Which Doula for Kaiser Delivery?

Looking for an East Bay Doula for delivery at Kaiser WC

May 2014

Looking for an East Bay doula to support delivery at Kaiser Walnut Creek. My husband and I are beginning our search a little late, I realize, (baby due August 15), but we are taking Bradley Method classes and are looking for a little extra support when the baby arrives. We are open to doulas who offer more services, such as postpartum care or support after prenatal visits beginning the 28th week, (I'm 26 right now!) Thank you for your recommendations!

I highly recommend Lindsay Levesque. she has a wonderful presence, is very knowledgeable and is such an asset to birthing! You can find here website here: http://birthdoulabayarea.com/ LD

Doula who works well with Kaiser Oakland L?

April 2014

I know there are lots of reviews of doulas in the archives, but it's hard to sort through. My husband and I will have our first child this fall, and will be giving birth at Kaiser Oakland (hopefully by then in their new facility - which I was told has all private roomes in labor and delivery). I think we'd like to hire a doula for labor support, since we'd like a calm, somewhat natural, but open to interventions/pain relief if I end up feeling like it's necessary, hospital birth. We'd like someone who would be available to come to our home in Oakland during early labor, and help us decide when to transfer, and come with us, to the hospital, when it's time. Some of our family members will probably also be present, and although austensibly there to support us, may actually need some herding/quieting down, etc to keep the situation non- stressful for us. Some of them, especially on my side can be high-maintenance and high-energy. Does anyone have recent experience with a doula that helped them with a Kaiser Oakland hospital birth? Also, any specific questions I should ask, or things to know about as I start my search? I've looked at Birthways list, but there are so many doulas, I have no idea where to start! Also what's the usual timeline for when to get interviewing? I feel like it's really far in advance still, but I don't want to miss our window of opportunity to hire someone we love if we wait too long. Thanks Sarah

A doula is a beyond-worthy investment! We had a great experience with our birth 1.5 years ago through using a doula group called whatadoula. I know the name is kind of funny, but the women in this group are so amazing and down to earth. They will come to your home for three prenatal appointments and help you create your birth plan. They are also there for you in navigating family that may need to me managed in one way or another and are on call for you and can come to your house in early labor if needed. You get to know the group of 3 of them so that you know for sure that you are comfortable and know whoever is on call. (When hiring one doula, if she can't make it for some reason, you may have a back-up doula you've never met.) they were also available for us by email throughout the pregnancy. This was incredibly helpful when during our last trimester, our doctor became overly concerned about the baby's size (despite all tests and monitorings being perfectly normal for me and baby!) as far as how early to hire? I think the earlier the better. If you're delivering in the fall, it is a busy time so doulas do book up. Plus, you'll have more time to receive their sage advice!! My next rec for a doula (we originally met her through whatadoula but she has since started an independent doula business) is Blythe Lee, 3daughtersdoula. She is extremely knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth and an overall sweet and awesome woman. Good luck in your search! Anon

Kaiser Oakland's new hospital will be opening in July so you will definitely be birthing in the new facility, and yes, all the rooms are private! But about doulas - there are many amazing doulas. Grace Bender was my doula and she was amazing: http://bhumibirth.wordpress.com/. I suggest also going to a meet the doula night at Birthways and see who you click with. It's a gut thing - this person will see you at highs and lows you've probably never seen before yourself. You need to trust her. Doulas are used to having family around (tho check with Kaiser to see their rules on how many can be in a room), so I wouldn't worry about that. Check out this link for some questions to ask: http://www.dona.org/mothers/how_to_hire_a_doula.php but remember listen to your gut. Congratulations and have a happy, healthy birth! I see no reason to wait on this process, it may be early but it's nice to figure this stuff out sooner than later. L

We had a great experience with Stacy Hattori as a doula. She was an amazing coach for me during my very long, very intense labor. She was also a great coach for my husband as well. And, after delivery, we overheard several nurses and doctors ask for her card, and had one nurse tell us directly that she was such a terrific doula to see work. So, good reviews all around. I did end up having one dose of fentalyn (pain narcotic) during hour 12 of active labor, and she was helpful in aiding me understand the option and was totally not judgmental about my choice.

Our plan was for her to come to our house and labor there until it was time to go to the hospital, but an hour after I started having contractions, I was in active labor with 1 minute long contractions every 3 minutes, so we met at the hospital.

I recommend her without reservation. I do encourage you to interview multiple doulas so that you are confident that the person you find is right for you. In terms of when to interview, I'd say maybe after the first trimester. I know that Stacy gets booked up early, so for her early is good. --congratulations!

March 2014

Re: Natural Childbirth at Kaiser Oakland
Hi Jessica- I have not experienced child birth at Kaiser, however, I had a wonderful doula who assisted my husband and I with our natural homebirth. She is a wealth of knowledge and is currently in midwifery school. She has been a doula for many families both in and out of the hospital- and for both natural and medicated labors. Working with her enabled us to ask tons of questions and get thorough answers and prepped us for what was to come in labor. She is a massage therapist as well and knows many techniques for coping with the pain. She can also work with you and your partner to ensure you are prepared for any possible challenges you will face while striving for your natural birth. Her name is Grace Bender, she is located in Oakland - you can contact her directly: grey.cie [at] gmail.com. I can't recommend her enough, she is a great person to have on your team while coping with a natural labor and delivery! We love her! Brittany

Available & Recommended Doulas for 9/13 Due Date at Kaiser Hayward

Aug 2013

We recently decided to find a doula for my 2nd child who is due quite soon (9/13), but I've found that the ones recommended by friends are either booked or on vacation. I'd love recommendations for doulas who may be available on such short notice! Or if you are an available doula, please contact me as well.

I had a long labor with my first (52 hours) 6 years ago and although I'm not fearing labor this time, I think the extra support and knowledge would be a welcome help! I'd like someone experienced, down-to-earth with a great sense of humor, who preferably has given birth herself. I'd also like this person to be available post-birth for at-home breastfeeding support.

We live in San Leandro & plan on delivering at Kaiser Hayward. Melissa

Deanna Dawson-Jesus of Birthing Babies (http://www.birthingbabies.info/) is amazing. Since the birth of our daughter, 9 months ago, two of our friends have also used her and loved her! We originally met Deanna through the 'Meet the Doula Night' at Day One in Walnut Creek. We interviewed a number of doulas and felt that she provided the best information -- from all sides / options -- while supporting our decisions. She was available and met with us a number of times prior to the birth and on the big day was critical in helping us bring our baby girl in to the world through a natural birth with no drugs. She was an advocate during key parts of the delivery in a firm but non-threatening manner with the hospital team. She kept me very focused through the rough spots and provided necessary relief and guidance to my husband. I can't recommend her support services enough and found the same feedback when I interviewed her references. Megan

We cannot recommend Anna Mahony (www.annamahony.com) enough to be a team member on your birth team. But one warning: she will become a family member (Aunt Anna!) to your family, just as she has to ours.

When we hired Anna as our doula, we had high expectations. Anna set regular appointments at our home to prepare for what we hoped would be an easy and straight forward labor. It took our son almost 48 hours to emerge, and throughout this truly laborious labor, Anna was a steady, calming, loving figure who guided me through every step and stage of the process. Her knowledge of calming positions and soothing tricks made every contraction a ton easier. Anna had an innate sense of exactly what was needed from me, from my husband, and from her during each step of labor, and she acted in a swift but calm manner to ensure that everything was as easy as possible. She interfaced professionally and simply with each medical professional who took care of us, and she knew when and how to signal to us that we may want some time alone to discuss the necessary deviations from our birth plan.

We were so grateful to have an advocate, friend, professional, child expert, mother expert, and all-around awesome doula aboard our birth team. Kim

Doula for a hospital birth with epidural at Kaiser Oakland

March 2012

We're looking for a supportive doula to assist us with a hospital birth (Kaiser Oakland) with an epidural. We had our first child in Ann Arbor, Michigan last year and our doula there was fantastic. Even though we did not want natural childbirth, we did want to be as informed and in control of the process as possible, and she made that happen. She also provided a wonderful consistency of care and information over my 36 hours of labor, a critical complement to the rotating hospital staff. So we're looking for recommendations for a knowledgeable, funny, kind and open-minded doula who will accompany us for this birth - and are hoping the labor will be shorter this time! Doula seeker

Hi. I recently gave birth at Alta Bates, and hired the Full Circle Doula group to support the labor and birth. It was a VBAC, so I knew I needed extra help. There are three women in the group, and they are all wonderful, humorous, and supportive. http://www.fullcircledoulagroup.com/ I have a habit of giving birth around holidays, so wanted to make sure I was going to see a friendly face and, as you mention, have some consistency of care during the birth. Having a group of three ensured that there was always a well-rested doula available, whenever my baby came. Stacia attended my birth and was awesome, but I met with all three doulas beforehad, and they were all helpful both by phone and email I navigated some late complications in the pregnancy. Anyway, all wonderful supportive ladies who respect whatever type of birth you are opting for. So happy they were a part of my labor. full circle doula fan

I have two recommendations: Anna and Candace with Family Doula Services, www.familydoulaservices.com/. They work as a team so you'll meet with both and whichever one is available will be with you at your birth. They're great! Also Nickie Tilsner is amazing. She's been doing this for years and also provides childbirth ed, doula training, etc. www.yelp.com/biz/mamalove-doula-services-nickie-tilsner-oakland As you probably know, it depends most on who you and your husband are most comfortable with but all these women are fabulous at what they do and are there to make your birth the way you want it. M

Michelle Williams (http://www.mamadoulamichelle.com) was my doula and is absolutely wonderful. She would be a fantastic person to have on your side for a hospital labor with an epidural. She is all of the things you describe -- very knowledgeable about childbirth, labor, hospital procedures, medications used, etc. She attends a lot of births at Kaiser Oakland, to the point of knowing many of the staff there. She has a good sense of humor which is more important than you think! She was also invaluable for postpartum support and healing during the first few weeks after birth. I can't recommend her highly enough. Amy

I highly recommend Caitlin Smith as a doula for a hospital birth with an epidural. She was my doula last November for exactly that (a hospital birth with an epidural). From the moment I met her, I liked her tremendously. She is warm, knowledgable, grounded and totally non-judgmental. She truly will support you in having the kind of birth you want to have - medicated or not. I was so happy that I had picked Caitlin as my doula, and I feel that her personality is such that most people would feel very at ease with her. You mentioned Ann Arbor. Coincidentally, she is from Michigan and went to school in Ann Arbor. Check out her reviews on yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/caitlin-smith-oakland Her phone number is (510) 385-4433 Her email is wcaitlinsmith [at] gmail.com Ruth

Low cost doula for Kaiser Oakland

Sept 2010

I am 22 weeks pregnant. Without going into a long story, I am going through my pregnancy alone since the dad and I are no longer together, I am also French so I have no family here and I am a teacher's assistant which means I have a very moderate income. I want to have a doula to help me through these last few months, somebody who would feel a little more personal than the 5 minutes visits at Kaiser and also someone who can be there at the birth so the doctors don't force me into things I don't want to do !

The problem is that I can't really afford a doula, I just registered with Bay area Birth but i haven't heard anything from them. Would anybody have any recommendation ? If the doula spoke French it would be even better, my mum might come from France to be with me but she doesn't speak a word of English so it would be nice if my doula and my mum could communicate =) Thank you.

I used a wonderful Doula whom I absolutely adored. Her name is Monique Gorski and she spent a long time talking with me about other, less expensive options. I decided to use her in the end because I loved her so much. But I highly recommend calling her and she'll be happy to help you find a solution that suits your situation. Her website is www.thelabordoula.com. Good luck! Emily

I am using Heather Lyn Wood for my upcoming birth at Kaiser Walnut Creek. She serves the bay area including Kaiser Oakland. She's a new doula (I think I will be her 4th client or so) but she is a very sweet woman with a great philosophy and gentle manner. I really felt like she was a good friend the first time I met her. I haven't had my baby yet, so I can't attest to that yet, but her fee is only $300 and includes the standard 2 prenatal visits, be available for your birth and staying with you as long as you need, and a postpartum visit. Heather was trained by Carol Shattuck-Rice and took Janaki Costello's childbirth course as part of her training, so she has been trained by some great people. Just an option - I know I was looking for as many options as I could get when I was looking for a low cost doula!  good luck in your search! Amanda

I have raved about our doula, Deanna, here before and I will again. We were her first Kaiser (Oakland) birth, but you would never have guessed. She was amazing. Our families are also oceans away and Deanna was a fantastic friend, confidant, advocate and cheer leader. She helped me have a drug-free, calm and quick birthing experience amid the chaos of an understaffed hospital shift change. She was also actually the least expensive of the ones I researched. Good luck with the next few months. http://www.deannasauter.com/ mummy to two boys

doula for Kaiser Oakland or Walnut Creek

August 2008

Hi! I am looking for a doula with a lot of experience who can reassure me labor is proceeding as it should. I am going to give birth either at Kaiser Oakland or Walnut Creek. The recommendations on the website are several years old and not all of them are working as birth doulas anymore. I want a doula that will help me birth naturally, but will know when to advise if medical intervention is needed. Yoga or Jewish background a plus but not necessary. Thanks for the names and contacts for any suggestions. I am due end of October, very beg of Nov 2008. Michelle

Congrats on the baby due in the fall. I delivered in WC in 2004 and used Deanna Jesus as my doula and she was great. For her contact info and others, visit the Nurture Center in Lafayette on Mt Diablo Blvd. They're a great resource for info on doulas and their newlsetter has a lot of doulas advertized in there as well. They have a website too. Good luck! Michelle

Jennifer Heystek was the best thing that could ever happen to me. My labor was traumatic, but Jennifer was there by my side for 2 days straight. Her support was extremely valuable. My daughter could not have been born without her priceless support. She works all over the Bay Area. http://www.jenniferheystek.com/ 510.708.6741 Miriam Martinez

You describe our doula, Stacia Biltekoff, perfectly. We chose her as our doula because we, too, wanted someone who would support us in a natural birth or in the use of medication. I ended up with an amazing natural birth at Kaiser Oakland and I credit almost all of our positive experience to Stacia's support.

In our pre-natal visits she also supported us in exploring our Jewish heritage in relation to choices we have to make as parents. She also has a background in massage therapy, and while I don't think she's a yogi, I do know she has exposure to meditation. In my opinion, unless you're birthing at home, it really doesn't get any better than having Stacia at your side.
Here's her contact info: Stacia Biltekoff 510-543-8411 staciadoula [at] yahoo.com www.birthchoicedoulacollective.com 
Good luck & Congratulations! Sofia

I can highly recommend my doula, Pamela Star - who goes by just Star. She is calm and caring, with a sweet manner and sense of humor. She can support you through whatever birth you want, whether it is natural or medicated, and is a tactful and knowledgeable advocate in the hospital. She is based in Vallejo and attends births in the East Bay and San Francisco. You can reach her at 415-595-6017 or sfstarbaby [at] yahoo.com. Good luck with your search. agz

I would like to strongly recommend Anne Delp. Anne was the Doula for our third child, who was born in April at Alta Bates, Berkeley. I have had Doulas for my previous two births and have interviewed many, so I feel I can speak from experience. Anne was incredibly supportive through the entire labor. She was there to encourage me and my husband through each and every contraction. She is energetic, positive, professional, down-to-earth and kind. Because of her support, I was able to have a drug free labor. In addition, she can talk and communicate effectively with hospital staff. I recommend Anne without any hesitation. Anne can be reached at annedelp [at] earthlink.net Gloria

I have a wonderful doula to recommend. Trina Mackie (trinamackie [at] hotmail.com) was an invaluable member of our birth team. She was all the things we'd hoped for, warm, a great listener, and knowledgeable. She provided great support to my husband, sister and friend, providing information and encouragement and never usurping their roles. She is getting her graduate degree at the School of Public Health, so she was helpful in providing and interpreting research on difficult decisions. She is bi-lingual (Spanish) and utilized a reboso which was very helpful. Regarding your question about religion/culture, while she isn't Jewish, we are, and she was fully respectful of our cultural choices. My husband and I agreed her fee was the best money we ever spent, and it wasn't a lot - we interviewed one doula who cost a little more and another who cost a little less. She includes two thorough pre-birth visits, as long as you want her during labor and birth, an hour or so post birth ! to help with lactation, etc. and a wonderful post visit/de-briefing. She took only such photos as we wanted taken and gave us a wonderful keepsake of pictures and her remembrances. She had many great techniques for laboring without pain meds that kept me in good stead for 15.5 hours. Ultimately complications arose beyond anyone's power to change and I had to have a C-section, so I especially treasure the natural and supported time with Trina leading my birth team while I labored and pushed. I recommend without hesitation Trina as an excellent doula. I wish you the best in your birth. Naomi

doula for 2nd birth at Kaiser Oakland

May 2008

I am looking for a doula for my second birth coming this fall at Kaiser Oakland. During my first birth, I was stuck in transition for seven hours (I finally asked for the epidural after six). I believe I got stuck in transition because when I got to the hospital in active labor, I got scared and the pain of the contractions made me alternate between fear and anger. I tensed up and although I was 100% dilated at one point, nothing happened and I was in hell. I almost lost my mind trying to escape from the pain, fear and anger. I am looking for a doula this time who will do more than help me breathe through a contraction, or massage me. She will need to deal with my emotional state first and foremost, to keep me from descending into hell and stalling my labor. And she should have different techniques to help when labor stalls. Do you of anyone who could keep you sane when you were going insane? Thanks for your help! Anon

I'm sorry to hear that your labor was so intense and fearful, and I think having a doula will improve your chances of a more pleasant labor the next time around. Although I didn't have the same kind of experience you had, I can highly recommend Mary Ellen Escalante (Full Flower Doula Services). She works very closely with you to learn about your needs and wishes so she can provide the best possible support. And even if one of you decided it wasn't the right match, I think she'd be able to refer you to someone who might be right for you. Mary Ellen is very loving and encouraging, and my birth would not have been the same without her! She also does a great job of supporting the birth partner, which in turn creates more support for the mom. My husband was very glad she was with us during my labor. Mary Ellen can be reached at (707) 246-5720 or escalante7 [at] prodigy.net. Best of luck to you and your little one!

Doula for Kaiser Oakland

April 2006

Can anyone recommend an excellent doula who knows the Kaiser Oakland nurses and facility and would be a strong advocate and also supportive of a wide range of pain management choices? I would especially be thrilled if my doula was able to prevent me from being delivered by a student. Brittni

Sorry I can't help you on the doula question, but I can allay your fears of being delivered by a student. I'm fairly certain that Kaiser Oakland does not have medical students in Ob/Gyn. It does have residents in Ob -- the residents have completed medical school, most are licensed doctors, and at this time of year they have anywhere from 1-4 years experience in OB (as of July, you get a fresh crop). Generally for uncomplicated births the residents do most of it, and the attending physicians get involved if there are complications.

We had a wonderful doula for our daughter's birth at Kaiser Oakland last October. Nicki Bonfilio (415 558 8471) was great. She worked really well with the Kaiser nursing staff - who also were great - and physicians. Lisa

Doula at Kaiser SF

Nov 2006

I am looking for a knowledgable, experienced, and helpful doula who would be available to assist in my labor. I'm due in March, 2006. We live in Berkeley, but plan to deliver at Kaiser San Francisco, if all goes well. I checked the BPN website and most doula listings for SF are old. Esther Gallagher, is highly recommended and sounds great, but we can't afford her fees which start at $2,000. Any other recommendations would be much appreciated. anne

Our doula was Michelle Welborn. We delivered a year and a half ago at Alta Bates in Berkeley, but Michelle actually lives in San Francisco and many of her clients are in the city. Her rates are reasonable, but I know it can sound expensive. She was the best thing we spent money on. We really liked Michelle's down to earth approach as well as her depth of knowledge. With her help, I had a natural birth at the hospital. But it was all her advice and hands-on help in the months before labor even started that was the most valuable. She's just a great person and we really liked her. Just call her up and chat about what you are looking for. http://www.welborndoula.com/ Happy mama

Doula at Kaiser Walnut Creek

May 2005

Hello: I would appreciate a recommendation for a good doula to help with the birth of my second daughter around July 4 at Walnut Creek Kaiser. I had a bad experience with the birth of my first child there and am feeling nervous about being able to relax, mostly due to tearing/damage from the first birth. Even though the back labor in my last experience was awfully intense, I am looking for another natural birth without medication. I would like someone who is very patient, a good listener, and knowledgable about reducing pain and particularly avoiding damage due to tearing. windy

I had my baby at WC Kaiser last year with doula Virginia Duplessis. She was amazing. It was a 40+ hour labor and she stayed by my side the whole time. I had vomiting, back labor, a not so helpful husband, a bossy mom and she managed to keep me calm and as comfortable as possible. I really wanted a natural birth and had taken tons of yoga so I thought I would be prepared, but the pain was like nothing I had ever imagined. Virginia helped me stay focused and present. She also managed to use some stall tactics (in a good way!) when I started feeling like I wanted an epidural. So long story short, I was able to have my baby sans drugs! I really do not think I could have done it without Virginia. You can reach her at (510) 287- 8789 or virginia at mostformoms.com happy birthing, vicki

I reccommend that you contact Joan Bryant, Birth Doula 925-947- 1938 or Doulajoan at earthlink.net. We hired her for the birth of our daughter in August 2003 at Kaiser Walnut Creek (where she was also an birth educator at the time.) She was invaluable in helping us get through a very long labor and difficult delivery. Feel free to contact me with questions. Andrea

I highly recommend Betsy Appell. She was with me for most of my long, hard labor in October 2004. I was at Alta Bates, but I know she's worked at WC Kaiser. My labor was unmedicated, and Betsy's techniques for reducing pain were amazing. She is kind, empathetic, experienced, and calm. And a very good listener. Her website is berkeleydoula.com. I hope this birth will be easier for you. Beatrice

I sent a personal message to the woman requesting a doula for Walnut Creek, but I also want to send a general message about our wonderful doula, Betsy Appell (www.berkeleydoula.com). I had my son in February after a very long labor, and my husband and I are incredibly grateful that we had Betsy with us. She is amazing. She is very calming and has a wonderful bag of tricks to help you through your labor. She also helped us make decisions when curveballs were thrown our way. I don't know what we would have done without her. I definitely recommend her! I'm happy to talk in more detail with anyone that would like more info. Shannan

I am excited to give my highest recomendation to Doula Paula Santi. She was my Doula for my two day labor in September 2004. Her approach is very intuitive - she was very in tune with me and my needs - giving me the space and support I needed without my having to ask. I don't think it would have been a positive experience had she not been our support person (and my labor/delivery was very difficult - not progressing, swollen cervix, suction, meconium, etc.). She was an incredible support for me and my husband during the two days. She was with us until the baby was safely in my arms and she provided excellent post partum care as well. She lives very close to Kaiser Walnut Creek. She can be reached at (925) 933-5002 or doulapaulasanti at yahoo.com. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Michele

I hired a wonderful doula -- Betsy Appell (http://www.berkeleydoula.com) -- for the birth of my first child in October 2004. She does births at Kaiser Walnut Creek, as well as other hospitals in the East Bay. Betsy\x92s expertise, perceptiveness, responsiveness, friendly manner and support directly contributed to a larger baby, a natural childbirth and incredible confidence and peace of mind for my husband and me \x96 both going into and the actual birthing process. She\x92s really, really, really great and I recommend her as highly as possible. Lori

I would like to highly recommend Betsy Appell as a doula for Kaiser Walnut Creek. She assisted at the birth of my son in March 2005 and did an amazing job. Betsy helped my husband and I write our birth plan, and we were able to follow it exactly, which was far beyond my expectations! I was able to have a natural birth with no medication, and I don't think I would have made it through without her expertise and encouragement. (And my son was large, 9lb 11oz.) Betsy was also a great advocate for us with the nursing staff and my midwife, Julie Haymes (who I also highly recommend).

In addition, her hypnobirthing course was a great resource for pain management techniques and she recommended we do perineal massage, which I believe greatly reduced tearing at birth. I also took her prenatal yoga class and enjoyed that immensely as well. Betsy's website is berkeleydoula.com. ekkoster

We had a great experience at WC Kaiser with our doula, Betsy Appell. I cannot recommend her highly enough. Betsy was recommended to us by good friends who had also used her as their doula. She calmly and reassuringly explained things to me when I was facing an induced labor and was incredibly supportive to both my husband and me during the labor and delivery. We really credit her for the wonderful birth experience I had. She also had a great rapport with the delivery nurse and midwife at WC Kaiser. They even commented afterwards that I was really lucky to have such a great doula! I also highly recommend the ''Make Your Partner Your Doula'' class Betsy offers. My husband and I took that class instead of the Kaiser childbirth prep class and felt like we were really well prepared. You can find out more info about the class and Betsy herself at www.berkeleydoula.com. Or email me if you have questions. She really is great! sally Sally

Hello, Congrats on your pregnancy. I would highly wholeheartedly reccomend Anne Delp. She is absolutely amazing. She helped me deliver at Summit (8/04) but will travel to Walnut Creek. As a matter of fact, she assisted a woman there this past Monday! She is tender, encouraging, supportive, funny, flexible, centered...I can go on and on. She also enjoyes taking photographs so if you are interested in capturing the moment she took many priceless photos unobtrusively and I am glad she did. The photos she took were breathtaking. Feel free to contact her at annedelp at earthlink.net or (510) 482-1557. Good luck! Libby

Doula for birth at Kaiser Walnut Creek

June 2003

My son and his wife are having their first child in late July, at Kaiser in Walnut Creek, and would like to hire a Doula. Recommendations? I've checked the archives, but only saw one in WC, and it was an old post. Susan

We used Holly Wiersma, who lives in Pleasant Hill and I think works with a lot of clients in Walnut Creek, though she came all the way to Oakland for us. She was wonderful - professional, supportive, compassionate. She was very respectful of our birth preferences and also very helpful to check in with when additional medical interventions were suggested to us. She also stayed in touch after the birth and was a lifesaver postpartum when we were getting all kinds of conflicting advice about breastfeeding etc. - she has a way of sorting through all the different opinions that helped us decide how to proceed. Sandy

Holly Wiersma is doula who has been around quite a while and is well known and respected in the community. I am a parent educator and know of many moms who have been very happy with Holly. Holly's Home phone: (925)947-5874 email: hdwiersma at hotmail.com

I also recommend Deanna Jesus who in addition to being a doula, is a Certified Hypnobirthing practitioner She is my doula and I am due in 2 weeks, I have been doing a combined doula/hypnobirthing series with her.

Deanna's Phone 925-216-7264 douladee AT birthingbabies.com

Also check out the BIRTH AND BABY FAIR AT NURTURE CENTER IN Lafayette ON JUNE 29TH.

You can meet doulas there I am sure. Check out nurturecenter.com for more details Teresa

The Nurture Center in Lafayette keeps a binder of doulas and other birth professionals that you can look through. Most of the doulas practice in the 925 area code (and beyond).