Client Raves
We have received so many lovely quotes over the years that we have organized them for your convenience. We hope you enjoy reading these quotes as much as we enjoy serving our clients.
Birth and the New Mom
Sarah, a first time mom
Even though I had multiple family members with me during labor, I still value my doula's assistance. Giving birth is one of the best kept secrets of womanhood. You hear all about it, but it doesn't really sink in until you're going through it
My husband, my mother, and my mother-in-law were there to support me, and it was truly a team effort; however; with my doula there, I didn't need to worry about being embarrassed or communicating my needs, as my doula took care of everything.
I know that my "moms" have been through childbirth, but my doula knew exactly how to read my labor signs and also knew many different techniques to help me be more comfortable during and between contractions. She was there to focus on me and what I needed which took stress off of me as well as my family. My husband was there to hold my hand, but my doula knew HOW to hold it.
It was truly special that my family could share in this extraordinary day, and my doula made everything seem smooth and stress free for all of us involved.
Kelly, a first time mom
Our doula enhanced our birth experience by helping us to deal with all of our insecurities. She taught me how to breathe through my contraction and she provided me with massage and others tricks that helped me to be more comfortable while in labor.
She was there the whole time and that allowed us to stay home as long as possible. That was a priceless service. She provided peace of mind for me and my husband.
Experienced Moms and Birth
Leslie, a fourth time mom
Leslie delivered her 3rd and 4th children with a midwife but only hired a doula for her 4th birth:
After my 3rd baby (2nd fully unmedicated birth), I was very afraid to go through labor again. Our Doula helped in every way possible, before and during the birth. After my 3rd birth, what I remembered most was the pain. After my 4th birth (my first with a Doula), what I remember most is the feeling of having my body doing exactly what it was supposed to be doing - and how very, very right it felt. I really hadn't been sure I needed a labor support doula; now I couldn't imagine giving birth without one.
Alison, a second time mom
My doula’s knowledge and encouragement helped make my second labor and delivery much easier than the first. She championed my needs even when I sometimes didn't know what they were!
Milbrey, second time mom
While pregnant with our second child, my husband and I decided that we would hire a postpartum doula. After meeting with Ryka, we decided that we also wanted to her to attend the birth. Ryka's in-depth knowledge of maternal health and labor/delivery issues greatly increased our confidence and my ability to deliver our baby naturally.
Ryka helped us understand our choices and she helped facilitate good communication between us and the medical staff. I was able to relax and focus on my labor and the delivery, my husband was able to focus on me, and I had the natural birth experience I wanted.
Dawn, a second time mom
Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only did it allow me to have a natural delivery (something I never would have had the courage to do without a doula's help), but it gave me a chance to verbalize a lot of the fears I was having about having another baby without fear of being judged.
I realize now that having a doula is a critical component missing in a lot of pregnancies - doctors and their nurses are simply not available on an emotional level to support pregnant women. And all of this doesn't even touch on the support I received after I gave birth - having a doula's help postpartum was absolutely wonderful. I loved having someone come over and help me with breastfeeding, shop for me, cook for me, tell me what things I should be doing to recover as quickly as possible so that I could be the best Mom for my two children - it's just something that should be available to every woman after she gives birth. As my doula said, it's a way of honoring yourself for what you've just done.
Postpartum Care and the New Mom
Julie, a first time mom
This service is not only a lifesaver, but a true investment. Like the old proverb, “... teach a man to fish”... it is simply worth more than any gadget or temporary fix that you think you may need to care for your baby.
Hillary a first time mom
The Doula doesn’t just teach you how to breastfeed; she prepares you for parenting. She was the ONLY one that got us breastfeeding. Having a doula from The Mothering Way was the best money I’ve ever spent.
After you have a doula in your home, you’ll wonder why everyone isn’t doing this! It’s the best gift you can get a new parent.
Emily, a first time mom who delivered at a birth center
I wish I’d gotten a postpartum doula the first week after my son’s birth at the birth center. A doula would have made our first few days less stressful and more enjoyable.
Molly & Jay, first time parents
Ryka's doulas were fabulous! They taught us everything from how to bathe our newborn, to how to nurse her more effectively, to how to carry her about in a sling. And the occasional overnights kept us sane. If we decide to go for #2, we will certainly be back in touch with Ryka.
Experienced Moms and Postpartum Care
Christine, mother of two
The Postpartum Doula Services we received were given to us as a gift from my mother. I cannot put into words how grateful we are to her for this. I know that she felt a great sense of relief knowing that we would all be well cared for during this time of recovery. I was very anxious about how I would handle recovery from labor, my oldest child, and the new baby following her delivery. My Doula’s presence and assistance took away this anxiety and helped out so much that I realize I had no reason to worry at all.
Stacy, a second time mother, gave us this quote to share:
When I became pregnant with my second child, my husband and I knew we'd need help. My marriage almost did not survive the birth of my first child. We just were not prepared for the intensity of it, and I also had a very difficult time breastfeeding. I had mastitis, thrush, you name it. I was miserable. Statistics indicate that most women want to breastfeed, but so many of us give up during those first few painful weeks.
I wanted my experience to be different with my second baby. Worried that we could not afford a postpartum doula, my husband suggested we hire a college student to work as a mother's helper. I wasn't sure, but I suspected we would not get the kind of help I felt we needed with a mother's helper. No college student would have massaged me when I felt tense or known the people to call when we needed a hospital-grade breast pump over the weekend.
My baby is now 4 months old and I am SO GLAD we decided to hire a postpartum doula through the Mothering Way. We not only had a doula, we had a doula TEAM during the most difficult days of engorgement. I can honestly say that the Mothering Way made our first few weeks at home, with a new baby, much more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. Plus, my baby and I are a happy nursing couple now, and everyone comments on how big and healthy my baby looks! I highly recommend the Mothering Way to anyone expecting a baby… it is truly an investment in the health and happiness of one’s family.
Christina, second time mom
I have found Ryka to be very helpful and generous in all matters relating to babies and parenting. I would definitely encourage a woman seeking the services of a postpartum doula to consider her first.
Karla, a second time mom
Our doula, from The Mothering Way, helped us by being there so my husband could work part-time and stretch his maternity leave. This satisfied his employer, while giving us time to be together with the new baby. It worked so well with the first child that we did it for the second as well.
Renae, a second time mom
Our doula was a godsend! The first few weeks postpartum, I just wanted to concentrate on spending quality time with both of my children, and get as much rest as possible. Our doula immediately understood our needs and did everything she could to support our little cocoon. She soothed the children, kept the house in running order, and made sure no one went hungry. Most importantly, at a time when I was consumed with the wellbeing of my children, it was a wonderful comfort to have someone else concentrating on me!
The Twin Experience
Anna, first time mom of twins
Some people, like us, did not really want or expect a medication-free birth, but even with all the interventions it was incredibly helpful to have our doula there. I thought a doula might be helpful. What I did not expect was the extent to which her presence was invaluable . . . my husband and I were both impressed with her ability to read my body language and respond caringly.
She also navigated very sensitively the interface between the medical personnel, my husband, and me. The nurses come and go, the doctors are not there at all, the husband doesn’t really know what's happening and he may be just as exhausted as the mom, so that leaves the doula as the main support person. Altogether, we believe the birth would have been a much more stressful and taxing experience on everyone without our Doula’s help.
Laura, first time mom of twins
The Mothering Way is truly that: It helps you learn & develop your own way of mothering, with the guidance & expertise of its staff. Having twins for our first babies could have been really overwhelming, but I can honestly say that our new baby experience was enlightened with the help of The Mothering Way doulas.
The doulas I worked with are first and foremost mothers themselves- in addition to being breastfeeding & baby professionals. You can be assured that the needs of your baby will always come first, and that you will have the support a new mother needs.
I can look back on the first months of my babies' lives w/ sheer joy and happiness, knowing that with the help of my doulas from The Mothering Way, we all truly experienced a wonderful new beginning.
Unexpected Situations
Alexia, first time mom to tongue-tied Olivia
Before my baby was born, I thought I was completely prepared for motherhood. I read all the childcare books, watched the videos, and took the childbirth and breastfeeding classes. However, my lack of real-life, hands-on experience as a mother and caretaker became painfully obvious to me the first month after my daughter was born. I thought I was losing my sanity.
My doula came into my life at just the right time. She helped me realize that I was not alone in my situation and that it was “okay” to cry. Even though I have a very helpful husband, he too was learning.
My doula helped restore order to our home. She immediately helped me with my breastfeeding issues, arranging for me to get a good quality pump as well as pointing out that my child looked “tongue-tied” and needed to have her frenulum evaluated and then clipped by a pediatric ENT.
She helped me assess my diet and determined that it was leading to my daughter’s painful night-time gassiness as well as her bad diaper rash. She showed me how to safely co-sleep with my daughter which, helped extend the length of her sleeping in the night from 2 hours to 4 hours at a time.
She made me breakfast, did the laundry, helped clean, and the list goes on. All these things helped me rapidly get my life back in order so I could get on with enjoying my new baby. I feel so much better now. I would highly recommend Ryka and her doulas for any mom who is struggling with life after a baby!!
Mariah, a first time mother
Our Doula really helped me to get through a difficult time I had with breastfeeding. My baby had been in the NICU and wouldn't take the breast at all. With our Doula’s support and encouragement, I kept trying!
Now my baby is an expert breastfeeder and I plan to breastfeed her much longer than I originally thought I would. It's such a rewarding experience!
I probably would have given up if it hadn't been for Our Doula’s support and knowledge. The Mothering Way is highly recommended by this mommy.
Carol Anne, a first time mom
Our baby was 2½ weeks old when I “hit the wall” with sleep exhaustion…and found myself at the breaking point. I was still struggling with breastfeeding and we really needed consistent help and encouragement at each nursing session beyond what was available from lactation consultants. Having Doula help gave me a chance to regain my sanity.
Shannon & Brian, first time parents
After the unexpected and traumatic experience of an emergency c-section at 32 weeks gestation followed by 6 stressful weeks in the NICU for our son, we were exhausted. With no family living nearby, we were on our own caring for our first child, a delicate preemie who seemed inconsolable for most of the night. His acid reflux meant constant and large volumes of spit-up, plus special feeding & sleeping procedures. We were determined that our son be a breastfed baby, which required "triple feeding" (breast, then bottle, then pumping) every two hours until he was strong enough to nurse full time. After 3 weeks with the baby at home, we were desperate for sleep, our house was a wreck, and there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Thank heaven for our doulas of The Mothering Way!
One doula came over for 3 nights to handle the baby so that we could catch up on sleep and be refreshed for the work ahead. Both doulas helped us get the house back in order, cooked delicious healthy meals, and cheerfully cared for our tiny irritable baby. Most importantly, the doulas taught us effective techniques to comfort our fussy infant, as well as the skills we needed to successfully transition from bottle to breastfeeding.
During the first week of the doula contract, we learned the cause of our son's "colic" when he was diagnosed with cow milk protein allergy. Our doulas each had experience with the condition and they could guide us through the special diet required for mom (so that her milk was safe for baby). With their help over the next month, we saw our baby transformed to a happy boy free of tummy pain.
We highly recommend The Mothering Way's postpartum care for families with premature babies, cow milk protein sensitivity, or difficulty with breastfeeding. The doulas were lifesavers for us.
Thoughts about moving and a new baby by Lori, a first time mother
The care you provided went so far above and beyond what I could have ever dreamed of. I am a believer that you were my sanity-saving angel sent to help me through a crazy period in our family's life. You were a move coordinator, nursing consultant and caring companion to both Josie and I. My gratitude for those days you devoted to us is truly immeasurable. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Dad Raves
Third time Dad, Brian Yackman
As a father, I was actually very skeptical of hiring a doula and feared that her presence at our delivery would be more of an intrusion than a help. I worried about involving another person in what I anticipated to be a very special, personal and spiritual moment between my wife and I. My wife assured me that this wouldn't be the case and I reccognized that she was convinced we would need her help. I am so grateful that I gave in and listened to her! I found Ryka's knowledge and experience in labor to be invaluable. My wife's labor was completely different than anticipated and I found that Ryka actually helped to involve me in the birthing process with my wife more than I ever would have had I been there on my own. Having a doula at our birth was one of the best decisions we made as it helped to create a memory that my wife and I will cherish forever.
Mark, a second time Dad
It took pressure off of me and was a big help to have our doula with us. I appreciated her physical and emotional support for my wife during labor. She was a great advocate for the choices that we had made in a way that the medical community respected.
James, first time dad of twins
Our doula gave unselfishly of her time and energy during labor… Even if my wife’s mother and sisters had been there throughout the birth, our doula knew things and did things for my wife that would not have occurred to them. I am so glad that our doula was there to offer us her ideas, knowledge, skills and calm, confident support.
Roger, first time dad of twins
Taking care of newborn twins was almost overwhelming for us, especially since my wife was still recovering from surgery. The doulas from The Mothering Way enabled us to get some desperately needed rest, answered our many questions, and generally saved our sanity. We are so grateful to Ryka and her team for helping us through a rewarding but very challenging transition.
A brief snapshot by one of our dads. Robert, a first time dad
After we came home for the hospital following a C-section delivery, we were overwhelmed. No sleep, a difficult recovery from major surgery, nursing issues, and a baby with his days and nights reversed left us near meltdown. Suffering from exhaustion, my wife went looking for help on the Internet and found The Mothering Way. After interviewing the company’s owner, Ms. Ryka George, we signed a contract for two weeks of services. The help provided proved to be invaluable in my wife’s recovery, the baby learning to “latch on” and nurse properly, and in the establishment of a sustainable routine.
For the first five days, The Mothering Way provided a Doula from 8AM to 4PM to help my wife care for the baby, teach mother and baby how to nurse, and take care of meal preparation, shopping, and chores. From 10PM until 6AM, another Doula stayed at our home to transition baby into sleeping at night as well as feeding/changing/caring for the baby while my wife recovered from exhaustion and C-section surgery. By the second week, the transition and recovery were well under way – to a point where Doula services were down to 4 hours/day during the daytime.
In summary, The Mothering Way accomplished what other postpartum consultants were unable to do: help mother recover from the C-section and exhaustion, turn around baby’s days and nights, teach baby to breastfeed properly, and establish a routine. To make the difficult transition from hospital to home with the first baby, The Mothering Way’s services are both invaluable and to be highly recommended.
Pregnancy Loss
Robin, mother of two living children
After we lost our unborn son at 15 weeks, Ryka was an amazing source of support. She went above and beyond to let us know that she was there for us in whatever capacity we needed. She continued calling and checking on us long after others had stopped. It was really helpful for us to know that we were not the only ones that still remembered Aidan.
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Ryka George, unless otherwise noted.
This page was last updated December 21, 2009
