Whay My Clients Are Saying

In Due Time
What My Clients Are Saying...

The Cunado Family
"The decision to hire a doula for my second labor wasn't an easy one.
My first delivery, while fairly easy, wasn't exactly the way I wanted it. I
looked into hiring a doula to have an advocate during my second labor,
an experienced individual that had my interests in mind. Since I had
already experienced labor, I was not sure that I needed a doula. Then I
met Darla, her calm manner and endless level of expertise convinced
me that I wanted and needed to have her at my labor. The meetings we
had before the baby was born answered many questions as well as
provided me with considerations I had not thought of before. She was
unbiased and informative and helped us form a plan that met our
needs. In the week before I delivered I began to have a lot of
contractions that came and went. My phone calls to Darla saved me
from going back and forth to the hospital (with a two year old to consider,
this was a precious gift). Though Katherine came within 2.5 hours and
only 35 minutes at the hospital, Darla's presence at the hospital during
the last stages of delivery was wonderful. When she walked (ran) in to
the delivery room, I drew from her the calm and focus I was struggling
with until that moment. Her remembrance of our earlier discussions,
helped me to ask for postpartum accommodations I would have been
nervous to request. Thanks to her, I bonded with my baby the way I felt
comfortable. Her experience, warmth and passion made it a joy to share
such a special and wonderful time in our lives."
~Tony, Heather, Andrew and Katherine Cunado

The Prochniak Family

Our decision to hire Darla as our Doula came very late in our
pregnancy (the 38th week), but was absolutely the best
decision for us. My husband and I had felt confident that we
were prepared for a hospital birth on our own, but when we
had a few minor medical complications in the last few weeks
of the pregnancy, we realized that having an advocate
throughout the pregnancy, labor and delivery was important.
After we spoke with Darla, we felt that she was extremely
conscientious, kind, and committed to helping us having the
best birth experience possible, and we knew that she would be
an ideal part of our team. She was an invaluable resource
helping us to strategize on best ways to handle the situation
(appropriate questions to ask our doctors, breastfeeding
around light therapy machines, etc.)I'm so grateful to Darla for
all of her help and would recommend her to anyone
considering a Doula for their birth!

Erica, Michael, and Sierra

Burgard Family
Darla was a godsend during my pregnancy! Not only was she
available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns, she
changed gears easily and effortlessly when my baby stayed in
a breech position and I had to schedule a C-section...she
devised a birth plan which accomodated my expectations for
an equally meaningful bonding experience with my husband,
mother and newborn.I cannot express how calming,
knowledgeable and gracious Darla is with her clients...I highly
recommend her as she will exceed your expectations, not just
meet them.

~Lisa, Chris and MacKenna Burgard

Rankin Family
The decision to hire Darla was the best thing we did prior to
the birth of our twins. After their birth, we had Darla come at
night for approximately 2 weeks. Darla's help and wisdom
was invaluable and I don't think we could have done it
without her. Her presence in our home allowed me to heal,
give my 7 year old daugher some much needed attention
and bond with my new babies. Her quiet spirit and gentle
demeanor made having her in our home truly enjoyable.
-Julie, Jeff, Stephanie, Brendan & Hope Rankin

Villalobos Family
My husband is fabulous and so is my mother, but since this was
my first baby I wanted someone else to be there to support me.
Darla made everything go very smoothly during my labor and
delivery, she would comfort me, massage me, and keep telling
me 'You are OK, the baby is OK, this is all normal'. She really
helped me stay focused until the actual delivery. I was so
inspired by my experience with Darla that I am now training to
become a doula myself.

-Kalia, Frank and Isabella Villalobos

The Miller Family
Darla came to see me when my daughter, Jessica was a
newborn. She immediately had a rapport with Jessica and
knew exactly how to comfort her. Newborns are tough - no
one tells you that certain things are instinctive and certain
things have to be learned! Darla was an incredible help at a
very stressful time. She brought me peace of mind that was
invaluable.

-Beth and Jessica Miller

Cooper Family
I just finished reading the birth story of my son-after 3 months it still brings
tears. I am so thankful that I made the decision to have a doula present to
help with labor. Although I interviewed several doulas, I felt a connection
with Darla. She was someone I was comfortable with and trusted. Darla
was very helpful in preparing me for the labor experience. She had such
incredible patience with all my phone calls the last month. Her knowledge
of the birthing process kept me out of the hospital during the final weeks
when my labor was here and there, but still not time yet. Every time I
called her she calmed my fears. During my labor, through the night and
early morning hours, my clearest memory is of Darla holding my hand,
stroking my arm and telling me that the contraction was getting weaker
and it was almost over. Her encouragement kept my husband calm also
through those long hours. When I needed to go to emergency c-section,
Darla got my husband prepared for the delivery room and prayed with
him. She was there for me int he post-op recovery room with news of a
beautiful baby boy! After I got home from the hospital, Darla visited me at
home. She was so helpful and patient, answering my questions and
encouraging me with breast-feeding. My husband and I are grateful that
Darla was there for us int he delivery process. If we do this again, I would
want her there for me.
-Angela, Scott and Brandon Cooper

The Stone Family
Brian and I would like to share with you our thoughts and
feelings about having Darla Burns as our doula during the
birth of our son William. Darla impressed us with how open
minded she was; she let us make our own decisions based on
the facts and our desires. We felt extremely comfortable
sharing our plans with her. On the day of the birth, Darla was
an amazing support. Brian is an extremely focused and
dedicated labor coach, so we weren't in need of a labor
coach. Darla's role was to act as an intermediary between
myself and the medical staff at the hospital, and to support
Brian in getting ice chips, assisting with massage, etc. She
also was extremely helpful in keeping me focused on the work
at hand. When I became discouraged during the most intense
part of my labor, Darla was so supportive. Without her and
Brian's encouragement, I know that I would not have been
able to maintain my focus. Because of her knowledge of the
birthing process, she was able to remind me of the different
stages of labor, and that I was almost done!Allowing someone
besides my husband in the delivery room during William's
birth was a big deal to me. Darla was not only helpful and
encouraging, but trustworthy and calming. Brian and I feel
privileged to have had her present during this most special
moment.
-Suzanne, Brian, Gibson and William Stone

The Faillace Family
Everyone told me that I didn't need a doula because I had already
delivered two healthy babies. Well, they didn't know you. You are
the most easygoing, helpful, reassuring and supportive person. You
made me feel like I could handle whatever was to come my way
because you would be there to reassure, comfort, soothe and help
me how I wanted to be helped. My husband was great at our
previous births, however, he has his own nervousness and worries
during delivery. My doctor was great, but she had other moms
delivering and you were there just for me. When you're giving birth
and you're in such a vulnerable situation and you are forced to rely
on others, it's the most empowering feeling to know you are there
with all of your wisdom, helping me do something that you do on
a regular basis. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful work. I
couldn't be more pleased and feel I got more than my money's
worth. You are amazing and it's difficult to find the words to give
you justice for the confidence you gave me before and during my
delivery. I recommend your services without hesitation. You were
nicer than I could have ever imagined and you made our special
day relaxing and something we will always treasure.
~Ana Faillace

The Smith Family
As first time parents, we went through classes, read books
and sought advice from friends and family who already had
children. Once our daughter Evie was born, we realized
quickly how hard all of this knowledge was to apply. Darla
was a Godsend. Not only did she help us mentally survive
those first tough weeks, but she helped create a happy
home for our baby. She taught us the basics, such as how
to swaddle and rock Evie to sleep, baby bathing, and
breastfeeding, but she also helped us become relaxed and
loving parents. Her calming personal demeanor and
obvious love for children and our daughter made her the
time with us pass so quickly. You will be hard pressed to
find a better person or Doula to help you enjoy this magical
experience.
~Carrie, Joel and Evie

The Schuon Family
Having Darla's help and support in the first two weeks of my
daughter's life was absolutely invaluable. Not only was she able
to care for the baby when I tried to get some much needed
rest, but Darla also gave my husband and me the knowledge
we needed to be the best parents possible. Darla is well
versed in soothing techniques, nursing methods and all
aspects of infant care such as bathing, burping and changing.
The most important value Darla brought, however, was the
confidence she gave me as a new mother. Every evening we
would excitedly await her arrival so we could plug her with
questions - she was a living, breathing baby encyclopedia! I
look forward to working with Darla again when we have our
second child. She is so warm, loving and generous, and we all
felt so comfortable and safe when she was around...my
daughter included.
~Amanda, Andy and Layla Schuon along with the wonderful
family dog, Pablo

The Corpuz-Skusa Family
I delivered my second son via VBAC with the invaluable
assistance of Darla. Never having had labor or delivery, I
was very anxious while pregnant with my second baby.
Darla always answered all of my many questions and
provided me with the knowledge that she would be there
every step of the way. Her advice, knowledge and
comforting presence was very reassuring, both during my
pregnancy and during labor and delivery. Although
everything may not have gone exactly as I may have
planned for (it never does!), I was very pleased to have
been able to deliver my baby without complications and to
have had Darla at my side to help. Thank you Doula Darla!

-Valerie Corpuz, CC, Caleb and Wolfe Skusa

Ryder Drake's parents:
We are so happy that we had Darla to accompany us as we prepared for and
brought our son into the world. As first time parents, we were anxious about the
unknown and our own abilities and reactions to labor, delivery, and early parenting.
The first time we met with Darla, we knew right away that she was going to make a
huge difference in our experience. Her years of experience as a doula and
expertise about pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum and newborn care gave
us much needed reassurance and peace of mind. Darla was a calm and confident
presence from that first phone call when I went into labor at 1:00am through the first
time I breastfed my newborn. She kept me focused and without fear throughout the
most difficult parts of labor and helped me to stick as closely to my birth plan as
possible. My husband appreciated her competence and ability to get through to me
when he wasn't sure he could and support and the hospital, which allowed him to
stay rested and refueled in order to be the best coach he could be on no sleep and
a rollercoaster of emotions. Darla is the first person I called when I struggled with
the early days of breastfeeding and she has helped me to become a self-confident
and successful new mom.

~Chelsea and Kurt

The Cohen Family
I can't thank you enough for the wonderful care you've given
to me and Jordan these past two weeks. Your help with
everything has been invaluable and has given me some much
needed rest! Most importantly, though, Andrew and I are so
grateful for the nurturing you've given our new precious guy.
We (especially me) will miss you a lot!!Thank you, thank you,
thank you!
~Marisa

The Meeker Family
Dear Darla
I was just thinking about you today - another one of
my friends went into labor this morning and is going
to have a C-Section. This is the 4th person close to me
out of 5 to have a C-section. I just wanted to remind
you how greatful I am to you for helping to pull me
through my labor and get Miles here the way he
came...you are the best. Miles is doing wonderful -
starting to walk if you can believe it! Breastfeeding is
going great - another thing I could have never done
without the education you gave me. Thank you,
thank you - you are the best doula ever, and truly
gifted at making childbirth ed classes fun!
Be well,
Shelby

The Baljet Family
We couldn't have been able to have the birth of our
dreams without your encouragement, support and wealth
of knowledge. Nobody should have to give birth without a
wonderful doula like you! Thank you from the bottom of
our hearts. We are glad it was you with us on the most
special day of our lives.
Lots of love,
Theo & Kim Baljet

To see pictures of more wonderful families and babies I've
worked with, click here: Photo Album