Odessa Bates Birth Doula in Lee, MA

Odessa was an amazing birth doula. She helped prepare my husband and I on what to expect, and calm my mind when labor started. She was always within reach and very quick to respond. Labor and delivery ended up being very difficult and longer than expected for me. Odessa was there for moral support while also giving cues and getting me drinks etc, throughout the entire process. I am grateful to have had her help and would definitely recommend.

— Rachel Morin

Doula Odessa provided nourishment and essential support to our pregnancy, labor and delivery. She makes herself available and shares her knowledge and experience in an accessible and kind way. Her presence during labor and delivery helped me to feel safe and empowered. We highly recommend her!

— Mariah Fogg

Odessa was so great to work with. Last week i gave birth to my daughter. My contractions started at 5am, I texted Odessa and almost immediately got a text back from her. She kept in communication with me the whole day, even when my partner and I headed to the hospital. As soon as I was 4cm dilated she came right to the hospital and stayed by my side through the whole process. She helped me breathe, she gave me ice chips, held me up and held my hand through contractions, and encouraged me through the whole birthing process even afterwards, praising me for a job well done. I was so glad to have her support through the whole birthing event. Thank you Odessa, Jesus loves you! We appreciate everything you did and for being their! Abby J

— Abby Jimmo

I worked with Odessa for my twin birth and for my most recent birth as well. I am so happy I decided to have odessa again she was a lifesaver. So knowledgeable and professional. She stayed calm and reassing when I needed support most and it was instrumental in helping me navigate my birth. She helped me overcome birth trauma with my twins and it made my experience so wonderful and peaceful. I would recommend her a thousand times over. I am so grateful she was my doula for 3/4 of my kiddos.

— Annie R.

I had a wonderful experience with Doula Odessa. She was there to answer all of my questions and guide me and especially my husband through the birth of our daughter. I had a scheduled c-section and without her I would not of been prepared for my birth. She encapsulated my placenta and had it ready for me the next day. My OBGYN never offered me an options and if I didn't have Doula Odessa I would of been clueless about what to ask. One of the best things about having her was I could call or text anytime. Thank you!

— Libby Ariazi

We have worked with Odessa for the births of both our daughters now. The fact that we returned to work with her again speaks for itself! Our experience with her this second time around was just as transformative for our pregnancy and birth as it was the first time. Odessa responds promptly to any questions. I personally appreciate her ability to share her wealth of knowledge without bomboarding her clients. When you need her, she is there. When it came time for the birth Odessa was there for us every step of the way. Her skills with the Spinning Babies technique are exceptional, and I am convinced that her gentle coaching in this method had enormous positive impacts on both of my daughters' deliveries. After the birth, I engaged Odessa's services for placenta encapsulation. I cannot speak highly enough of this incredible use of the placenta. If you are even considering this, my advice is DO IT. It is the best money I have ever spent on myself. My energy levels and mood improved noticeably within 24 hours of beginning to take the capsules. My milk supply is very healthy and robust, I have more than enough for my baby. And my internal healing accelerated as soon as I began these miracle capsules. After both births bleeding resolved quickly and I started feeling so much more like myself in a matter of days. Odessa is a highly skilled and experienced doula, and our family recommends her whole-heartedly! Thank you, Odessa, for helping to hold a safe and supportive space for our girls to be born into.

— Molly Terrill

Working with Doula Odessa was a pleasure. My search for a Doula was originally challenging with no one responding to my inquiries until I found Doula Odessa. Odessa quickly responded to my inquiry and met with me. She was very quick to answer any questions and was very laid back with a calming presence. Doula Odessa provided a lot of helpful information that we needed as first-time parents. She respectfully and professionally advocated for what we may need. I also love that Odessa offers placenta encapsulation and placenta artwork, I am obsessed with my placenta art and it brings me a smile every time I look at it!! Thank You Doula Odessa for your care and we appreciate your help.

— Danielle Whitcher

I'm so grateful Odessa was with us throughout our pregnancy and childbirth. She is a skilled provider and having her by my side was such a comfort when I was at my most vulnerable. I'm thankful that her grounding presence and advocacy made it possible for me to give birth without pain management. Odessa also encapsulated my placenta, and I believe this made a significant positive impact on my postpartum experience. Odessa is knowledgeable and gentle, and we were lucky to have her as a part of our journey.

— Rage

We were very happy with our decision to use Odessa as our doula for the birth of our son. We met with her several times during my pregnancy, where she walked us through creating a birth plan and provided us with all kinds of helpful information about labor and delivery and our options while in the hospital. She was always eager and available to answer any questions we had throughout the pregnancy. During labor and delivery is when we were most grateful to have her though. Things did not go as planned several times during the process, which can be confusing and scary in the moment. Having Odessa’s calming, reassuring presence there to help guide both my husband and I through what was happening and help us make some tough decisions was beyond valuable. We would highly recommend her to anyone!

— Meredith

This was my 2nd baby I've had with the help of Odessa. Her warmth and knowledge from the beginning, made having her as doula a no-brainer. During birth her assistance was invaluable, especially when things shifted last minute having her with me gave me great calmness. She respected my choices, explained things when I needed her to and she was truly an asset to me and my family. I could imagine how my births would have went without her. And I'm so grateful for both of my birth experiences with Odessa.

— Michaela Smith

I'm three weeks postpartum and finally had a chance to reflect on my birth and the amazing support that Odessa provided throughout my pregnancy, labor and postpartum. My first child was born through an unplanned cesarean so I knew for my second that I wanted the support of a doula to attempt a VBAC. Odessa provided so much support and reassurance that I went into my labor feeling very confident about my decisions as well as how to navigate a birth during Covid. We discussed at length my first birth and my wishes for my second. She provided many evidence-based resources so that I was able to make informed decisions. Odessa was readily available with any questions I had throughout my pregnancy. I felt very prepared for whatever situation I would come across during labor and delivery. During labor Odessa was a great support to both myself and my husband. She helped with positioning, using a peanut ball and even small things like reminding us to eat and drink! When it came time to push her guidance was extremely helpful. My birth ended up being a repeat cesarean n and while it was not the outcome, I had hoped for I feel it was a positive experience because of Odessa! I felt confident and educated to make tough decisions when the time came. She helped empower me to advocate for myself and my baby during my experience and I went into my surgery knowing that I had done everything I could have to bring my baby into this world. Odessa was there waiting to check on us all after my surgery. Odessa’s support continued postpartum and covered many aspects such as my physical healing, mental health, relationship, etc. She provided many great resources and advice that have me feeling prepared for the 4th trimester. I’m so grateful for Odessa’s support during my pregnancy, labor and postpartum experiences! I would highly recommend her services for all types of births!

— Katherine

Odessa was incredible! Gave us the confidence and knowledge to be properly prepared for our baby's birth. She walked us through a bunch of excercises and breathing techniques as well and helped us create a birthing plan. We are ready for our baby to arrive thanks to Odessa!

— Reid and Lauren Warner

We originally selected Doula Odessa because of her friendly attitude, dedicated availability, and ability to encapsulate the placenta. Her skills far surpassed these 3 main decisionmakers. I cannot emphasize how important it was for us to have her by our side before, during and after the long and challenging 25-hour birth of our daughter. Due to COVID-19 regulations, we were only allowed one support person during our birth. As the only physical support person for my wife, I was skeptical about having to juggle a Zoom call and technology while she was in labor. I was entirely wrong. I am so unbelievably happy that we had her (on Zoom) to help us make crucial, strategic “game time” decision that ultimately led to the success of our overall birth experience. Odessa is an extremely knowledgeable professional who provides the much-needed support for any type of pregnancy and birth. She was an invaluable member of our “team” and I can’t even imagine how our birth would have gone without her suggestions, opinions and mental support along the way. We’re so thankful to have had the pleasure of working with her!

— Alex Terrill

Doula Odessa brought so much knowledge, compassion and heartfelt support to my pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum period. She provided my husband and I with numerous helpful resources and was completely respectful of the kind of pregnancy and birth experience we wanted to have. During an abnormally long and extremely difficult labor, Odessa made us feel empowered and supported in our decisions, several of which were difficult to make in the moment. Odessa supported our birth virtually due to Covid-19, and she was with us on Zoom from the moment we checked into the hospital until well after our daughter was born, 25 hours later. Although we were disappointed not to have her in person, I truly believe that my labor may have had a different outcome without her support. I had a successful vaginal delivery, and I owe her so much for her unwavering support and committment to this outcome, even when I was ready to give up myself! I cannot recommend Odessa highly enough. Her skillset is vast; she incorporated her knowledge of Spinning Babies into our appointments, and completed placenta encapsulation for me following the birth. In short, hire her! You will not be disappointed.

— Molly Terrill

Odessa is wonderful! She has a beautiful, calm presence, I’m so happy she was part of my pregnancy and our son’s birth. We would highly recommend Odessa to anyone considering a doula. She is professional, knowledgeable, always quick to respond and very caring. Odessa helped educate and empower me to make choices within my birth plan and at our birthing time. She provided me with resources, tools and information which gave me the confidence to choose and successfully achieve a VBAC using Hypnobabies. The pre and post natal support from Odessa were invaluable. Even as a second time mom, I very much needed her help and support. My family and I will be forever grateful to her for being with us at such a special time. Thank you Odessa!

— Donna

Hiring Odessa was the best decision we made. She helped us have a positive birth experience after a mostly negative last one. She helped me fiercely advocate for myself and it made all the difference. In the most intense moments where I needed her most she was right there and I am eternally grateful. I highly recommend reaching out if you are considering a Doula. After talking to her you will see that she is so knowledgeable and incredible at what she does. She took extensive time to get to know us and our wishes and to help us plan and be prepared. Thank you Odessa.

— Annie

Working with Doula Odessa for my first pregnancy was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. We chose to work with Doula Odessa because she was warm and knowledgeable, and we both felt very comfortable with her. We ended up having a complicated, difficult pregnancy from start to finish. Doula Odessa helped us research what we needed to know and talked us through ways to tackle things so that we didn’t get overwhelmed. Doula Odessa also went above and beyond to support us through what became a very challenging pregnancy: she researched and connected us with a support organization for our uncommon situation, and even took training herself from that organization so that she could better help us through everything that happened. When our baby decided to come 6 weeks early, she was able to get there in time for the c-section. She helped my husband stay calm and focused in the OR during the procedure, and stayed with me so that my husband could go with our son to the NICU after he was born. And she is still sending is helpful links and information months after the birth! We are so grateful for the support that Doula Odessa gave us, and would highly recommend her services!!

— Laura Carlton

From the moment my husband and I met Odessa we knew she was the right doula for us. She is professional, punctual, caring, sweet, and extremely knowledgable about prenatal nutrition and mental heath, as well as birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum care/healing. Odessa did 2 home visits with us before the birth and she gave me many helpful resources on a variety of topics to prepare me for birth/motherhood and when I had specific questions she would give advice or forward me information. Having her support made me feel calm and confident going into the birth. She also learned hypnobirthing techniques to use with me during the birth which proved to be incredibly powerful for me during my birthing time. From the moment I was having signs of labor, Odessa was texting and creating a plan with us about how to best support us. She came to the hosiptal when I needed her and never left my side. She comforted me through active labor, holding my hand, reminding me how to breath, and keeping my mind on the taskthrough mantras and words of encouragement. She was respectful and fit right in with the staff at the hospital, and stayed with me until I was in recovery and ready to rest with my baby. Odessa also encapsulated my placenta and delivered to my house a few days after I got home. She also created a tincture that will help during menopause which I look forward to taking. My postpartum visit with her was wonderful, getting advice on breastfeeding, baby wearing, nutrition, and so much more. I would highly recommend Odessa to anyone and will be using her at my next birth! Odessa is such a thoughtful and kind person who will make you and your partner feel loved, cared for, and supported.

— Emily

We were so lucky to have Odessa as our doula for the birth of our twins! The multiple pre-birth visits gave us time to calmly work through our birth plan, think, revise, and truly feel ready for this adventure. She also made sure we were ready for after the birth, helping us get our home ready, and feel comfortable swaddling/wearing/feeding, etc. She is a caring, intutitve, professional doula who knows how to make sure everyone is supported. With twins, complications are expected, and having a birth plan B and C (and D!) are necessary. She made sure to fully understand my priorities so that she could advocate for me at every stage (which she did). She was in close communication leading up to the labor, was very professional (second cell phone, 24/7 response), and arrived exactly when specified. Her support during labor was essential to the success of the births. She was comforting and confident. It was a long labor with 5 hours between the twins, but she advocated repeatedly for my birth plan and I was able to have both babies naturually with no medication. Of course this can't always be the case, but it certainly wouldn't have happened without her patience and advocacy. Her postpartum visits were also very helpful in finding ways to calm a fussy (gassy) baby! Thank you Odessa!

— B & E

I am so beyond happy that I had Odessa as my Doula for the birth of my son. Her support was invaluable, she kept me calm and as comfortable as possible during the labor process. One thing that really stood out to me was when during labor things took an unexpected turn and I needed some pain medication. I was very scared about it, but Odessa reasured me and never made me feel like I was less of a mom because things changed and I could no longer go through with my original plan I had for birth. I couldnt have done it without her!

— Michaela S

My experience with Odessa was fantastic! I knew when I met her for consultation, seeing her passion for helping women through pregnancy and birth, that I wanted her to be a part of my birth. I wanted a home birth, but knew it may not happen for me because the baby was breech. Odessa gave me tools to aid the baby turn and put me in contact with homebirth midwives. As time progressed, it became clear that I would need a c section. Odessa came to my appointments with me, with printouts for me to take home, a plethra of good advice, and a stable energy that kept me steady. Odessa kept in contact throughout my pregnancy, sending text messages and calling to see how I was doing. My OB scheduled me for a c section. I felt defeated and scared. Odessa was the extra support I needed. I felt stronger with her on my team, knowing she was only a phone call away if I needed anything at all. I went into labor before my scheduled c section. Odessa was the first person I called. It was late at night, but she was right there for me. It was after midnight when I headed to the hospital, Odessa was there shortly after me. She held my leg and comforted me when the contractions became painful, and told me I was doing really well. She helped communicate to the staff my after birth plans, stayed with my family while I went in for surgery, was right there for me when I came out of surgery, and stayed with me while I waited to be brought into the nursery. Odessa didn't leave until morning, after I had breastfed my son for the first time. Not only did she check in later that day, but she came and visited me in the hospital and brought me snacks and helpful printouts of information. I have nothing but good things to say about her. If you are looking for a compassionate doula, who clearly loves what she does and will make you feel totally supported, Odessa is for you. Take advantage of her consultation, you will be so glad you did.

— Michelle Pezzo

I can not recomend Odessa enough! I had thought about a doula in the beginning of my pregnancy but wasn't 100% sure that was the route I wanted. I met Odessa at a breast feeding class and decided to contact her the next day. She went over everything with me and got rid of any doubts I had. We met up a few times before my son was born. We formed a birth plan and went over all possibilities and questions that I had. When labor started I let Odessa know and labored at home for a while. Odessa continiously checked in and was available anytime I wanted her. She arrived at the hospital shortly after I was admitted and stayed with me for 18 hours. Leaving only after all 3 of us were settled and my son was breast fed successfully. She was ready and willing to help me in any way possible. Recomending different methods to help me push and offering reassuring words through out the delivery process. She came over a few times after we were home to make sure I was meeting my breastfeeding goals and that my mood was okay. Bringing over gifts, educational handouts, and good company. To this day, I seriously swear I wouldn't have made it through without her!

— Emily Hart

Odessa reached out to me and asked if she could be my Doula. I was intersed in this previously, but I knew we couln't afford it. When she mentioned that she would waive her fees, I immedialty said yes! She met with us at our house and we went over many things including the questions I had. She left a belly ball, printed handouts and a long piece of fabric to help with labor. She stayed in touch with both of us all throught my pregnancy. Always checking in to see if we needed anything or had any quesations. When it was finally time to deliver, she was there and ready. She set a realxing mood with a string of lights and was available to massage me. She was full of words of comfort. She stayed the enire time. I labored for 12 hours, then had to have a vaccum, and then ultimatly ended up with a c-section. It was certainly a long night that none of us could have predicted. She stayed to meet baby Easton and she was so happy and proud. After that, she checked in with me via phone and text. She came over for a visit and brought us a few gifts! It was very comforting to have her there and I would certainly reccomend her to other couples. Thanks Odessa! ~Rachael and Harold

— Rachael Baumann

I was induced starting on Monday, and my water broke on Tuesday. Odessa was immediately in contact and on the road once my water broke. she came prepared with a variety of coping tools. Odessa introduced herself to the midwife helping me through my birth, and the nurses. The midwife attending was called away to another birth, and was unavailable for the first few hours of my labor. Odessa was excellent at keeping me (and my husband) calm and breathing. With her coaching I was able to get from one cm dilated to 4 while the midwife was occupied. I was cleared to labor in the birthing tub after 4 cm, and Odessa helped me labor in the tub from 4 cm to 10cm by bringing cool cloths, keeping me focused and the atmosphere calm. At 10 cm I requested an epidural at the reccormendation of my neurologist, and per my birth plan. Odessa worked hand in hand with the midwife while I pushed for over three hours. Odessa advocated for me, explaining details of the (extremely rare) nerve condition. She continued advocating when it began to flare during pushing, and advocated for solutions. She also recognized that I might be needing a C section when my son slipped transverse, and his shoulder caught while pushing. The midwife was unsuccessful in turning him. She pulled my husband aside to quietly warn him of this possibility, allowing him to prepare himself to support me in the derailing of my birth plan. When I was taken for an emergency C section, Odessa kept my family calm. She stayed to ensure I was safely through the surgical birth and meet the little man we'd worked so hard to bring into the world. Without Odessa's coaching and guidance I would not have made it through 12 hours of active labor medication free, and three hours of pushing, as well as a midnight emergency C section. The midwife assisting me commented several times how well I was handling the situation, and how supportive Odessa was throughout.

— Allison Avent