When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we felt uninformed about the birthing process and only knew what most deem a "normal" hospital delivery. We have heard of women giving birth unmedicated and wanted to learn more about our options. We reached out to Colleen for support after she came recommended from a work colleague and friend. Upon an initial virtual visit with Colleen, we immediately felt a sense of comfort and empowerment. She supplied us with a plethora of resources to grow our knowledge of evidence-based births that contradicted much of the "mainstream" information that we have received. Colleen guided us in four major ways. The first was to set a foundation to prepare us for the birth of our daughter. She introduced us to Evidence Based Births, Hypnobirthing, Spinning Babies, and other holistic approaches to prepare for labor. She met with us in person to understand our goals, teach birthing techniques and baby basics class! Second, Colleen supported my emotional needs. I am naturally an anxious individual and seek feelings of security in my experiences and with whom I meet. My trust and confidence in Colleen only grew over the course of my pregnancy. She was always accessible when I had a question or needed reassurance. Not only did she answer my questions, but she provided us with articles, links and/or resources. Additionally, her prenatal and postnatal groups fostered a sense of community among the women with whom she works. Third, Colleen helped make the labor and delivery of our daughter what we imagined. Colleen was in contact with my husband from the beginning of my labor to guide us through every step. When she arrived, my husband said I bolted straight for her! Both my husband and I were overall more relaxed and comfortable knowing Colleen was there. She is highly knowledgeable about techniques to help women through surges and deliver without an epidural. She helped us advocate for the experience we envisioned by expressing my birth plan to then nurses when I was unable to do so. I genuinely believe I may not have been successful in my goal of an unmedicated birth without Colleen. Finally, Colleen supported us in the fourth trimester, which many do not hear about or prepare for. She visited with us and discussed my experience giving birth. I almost gave up on breastfeeding more times than I can count. Colleen made me feel like whatever decision I chose regarding breastfeeding was OK and provided encouragement to help me continue as well. She was 100% right to wait until the 3-week mark! I am still breastfeeding now and have successfully started feeding a bottle (with Colleen's suggestions to ensure she wouldn't reject breastfeeding). Colleen also provides an additional service of encapsulating placentas, which we elected to do. I can honestly say I initially did not believe I would feel a difference when taking the pills, but I felt more energized and more emotionally regulated when taking them (opposed to missing a dose). I can say that I appreciate Colleen and what she has done to support us more than she will ever know! While I have known Colleen for about a year, I feel as though I will have a connection with her for life! If my husband and I have more children, there is not doubt Colleen will be present for their births as well. read more