We used Doulas of Central PA during the birth of our first child in 2024. We had struggled with the…read moredecision a lot because of the cost, but ultimately made up our mind after researching the positive effect the presence of a doula has on desired birth outcomes. We had an incredibly positive experience and my husband and I have said many many times since then how grateful we are that made this choice. As soon as we hired them during pregnancy, much of the weight/stress/worry about childbirth was lifted. We had both a primary and backup doula, both of whom we got to know through zoom calls and in-person meetings. The fact that even if our primary doula was unavailable for any reason during our birth, we would still have a wonderful doula who we knew well and were comfortable with gave us so much peace of mind. They both came to our house during the third trimester to teach us tactics to use during early labor and birth, and to talk through any questions we had. Anytime I had a question during pregnancy, they were there to answer it and support us. When labor started and stopped before birth, I contacted our doula (Maria) who helped us interpret what was happening, when to remain at home, and when to go to the hospital. When I was told I needed to be induced for a medical reason at our last appointment, I was incredibly worried and anxious, but contact Maria and she helped me understand what was happening, that it was the correct choice to make, and was on her way to us right away. During birth, Maria was incredible. She has an absolute gift. She helped me stay calm and comfortable, suggested positions, helped me through each contraction with her calm and reassuring voice, encouraging me to relax my body, breathe through it, etc. To be honest, that description really downplays the effect this had on the birthing experience. I know that without Maria there, I would not have done anywhere near as well. Maria helped us decide if/when I wanted an epidural, and helped us stay calm through any complications. Maria worked beautifully with my husband, seeming to know when he needed a break, when I needed both of them, and when to let us have a moment together. After our daughter was born, Maria took pictures of us as a family enjoying golden hour, helped with first latch, and made sure I had anything I needed, even feeding me to make sure I regained some nourishment. She checked in on us after that day, and visited our house to check in on us and see how she could support us a week or two later. The bottom line: Pregnancy and birth were full of lots of decisions and choices, and in the moment they all seemed very important and impactful. But looking back, the single most important decision we made, the one that made the most difference, with the absolute best results, was hiring Doulas of Central PA. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

I was really disappointed with my experience. I got considerably less support than I anticipated…read morefrom the doula experience (and from what was described in an initial consultation). For example, I thought that I would get support from my doula during earlier labor at home, but then in the prebirth meeting learned that she would meet me at the hospital. After my birth, I exchanged a few text messages but didn't see my doula again, even though I thought that I was supposed to have a postbirth in-person visit. It gave me some peace of mind leading up to labor that I had an additional support person, but I don't think it was worth the cost.