“Emma has gone above and beyond, she has helped me so much. It’s my first time being a mom and she is such a great support. She’s doing such an amazing job and I really appreciate her and I’m glad I have her as my Doula. She helped me so much through my birth. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know if I could’ve gone through without crying and being mentally a wreck she is so great. I just wanted to say thank you for helping me, this is one of the times where I need the most support and Emma has been wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about her.”

—Anesha

“It was a true blessing to have Melanie along this journey. From day one, she was thoughtful, supportive and listened to what I wanted out of my third birth. She always had suggestions and was willing to go above and beyond. While I was pregnant she was super helpful in providing resources and stretches for any aches and pains I was having. Melanie is a great communicator and was always a text or phone call away. During my birth, she was very hands on and knew exactly what to do in the moment. She readily suggested positions to try, applied counter pressure, gave me positive affirmations and overall support. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to have Melanie attend my third natural birth. I couldn’t have done it without her!”

— Rebecca

“Holding my brand new baby brings thoughts of gratefulness. I am so thankful to hold a healthy baby boy and so thankful for the wonderful, powerful women (and my incredible husband!!) who accompanied me on my journey to complete the most important accomplishment in my life, VBA2C [vaginal birth after 2 cesareans]!!

My doulas listened to me and believed in me when the medical community did not. I can't emphasize enough the importance of medical freedom in an individual’s life, such as mine. This birth has helped me recover from the past traumas Maine Med has made me endure with needless surgeries. I disagreed with Maine Med this time and avoided another major unnecessary surgery by speaking up for my right to choose what happens to my body and found my own path to a natural birth at Mercy. Doulas make a difference!! ♥️♥️♥️Gabrielle and Melissa”

— Simone

“My doula experience was in a word, empowering!
Meaghan remained a patient, loving witness, holding a safe space for me throughout my pregnancy and post-partum journey. She provided invaluable information on how to prepare my body, heart and home for my baby. As a first time mom, I had no idea what a birth plan was or what options were out there. She provided a myriad of resources and encouraged me to learn about the different options available and then we would work through what resonated and felt good to me. When I become anxious or overwhelmed, she was always there to offer validation and help me learn about the subject that was causing a fear response. From the anxieties of being pregnant while isolated during a pandemic, to the induction process on the day of my daughter’s birth, I had someone I could count on to show up for me. When life would appear and alter my “plan”, she was a centering force to remind me that no matter what changed, this was my “story” to own and regardless of the path, the end result was getting to meet my daughter.

Meaghan continued to facilitate the flow of information, reassurance and support during my pregnancy, birth and post partum so I could focus on just taking care of me and my daughter. Stepping in and telling the birthing staff that I needed a moment when I couldn’t speak up myself, or spraying lavender while putting on Great British baking show on her laptop while I was having contractions to keep me smiling, I never felt alone. By offering her unwavering acceptance and support, she allowed me to do the same for myself. I would recommend a doula to anyone and everyone! I cannot express enough what a blessing it was for me, thank you!“

— Iris

“Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? Have you ever thought of having a doula? A doula is someone who is at the birth for you. They meet with you before your birth and help you make a birth plan, so when you go into labor they know what you want and can help advocate for you. They help encourage you to meet your birthing goals and support you if you change your mind. I know I can’t imagine going through a birth without a doula there for me.

I had Dean, my partner, and my mom with me and they were wonderful but having my doula made all the difference. When during my 18hr labor both Dean and my mom needed a break my doula encouraged them to take a break and reenergize so they could better support me. During their break she was there for me. I went though Community Doulas. They worked with my family to make my birthing experience affordable for my family and amazing! They are based in the Portland area. I live in Lewiston and they were very willing to come to Lewiston for my birth! I recommend them to anyone who is pregnant and looking for a doula! I encourage you to contact them. They are very kind and helpful, and I am sure they would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!”

— Brie

“In January 2017, I had the pleasure of meeting my first two babies. I was displaced without a regular home or family, and from early on in pregnancy, started to seek help realizing that I was fighting an uphill battle, x 2. I needed support desperately during the process of birthing and new motherhood. I also had no money to pay for all of the help that I needed.

Fortunately, I was able to receive support from the Community Doulas. Melissa and Kendall began visiting us at home once we got home from hospital. Kendall, a retired neonatal nurse, gave us health checkups in between doctor appointments and much needed advice for this worry wart novice mom throughout the first few months. Melissa has been visiting us weekly and offering advice, support, and needed items as well as company, and the opportunity to eat and shower and generally feel human. She has been the most reliable support for us over these first 6 months and has been a great support and encouragement for me in my uphill battle to breastfeed twins.
Just knowing that I have support and seeing a kind, intelligent, humorous lady who is affectionate toward the boys makes a world of difference for me and encourages me to forge on happily. New and returning mothers can all benefit from the support and care of a Doula. It takes a village, they say, and not just for the babies.”

— Candace