Gentle Birth Doula
  Birth and Postpartum Services
         info@gentle-birth-doula.com / 914.255.6769

Testimonials - From Mothers and Fathers

"Catherine helped to provide a wonderful experience for my wife and I. I was personally skeptical about hiring a doula because I thought the doctor or nurse would be present throughout the birth. The truth is that without a doula I would have felt very alone in this experience. Trying to tend to my wife's needs would have been very difficult if I was worried or concerned, but the doula helped calm me so that I could do my very best to be present to her before, during and after the entire birth experience. I would highly recommend Catherine to anyone."

                       - Thomas Thimons, Rye, NY

"Catherine's eyes worked best for me, I will never forget her eyes and all the breathing she did with me. These methods are really what got me through the hardest part of labor."

                   - Annette Boyle, Poughkeepsie, NY

"During my pregnancy, I decided to go for natural childbirth birth. I  was told by my midwife that a doula could help me to achieve my goal. Catherine was there every second of my labor guiding me through various positions and encouraging me to focus on my breathing. I couldn't have done it without her there coaching me and offering me different positions to help my labor move forward. In my experience giving birth did not hurt as much as I thought it would. I was very glad to have Catherine there to coach me at home and in the hospital. I would recommend her to anyone interested in using a doula."

                   -Cassandra Rickett, Mahopac,  NY

"Thank you so much for all your help with the birth of our new son. We could not have done it without you, you kept us calm and focused."

             -Lisa & Ryan Fuller, Valley Cottage, NY

"This was my first pregnancy and so I wanted to do everything right.  I decided about 5 months into the pregnancy that I wanted to try for a natural childbirth. Catherine was very committed to helping me reach my goal. She was very supportive in helping me to map out my birth plan. Creating a birth plan is something that every book will tell you to do, but it can be a daunting task to initiate without guidance. Catherine jumped right in asking me all of the right questions, and helping me formulate exactly what it was I wanted, or didn't want for my birth. In the days leading up to my labor Catherine was very attentive and accessible.  She answered all of my questions and assuaged most of my fears. When the big day came Catherine was consistently in touch.  When she arrived at the hospital she jumped right in helping me with breathing exercises and getting me to focus. She made my husband feel a whole lot better, that another person was there who knew what was going on and how to handle it. She soothed me and was right there along side of us till the very end, helping me push for my prize. I am so glad she was there, so is my husband and I wouldn't have wanted to do it without her."             

         -Patricia & Richard Berman, Yonkers, NY

"It was a pleasure working with you! You really made a difference in my birth. Having you as part of my support was the best. If we still live in the area when we have our second child you can know that I will be looking forward to having you as my doula again! Of course you can list us as a reference, we have nothing but good things to say about you!! You truly are amazing. Thank you again for everything!"

         - Danielle & Daren Davis, Mt. Vernon, NY

"As a new Mom there was so much I didn't know.  Catherine came prepared to our prenatal with tons of handouts and even sent me several internet links to sites that were extremely helpful. During my labor Catherine carried me through the most difficult part and made sure I got to the hospital on time and she stayed with me through the birth.  I couldn't have made it through without her.  It was great to not be alone at that time, to have someone's hand to squeeze, and to know that there was one person in the room completely on my side."

           - Mary Kay, Youba, & Sabou, Bronx NY 

"We wanted to tell you how much we appreciated your support during my labor and birth. We're so happy that you were there to support us and educate us in so many ways. You were such a calming presence for me and Eric and helped support me in ways that I didn't even know I would need."

     -Emily and Eric Teuscher, Wappinger Falls, NY

"As a new mother of twins with a 18 month old son I was very over whelmed when I got home from the hospital. The hospital staff may teach you how to bath your baby, or breastfeed, but they do not teach you how to breastfeed one baby while comforting the other and keeping your other child happy at the same time! Having Catherine with me when I got home was much more than just physical help. Having her with me gave me a peace of mind and the ability to be able to handle this new adventure in my life. A price cannot be put on all of her help, from her help with house work and feeding me as well as my other son, to the encouragement she gave me every day that I was doing this. I recommend her as a wonderful addition to your new mother experience."

          - Shannon Bleakley-Savva, Verplanck, NY

                Catherine Gaertig CD(DONA) - 914.255.6769 - catherine@gentle-birth-doula.com