Where do I begin?! This was our second birth and it was honestly just a dream! Exactly how I envisioned our little lady arriving earthside and there is no way I could have done it without the support of Meghan. I had used an epidural with our first birth after 40 long hours of labor and feeling like I needed some relief. This time, I wanted to try and go without an epidural but by the time I had arrived to the hospital, where we met Meghan, I was tired and ready to throw in the towel. Meghan gently led me to the birth center room and we quickly ordered nitrous oxide to take the edge off and it was exactly what I needed. With her guidance and my husband's love and assistance, we had our dream birth with a dream baby and I am so very thankful she was there! She has a gentle way about her while still being such a strong presence. During each surge she knew exactly what i needed to hear and was right there for me. I just can't say enough good things!!!! read more

I used Meghan for placenta Encapsulation a couple months ago. Meghan went above and beyond and delivered my capsules in 1 day and even included some delicious chocolates and goodies! If you want a quick turnaround time for placenta encapsulation definitely go with Meghan! I'm still taking my capsules and I feel great. Thank you so much! read more

By Your Side Birth Services - Encapsulated Placenta - Doulas Near Me

Meghan provided placenta encapsulation services for us. She came highly recommended from our doula Ali, so there was no question in my mind that she was the best around! Meghan was relaxed, friendly, and knowledgeable, explaining the whole process and all our options. The morning after the birth, she dropped off my placenta capsules and a little bag of treats to boot! (My husband and doula ate most of them, lol.) I'm so grateful for her and her expertise with all things babies, kids, and postpartum life! She is not only great at what she does, but is an amazing person also. read more

I never could have gotten through my birth without Meghan! Not just for me, but for my husband also, she was amazing. I chose Meghan because a friend had recommended her to me and once I met her in person, we instantly clicked. Also, I had taken Hypnobirthing classes and I knew she had had 2 hypnobabies of her own so I felt like she would really understand what I wanted. I met with her a few times during my pregnancy and she was awesome even before my birth, helping me with my prep for labor, both in making plans but also just mentally and emotionally preparing me as well. I had an extra long labor (which was posterior and gave me back labor), about 27 hours most of which was at the hospital. Meghan was there the entire time, either massaging my back, reading my affirmations, playing music, or offering my husband whatever he needed while he did the massaging and reading affirmations. At the very end of my labor, while I was in "Laborland" as they say, it was the most intense and challenging part. I remember each contraction I couldn't help but just scream and I looked up at Meghan and she would make eye contact with me, reminding me to breathe and "Om" through it while also letting me squeeze the shi* out of her hand haha. Even after the long labor, once the baby was finally here (8 lbs., head full of hair, healthy as can be!), Meghan stayed with us for a while longer while we got settled, she helped me breastfeed, and made sure we were all cozy and ready to be left alone. I was SO grateful for all of her help and support, and even in the weeks that followed she checked on us and the baby. Meghan is an amazing person and awesome doula - she's super sweet, kindhearted and just has a great energy. I totally recommend her, ESPECIALLY if you're trying to do all-natural and non-medicated because she has personal experience and lots of great things to offer to help you get through it. If she could help me get through my 27-hour back labor (which I ended up still doing natural and non-medicated!), she can help anyone get through theirs too! read more

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I'm writing this from a dads perspective. I had no idea what a Doula was or did before this pregnancy journey began. Now I completely understand and will never have a birth without Meghan by our side. I can honestly say she is more than a Doula, she is genuine, carrying and passionate about the birth process. Pre-Birth Meghan met with us multiple times and since we are first time parents she was very open about what she did and even wanted us to meet other Doula's to find out if she was the right fit for us. She came over for our first meeting and we asked our questions most of which I personally had no idea about but she was so open and easy to talk to. It became clear she was already the right choice. I honestly don't think she was out our front door 10 steps and we were like "why interview anyone else". She has a plethora of information and is quickly able to speak to everything we were asking. She asked who our doctor was and asked us if we knew of Dr Capetanakis. We had heard of him through other friends but it became apparent to us that Meghan knew with the birth we wanted this would be a good fit. Back to Meghan! Meghan met with us more than she had too. She texted us to check in and see how we were feeling. Her communication was far above any expectations I could have asked for. Her payment system is very easy to use and she was not pressuring about it at all. Honestly she is worth so much more. Birth Meghan was in true form and she had this runners high if you know what that is. She has endurance better than anyone I've ever met and she only left our side once to get me a burrito. We text her around 4am and told her our contractions were 5 minutes apart lasting one minute. She responded immediately and told us she would get dressed and head over. I then text our doctor because the contractions immediately went to 3 minutes apart. We went straight to the Hospital and Meghan was there within 5 minutes of us getting into our room. This was at 5:29am on Wednesday 4/6. We didn't have our daughter until 6:21am 4/7. Like I said she never left our side except to get me food. We did our Hypno-birthing and Meghan kept us on point during this extremely long process. She took amazing pictures without us asking and captured some truly beautiful moments. When things got real at the end she was so able to understand the doctors communication and help Tiffany get her breathing in check towards the end. Tiffany needed her at that moment since this labor was so long and Meghan saw the signs and stepped right in to guide her. The baby came and Meghan took the placenta for encapsulation. She stayed with us until the nurses and doctors gave the all clear and did one final check on us and then headed home. She was with us for close to 26 hours straight on, one coffee, one burrito, water and gummy bears from Sprouts. (I think she hates them now) Post Birth Meghan had the placenta pills ready for Tiffany within 24 hours. She checked on us a couple times since we had an extra day at the hospital and was very engaged in our departure process from the hospital. We got home and Meghan came over that day and hung out with us and gave us the postpartum treats. Even had a nice surprise we weren't expecting. We have still been in contact pretty much daily and can't explain how great this experience was because of her. Key take aways: - She is amazing without a doubt. - Do her placenta encapsulation for postpartum - Educate yourself and learn from her - She is passionate about honoring your birth plan - I'm sure I am forgetting a ton. My best piece of advice is to have a Doula at your birth! They truly are amazing and unsung heroes in the birth process. read more

By Your Side Birth Services - Meghan with Tiffany. - Doulas Near Me

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Cant't say enough great things about Meghan! I met Meghan in my hypnobirthing class and instantly felt a connection and decided to hire her. Meghan did an awesome job and helped me have my ideal unmedicated birth. I had a long early labor (3 days) and long active labor (17 hours). She came to see me during early labor and helped identify some fears over the labor that I was holding onto. She had a couple of scripts she gave my husband and me to read over that were really touching and brought me to tears and helped get my labor progressing after. She also helped with positioning techniques... my baby had been oblique for a bit and eventually changed to head down. She was quick to followup on any questions I had regarding pregnancy stuff. I'm not sure if I could've gotten through my long labor without her. My husband and I were very pleased with her and would definitely recommend her. read more

By Your Side Birth Services - Doulas Near Me

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This review is long overdue! I had my daughter on November of 2015 and Meghan was amazing! She was there with my husband and I from 1am to 12:30 pm at the hospital. She helped my husband and I focus and relax. We honestly don't know what we would of done without her. She gave amazing tips before, during and after labor. I also did my encapsulation and tincture with her and she gave them to me very quickly! I already recommend my friend to her who was also happy to have her as doula. I will keep recommending Meghan to everyone I know! read more

I used Meghan for placenta encapsulation services and I couldn't be happier. She was very knowledgeable about it, gave me directions by email and was very quick with the whole placenta process. The next morning after my delivery I had my placenta capsules done plus a little goodie bag with Trader Joe's chocolates! So sweet. She truly cares about you and it shows. It is not just a service. Thank you Meghan! read more

Meghan was our Doula for the recent birth of my first child and I couldn't have been happier to have her by my side. She is extremely calming and supportive and I looked forward to all our pre-delivery meetings and practice sessions as I was using hypnobirthing for labor. When it came time she was there for both my husband and I from the get go since my water had broken and I had to go the hospital much sooner than I had planned. Meghan spent all 38 hours of my labor with me (giving my husband much needed breaks) and I have to say I would not have had the wonderful yet grueling experience without her by my side. From holding the shower head over me, rubbing my back and keeping the encouraging words flowing I had the strength to move through and make the necessary choices to have my son on my terms. If we decide to have another baby she will definitely be there again!! read more

Us dads have it easy when it comes to berthing, but if you're practicing Hypnobirthing dads role is just as important as the Midwife. With Meghan's support I stayed in the zone, when my wife drifted off she brought her back into where we needed to be emotionally and mentally. She's a great choice in Doulas. read more

My husband and I had an amazing experience with Meghan as our doula! Both prior and during the birth of our baby Meghan was there and helped keep us calm through it all! read more

We asked Meghan to be our doula for the birth of our baby girl born January 2016. Throughout the entire prenatal period, Meghan was supportive, responsive and helpful giving us tips and information on the type of birth we wanted to have. I really appreciated that she was knowledgable about Hypnobirthing and had previously delivered at my hospital and with my doctor. Meghan was available for in-person meetings, phone, text and email - which made our lives easy! On my daughter's birthday, Meghan communicated with us throughout the whole day and met us at the hospital. She came well prepared and helped make our experience magical! My husband and I will forever be grateful to Meghan as she was part of the happiest day of our lives. read more

By Your Side Birth Services - Doulas Near Me

Having Meghan (By Your Side Birth Services) as part of our birth team was the BEST decision we could have made to have a natural labor. Both my husband and I were undecided about getting a doula until very late in my pregnancy and looking back we are so happy that we choose Meghan. We interviewed several doula's but truly connected with Meghan and knew she was someone that would support our birth plan and efforts gracefully and enhance our experience. And I'm confident that Meghan's knowledge, guidance and positive & calm presence enabled us to move through our big day of labor and delivery peacefully and stick to our birth plan. Meghan was great at offering support to not just me but also my husband throughout the day, while truly keeping the balance of active vs. passive assistance and presence - ensuring that my husband was my true primary partner, as we welcomed our daughter to the world. During the day as I started early labor, my husband was in touch with Meghan until we were ready for her to come over to our home. At that point she was there right away,. and helped us keep a peaceful/calm & progressive energy as we moved further into labor. I spent a few hours resting on the bed, breathing between contractions and napping in between until we were ready to go to the hospital. I honestly didn't know that labor could be such a positive & peaceful experience - and we thank Meghan for her unconditional support and energy in helping us create perfect day for our daughter to enter the world! I so highly recommend using a doula if you have the option - and absolutely recommend Meghan! If we have another child, I will certainly be calling her right away! read more

Amazing, amazing, amazing! All I can say is that a Doula makes a huge difference during birth and Meghan Johnstone was wonderful! My boyfriend, Mark and I were referred to Meghan through our Hypno Birthing class...(also a great class). We had an initial meet and greet and I knew right away she was the perfect fit. She was well educated and calm which made for a great fit when it came time to give birth to our son. Not only was she supportive to me and my baby, but she was 100% there for Mark and kept us both focused and calm through our whole labor. Her reassurance and reminders that I could do this kept me on track with my birth plan and made for an amazing birth experience. Without her by our side I don't think I would have had the same outcome as I did. Another great addition for having Meghan as our Doula was her option for placenta encapsulation! Mark and I did some research on encapsulation and found so many great benefits and decided to have it done. After I gave birth I was bleeding a little more than the average person. The capsules helped slow the bleeding, resulting in a quicker recovery. However, I must say the best result from the capsules has been balancing out my emotions and giving me more energy. After you give birth it's not a secret that you may feel some ups and down in your emotions. I definitely had some battles in that department, but with the capsules I was quickly given the boost that I needed and back to my normal self. I can definitely see and feel a difference when I take them vs when I don't. I would recommend this to anyone and everyone having a baby...worth it for sure! Along with the capsules Meghan did a placenta print for us and dried our umbilical cord. Such a great way to have those as keepsakes for years to come. So...if you are looking for an amazing birth experience and a great, supportive Doula... look no further...Meghan Johnstone is the best! Thank you Meghan for everything!! Mark, Mason and I couldn't have done it without you! read more

I hired By Your Side Birth Services for my placenta encapsulation and couldn't have been happier with the level of quality and service! Meghan was prompt not only with the pre-birth information and contract, but also with placenta retrieval and pill delivery. The pills were delivered along with a few extra, carefully selected, postpartum treats; a nice touch! I made it through my 3rd pregnancy without having the "baby blues" and whole-heartedly believe that is because I took placenta encapsulation pills. My experience was that not only did the pills help me coast through the first month post-delivery, but also the ongoing shifts as time went on. Any time I felt remotely weepy, I dipped into the placenta pills and any potential hormonal shifts were quickly remedied. I have not experienced postpartum without the pills and can say that I'm happy to have done it all three times. Thanks, Meghan! Heather W. read more

Meghan was an amazing addition to our team. Upon our first meeting, we hired her on the spot. She consistently provided useful and cognizable information morning or night. Meghan has a great command of current birth techniques and information. As a doula, she provided unconditional nurturing and support. Meghan truly has a gift for knowing when to offer hands-on assistance or take a step back and let mom and dad work as a team. She approached every coaching opportunity with just the right touch. Because of Meghan's support and effort, we had nothing but a positive birth experience. read more

Meghan is such an amazing person. From the start of my pregnancy, I knew I wanted to hire a doula. This was my first pregnancy, I wanted a natural birth, and I knew that my spouse would also need some support during my labor. Meghan was recommended to us by our Hypnobirthing instructor and upon first meeting her, we instantly clicked. She is a fun, bright spirit and is so knowledgeable and passionate about the birthing process. We met a couple of times towards the end of my pregnancy to "prepare" and make sure that I felt comfortable. I treasured this time that we got to spend getting to know each other and felt confident that she was going to help me achieve the birth I desired. Unfortunately, Meghan came down with the flu the night I went into labor. Despite being sick, she set us up with her backup doula (who was FANTASTIC!) and made sure that we were comfortable and doing ok. She checked in with our backup doula throughout my labor and delivery and you could tell that she was devastated to have to miss the birth. She came for a visit after we were settled at home to meet our son and check up on me and I am so grateful for that. I also used Meghan for placenta encapsulation, which she coordinated and executed despite her illness. What could have been a major source of stress for us, ended up being a minor blip on birthing day. Meghan is so fantastic...maybe she can be with us for the next one! read more

Meghan was our doula for our first delivery a few months ago. I truly believe we could not have had the amazing birthing experience we had without her. Not only was she so helpful months leading up to our delivery, but she was AMAZING during labor and delivery. She was great at guiding my husband and keeping the room a positive, safe environment. She also made sure I stayed hydrated and fed and not to mention massaged my back the entire time. Even my husband said he could not have been as strong or supportive without Meghan's guidance. I would recommend Meghan to anyone looking for an amazing, kind, caring doula. I am definitely using her services again when we have more children! :) read more

I sought out Meghan for my placenta encapsulation as she came highly recommended from my doula (sister in law). She was very thorough and took the time to explain my options in encapsulating my placenta. After I delivered my daughter, she came to my house after returning home from the hospital to hand deliver my placenta capsules and took the time to answer any questions I had about taking the capsules or how to adjust the dose. I did not encapsulate my placenta during my first pregnancy (but wished I had), and am I so glad that I did this time. It helped tremendously with minimizing my baby blues this time around and feeling less moody. Meghan is a gentle soul and very skilled at her work. I would highly recommend her to any new moms considering using her for placenta encapsulation! read more

Wow. Meghan was great. We sought out a few Doulas but they were a little flaky. Meghan was the opposite, she showed up to meet us after being up all night assisting another couple and was very quick to respond to any questions, requests or other communications via text, call or email. When it came to the birth our labor was very long. Meghan outlasted my husband who began to fade. After 20 hours him and her took turns assisting while the other rested, although Meghan was quick to jump up and support in a flash. I can't imagine how we could have got through our long labor without her. My husband is especially grateful she was there. She was fun, professional, knowledgable and conscientious. Meghan even delivered our encapsulations the next day. We highly recommend her, if there were 10 stars on Yelp we'd give them to her. read more

As I sit here on the eve of my sons first birthday, I'm reflecting on what an amazing experience my pregnancy and his birth was for our family. I can say, with a doubt, it would not of been possible without Meghan by our side every step of the way. It's taken so long to put these emotions into words so my apologies for the overdue praise. But that's exactly it, how do you describe someone so wonderful, so amazing; how do you explain to people that having her by your side is one of the best decision you will ever make. Meghan and I met through our husbands. She found out we were expecting and wanted to meet and talk about childbirth. She wasn't looking to solicit her services, she was looking to share her passion for birth. We met for tapas and within 5 minutes of meeting her I felt a calm, positive, reassuring presence that had been missing in my pregnancy thus far. I asked her right then to be a part of our journey. While she tried to offer other resources, I wouldn't let her leave without saying yes. From that point on she was my confidant, someone whom I could share all hopes and fears with. Without judgement, with love, with compassion. She provided tons of resources, from birthing and parenting classes to hospital and health insurance options. She helped us weigh all options and choose which one was best for our family and for us to ultimately have the birthing experience we had hoped for. At 37 weeks we found out my son was breech. Emotionally this was rough on me. A few pep talks from Meghan and I felt like the most empowered woman on earth. We ended up having a successful ECV performed with Meghan right by our side rubbing my shoulders, holding my hands, providing encouraging words. At 41 weeks my son decided it was time to say hello; Meghan met us at our home and labored with us there until it was time to go to the birthing center. She helped me with my hypnobirthing techniques and made sure I kept snacking and drinking fluids. When we arrived at the birthing center, she helped coordinate with the team our birthing plan and helped me get and stay comfortable. She also kept my husband calm and rested. From my first contraction to the arrival of my son, it was a total of 28 hours and Meghan was right by our side the entire time. Even when I thought I couldn't go on any longer, there she was saying and doing all the right things. I just know if we hadn't made that decision to have her on our journey, it would of ended up very differently. We had our son naturally, unmedicated, and he was brought into this world with nothing but love surrounding him. Meghan also came to visit us when we were back home to help with baby wearing, breastfeeding, general wellness and aftercare, and delivered our placenta encapsulations. She even brought me some treats and let me sneak in a quick shower! Trust me when I say that once you meet Meghan and she shares her passion for birth and you feel her positivity you will understand. You not only gain a doula for your pregnancy and birth, you gain a best friend. I would recommend Meghan to everyone! read more

I will never regret our decision to hire Meghan as the doula for the birth of our first child. We were clients at Best Start and taking Hypnobirthing, and Meghan easily understood all of our preferences for a natural, un-medicated birth. She also understood my husband's desire to play an active role supporting me in the labor and worked with both of us beautifully. I still remember what I think of as her "angel hands" applying counter pressure to my back during the most challenging parts of my labor. Meghan's presence helped us achieve the natural birth my husband and I both wanted and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a quality doula. Thank you Meghan!!! :) read more

My husband and I decided at 38 weeks to hire a Doula. She scheduled our appointments very quickly because I knew my baby was imminent. We are so grateful that we changed our minds and hired Meghan! The hospital we birthed at was keeping my husband from tending to me and I was in active labor...8 cm dilated, vomiting, bleeding, and feeling intense surges! Luckily, when we left triage Meghan was in my labor room waiting to help me cope with my surges - huge relief. My labor was intense but Meghan and my husband did not leave my side and were essential to navigating the medical staff while I stayed in my birthing zone. My husband and I are grateful to Meghan, we truly believe her support is what aided in the success of my all natural vbac. read more

I want to start by saying that my husband and I were skeptical of having a doula at all for the birth of our first child, but we wanted to see what it was all about. So we decided to interview a few. We interviewed Meghan first. Despite interviewing 2 other doulas after her (who were wonderful), Meghan's positive and glowing energy was infectious, and we knew it would be a mistake not to have her there for our son's big entrance into the world. And we were right in doing so. Aside from her fantastic energy, she also has a such a beautiful way of looking at pregnancy and birth. Any fears I began feeling about the birth or being a mom were easily quelled during our prenatal sessions with Meghan...or in any of my numerous texts to her up until the day of his birth. :) She provided guidance and support through making us think of what was best for our family instead pushing or implying her own opinions or beliefs. She constantly provided us helpful information that she thought would be useful for us based on our questions and concerns. Any every step of the way, she was there for us and helped us feel confident we were going to have a beautiful birth regardless how it ended up happening....and boy, did we. We cannot recommend Meghan more. We look forward to having her as our doula for however many more babies we have! read more