I had every fear, anxiety and horror story heard from friends going through my head about labor and delivery. How could I not, when one of the single biggest things you ever go through (delivering a baby) has no guarantee about how it will go? This is where Blake helped immensely. Not only has she been through this, three times herself, and more than that as a Doula, but she's a wealth of knowledge on everything about it. From the moment Blake told me she was available to be with us at the birth of our daughter, I felt the weight of the unknown world come off of my chest. Not to discredit the amazing nurses and midwives at my delivery or my incredibly smart OBGYN, but there is something to be said for having an advocate for you in the room. Blake personally came to our home prior to birth to learn more about our preferences, my fears, help us lay out a potential birth plan. She helped us understand what the different options were and when one thing might be more important than another. She was on call from there whenever we had questions, concerns or updates. She was my first call when I believed I was in labor. She gave me guidance on what to do from there and met us at the hospital before we were admitted. She walked me around the hospital for 45 minutes because I wasn't dilated enough for them to admit me at first. She advocated for me once we were admitted and ensured my birth plan priorities and needs were met, and quickly. She worked very well with the medical professionals and my husband in the room. She kept me comfortable, occupied and entertained, and above all else, calm. I'll never forget after delivering my daughter, and Blake getting me a snack and drink and literally feeding me while I held my baby for the first time. She checked in on us after delivery. When I look back on memories of that day, and photos (that Blake took) I feel so fortunate to have had such a positive birth experience and credit so much of that to having Blake with us.
— Melissa Kegan
We used Blake’s services for the birth of our first child, and we were so glad to have her support throughout my pregnancy and my baby’s birth! She spent time getting to know my husband and I as people and partners and was always available to answer questions or discuss concerns. She was so helpful in fostering discussion on what we wanted through the birth and labor process, and was a calm and knowledgeable presence throughout. She was a great advocate in the delivery room and had so many strategies to use throughout the process! Not only that, but her childbirth class was excellent and we felt prepared (or as prepared as one can be!). It was also great having her expertise just after birth to assist in breastfeeding support, which I believe helped set us up for immediate success. In addition to birth and labor, her yoga classes were excellent and a great bonus in preparing for birth as well as getting to know Blake better!
— Elise
Blake is phenomenal! There's truly not enough words to describe how wonderful my experience was in having Blake as my doula! I contacted Blake about 5-6 weeks before my due date and she was very responsive via email, phone, and text. Blake is a great listener and when I shared concerns and fears concerning the delivery she was very understanding and provided resources, positive input and encouragement that really helped set my fears aside. If you are looking for a doula who is knowledgable, highly skilled, caring, and posseses a calm nature- hire Blake! She is everything that my husband and I were looking for in a doula as a support during the entire process and I highly recommend her!
— Tiffany
The planning sessions were really helpful to get me to calmly think through things and plan ahead of time so I wouldn’t be caught off guard. I started feeling better about my support going into delivery and then I was thrown a curve ball… my doctor wanted me to have a c-section. I really wasn’t sure what the role of a doula would be with a c-section but we talked about my change in birth plans and just revised the plan.
I am really big into capturing the moment with pictures so when Blake told me she could take my phone and capture photos that in my mind was her main role. I am delighted with the pictures Blake took as I look back, I was able to be present in ways I would not have been able to be. I didn’t have to worry about the waiting game with a scheduled c-section but the morning of my c-section after my shower I couldn’t get dry. I called Blake because it was making it impossible to get dressed so that I could go to the hospital. Blake calmly told me that she thought my water broke and to call my doctor just to be sure –sure enough the information I got from my Doctor’s office and from Blake were in agreement.
I got to the hospital and Blake was already there waiting on me – it was really great to see a familiar face! I got dressed and in the hospital bed. Blake kept the conversation light with a mix of a few questions to make sure I was doing okay; she did the same thing with my husband. I was wheeled back after being prepped and things went so quickly.
For me having Blake on my team meant peace of mind and where I had plenty of chances to be stressed and unsure Blake helped answer questions and walked me step by step though what I needed to focus on. She even coached me through some things after my baby arrived. I highly recommend not just any Doula but choose Blake, you won’t regret it!
— Kristie
Having Blake at the birth of my firstborn son was such a blessing! She was actually the back-up for my original doula who happened to be out of town when I went into labor. It was a funny coincidence because my husband and I had met her previously when we attended her Lamaze class (which is amazing, btw). Blake is very knowledgeable in all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum related and I felt very at-ease having her with us during a very scary/stressful/happy time in our lives. She is a very gentle spirit and is somehow able to make you feel calm even during one of the most physically and emotionally demanding times in a woman's life. Being my first birth, there were times I started to panic and thought I wouldn't be able to make it through without medical intervention in the form of an epidural or pain pills but she was always able to bring me back from that place of fear and helped me persevere. I think I should also mention that one of the best things about Blake is that she isn't pushy. She will make suggestions and give guidance on what she thinks will make you more comfortable but she won't force you if you aren't feeling up for it. She respects the mother's intuition on what her body needs to do. Also, another great quality that she has is she is a wonderful coach to the husband. When I decided that I wanted to have an all-natural birth, I was really wanting my husband to be my main support and not necessarily the doula. I think Blake delivered (pardon the pun) exactly my wishes because she was able to guide my husband on what to do to help me and it was such an amazing bonding experience for my husband and I. I'm so grateful to Blake for helping my husband and I achieve our ideal birth and follow our birth plan. I truly believe that I would have ended up with an epidural and other medical interventions had it not been for Blake.
— Gayle
Working with Blake was a great experience. From the time I initially reached out to her, she was prompt in her responses and assertive, but not pushy. She was available to meet when it was convenient for us. When the time came for us to go to the hospital, she was ready to be there at the right time.
As far as her actual labor support, I can't say enough good things. My husband and I have said many times since our son's birth, "I'm so glad Blake was there." I had a really long labor filled with twists and turns I had not anticipated and Blake was incredibly supportive in all the right ways.
She is experienced and knowledgeable. She offered suggestions when we asked for them and held judgement (if she had any) as we made our decisions along the way.
I know every birthing experience is different, but for us, I can't imagine not having had Blake alongside us.
— Meredith Jurko
Words can't explain the amount of grattitude I have for Blake. I was on the fence about hiring a doula up until the last minite .. literally. I called Blake minutes after they induced me, and thankfully she was at the hospital within 45 minutes; on a Saturday morning too! Upon arrival, she instantly went into "doula mode" by immediately setting my mind at ease and helping me focus on contractions and breathing. From beginning to end, Blake coached me through it all. She was so patient and kind. She helped me anticipate the various stages of labor and ensured my 100 comfort through it all. If it wasn't for her knowledge, genuine care, and expert techniques, my natural birthing experience would have been much more difficult. I can't stress how much of a positive impact she had on my birthing experience. My only regret is I waited until the last minute to book her; I'm so thankful she dropped everything to help me. If I find myself pregnant in the future, Blake will definitely be one of the first people on my list of people to call. I can't imaging having second natural labor without her by my side. She is amazing I would highly recommend her to anyone. Thank you Blake!
— Leilani
Blake was an absolutely invaluable resource during the latter half of the pregnancy, labor and delivery and the first few postpartum weeks! She was easily accessible via phone and text whenever I had questions and she is a really fun and easygoing person to be around (which mattered to me for someone who would be a part of such an intimate experience as my first birth). I went 10 days past the due date and it was beyond helpful to be able to ask her questions about signs of labor, ways to help your body along during early labor. She was also really helpful during postpartum period when it came to questions about breastfeeding etc. She helped me labor at home longer than I would have, was great at helping my husband be an integral part of the labor process and her direction in consistent positional changes made labor easier – both at home and in the hospital. I am convinced I wouldn’t have been able to have a natural birth without her presence, knowledge and encouragement. I highly recommend her!
— Sara Tuttle
Having Blake attend my labor and birth experience was incredibly valuable and ultimately ensured that a challenging birth process was a calm and beautiful one. At every antenatal meeting we had with her, Blake was knowledgeable, professional, and very personable. We expected that our doula would help us prepare for labor by sharing strategies and helping us create a birth plan, but we were not expecting how Blake would help us plan for various contingencies and potential challenges, helping us feel as prepared as possible. Blake offered continuous support via text and phone during the final month, ensuring that my state of mind was positive as I faced uncertainty about possible induction due to maternal health concerns. When labor did begin, it progressed quickly and intensely. Blake was able to offer support to my husbnd over the phone as he supported me. Throughout my labor and birth, Blake was a warm, calm, encouraging presence. She advocated for me to utlize the tub and use various positions as I faced several more hours of intense labor and pushing, and ensured that I stayed hydrated and consumed calories to keep up my strength. Blake's physical touch and encouraging words helped me stay focused. Once my son was born, he needed some medical attention and as decided during contingency planning, Blake stayed with my baby while reassuring us he would be ok. She was able to maintain the calm that she had cultivated throughout the labor process, even during this anxious moment. Once my baby was back in my arms, Blake gave my husband and I the perfect amount of space to gaze into our son's eyes and love on him. She stayed with us and made sure we were fed and comfortable, including caring for me while I took a bath and processed my birth experience. I am so grateful that Blake was a part of our birth team. Though labor and delivery were challenging, my overall experience was positive thanks to the support that Blake gave to our family.
— Melissa Smith
