From a father’s perspective: Rhonda is unassuming, very knowledgeable and experienced which in my opinion is the perfect combination for this role. During the labor and delivery I frequently forgot she was there as she waited attentively to respond when needed. When there was a need we never needed to say more than a few words and she would be there immediately and deftly tend to the need. At times she even appeared to know our request before we made it which speaks to her experience and attention to detail. She never attempted to instruct us but was there to support based on our wishes for the birth and advise when we desired her experience. As a husband and father I would certainly hire a doula again and if available Rhonda is the first choice.
~Philip Johnson
Rhonda was a fantastic doula and excellent resource on all things pregnancy, labor, birth, and post-partum. One thing that I particularly appreciated was the fact that she was so informed! Not only was she available as a nurturing presence, but she also had a lot of information, statistics, books, and facts that she had readily available to share. Our decision to hire her as a doula was simple from the first time we met her. She has such a calming presence, which I knew was what I needed to welcome my baby into a calm environment. Throughout the entire experience, Rhonda was more than I could have hoped for. I remember a specific part of my labor where I was “pushing”, and said, “I can’t do it!” to which Rhonda calmly responded, “You ARE doing it.” Great experience, great doula, and great resource!
~Jennifer Mueller
“Rhonda not only was supportive to us during labor but before that as well. It was so nice for my wife to have someone to call with questions who didn’t pressure her into things she wasn’t comfortable with. Having her there during my wife’s labor made me feel like I could support her better than if she had not been there. Rhonda was able to comfort her in ways I couldn’t and allowed me to just love my wife. We are so grateful to have met her.”
~With thankfulness, Luke
“I seriously don’t know how I could have made it through without Rhonda. She has such a nuturing and gentle spirit about her; she gave me confidence and made me feel safe and secure. I found myself reaching a new strength I didn’t know I had in me, and I don’t think I could have been as calm without her loving support through it all. My husband and I are so thankful to have crossed paths with her, and she will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you for not only what you do but who you are!”
~With much love, Cassandra
“Rhonda has a magic touch when it comes to helping a mom who is going through labor. For my first child 4 1/2 years ago, I was so afraid of labor and delivery but was determined to have it naturally without drugs. I hired Rhonda because I trusted that a woman would know more than my husband and I. The guidance and information she helped me with prior to my due date was extremely helpful and reassuring. During labor when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, the minute she put her hands on my shoulders, my body instantly relaxed and went with it. Her soft, confident voice kept me focused and where I needed to be at the time. For my second child she did such a great job keeping me calm and focused, we almost didn’t make it to the hospital in time. And with our third child, Rhonda played a vital role in our planned home birth with a midwife. Rhonda has a natural gift of putting one at ease and guiding women through delivery with calm confidence and encouragement. God created women to have babies, and what a blessing it is for us to have Rhonda help us through it. Rhonda is knowledgeable, calm, genuine and loving, and I recommend her to everyone.”
~Kathleen Weishaar
“Words cannot express how much it meant to both Bryce and I to have you as our doula. The peace of mind that you gave us throughout the pregnancy was amazing and to have you at my side during the labor and delivery helped calm and reassure me that I was strong enough. We are all born to be something in this life, and this is definitely your calling! (In addition to being an amazing mother.) Thank you for choosing to use the talents and nurturing skills God has given you to help others during the most vulnerable and real experience of their lives — childbirth! Thank you, again!”
~Love, Melanie, Bryce and Finn
“Just a note to say thank you for everything. Hiring you was the best thing Bruce and I did, and I NEVER would have made it through without you. We are tremendously grateful to you for being part of the most important and difficult day of our lives.”
~With love and gratitude, Jessica and Bruce
Over 30% of births in the United States today involve major abdominal surgery. I was part of that statistic after giving birth the first time via an unplanned cesarean when my labor was labeled “failure to progress” (which could also be called “failure to wait”). Pregnant again, I wanted to do everything possible to be on the other side of that statistic and deliver my baby via a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I had read that having a doula increased the chance of having a virginal birth with little or no interventions. I am so thankful that Rhonda was part of my birth team. In preparing for the birth, she helped build my confidence by providing much needed psychological support, listening with an open heart to my fears and desires. During the labor, she provided continuous support through her calm voice, warm touch and vast knowledge. In short, Rhonda’s talent and skill as a doula are exceptional.
~ Kristina Bourne
Rhonda was such a calming and supportive presence before, during, and after the birth of our 2nd child that I wish she had been with us for the birth of our 1st child. Rhonda’s approach was open, honest, and caring every step of the way. Her ability to convey her years of experience and knowledge was both reassuring and educational. She has a unique ability to offer maternal and paternal guidance that focused on our specific needs and desires. Together, Rhonda and I were able to work as a team to support my wife during such a precious time for our family.
~ Tim Valentine