Octavia was my doula for the birth of my daughter. My husband and I had a very specific birth plan and hoped to avoid intervention on any level and have the baby naturally. Octavia was there with me every step of the way. When the contractions became intense, I was able to ride out the pain with her guided meditation and massage. Instead of tensing with every contraction, which was my body's natural inclination and would have made the pain that much worse, I was able to relax my muscles to ease the tension. When the hours continued to pass and I hadn't progressed, Octavia kept me strong. When the contractions started coupling and coming one on top of the other, I was able to work through it for two hours with her guidance and coaching, hoping that this new complication would help things to advance. When word came that I still wasn't dialating, it was Octavia who helped me feel okay about getting an epidural - helped me to accept that my labor wasn't going to allow me to follow the course I had worked so hard to "plan". (I know - ha ha) Hours later, and with every intervention imaginable to try and get the baby out, Octavia spoke with our OB and suggested using the vacuum as a last resort before wheeling me in for a c-section. After 28 hours of labor, my daughter was born and while the experience wasn't exactly what I had dreamed of, I was able to avoid surgery and hold my beautiful newborn in my arms. I think I would have gotten through about 4 of the 28 hours on my own without Octavia. AND, every complication that arose during that time would have sent my husband and me into a tailspin without Octavia there to help us understand our circumstances and our options. She's a wonderful doula, a beautiful person and a great friend and I'm counting on her to be there again the second time around!!!

Octavia was our doula for our 2nd childbirth experience, which was a VBAC. I wanted someone to be present in the room who could assist us in interpreting medical information and making split-second decisions, since I figured that I would be completely absorbed in my breathing and pain control. It was never my intention to deliver without an epidural, but extenuating circumstances prevented me from getting my epidural until I was almost 9 cm. Octavia's massage and aromatherapy helped me and my husband to get me through, and she was so wonderfully supportive to both of us. I cannot imagine what the entire birth experience would have been like without her. She is kind, supportive, and professional, and she took great pictures! I would eagerly recommend her services.

Octavia was my doula for the birth of my first daughter, and I will definitely hire her again for my next child. I can not imagine having gone through my labor experience without her. First, I took private childbirth classes through Octavia, and they were extremely educational and efficient. Good thing too as we encountered so many hiccoughs during my delivery that I was so glad to know what was going on thanks to Octavia's classes. I would have been way more nervous/scared if Octavia hadn't taught me about all of the possible scenarios and options/solutions prior to the big day. I had to make a tough choice about being induced because my daughter was late. Octavia was a huge help, talking me through my options and the pros and cons of my choices. She was not at all judgemental and completely supported my decision even when I think it was not the one she would have made. During labor, Octavia was extremely helpful in pain management. She was able to help me delay the epidural for awhile by using her expertise in massage and aromatherapy. The aromatherapy particularly worked well for me and was wonderful in helping me relax and manage the pain. I was able to hold off the epidural until I was 4cm dilated, which was my goal as then it can actually accelerate rather than slow down the dilation process. Then when my contractions starting coming on way too fast and hard, she completely supported my decision to get an epidural and, in fact, advised that it was probably the best way to go as I had been in labor a long time and needed some rest. It was very important to me that I had a doula who supported whatever choice I made, and Octavia was just that. When we started having some challenges with the birth (heart decelerations, baby stuck in the birth canal, etc), Octavia was there every step of the way to explain what was happening and our options. She calmed us down, and helped interface with the hospital staff. She got along really well with my doctor and the nurses, and was even making recommendations to them for positions that might help, etc. In the end, when my doctor was on the verge of going to a c-section, it was one of Octavia's suggestions and the fact that she inspired me to find enough energy to go the last mile that made me able to have the vaginal delivery I had wanted. I can't recommend Octavia enough for her wealth of experience, calming manner, and straightforward communication.

Octavia was my doula for the birth of my first son (and I definitely plan to have her there again for any future births). I was 2 weeks past my due date and had to get induced per doctor's rules. When contractions came on extra strong because of this, I was ready to give up my goal for natural birth fairly quickly. But Octavia turned that around with her unconditional support. During labor, she helped me to turn my posterior baby around to anterior position and after 3 hours of getting stuck at 9cm, she was supportive in my decision to get an epidural. After 3 hours of unsuccessful pushing, at which point my doctor told me I would have to have a c-section, Octavia's calming support was still constant. She helped my husband and me in the tough decision to trying the vacuum after which my son was born vaginally and we all rejoiced. Not only was her support to my husband and me so exceptional, but also, she got along great with my doctor and hospital staff. The calming vibe that she brought to my unknown world of childbirth was really beyond words. I'm so thankful that I found her.

Octavia was my doula for the birth of my son and I've already given her notice that when I get pregnant again, she has to be my doula for the second birth too!. I wanted to have a natural childbirth with no epidural but was unsure if I would be able to accomplish this. Octavia was completely nonjudgmental and supported my decision either way - if I went natural or if I ended up with an epidural. It was very comforting to know that regardless of my decision she was there to support me and help me through my labor. When I was in labor and felt like I couldn't do it anymore, Octavia talked me through every contraction. She held my hand while I was pushing and coached me through each contraction until my baby was born. I know I wouldn't have been able to deliver without an epidural if I didn't have Octavia supporting me through the labor process. In addition to Octavia being very supportive, she is incredibly knowledgeable and has tons of experience being a doula and attending deliveries. Octavia was always available through email and phone calls if I had questions or concerns. Hiring Octavia was the best decision we made! I wouldn't want to go through labor without her support.