Testimonials

I may not be able to adequately express my gratitude to Elyse and all of the support, guidance and help she provided to me, my husband and our baby girl! From our first conversation my husband and I both felt immediately at ease, and trusting of Elyse. She asked really intentional questions in our first conversation, followed by a thorough 'get to know you' questionnaire. Each time we met or chatted I felt extremely safe asking her a range of questions and a whole lot of questions! Elyse provided me and my husband with such helpful resources throughout my pregnancy, from a birthing class to websites, apps and books to learn from. We developed a birth plan and as it goes - that plan quickly went off the rails when my water broke prematurely - as I had to make some quick decisions about interventions, Elyse was a steadfast resource and support system to help me navigate the providers questions and recommendations alongside my own questions and emotions. In the hospital she was extremely helpful and protective of my space and my needs as well as a resource for my husband - I will always be extremely grateful that Elyse was alongside us for the entire journey!

-Jamie B.

We are so glad that we were able to work with Elyse for the birth of our second baby! Even though we were already familiar with the birthing process, we knew we wanted additional support and guidance through the support of a doula again. From the moment we connected with her, Elyse brought a calm and down-to-earth energy that made us feel at ease.

Elyse was instrumental in helping us navigate important decisions both in the lead-up to and during labor. Her knowledge and comforting presence while early laboring at home was a welcomed presence, and her familiarity with navigating L&D teams in NYC were invaluable, especially when it came to advocating for our preferences in the delivery room. She seamlessly communicated with the nurses and helped us feel heard and respected throughout the entire process. Having her with us in the delivery room also gave us the ability to focus on the moment, knowing that we had someone on our side who truly understood our needs. She additionally empowered my husband to confidently voice our wishes to the hospital staff, who in turn were able to more adequately offer care options that worked. Between it all she ensured that we had the birthing experience we sought for.

A doula is such a key partner in one of the most important moments of your life and we are so glad we got to work with Elyse. She handled many hats—a confidant, a focused guide, a teacher,  and best of all and advocate. We are incredibly grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to any expecting parents.

-Molly B.

Elyse was such an instrumental part of our birth and we cannot imagine our birth story without her!  My labor was exceptionally long and Elyse was there every step of the way.  She provided amazing phone support prior to us inviting her into our birth space and then she was such a rock when she was here in person.  I felt so relieved and at peace knowing that she was there to help coordinate logistics and help my husband know what to do and even communicate with my family when I didn't have the bandwith to do so.  I felt safe and well taken care of and I knew that I could focus on the beautiful birth of our son!  I cannot recommend Elyse more.  Already dreaming of having her as our doula for our second baby :)

-Shelby R.

We met Elyse on the day I was induced as our primary birth doula, Allie Blanchard, was at another birth and Elyse subbed in! Elyse immediately put us at ease and had a calming effect when I first met her. She provided helpful guidance and support throughout the induction and laboring process, but was not pushy or judgemental when it came to decision making (e.g., when I chose to get an epidural; when I chose to get a c-section after laboring for hours without progress). Elyse helped me move after I got the epidural for optimal positioning. She also was incredibly supportive when I was laboring with providing counter pressure, massage, comfort, holding my hand. I would highly recommend Elyse with my whole heart to support your birth!

-Lauren H.

My husband and I had a particularly difficult and traumatic birth. My father-in-law went into the hospital with leukemia 8 days before my son's birth and died when he was 2 and a half weeks old. Just having Elyse there to listen when she came for postpartum visits was invaluable, and as silly as this sounds, I asked her to help me bake zucchini bread at one of her visists as the CSA veggies in my fridge that were going bad were taking up so much mental space for me. We ate those 3 breads for 2 weeks (one went in the freezer). I know it sounds like a little thing but it meant a lot.

She also taught me how to use the Solly wrap which took my postpartum brain a while to master, but is helping me to make sure my son takes naps and that I get some mental breaks during the day. In fact that is how I am able to be writing this testimonial right now, because Sam is in the solly snoozing. 

I also experienced difficulty with breastfeeding as a result of C-section recovery and grief. Elyse was very thorough in helping me measure myself for pump flanges, and navigating how to get connected with a lactation consultant who has been able to help me. My son will be 10 weeks on Saturday, and although it doesn't look perfect and we still have some challenges, we have come a long way and I have someone to reach out to with questions and to make sure I keep my supply up and can stay committed to breastfeeding. 

I would recommend that if you plan to breastfeed, please try to take some classes and get set up with a lactation consultant prior to your child's birth. This is something I wish I had done, but thank goodness for Elyse's help with it, otherwise I think I would have quit breastfeeding immediately.

-Heather K.

I could not more highly recommend Elyse. I had a LONG labor at 24+ hours that resulted in a c-section and Elyse was a stready hand and informed presence through the entire experience. She was extremely responsive to my preferences and engaged thoughtfully where I had anxieties and concerns. She kept us distracted with great conversation during the long hours (very important for my husband) and was a trusted sounding board at the various decision points. She also gives fantastic massages, which ended up being a major comfort to me through the process. I'm extremely grateful for her expertise, kindness, and support. You won't regret having her on your team. 

-Taylor I.