“It doesn’t seem like a simple ‘thank you’ is enough. Having you as part of our birth experience in every way was the right decision. You brought knowledge and a sense of serenity to the experience, but also humor, which I really appreciated. It also felt like having a good friend there to hold my hand, advocate for me, and assure me (with honesty) that things were going to be fine. Some of the little things you did made as much impact as the big things (bringing a straw, your tealights, etc). You were just as present at the end of 24 hours of labor as at the beginning, and were no less attentive to my needs on your postpartum visit. I think choosing a doula, at least for us, was a feeling thing- we wanted to just know in our hearts we’d be comfortable with that person. The first time we met you, we knew you were the right choice. You will forever be a part of the most profound experience of my life.”
~ Laura Street

“I love Joanne. I loved meeting her, working with her and especially having her in the delivery room with me. She was a constant source of support and calm during labor and I don’t think I would have made it through my delivery without her! How could anyone go wrong with such an amazing woman by their side?”
~ Holly Hughes

“Having Joanne as my doula was the best thing I ever did for myself and my baby. I believed strongly in having a natural childbirth and she helped me achieve that goal. I don’t think I could have done it without her. She had tricks for everything. When I was having pain in a certain area she had a special move I could do to help alleviate that pain. She was so wonderful the whole time. She kept me calm and did not let me lose control when the pain was strong. She encouraged me to “walk my baby out” and I went from 4cm to 10cm in two hours. The whole experience was amazing and I will forever be grateful to her!”
~ Jessica Gammalo

“After our son was born, my husband and I regularly commented that we simply don’t know how we could have gone through the experience without Joanne’s knowledge, assistance, and calming presence. She gave us lucid, thorough birthing lessons and helped to create an optimal environment in the delivery room by keeping us relaxed and in clear communication with the hospital staff; Joanne could not have been better at making us feel confident, comfortable, and blessed to be first-time parents.”
~ Tyke & Jon

“Joanne is an outstanding doula who was instrumental in ensuring that we had the birth experience we wanted. When we started working with her, she recommended some resources — a chiropractor and a childbirth educator — who turned out to be key to our preparation. In the sometimes inhospitable environment of the hospital, Joanne created a place of safety, comfort and well-being, and she did this with great confidence. She was a trusted companion to both of us: my husband was finally able to rest after many hours of being awake once she arrived at the hospital; I was the recipient of several massages during painful moments of labor. And her calm, persistent coaching during the final phase made all the difference to me. Once our daughter was born, we celebrated — like a team, like old friends. She is flexible, resourceful, compassionate, honest, reliable, highly intelligent, and fun. We would have been (nearly) lost without her.”
~ Elizabeth Anderson-Kempe

“Joanne was recommended to us by another Doula. She took the time to answer all of our questions knowledgeably and with sincerity. We were very glad to have her by our side when the time came for our delivery. While my mom and husband were next to the baby right after he was born, Joanne was right by my side giving me encouragement while I waited for my baby. It was a very special moment and we feel very blessed to have had Joanne with us. After Freddy was born and I had a problem with breastfeeding it was Joanne that helped us to find Kitty Franz who fixed Freddy’s shortened frenulum problem. Even after our birth it was comforting to know she was always just a phone call away. Thanks Joanne!”
~ Vickie, Justin and Freddy

“Joanne was incredibly supportive during my labor and birth. She knew intuitively how to assist and comfort me, which was important because I was not always able to express my needs. She has a very gentle touch and a soothing voice. Joanne gave continuous
encouragement throughout the labor and cheered me on when I was becoming discouraged. She was my advocate when I couldn’t communicate – talking to the nurses on my behalf. I firmly believe that without her help I wouldn’t have had the natural labor that I had hoped for! “
~ Stef Stoddard

“Having Joanne as part of my birth team was one of the smartest things I could have done. She helped me prepare for the natural delivery I was planning but when Maya was still breech at 34 weeks, she helped me find the resources to try to make her turn. When that proved to be unsuccessful, Joanne and I discussed how to best prepare myself for a planned c-section at 39 weeks. Joanne helped me through Maya’s birth and was especially helpful in the days following. I was not prepared for the heavy rush of hormones and exhaustion that followed and Joanne’s calm words and manner meant so much to me. She reassured me that the choices I was making for myself and my daughter were right and to trust my own maternal instincts.”
~ Laura Sanzel

“Joanne was a wonderful help to my husband and I during our son’s birth. She made it easier for my husband and I to be with each other and really enjoy the birth of our beautiful son. She was an integral part of our baby coming into the world, and she will forever be part of our family because of it.”
~ Tia Hain