Testimonials
Every birth experience is unique, and it is such an honor to walk alongside families during this transformative time. I’m grateful to the families who have shared their experiences with Birth Encouraged and allowed me to give you a glimpse into what our work together can look like. From prenatal preparation and labor & birth support to postpartum care, these testimonials reflect the many ways I support families throughout their journey. You’ll also hear from dads and partners about their experience having a doula as part of their birth team. I hope these stories give you a sense of what it’s like to be cared for, encouraged, and supported through your own birth experience.
Prenatal Prep
“Ronae was highly engaged in helping prepare a birth plan that was right for us. She came prepared with resources and followed up to answer any questions. This is our fourth child, though it has been awhile, and we had not used a doula prior. We’re so glad we found Ronae and have learned so much from her.”
— Valerie D.
“Yes! Prior to our meetings, I was very nervous about childbirth. After meeting with you, I felt empowered and ready! I loved the exercises and talking through our birth plan. We learned so much from you!”
— Kylie S.
“The prenatal meetings went over a lot of helpful information…Ronae breaks things down in an accessible way, which is very helpful to the new mom that is anxious and overwhelmed.”
— Cayla H.
“Doctors and nurses often spoke to me as if they had my full attention. I tried my best to listen, but with contractions some of the information was lost in translation. Ronae was helpful to process what the medical staff had told me and what they were asking of me, but she waited until I was ready to listen – between contractions. She spoke to me in a manner that was caring, patient and affirming. I loved the atmosphere that she created in my delivery room – I appreciate her listening to my desires and then quietly but proactively creating a space that was just right for me.”
— Nikki C.
Labor/Birth Support
“I like that she helped advocate for me, even during the points of labor where I didn’t care what my previous preferences were. She also came prepared with different resources and was very supportive of my husband as well.”
— Cayla H.
“I don’t think I could have had the baby without Ronae!! She helped immensely during a very difficult labor and delivery. She was soooo supportive and encouraging, I really appreciated everything she did for us! i loved the encouraging Bible verses, the reassurance after we made a decision to go in a different direction and just her overall demeanor was so reassuring and just what I needed to get through a tough couple days.”
— Anonymous
“All of Ronae’s knowledge or willingness to find research based answers for questions I had was the most helpful. I felt very prepared going into birth on what to expect, especially in terms of induction options. Also, having Ronae there when making decisions with the nurses was invaluable, as she was a sounding board when I wasn’t sure what was the best next step.”
— Anonymous
Postpartum
“Ronae followed up with lactation and postpartum support that we were looking for. I LOVED the Mothering the Mother package including the bath, meals, tea, and syrup! She was super thoughtful and kind in holding our new blessing so I could enjoy the bath <3”
— Valerie D.
“Absolutely! I was very emotional in our first postpartum meeting and overwhelmed with breastfeeding. After you left, I felt so much more confident! It was nice to talk through the range of emotions I had been experiencing since Lark’s arrival. Your email recaps are always so thoughtful. You do such a great job addressing all of our questions.”
— Kylie S.
Care in General
“I really enjoyed how much I learned from Ronae, she was an extremely valuable resource and so willing to always go the extra mile and answer questions and find answers and resources. I always felt her support, not just during our appointments or during the actual birth. It was very reassuring to have her as part of our network.”
— Brianna E.
“She made me feel cared for. It saved my mental health to have such a kind and knowledgeable person supporting me.”
— Cayla H.
“Ronae was like the best friend I didn’t know I needed. Ronae is very approachable, an amazing listener, able to read a room well and a great advocate – all of which were helpful every step of my pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Looking back, I can’t believe I delivered 2 babies without Ronae – I certainly wouldn’t do it without her again!”
— Nikki C.
“I most enjoyed getting to know Ronae and having her guidance through our birth experience. She brought amazing resources and created a calming environment. She checked in after the birth experience and postpartum. The Mothering the Mother package was phenomenal and Ronae was thoughtful and kind through it all.”
— Valerie D.
“I just loved how much she truly cared for us, our physical health, our mental health and our baby! The whole experience was so personal and I can’t wait to work with her again when we have another baby!”
— Anonymous
“My husband and I were truly touched by Ronae’s kindness and thoughtfulness throughout our experience with her. The handouts Ronae provided were so helpful! We loved receiving the timeline of the birth process that she created. A personalized onesie for our daughter, delicious date balls, letting us borrow her rebozo…so many creative and thoughtful things! We could not recommend Ronae more and we can’t even imagine going through this experience without her. Having such a wonderful doula really helped us feel positivity and confident throughout this entire process.”
— Kylie S.
most enjoyed the abundance of resources shared! From nursing tips and tricks to labor positions to recipes, there were so many helpful things that you shared! I especially thought the labor resources were helpful and found myself pulling out several of the papers you gave me as I was laboring. I also very much appreciated your calm and gentle demeanor during labor!
— Miranda H.
“Ronae was very willing to go the extra mile for us in many ways! She was supportive of our entire family in addition to me as the mother, which encouraged us through the adjustment phrase.”
— Liana Y.
“I appreciated her gentle approach and helpfulness during labor and delivery. She helps us make quick decisions, and also provides great comfort measures. I’m so thankful for her support!”
— Brittni H.
Dad
“Ronae was an integral part in our baby’s healthy delivery. The amount of support the mother received was phenomenal, and allowed me to support more in my role as well. I’m so glad Ronae was there for us and couldn’t imagine without her.”
— Josh
“It was instrumental in the birth process. She was able to meet my wife’s needs which lowered my stress levels. Gave me a lot of reassurance about the process. I felt like we had someone to talk through concerns with and have someone with experience give us the guidance that we needed. “
— Brad
“It was great, it took a lot of pressure off of me and helped with things I didn’t even think about.”
— Tyler
“Ronae was a wealth of knowledge and gave me so much confidence as my wife’s support person. She educated us, empowered us to try things and do our own research, advocated for us during the birth process, and so much more!”
— Chris
“It really helped me in the labor room knowing that there was someone there that had been to many births and knew what to expect. It was great having Ronae there as an extra support person.”
— Kory