Client testimonials

Parnie, brad + baby violet

June 2017

My interactions with Hunter were always warm, supportive, & informative during my pregnancy. I didn't fully realize how truly PRICELESS she was until I was in the middle of (a long and exhausting) labor. She is the #1 reason I was able to reflect on such on arduous process and say that it was overall a positive experience. Because of her, I was able to have the birth outcomes I wanted, and that has really helped things go smoothly postpartum for me and baby.

Hunter stayed with me for two long days of active labor. She was attentive, yet mellow and comforting. When I was struggling through long, intense contractions and hours of pushing, Hunter had the exact vocabulary to help me make them as manageable and productive as possible. I didn't realize there would be so many times when there was no nurse or doctor in the room and Hunter was the one there to do basic bedside support things like keep me hydrated, adjust my bed/pillows, monitor our vitals, talk me through what was happening and what was about to happen, and even keep me cleaned up through 4 rounds of getting sick. There were times when we were on the cusp of major medical decisions when my OB wasn't there and my husband and I were so exhausted that we couldn't even remember what we'd read about or what we thought we wanted. Hunter was there to help remind us of the pros/cons that the hospitalist wouldn't have.

When I was in a negative space and my poor husband was exhausted, she had the positive words to keep us going without being annoying about it! My husband appreciated her as well because she helped him know exactly what to do and when in order to be most helpful to me when neither of us was really sure where we were in the process. Her postpartum visit also helped me process the sequence of events in the hospital and ask the lingering questions after I'd had some time to reflect on my experience.

heather, mark + Baby Nash

April 2017

Where do I even begin?! Hunter was truly incredible in more ways than my husband and I could have ever imagined! After our first meeting, Hunter blew us away with her knowledge, strength, compassion and commitment to being a doula and she made me believe I could do whatever I wanted and that I had options. From the moment I met Hunter, she was friendly, warm and supportive. She made me feel 100% comfortable as if she and I had been known her for years, which truly helped me throughout the entire process.

When my labor started, Hunter was in touch with me often (without being overwhelming) and she was ready to come over whenever I needed her. We called her in the middle of the night and she came right over to relieve my husband so he could rest and she stayed by my side comforting me physically & emotionally, putting heat on my hips and back, keeping me hydrated & timing my contractions until it was time to go to the hospital.

She helped keep me calm & positive and was supportive and encouraging for my already amazing husband. Somehow we had forgotten everything we learned in our birthing class and she was able to bridge the gap in communication between us and the doctors/nurses and she explained exactly what was happening at each step of the way. She helped us make some really crucial decisions in the moment which ultimately helped me have a smooth labor.

in the early days postpartum, Hunter checked in with us and came to visit. She answered our laundry-list of questions and gave us tips and tricks to make our lives a little easier. She reassured us that we were doing a great job as new parents! Hunter was patient, calm, informative, empowering, thoughtful, encouraging, funny and so much more. She played an essential role in our positive birthing experience and we truly could not have done it without her. We are forever thankful for Hunter and are so proud to call her our doula, and new friend.

Laura, evan, big sister pippa + baby sienna

November 2016

Where do I even begin with Hunter?! First of all Hunter is amazing! She is one of those people you meet that you instantly feel like is your friend. She is extremely warm and easy to talk to. You can also immediately tell she makes no judgments, which for me was crucial through the birth experience. With my first daughter I had very little support from my husband, I don’t think he knew the first way in which he could help me. With the 2nd birth I knew that I wanted someone that could understand me and be there for me in the delivery room and leading up with questions. I also love that Hunter is a mother herself and has her own birth story which is what really influenced her to be a doula.

Hunter came to our home where we went through a long discussion of our history with my prior labor and what I was really looking for in a doula. She immediately made me feel comfortable which is super important. What I really loved about Hunter is that she follows your lead. When we first met she said a doula is there for you through the process, they are there for whatever you need. Hunter completely took my lead as far as my needs and wants in the delivery room.

In the end I feel like Hunter is part of our family, I cannot wait to introduce her to our daughter when she gets older and tell her that she helped mommy through the birth process. Birth and labor is an incredible experience and it was amazing to have Hunter by my side. She has a natural gift for what’s she’s doing and I know she will make a lot of women incredibly thankful for her support and empathy through the process.

Christine, lenny + baby ellis

July 2016

As a wedding planner, I knew the importance of having a partner to guide me through a new/emotionally-charged situation. It's the same advice I give my clients while they plan expensive weddings, so I thought I'd take my own advice and hire someone to guide me through the birthing process.

Hunter sat down at my home with my husband + I when we were 3 months along. We were both equal parts excited and nervous and having someone who had just had a baby was helpful. She asked us questions we had never really discussed like what kind of birth experience we wanted, what we were afraid of, what we were excited about, and what kind of birthing partner I wanted/he wanted to be. It ignited a great conversation and we all left feeling like we were a real team. 

At 6 months, the three of us attended a birthing class together. There we learned about the stages of labor, how to progress calmly through each, what to expect in each stage and how both of them would support me through each of them. We walked away feeling confident, educated and supported. We had a list of snacks to buy, supplies to acquire and a real game plan.

By the time my water broke, all 3 of us knew the game plan and what role each of us played. There was no fear, doubt or frustration. My husband is not very assertive, so it was nice to know that we had already discussed his role would be to support and soothe me, while Hunter would handle encouragement and logistics. 

It took alot of the doubt and stress off of my husband and I. He had his job and she had hers. He was able to just be my husband and be present for the birth of our son. She held me accountable when I wanted to give in during the tough parts of labor, held my legs as I pushed and partnered beautifully with my midwife at VCU Medical Center to bring my baby boy into the world. 

Having a calm, patient, wise, funny doula by your side is well worth your money. Hunter was perfect.