“Hallie proved her worth many times over - before, during and after our birth. She prepared us by asking insightful questions and raising unforeseen issues, responded immediately when we had an unexpected hospital induction, encouraged us both, showed me how to support my wife during the birth, and ensured we could spend precious moments with our newborn right after the birth.
“As a father, I was greatly encouraged, and frankly, equipped, by Hallie, at a time when I felt largely uncomfortable, unhelpful and generally like a passive bystander. She gave me ways to participate and actively support my wife in one of the most significant and cherished moments of our life together. Hallie has many unique skills and gifts that make her an ideal doula - she’s understanding, caring and compassionate, and at the same time she’s a strong advocate, extremely knowledgeable and broadly experienced. Her primary concern throughout was for our birth experience to be the birth we desired - we took great confidence in her counsel and perspective, and she ensured we knew all our options, but she always brought decisions back to us, and to what we desired.”
Eliot and Corrie
Eli born November ‘02
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“Because of Hallie, my labor was less scary, and much more empowering than it could have been!
“During labor Hallie was irreplaceable. I had a long labor, and Hallie kept me focused and reassured me that I was indeed strong enough to get through it. She was full of suggestions for changes in position or location and that helped me get a “second wind” several times!
“I have recommended using a doula (Hallie specifically) to all of my expecting friends. It really takes the pressure off the partner, and is a well of reassurance.
“Hallie’s childbirth education classes were interesting and informative. The classes give you so much more than a book can. Hallie answered everyone’s questions with authority. She is sensitive to the fact that parents have different ideas and ideals when it comes to childbirth and she really teaches to her specific classes. She is organized, prepared and informed!”
Scott and Stacy
Gwen born April ‘03
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“Hallie was an amazing addition to our birthing experience. We had an emergency C-section, but thank God Hallie was there to help us get through the craziness that ensued. She was amazingly supportive after the birth when I was having difficulty with all the events of the past days. She had wonderful, empowering words of wisdom! I am so glad that she was there for all of us!
“Plus, I really feel that she is part of our circle of parenting support on many levels. And I feel that she is a special part of my daughter’s life which I think will continue in small but critical ways. “
Jason and Maria
Gracey born June ‘02
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“One of our main concerns was the dads place in the delivery room. I think having a doula made the dads position what it should be; a support, comfort and encourager. Hallie took on the role of coach which helped me really stay focused on my breathing during each contraction. She really was able to see what I needed during the delivery and encouraged me in a way in which I wanted to listen.
“I went through contractions in a hot tub, on the ball, on a wedge, in the rocking chair. Hallie worked great with dad, the midwife and the nurse. I really felt like their was a team there looking out for what was best for me.
“I can honestly say that my wonderful birth experience would not have been nearly as incredible without Hallie there.”
Tabitha and Doug
Nathan born March ‘03
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“Can’t we have Hallie around to help us with everything in our lives?”
Tim and Mary Ann
Josephine born October ‘03
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“Apart from Hallie’s many wonderful qualities as a person, as a doula she has a true calling. She made me feel much more confident about our approach. In our first meetings with Hallie when we discussed our birth plan, she listened with an open mind tuned to our desires and our style. She offered great suggestions and affirmed that our approach would work for us. Also, on at least two separate occasions, she took a lot of time to research specific questions that we had and came back with extremely useful information, contact info, etc.
“During the child birth, I found that at every turn, Hallie was there to remind us of our plan— often times when I had completely forgotten. Hallie kept us one step ahead of the process, explaining what to expect before each procedure.
“Emotionally, I felt like she was on our team, which made me feel safer. In the end we were eternally grateful to have Hallie with us, and I think we would have missed out on a lot without her.”
Maggie da Silva and Peter Valentine
Peter born February ‘04
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Hallie Greider
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