"A friend of mine encouraged me to meet with Diana after she had worked with her the year prior, but I was pretty skeptical that I would actually be interested. I didn't even really understand what a doula was, but I agreed to meet her. After we had lunch, I had a complete change of heart. As a first time mom, I was terrified about the entire process of being pregnant, delivering a baby, and being a mom. Diana was a source of knowledge, encouragement and comfort throughout the entire journey for both me and my husband.
Each time we met during my pregnancy, I felt empowered and more prepared to take on the dreaded delivery. She helped us write up a birth plan and served as our advocate during the delivery of our son. My husband and I have both said the entire process would not have been nearly as wonderful had she not been there. She was truly invaluable to us.
My son is now almost 5 months old and I continue to reach out to Diana with questions. Diana is a friend to our family. It was truly one of the best decisions I've made for myself, my husband and our son to hire her as our doula." - Molly Scheller
"Diana was a Godsend! I had heard that she was pretty amazing from a mutual friend, so when I found out I was pregnant she was the second person I contacted (yes, my husband was the first!). I was so scared of pregnancy and the birthing process as this was my first time, and Diana didn't belittle those fears or make me feel like I was ridiculous or irrational. She was available day and night for me to talk to, so much so that my husband would often be the one suggesting I contact her because she was so reliable. What I especially loved was that I knew I could always run a question by her, and she was very honest on whether that was something I needed to contact my OB about or not, and she even coached me on what to say using a more medical lingo as she is also a RN. I will say without going into too many details that my pregnancy was not one without concerns.
My husband and I had our fair share of stress and scary moments; however the amount of stress we had in dealing with those situations was certainly reduced having Diana on our team. My pregnancy resulted in an emergency C-section, and I was so prepared for just about any situation thanks to Diana that I honestly did not recognize myself in handling that news and going through that process with the confidence, determination, and lack of fear I believe I possessed. What's more, Diana did not see that her "job" stopped once our baby was delivered. She truly invests herself into her families; Diana checked up on us in the hospital and visited us in the NICU in the following week and also checked on me once we were settled at home. If my husband and I are so lucky to get pregnant again, she will probably be the first person I contact next time just so I can make sure I get on her calendar! Thank you so much, Diana!" - Love, Lauren, Micah and Lucas Abbott
"I can not say enough good things about my experience with Diana as my doula. It was very important to me that I deliver my first baby naturally with no medication and if it weren't for Diana I truly believe this would not have been possible. She helped me remain calm, provided direction for my husband who otherwise would have been lost in anxiety and fear, and guided me to the very last push. When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby she was on the top of my list of people to call. She has gone above and beyond my expectations throughout my pregnancy. My husband and I made the decision to have a home birth this time around and I can not tell you how helpful she has been throughout this process. I have been in contact with her at least once if not twice a week. She is always there to calm my fears and rid my anxiety. Anticipating the pain that accompanies labor can be very anxiety provoking but knowing that I have Diana in my corner really helps lessen that fear. She is not only my doula she has grown to be a friend of the family and we always look forward to our meetings with her. I would recommend Diana to anyone." - Danielle Houser
“Words can’t describe how thankful I am Diana was my doula! I had 2 very long, hard, natural labors that I wouldn’t have made it through without her. My husband & I are a unique couple and with our eldest I wanted a doula but was concerned we would havehard time finding a good fit. Diana is incredible! She is strong, smart, funny, and she exudes love and support- which is exactly what you need in the delivery room. I was induced with my daughter at 4pm on a Tuesday and she wasn’t born until 4amon Thursday –the whole time Diana was there by my side to give exactly the support we needed at that moment. My body went through every emotion and physical feel possible in that time, and with her experience and awareness she knew exactly what I needed in each stage of the process. During the pregnancy she provides exceptional support- being a nurse she gave great advice whenever I had a medical question or wanted to get her thoughts on what my doctor said, and she also worked with me to prepare labor techniques that would work for my body. When I got pregnant with my son I couldn’t imagine having him without her. The best part about her is that she listens to you (and during labor sometimes it feels like no one is listening to you but is working from monitors and manuals) and she makes sure everyone in the room is doing what you need to have the safest and best birthing experience. She explained everything that was happening and anytime I got nervous she reassured me and made sure I knew exactly what was going on. I have nothing but wonderful things to say and I would recommend her in a heartbeat." - Lea Lundquist
"This was our first time using a doula but our third child. We had had 2 healthy babies but felt that we quickly lost control of our birthing process once we got into the hospital. We wanted to be more involved in the process and I wanted to be more in tune with what was happening with my body and the baby. We interviewed a few Doulas but as soon as we met Diana we knew she was the one! She was extremely empathetic, calming and positive. She clearly had so much experience and knowledge and we felt very confident and at ease with her.
She was so patient with us as we progressed, we had so many questions and since my husband and mother were new to the natural childbirth process she had to educate them too:) As I progressed my window of "going on my own" was getting smaller and smaller. I was so upset as I was induced with my other 2 children. While massaging my back Diana noticed how big the baby was and said that it might be a good idea to go ahead with the induction. She was worried the baby would be to big and I might end up in a c section. She eased my worries and dried my tears of disappointment. She reassured me that I would still be in control of all of the decisions and I could still give birth naturally.
We went in to be induced and the process was beautiful. Diana coached me though every minute, every contraction and eased my fears. I felt so empowered and in complete control. When it was time to push James was stuck but she was there to ease my fear and calm me down to get through the pushing. Sure enough she was right... James was 9lbs, 9oz. If we would have waited for him to come on his own we probably would have ended up with c section. I can't say enough kind words about Diana! She has been so wonderful to us and continues to reach out to us and impact us as our family grows!” - Anne Collins
“Diana is my favorite doula. I wish she could be across the country for my second birth! She arrived at my scheduled induction and was able to coach us through any questions we had in between nurses popping in and out. Everyone was on board with me going slow with the Pitocin. As the labor intensified her and the nurse worked together as a team. I don't think I could've had a better first birth experience without Diana being there. She took beautiful first born pictures of those first few precious moments when I (mom) nor dad had time to grab a camera. She helped my daughter latch shortly after birth. She brought the photos the very next day when she visited and to see how everything was going and help with nursing. My experience with Diana was simply amazing & turned into a lifelong friendship and we love giving her updates on where we are and how my Daughter & our children are all growing. Since moving across the country we still plan to get together and take the kids to the zoo! I feel very blessed to have met Diana in this magical journey and to have her be a part of our lives.”
-Kristi Sage