birth stories (happy ones!) rather than letting us get sucked into the fearful “what ifs” and horror stories that people typically want to share. She was always available for questions or to talk things through - was there to help us make decisions but also willing to give us the space we needed to think. By working with Carolynn and doing her Hypnobirthing class - along with my own personal research - we felt incredibly confident, at ease, and excited about labor. The preparation was well worth it and our daughter’s birth day ended up being the most incredible experience of our lives. We would highly recommend Carolynn and plan to hire her again when we’re ready for number two :)

Ishani Kohli: Carolynn is hands down the best doula. She has been an active coach for both my children’s births. She made herself available at odd hours, helping me prep for my birth and understand what prodormal labor is and how to alleviate it. The birth of both my children was perfect and Carolynn played a very important role in making sure that it was perfect in every way. Her support meant everything, she was very respectful of all my wishes and advocated for my birthing preferences when I was in labor. I would recommend Carolynn for her doula services and hypnobirthing classes. The hypnobirthing was key for me to have my drug free labor. My husband and I are forever grateful that we found Carolynn and for everything she did for our family!

Samantha Campbell: Looking for a Doula? Look no further. Carolynn is a boss!!! She knows more about labor, delivery, and the birthing process than anyone that I have ever talked to. As first time parents we were nervous about what to expect in the delivery room. More importantly I have an extreme needle-phobia and was adamant about having a needle-free birth. An epidural was just not an option for me. Having Carolynn was a complete game changer. She has this calming energy that put my anxious mind at ease. At 41 weeks the midwife was pressing me to get induced. Being adamant that I did not want to, Carolynn was able to help us articulate our wishes. She was so knowledgeable about all of our options and always available to discuss the pros and cons.... even at 3am. She is like having a birth guide in your back pocket. When I finally went into spontaneous labor at 41+6. Carolynn was able to guide us through early labor, keeping my husband in a rhythm and helping him best support me. When it was time for her to arrive she was there in the blink of an eye. She never left my side and continued to have suggestions on how to best get our daughter through the birth canal. Once my baby girl was born I needed some medical attention. While my husband did skin-to-skin with our daughter, Carolynn never left my side. She was that familiar face I needed to keep my mind at ease. We will definitely be calling her for baby number 2. Thank you Carolynn, you truly were the best decision we could have made 💕

Jenna Arsenault: We’ve had the pleasure of having Carolynn be a part of both our son’s birth in 2017 and our daughter’s birth just a little over 3 weeks ago. Carolynn is so knowledgeable, patient, kind, passionate and resourceful. I truly feel like we hit the jackpot with her!I found her through an internet search when I first found out I was pregnant with my son in 2017. She is extremely hands on, easy to reach, and quick to respond to questions throughout the entire pregnancy journey. My first pregnancy and delivery was so different from my second. I was considered high risk with both due to a seizure condition...and while the doctors seemed edgy about it (especially during my first pregnancy because my seizures were a bit wild), Carolynn was so calm and reassuring.I am a bit (ok more than a bit) high strung, but I felt so comforted and relaxed after running questions by Carolynn. She always made me feel so empowered and helped me believe in myself. She is the reason I was able to achieve my VBAC in September 2019. I feel so amazing about this still and it’s been over 3 weeks.Carolynn is such a special person to me and my family. I feel so incredibly blessed that we found her and were able to have her with us through these pregnancies and birthing experiences. Without a doubt she is the reason my husband and I got through it twice. I consider her a part of my family after the incredible journey she has been through with us. In fact, she got to cuddle our little ones long before any of our family members even knew the babies were born....very special.Also, we did take her hypnobirthing class which was incredible. It really helped us see pregnancy and birthing in a different light. In today’s world, pregnancy and birthing is so overly medicalized and not viewed as a natural process. I felt like this long before I was expecting a baby which is what drove me to seek out a Doula and get educated.Carolynn was everything I was hoping for and more.She really is an amazing person and I have zero regrets about having her be a part of our lives. The only bittersweet thing is we are done having children now that we have our boy and girl...so we won’t need Carolynn again in terms of hiring her for helping us through a pregnancy and birth. However, we plan to keep in touch and I would recommend her to anyone considering hiring a doula. She is simply the best!

Richelle Records: We are so happy we decided to work with Carolynn. This was our first baby and needless to say, we were a little anxious. From our first meeting, Carolynn helped answer all of our questions, was knowledgeable, and very professional. During labor she helped not only with comfort measures, but also with little things, like organizing bags and taking notes during the birth. Everyone at Emerson Hospital loves her with good reason. Highly recommended.

Kara Hodecker: Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions I made. I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted the help of a doula with my second birth, and when I found Carolynn, I knew we would make a great team. Carolynn is exactly what I needed in a doula—she’s sweet, warm, and exceptionally knowledgeable. Thoughout the second half of my pregnancy, she answered my questions and addressed my concerns in a completely unbiased manner. She thoughtfully explained different options and their pros and cons to enable me to reach my own informed decisions. She made me feel comfortable telling (not asking!) my OB for what I wanted, especially when the possibility of induction came up toward the end of my pregnancy.During my labor, Carolynn had my back—literally. She knew my strong desire for an unmedicated birth, and she made every effort to help me be as comfortable as possible. She coached and supported me through breathing techniques and varying positions, and this allowed my husband to be with me in a more intimate and loving way.With Carolynn’s help, I was able to have the amazing, natural birth experience I had so desperately hoped for. I truly don’t think I could have done it without her.If you’re looking for a doula, I highly recommend getting in touch with Carolynn! She is amazing, and you’ll be glad you did.

Laurel Amiri: We took the hyponobirthing class with Carolynn. This was an amazing 5 week course which we highly recommend! We learned many hypnobirthing tools to use during the birthing and labor process. We left the classes with so much information and better prepared for bringing our baby into the world.

Suzanne Yakes: I am so grateful that someone recommended Carolynn to me- as a doula and hypnobirthing instructor. From the first phone call with her I knew that she was someone I wanted as part of my support team for my pregnancy and birth.Regardless of my question, Carolynn is always available (she continues to be in contact postpartum!) to provide suggestions, advice or direct me to resources. More importantly, she responds in a way which fostered trust in my own intuition. This has been invaluable in my first few weeks in being a new mother!One of the things I found most beneficial in my work with Carolynn is that I felt that she truly believed in me and how I wanted to give birth. Her unwavering encouragement and dedication to her role in supporting me and my husband during my pregnancy and birth allowed us to experience our daughter's entry into the world in the way that we hoped. 3Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Carolynn to anyone seeking a doula. I would also strongly recommend taking her hypnobirthing class.

mary theresa genetti: After speaking with Carolynn on the phone, I had no doubts that I wanted to work with her. Each prenatal visit left my husband and I feeling more and more ready for the birth of our daughter, and my birth experience was more than I ever could have asked for. I would highly recommend Carolynn's doula services to all women because her expertise, warmth, and empowering demeanor were vital in allowing me to have the labor and delivery I had hoped for. My husband and I wouldn't have changed a thing about Carolynn's amazing support as we brought our daughter into the world. We are beyond grateful that we found Carolynn!

Brianna Harlem: My husband and I are so glad we hired Carolynn as our labor and delivery doula. From our first meeting to our last she exceeded our expectations. Carolynn sincerely took the time to get to know our family and birthing desires. She helped me overcome anxiety surrounding my delivery and alleviated many fears that arose for me during pregnancy. I genuinely felt a connection with her and was so glad she was a part of our sons birth. She listened to our needs and I was so happy with all the support she gave us mentally and physically during labor.She had such a calming presence that helped establish trust in such an intimate experience. She also assisted my husband and helped him be hands on during labor.

Laura Clark: Carolynn is awesome! I initially sought out a doula because, after having an unpleasant experience with an epidural during the birth of my first son, I decided that I wanted to have an unmedicated birth with as little intervention as possible for the birth of my second (while also in a hospital), and I was looking for someone to help support this goal. From our first phone conversation, I immediately felt at ease with Carolynn, like I was talking to an old friend. I also felt SO much more heard than I ever had during doctor’s appointments. Carolynn really takes the time to get to know you (and your birth partner) and listens to what your wishes are and how best she can support them. I had already started doing a home course in hypnobabies (which is similar to the hypnobirthing that Carolynn teaches) before I started working with her, and Carolynn was very helpful in supporting that while also giving me and my husband other possible tools to use for comfort during pregnancy and birth. Leading up to my son’s birth, Carolynn was always readily available for advice or just moral support, and she helped talk me through an episode of false labor. On the day that my son was born, the labor started out slow, but then suddenly started to move very quickly. By the time I got to the hospital, I was very much in active labor and having strong contractions. Carolynn met us at the hospital and was absolutely instrumental in helping me stay calm and focused. And, when things got intense, Carolynn knew exactly what positions might help me stay comfortable and what counter pressure to apply to relieve the contractions (my husband was very happy to have her there to help with this too!). In the end, Carolynn helped me have the positive, unmedicated birth that I was dreaming of. Additionally, after my son was born, her support continued with daily check-ins and a postnatal visit. This was especially helpful while I was having trouble breastfeeding, and she referred me to a lactation consultant. If you’re thinking about hiring a doula, I wholeheartedly recommend Carolynn!

KL Rubino: Early on in our pregnancy we decided it was best for us to seek out the services of a doula. Our goal for our birth experience was a natural water birth with as little medical intervention as possible at a freestanding birth center. My sister suggested that we look into hypnobirthing, and after much research we decided to give it a go and signed up for the class through Gentle Waves Birthing. We enjoyed our experience in the hypnobirthing classes taught by Carolynn, which covered more than just hypnobirthing alone. The classes included birth process, alternatives to typical standard interventions in a hospital, communication with care providers, as well as, self-hypnosis,visualizations and positioning to manage discomfort during birth. Through these classes we developed a relationship with Carolynn that helped us decide to hire her as a doula. From our first prenatal visit with her we knew we had made the right decision. Her personality and caring nature made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. She provided us with a wealth of knowledge, answering our many questions and concerns eagerly and in a timely manner. Her advice and support helped us feel fully prepared as we approached our baby’s birth. She was a comfort and support throughout the birth not only to us as the soon to be parents, but also to our family support present. She working well with our midwives at the birth center, and the medical personnel at the hospital when an unexpected situation arose after the birth. Her continued contact, knowledge and support throughout the pre- and postnatal periods, as well as, during the birth was much appreciated and helped us to remain calm and confident. We would highly recommend Carolynn from Gentle Waves Birthing for both hypnobirthing classes and doula services.

Amanda Parsons: My husband and I are so thankful that Carolynn was present at the birth of our first child. We would highly recommend her to anyone considering a doula.I knew early on in my pregnancy that I wanted to have a doula. My husband was not familiar with doulas and he was skeptical at first, but after our initial consultation with Carolynn, we both knew that we wanted to ask her to be our doula. I was preparing and hoping for an unmedicated birth and I felt that with Carolynn's support I could achieve that goal. She is caring, compassionate, professional, and skilled. It is clear that she wants her clients to feel confident and empowered and excited about the life-changing event to come.As part of the package we chose, Carolynn came to our house for a three-hour prenatal appointment. This appointment was very helpful in preparing my husband and I for childbirth. We covered a number of topics, including the signs and stages of labor and relaxation and breathing techniques. Carolynn also helped us create a comprehensive birth plan that helped us communicate our preferences and hopes for birth to our provider. As my pregnancy progressed, Carolynn stayed in touch with me, answering questions and offering additional guidance.When I started feeling strong and regular contractions in the middle of the night, I was able to call Carolynn and talk to her about what I was experiencing. She stayed in touch with us throughout the next day as I labored at home, offering guidance and support. She met us promptly at the hospital and my husband and I immediately felt at ease when she arrived. I cannot say enough about how amazing Carolynn was during my labor and delivery. She was a calm and comforting presence in the room. She used soothing music, aromatherapy, and massage to help me relax, applied counter-pressure during contractions, and helped me change positions. Carolynn also helped my husband find ways to support me. She did not take his place, but rather helped him take an active role during labor and delivery. She also supported him, allowing him to take a break and get something to eat. When our baby's heart rate dropped during the pushing phase, Carolynn helped me stay calm and focused on my breathing. Thankfully, our baby's heart rate came back up and I was able to deliver naturally. I'm so thankful Carolynn was by my side. She helped me conquer my fear and anxiety in that moment. After our beautiful daughter was born, Carolynn helped me initiate breastfeeding. She stayed with us until the three of us were happily settled in our room. On the day we were discharged from the hospital, a midwife asked us for Carolynn's name as the nurses and midwives attending our birth had been so impressed with everything she did for us.During our in-home postpartum visit, Carolynn encouraged us to reflect on our childbirth experience, answered questions, and connected us to additional resources, including a local lactation consultant.Thank you, Carolynn, for being a part of our daughter's beautiful birth. It's clear that you are meant to do this work.

Emily Farrell: When I found out I was pregnant, I did a lot of research about hiring a Doula. I knew I wanted to hire a Doula because I wanted to have someone there who has been through the labor experience and would be able to be another support system for me during the process. My husband was unsure of hiring a Doula and didn’t think it was going to be worth the additional costs. However, after we met with Carolynn, he said “we have to hire her - she’s exactly what we need.” We really would not have had such a positive birth experience without Carolynn’s help. Preparing for the birth, she was always available to answer any questions or concerns we had about the pregnancy and labor. Her answers were always unbiased and educated. She would often send additional resources or information about questions I had and encouraged me to make my own decisions on my beliefs. She worked with us on my birth preferences and made sure that my voice was heard. She really was an advocate for me throughout the entire process.Carolynn is very positive, educated, soothing and supportive. She is laid back and wants you to make your own decisions on your birthing experience. There are so many special circumstances that can come up during labor but she made me feel confident that whatever happens, we had the tools to be successful.I would 100% recommend Carolynn as a Doula and a Hypnobirthing instructor to all moms and expecting parents. As a first time mom within our friend group, I had no idea what to expect. But I knew after all of the preparation we did together I was extremely prepared and confident going into the birth of our son. Once I started laboring, Carolynn was extremely supportive and encouraging. She was able to be an aid to the process as well as encourage my husband on ways to assist me during the birth. Carolynn had my birth preferences in mind during the entire labor and was an advocate for me when I was unsure about how to proceed.

Amanda McCabe: I would highly recommend Carolynn as a birth doula regardless of the type of birth you plan for (hospital, home, birth center, etc). My main goal was to have a positive birth experience where I felt I was in control of how my baby was born. Carolynn helped me to achieve this goal in a hospital setting. Birth is such an intimate event and I was initially concerned that I would feel uncomfortable having someone that I did not know very well at my birth. However, upon meeting Carolynn I felt completely at ease about working with her due to her professional but kind and compassionate nature. I think where Carolynn truly shines is in her ability to educate on the pros and cons of certain procedures that enabled me to make decisions in the moment. She is very open-minded and I never felt that I was being swayed one way or another, only informed and supported. She is also extremely supportive of birth partners and helped my husband stay calm and guided him in supporting me during the birth. Carolynn went above and beyond her duty as a doula and my husband and I were grateful to have her by our side on such an emotional and special day.

Meghan Adie: My husband and I feel so fortunate to have had Carolynn as our Doula for the birth of our first child. Carolynn provided vital support for us prior to, during, and after the birth of our son. When we first met Carolynn we knew that we wanted her to be our Doula. Both myself and my husband immediately felt comfortable with her and after talking with her for a while we knew that she was very knowledgeable and passionate about pregnancy and child birth. Carolynn was always available by text, e-mail, and phone to answer any questions we had and researched and provided us with any information we needed. We learned a lot during our home visits with Carolynn. During our second home visit we went over different stretches and positioning which was very helpful. When I went into labor, it came on quickly. Carolynn was quick to meet us at our home and helped me stay calm. When we went to the hospital, Carolynn set up a calm environment with dim lighting, LED candles and music. She was an amazing coach to me and an excellent teammate to my husband. My labor was long and Carolynn collaborated well with all of the nurses and midwives that we had. She stayed with us for a few hours after our son was born making sure we were all ok even though we had been at the hospital for about 36 hours with not much sleep. My son had a slight fever after he was born and we had to stay at the hospital for a few days. Carolynn checked in on us often. When we got home I was not feeling well and ended up in the emergency room with a kidney infection while my husband brought our son to his first pediatrician appointment. Carolynn had called to check in on me that morning and stopped by and stayed with me while I was waiting for my father to bring me to the hospital so I was not alone. She even did the dishes while I showered. Carolynn came over for a postpartum visit once I was feeling better and stayed for a long time trying to help our son latch on to breastfeed. While we were not successful during the visit, Carolynn gave me the contact information for a lactation consultant that helped us. If you are considering hiring a doula, I wholeheartedly recommend Carolynn, she is truly amazing!

casey cataldo: Having Becky as a doula was such a wonderful experience! She prepared us for labor and delivery, we felt confident in what to do/ questions to ask when things got overwhelming in the delivery room. Becky is a very caring and compassionate person, she made us feel extremely comfortable throughout our pregnancy experience. She shared her knowledge with us and helped us create a birth preference. Her tips and tricks helped us prepare for birth, delivery, and postpartum. I highly recommend using Becky as a doula!

Joey Primero: Could not recommend enough! Becky brought my husband and I so much comfort and support. It was my first birth, and she really prepped us for all of the possible scenarios and options and helped me feel as prepared as I could be leading up to it. She also came by an in-home c section consult and provided so many tips which were excellent for my recovery. Highly recommend if you're looking for a doula!

Danielle Fulmer: My partner and I worked with Becky as our birth doula. In our preparatory sessions, she helped us talk through and document my birth preferences, and taught hands-on comfort measures my partner could use to support me while laboring at home. Becky was super available towards the end of my pregnancy, checking in with us regularly and responding promptly to questions and concerns. When Becky joined us at the hospital, she helped me to stay comfortable and helped me to remember and communicate my preferences to the birth team so that I didn't forget anything important in the moment. My partner also felt very supported. - In fact, he had never heard of a doula before we decided to work with Becky, and in the end he said that this was one of the best decisions we made! I highly recommend working with Becky if you are looking for a birth doula in the Boston area!

Jing ya Chen: My husband and I are so happy we went with Becky as our doula. After interviewing a couple of recommended Boston doulas, I felt her background and personality connected with us the best. She’s easy to talk to and listens to what we want and expect. This was my first pregnancy so we weren’t sure what to expect and we felt it would be comforting to have a familiar face in the delivery room as hospitals can be very overwhelming. Becky came to our house twice before delivery and went over our birth plan very thoroughly. Who knew there were so many options and decisions that can be made? For the actual delivery, I can’t express how grateful we are that Becky was there to support us through the whole time. She helped us stick to our birth plan as much as possible. She helped me stretch, do exercises to keep comfortable, and her massages are great. I would hire again just for the amazing massages. If we decide to have another, I will definitely hire Becky again.

Anna Kennedy: We used Becky for a functional home assessment; prep for cesarean; & birth planning consultation. She was great in helping us plan and prepare for the arrival of our twins. Very grateful to have garnered some new knowledge about the c-section process and recovery, and formulate birth preferences. Highly recommend!Thanks again!

Dan Lavoie: Becky was a fantastic help for us in the first few months with our new baby. We relied on her as a postpartum doula as we transitioned off of parental leave. She was super flexible both with scheduling and with however she could help out - cooking, cleaning, baby wearing, feeding... being able to get a few extra hours of sleep (or at least an extra pair of helping hands if the baby was fussy) was priceless.Friendly, kind, and helpful, would definitely recommend her!

Emmy Carragher: Becky is an incredible doula to have by your side. Both my partner and I felt so supported throughout the birth of our son, both physically and emotionally. Becky brought such a sense of calm and strength to our entire process, and stayed to support afterwards. We can't recommend working with her enough!

Natalie Baker: Hiring Becky was the best decision I made during my pregnancy. She worked very hard to make sure I was confident going into my labor, including a good birth plan and a ton of coping skills that she taught me in my home. She also created a comfortable, happy atmosphere in my delivery room and my whole experience was so much more relaxed because of her. Becky's background in occupational therapy gives her insight into massage and pain coping techniques that most doulas don't have. I would recommend Becky to anyone without hesitation - she works super hard for her clients. Thankful to have her as a first-time Mom.Becky also worked with me as a postpartum doula. She was helpful in giving tips and tricks for bottles and sleep, and she’s so personable that it didn’t feel at all like a “guest”-just a great pair of hands with lots of knowledge and willingness to help. Highly recommend.

Jill Hertzog: Becky is kind, patient and so professional. She is a wealth of knowledge and helped me process through all of my birthing questions and options in a non-biased, balanced way. I felt much more confident and at ease going into my second delivery because of her and her resources. You will absolutely love Becky and will not regret having her involved in this important season of life! From pregnancy to labor/delivery and postpartum this girl knows her stuff and is so down to earth. Thank you Becky!

Kat Saoyen: Becky was my doula and did an amazing job. She’s very knowledgeable and supportive. Her OT skills came in handy as well and she provided me with great c-section recovery tips.

Courtney Sullivan: Becky helped us with our 3-4 month old son for overnight care as I transitioned back to work. We were impressed from the start by how thorough she was in making sure she understood our goals and preferences. In addition to her help overnight when she was there, she provided guidance on daytime feeding, sleeping, and age-appropriate play as well. She helped us get him sleeping for longer stretches and went above and beyond to communicate with our nanny as well. Her presence was invaluable in helping me get back to work well-rested and confident that my baby was doing well. We always looked forward to the nights she was coming! Would highly recommend!

Lauren Newton: I highly recommend Capstone. Becky has been an unbelievable resource for me as a first time mother. She was referred to me by a close friend because, at the time, I was exhausted AND overwhelmed. Becky couldn’t have been more helpful, she jumped right in to offer different solutions for sleep training, products that worked for her and reminded me that there isn’t a wrong way to do it. She offered me her personal experience coupled with the latest studies and industry knowledge. She also gave me the post partum support that is so important for a new mother dealing with physical, emotional, and life changes. I feel lucky to be working with Capstone and would give Becky 6 out of five stars if I could. I wish I had her as my Doula for baby number 1 but I will definitely be using her for baby 2!

Car Oline K: Becky helped me navigate my first week post pardom with my son and provided me with the support I needed to survive those first weeks being home with a new baby. When I was a mess, she was calm! I will always be grateful for that. Becky is a joy to work with and I would highly recommend her services.

Glory Glidden: I am a family nanny and I can't begin to tell you how helpful Becky has been. The infant I care for is always the most peaceful and happy after Becky has spent the night with him. She has tons of great advice to offer and is quick to respond if a question ever arises. She has helped me form a schedule for the baby that works incredibly well. Not only is she a fantastic doula, but just a wonderful person in general. I highly recommend working with her :)

SJ KN: Becky is knowledgeable and provides excellent services. She helped guide me through postpartum during Covid and was always available to answer any questions. Her background as an OT in a hospital and being a mom herself sets her apart from other doulas. Couldn't recommendation a better option if you'd like a compassionate, qualified, and skilled doula.