We had a wonderful experience working with MacKenzie as our birth and postpartum doula. As first-time parents, we had so many questions throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and MacKenzie was always incredibly patient and thoughtful in answering them. She has a lot of knowledge and experience and was able to give us the information and perspective we needed without ever making us feel overwhelmed.
Her prenatal visits were especially helpful in preparing us for what to expect during labor and delivery. She helped us understand our options, supported the choices that felt right for us, and advocated for me as the mom when needed, while always respecting that the decisions were ultimately ours. During labor, her calm and supportive presence helped both of us feel more confident during such an intense and unfamiliar experience. After the birth, she stayed with us to make sure breastfeeding was getting off to a good start. I also passed out after labor, and having MacKenzie there was incredibly reassuring. She helped me and my partner understand what was happening and navigate the situation when we were both exhausted and overwhelmed. We really appreciated that her support didn’t simply end once the baby was born. She was also a great resource during the postpartum period. Having someone experienced whom we could turn to with all of our first-time-parent questions made the transition into newborn life feel much less overwhelming.
In addition, MacKenzie is a Carrot in-network provider, which was very helpful for us. She was willing to coordinate with us and make sure her invoices met Carrot’s reimbursement requirements, which made the reimbursement process much easier.
We are very grateful to have had MacKenzie support us through such an important time in our lives, and we would absolutely recommend her to other expecting and new parents.
— Lu
I can’t recommend Mackenzie enough. No matter your birth plan, she comes so prepared, knowledgeable, kind and comforting. I had it all planned out of having an unmedicated, naturally progressing birth and she was such a great wealth of knowledge and made sure I wasn’t missing any key parts I didn’t know about. And she was incredibly supportive and open to any thoughts and questions I had. Then baby decided to be breech and was NOT flipping (despite our efforts in flipping him), then my dreams of having a natural birth then turned into a scheduled c section. A huge disappointment and not what I wanted at all. But she gave me space and heard me on my feelings on the matter and offered all the ways she could support us in this new plan. She was a crucial part in our delivery date, everything from advocating for us to our doctors, comforting me, comforting and empowering my husband to have an amazing experience also, to helping me with that first latch of breastfeeding when I was pretty groggy from the surgery.
And even after baby boy was here, she was consistently just checking in with me to see how I have been doing post partum, and offering tons of advice and comfort when I needed it.
I will recommend Mackenzie to any of my friends looking for a doula. She truly goes above and beyond for her clients, and it’s clear how passionate she is about birth.
— Alex Cechini
MacKenzie was both our birth and postpartum night doula and aboveall, a wonderful presence in our lives and our daughter's early weeks. Her prep visits leading up to the birth gave us the focus and presence to really think about what was about to come and make a plan. As first time parents we hadn't given a single thought to what the hospital experience would be like and what sort of support my partner could give me and likewise, what support and advocacy SHE could provide. MacKenzie helped physically and emotionally through the arduous transition and delivery with balanced demeanor and kindness. The whole care team at the hospital warmed to her immediately, and I felt extremely cared for. For the next 7 weeks MacKenzie answered all our questions about newborn sleep patterns, lactation care (something I really wanted coaching on and one of the key reasons she stood out among the doulsa we interviewed), and was sweet and professional caring for our little girl 2 nights a week. She has vast, up to date knowledge on postpartum care and a wide network of fellow doulas who helped us navigate a tricky mastitis case. If we ever have another child we will aboslutely be calling MacKenzie again.
— Annabel
We had an amazing experience with MacKenzie! She was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and understanding throughout our journey. Her calm presence and encouragement helped us feel confident and reassured every step of the way. She was always available to answer questions and provide guidance when we needed it most.
Mackenzie always made us feel heard, respected, and supported with whatever decision we made. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an amazing doula.
Thank you Mackenzie for everything! We truly appreciate it.
— Sydney
MacKenzie was an essential part of my labor and delivery experience. Her prenatal visit helped me feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead. She really took the time to listen to me and offered thoughtful advice when it was needed. During labor and delivery, MacKenzie advocated for me, making sure I received my medications on time and that my birth plan was respected. She checked in regularly to ensure I was being well taken care of. Her calm, positive energy made me feel well supported during my most vulnerable time. I honestly can’t imagine going through my first birth without her by my side!
— Gillian
I hired MacKenzie as a post partum doula to help me adjust to being solo with the baby after my husband returned to work. MacKenzie was with me and my 6 week old son for three days and was a huge help and support. She helped me interpret baby boy's cues, trouble shoot breastfeeding, and practice some things I wanted to be able to do on my own like take the baby grocery shopping or figuring out how to get him to sleep in the bassinet. It was also just so nice to have an experienced mom to talk to and constantly ask is this normal?! Really appreciated MacKenzie's wisdom, guidance and all the resources she shared.
— Réme
From the perspective of a first time mom,
I did not know what to expect having a baby. I was nervous, anxious, and did not know where to start. My husband and I had decided on a midwife birth at a birthing center, no epidural, and a water birth. Past these details... We were completely lost when it came to a plan. Mackenzie was honestly our rope to reality during labor, our guide for the "OH MY GOD IS THIS NORMAL!?" questions, our confidant who laughed and cried with us walking curbs to try and induce labor, and ultimately, our now lifelong friend. She taught me how to pump, collect colostrum, and survive the first few days of life with a newborn. I was induced, and labored at home until we could go to the midwife. She tied up my hair, comforted me, held my hand, and walked me through an unmedicated first birth. Mackenzie reminded me that my body knew what to do, and to trust in my inner strength. I would not have been able to accomplish what I did, without this incredible woman by my side. Mackenzie reminded me constantly of the beautiful work I was doing, at a crucial time for my self image. I needed Mackenzie. I needed Mackenzie to help me in a moment as vulnerable as birth. Coming from a woman who despises looking weak and admitting when she needs help... Mackenzie was there by my side every step of the way and made me feel empowered to ask for what I needed. If you are thinking about having a doula, you will never regret meeting this incredible woman. She is compassionate, funny, kind, and will help you accomplish and celebrate what you only dreamed was possible.
— Emma H
(Dad's perspective)
MacKenzie was an incredible help to us during our first baby's birth and beyond. We truly appreciated her advice and support throughout preparation, delivery, and postpartum.
She visited twice before the birth to help us set up the nursery, learn how to use a breast pump, talk through which baby items we'd use most, and identify anything else that might make life easier. She also spent significant time reviewing our birth plan, asking thoughtful questions that helped us feel more prepared. She even created a beautiful one-page birth plan for the hospital, which the nurses appreciated.
During labor, we stayed in close communication as things progressed until it made sense for MacKenzie to join us at the hospital. Once she arrived, I felt more comfortable having someone there focused on advocating for us. The hospital staff were great, but MacKenzie knew the right questions to ask and took time to explain everything clearly, which was especially helpful since we were exhausted. Our delivery became an unplanned C-section with complications, and MacKenzie strongly advocated to be allowed into the operating room - an absolute standout moment for us. In the OR, she immediately comforted my wife, helped me understand what was happening, and managed conversations so I could focus on supporting her during a difficult operation.
After the C-section, despite the late hour, MacKenzie stayed to help us settle in with our new baby, support feeding, and ensure our needs were met as nurses and doctors rotated through.
We also hired MacKenzie for postpartum overnight care. After our first night, we both got excellent rest, and her sleep advice immediately improved our nights going forward. Overall, we highly recommend MacKenzie. We wanted someone who could adapt as situations arose, advocate for our needs, and guide us through our childbirth experience, and she exceeded our expectations.
— Patrick Dunn
We are so thrilled we chose to work with MacKenzie. From the beginning, she was extremely communicative, personable, knowledgeable, and friendly. The home visits she provides prior to the birth are really helpful. She went over what to expect and offered supporting documentation we could keep to reference and review. She also brought her bag she brings to every birth so she could go over the contents with us. I found this really insightful to know what she would have to offer during the birth plus what she brings for herself too that could help inspire the packing of my on “go bag.” She also took the time to “break out the breast pump and hands on show me how to use it.” Being a first time mom, I had never touched one prior to this. Leading up to our due date she was always available via text or phone no matter the hour if I had pressing questions. My birth ended up being a bit of a “change of plans at the last minute” and MacKenzie dropped everything and came right to the hospital to be by my side. She provided really helpful council in helping me make birth decisions that were the best choice for me and my baby all the while also empowering me to embrace my choice and feel good sitting with it. After the birth, she was available for additional support via phone and text whenever I reached out. She also visited us a week or so after to provide in person support. MacKenzie is very knowledgeable when it comes to breastfeeding challenges and other postpartum woes that women face. I highly recommend MacKenzie and if we do end up having another child we will be reaching out to her again for her services.
— Erin
MacKenzie was such a huge help to us as first-time parents. She supported us three nights a week postpartum (9pm–6am) plus a few daytime sessions early on. She was always on time, extremely knowledgeable, and brought a calm, warm energy into our home.
We always felt that our baby was safe and cared for with her. She was so sweet with our daughter, and she helped us feel much more confident and comfortable in our new roles.
One thing we really appreciated was how observant she was. She noticed that our baby’s breathing didn’t sound quite right and encouraged us (very respectfully) to get another opinion. She shared helpful information without ever overstepping or making us anxious. Because of her, we learned that one of our baby’s vocal cords isn’t working and needs follow-up care, something we might not have pushed for if she hadn’t flagged it.
Overall, working with MacKenzie was a great experience. She’s dependable, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. We’re very grateful for her support and would absolutely recommend her to other parents.
— Ali Dunn
Mackenzie was absolutely incredible as my birthing doula. From the very beginning, she was extremely responsive, punctual, and attentive to my needs. As a first-time mom, I was quite anxious, but Mackenzie’s calm presence, thoughtful advice, and genuine care really put my mind at ease. She listened to all my concerns, offered valuable recommendations, and made me feel completely comfortable throughout the entire process.
Both my husband and I felt so supported and reassured by her — before, during, and even after birth. Mackenzie went above and beyond by regularly checking in and continuing to offer guidance postpartum, which meant so much to us. She is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to her clients.
I can’t thank her enough for being such a positive and grounding part of my birth experience. I would highly recommend Mackenzie to any family or friend looking for a doula — she’s simply wonderful!
— Adi Muley
Mackenzie helped us take care of our newborn for the first three months as a night nanny. She was always on time and communicated any changes to the schedule. As a parent it was important for us to find a person with whom we felt comfortable enough to leave our newborn with during the night and more importantly, trust fully. MacKenzie was able to fit that role perfectly. She was able to bond with our baby, make her feel comfortable in times of distress, and soothe her to sleep as needed throughout the night. MacKenzie was very sweet with our baby and often found myself listening to them talk to each other during diaper changes. Over the three months MacKenzie not only built a strong connection with our baby, but also with the rest of our children. As a family, we looked forward to her coming in the evening, so everybody else in the house could get the rest needed. I highly recommend Mackenzie for your pre or postpartum support.
— Saba
My husband and I had decided late in my third trimester that we wanted to have a Doula for our first birth and I can truly say, if you are on the fence about Doulas, they are worth every penny! MacKenzie was amazing to work with, super helpful and made both me and my husband much less nervous about our birth journey. We opted to hire MacKenzie for the birth and for an additional 16 hours of postpartum care which was a major help during the very sleep deprived fourth trimester!
From our first phone call through waiting to go into labor and once our baby was born, MacKenzie was there to help answer questions, develop our birth plan with us, help me cope with labor and discuss options and outcomes when our plan had to change from a natural birth to a C-Section. During postpartum, she made sure both me and baby were doing well and helped with my struggles with breast feeding. MacKenzie not only knows her stuff, she is very resourceful and very supportive of your wishes.
We highly recommend hiring her as your Doula, we would hire her again in a heartbeat!
— Brandi S.
MacKenzie was such an amazing source of support for my VBAC. I can confidently say that without MacKenzie, I wouldn’t have had such a positive birth and postpartum experience.
Before labour MacKenzie met with us multiple times to develop a birth plan, provide extensive education and get to know us. She took time to connect with my two-year-old as well, which took a huge weight off our shoulders as we knew that my daughter might need to be present for the birth.
MacKenzie was incredibly accessible leading up to my birth. I started having regular contractions weeks before I actually delivered, which led to a lot of “maybe tonight”s. She was very patient and checked in often. When I was at the point of just wanting to be “done” she sent me lots of information to try and move things along.
When I went into actual labour, MacKenzie was quick to arrive at the hospital, even though it was midnight. MacKenzie provided extensive, non-judgmental emotional support and encouragement, along with positioning, counterpressure, and other non-pharmaceutical pain management methods for HOURS. When I needed to make decisions, she helped me work through my emotions without telling me what to do. Her communication with the medical staff was clear and aligned with my birth plan. She also took pictures during the birth which was much appreciated.
MacKenzie is a positive and calm presence, and I think her skill and way of being contributed greatly to my positive, successful TOLAC. I would recommend her to anyone I know, and would have her at any future births in a hearbeat.
— Kristen
Mackenzie has been a crucial part of my delivery and postpartum journey. She has a vast knowledge of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum including but not limited to lactation, infant care, and mental health. Mackenzie has radiated positivity and warmth in every interaction my husband and I had with her, and you can just tell how much she cares!
I started looking for doula in the last few weeks of my third trimester. I came across Mackenzie's profile, and getting to know her has been a game changer for us. In week 39, I was advised to deliver immediately due to the risk factor to my daughter. Mackenzie showed a great deal of flexibility around my changing schedule. Throughout all the communications, she has been very flexible, calm, and extremely supportive. Our plan was to hire Mackenzie for postpartum support at the hospital while my husband cares for our toddler. However, due to the other emergencies happened at the hospital, my planned cesarean pushed to later in the day conflicting my husband's availability. I reached out to Mackenzie to check her availability, and she graciously made herself available for my birth. Mackenzie has this special gift of gently anticipating what I needed before I even knew it myself. She communicated clearly with my care team and has been advocate for me throughout all surgery. She recorded every moment of surgery for my husband, while reassuring me that my baby girl is doing great. At any stressful moment of surgery, Mackenzie made a meaningful and knowledgeable comment to make me calm and reduce my stress.
During my postpartum, she stayed up all night with me, helping me feed and take care of the baby from hand expressing milk and helping with latching. I wholeheartedly felt the love and care that Mackenzie extended to myself, my husband, and our newborn daughter. Mackenzie truly is next level with her support before, during, and after birth and I can’t recommend her enough!
— Golbarg Tutunchi
The first days after bringing a new baby home are really tough. MacKenzie was immensely helpful in giving us some extra rest, advice, and support while we built our confidence and figured out what worked. We were so grateful for her kind and compassionate help!
— Jeff
