DANBURY BIRTHING CENTER/CCWC
“I can’t imagine my birth without Robin! My husband and I knew we wanted a doula to help guide us through the birth of our first child. After a great first phone conversation, where it was clear just how passionate Robin was about birth and helping to provide the best possible birth experience, we were excited to have her as our mentor, guide, and friend. An in person meeting confirmed that we had made the right choice – her calm energy even drew our normally shy cat out of hiding 🙂 She listened to all of our questions and totally prepared us for what was to come. Robin was on the phone and texting with me and my husband while I labored at home and helped us to decide when to head to the birth center. At the center, she was by my side for 8 hours, coaching me through contractions, letting me squeeze her hand, giving me cold compresses and making sure BOTH my husband and I stayed hydrated. My baby had turned sunnyside up and Robin helped me find positions to try and move him back. When I made the decision to head to the hospital for an epidural, Robin fully supported me. At the hospital, we ran into complications and through the rush of doctors, I just remember Robin’s face and calm voice reminding me to focus on my breathing and assuring me that everything would be fine. After the birth of our boy, Robin checked in both on the phone and came to our home to walk us through our experience and emotions. I felt so wholly supported and 100% credit Robin with how positively I feel about my birth experience, from the unmedicated labor to the emergency c-section. My husband and I are forever thankful!” – Chelsea S., (Bethel, CT)
“For some blessed reason, as I searched for doulas online, I focused on Robin’s warm smile and made just that one phone call. I immediately knew she was who I needed. She was knowledgable, honest, soft-spoken but confident, and most importantly, she listened. Robin and I spoke multiple times while I went from early into active labor at home. Each time, she gave me more suggestions. Each time I got off the phone I had a new mission: moving and changing positions to get through the next couple of hours. When I arrived at the Birth Center, Robin met us there, walked in with her calm demeanor and hugged me. I will never forget the wave of relief as she massaged my lower back. Through the next 8 hours, I cannot even being to list the ways Robin supported me physically, encouraged me emotionally, and kept me hydrated. She showed my husband how to best support me. At 4:13 am, I delivered (standing up!) a beautifully healthy 8 lbs. 9 oz baby boy. I feel so blessed to have my healthy baby, have gotten the natural birth I wanted, and to have had my husband so involved. Anytime my close family and friends ask about the delivery, I talk about Robin. I could tear up when I think about the way she took care of us. I truly believe every women giving birth deserves a doula and needs Robin.” – Julia L., (New Fairfield, CT)
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GREENWICH HOSPITAL/Yale New Haven Health
“Robin supported us through the birth of our second daughter in all the ways we needed and didn’t know to ask for. She expertly balanced professionalism and warmth while getting to know our family. Throughout my pregnancy, Robin provided useful information, resources, and timely emotional support. Her support helped me feel empowered to make decisions that ultimately led to a meaningful and joyful birth. My first birth felt scary and out of my control. It was followed by a long, painful recovery period. With Robin’s support, my second birth was a dream come true. I felt grounded, confident, and powerful. I wish all birthing women the birth experience that Robin helped us create.” – Katrina M., Larchmont, NY
When Robin joined my husband and me at the hospital once I went into labor, she was great at working with the nurses and using massage and other techniques to keep me comfortable. Most important, she helped focus me on the amazing birth that was about to happen. Her “this is your birth” mantra replaced my natural birth mantras, and helped me appreciate every moment of my birth experience. She helped me to feel centered and empowered in a situation in which I had in earlier weeks felt very anxious and out of control. Having her there made my son’s birth an experience I now treasure and look back on with love and amazement, rather than the fear I initially felt.” – Kim G., (Larchmont, NY)
“I hired Robin to assist me and my husband with the birth of our fifth child at Greenwich Hospital. We are experienced birthers and parents, yet we deeply appreciate and value the presence of a knowledgable, calm, supportive person in labor—and that was Robin. Her energy is warm, present, non-judgmental and open. She wants to do whatever you think will work for you, and she comes with a full range of pain management techniques, calming words, effective laboring positions, and ways to engage you and your birth partner to achieve the best birth possible under whatever circumstances present themselves. I was over a week past due and finally went into Greenwich to have my water broken (my choice). While we thought labor would begin immediately, contractions were not coming regularly. I was highly discouraged after two hours and Robin and my husband helped me see that having a very low dose of Pitocin would kick-start my labor. There was never any pressure or judgment, just encouragement and support. Robin was at my side, helping me, helping my husband to help me (heat packs, cold compresses, etc. I went from 5cm to delivery in about 40 minutes and Robin never left my side. I remember so clearly how I gripped her hand through the intense few pushes that brought our 9 lb, 10 oz baby into the world! Robin helped us have a truly beautiful birth experience. ” – Ann T., (Larchmont, NY)
“We got very lucky when we found Robin! I gave birth at Greenwich Hospital but was considering other options due to fear. I wanted to have a natural birth so, hearing about the high c-section rate there scared me. I decided that because I had a healthy, risk free pregnancy, and a doula, I was going to give birth at Greenwich and trust that I made the right choice. Robin was the only doula in the area that supported my decision to birth at Greenwich Hospital. She had a really positive outlook, was realistic about possibilities but not narrow minded. We talked about my desire to have a natural birth and how I was not attached to that if I changed my mind. Robin was so reassuring; reminding me that she is there as my advocate. It was midnight when I went into labor and Robin came to my house shortly thereafter. My husband, Robin and I all got along as if we had known each other forever. Robin’s confidence and warm presence put me at ease. Robin supported me by my side all 31 hours of my labor plus the time after to help with nursing. She knew her boundaries and never quit her efforts to comfort me. My husband and I can’t say enough about how incredible Robin was as our doula. She has a special gift. Any woman would be lucky to have Robin by her side helping with the most extraordinary time in a woman’s life.” – Cynthia W., (Cos Cob, CT)
“Robin is a fantastic, patient, saintly woman who helped me through 28 hours of labor. She supported me in any way I needed: from walking the halls of Greenwich Hospital for 9 hours of natural labor, to helping me endure endless back labor while strapped to monitors. She was a champ. There was nothing she didn’t think of or prepare me for. When I was facing an unavoidable intervention, she encouraged me to listen to my body that clearly needed rest to achieve a vaginal delivery. Once I got the epidural and the pitocin drip began, my body responded like a rocket moving from 3cm to 10cm in 4 hours, even while I slept. When I woke, it was time to push, and Robin was there with me every step of the way. She calmed me: Robin held my hand, stroked my hair, and encouraged me to keep going without ever yelling “push” (like the doctor who I just ignored). I listened to Robin’s instructions to curl around my baby and then my baby was out. The doctor asked me to reach down and grab my baby (which I didn’t get at the time) and it was Robin who passed my baby to me for initial skin to skin. Robin helped my husband begin to bond with our daughter while I recovered and took a shower. She didn’t go until we were ready to be alone. Robin clearly loves babies and supporting families (not just women!). I could not recommend her highly enough to support you through your birth process!” – Meredith S., (Larchmont, NY)
“I was not even considering hiring a doula, when at 34 weeks, I decided to switch my OB. Frantic to find a new doctor, I blindly called doulas in the area hoping one could recommend a new OB. From the moment I began speaking with Robin I was impressed. I hung up the phone calm, with a new plan and a recommendation for an OB practice I love. I ended up calling back because in one conversation with Robin I became a believer in doulas. I had a long labor (over 24 hours) and ultimately needed an unplanned c-section. That being said, I had an extremely positive birth experience because of Robin’s techniques, guidance and respect for my husband and my wishes. I was able to delay medication and handle labor when the medication stopped being effective because of Robin’s coaching. When I ultimately decided it was time to consent to a c-section I had no doubt it was necessary and felt no regret. Robin was there the entire time, encouraging me, making sure that I understood what was going on and that I was comfortable with my decisions. I felt empowered, even when events (and the pain) started picking up. Afterward, my OB and L&D nurse checked on me in recovery and told me how impressed they were with Robin and asked for her information to pass on to patients. I have no doubt that Robin would be a source of comfort and strengtIh no matter what type of birth is planned and what surprises labor actually brings. – Shannon M., (Charlottesburg, VA)
“I am grateful for everything Robin did to help me during my pregnancy and delivery of my baby. Not only do I appreciate how supportive she was, but her kindness meant so much. Her calm nature relaxed me. The advice she provided was invaluable. I don’t know what I would have done without her.” – Debbie D., (Rye Brook, NY)
NEW YORK-PRESBYTERIAN/HUDSON VALLEY HOSPITAL
“To say that Robin was a life saver is hardly an exaggeration. She was truly an anchor during the VBAC birth of our daughter. The experience was so intensely physical, there is no way I could have kept my emotional side in balance without her calming presence and all of the experience she brought with her. Robin has a gift and every mother deserves someone like her on their big day.” – Genaleigh M., (New Windsor, NY)
“I decided I wanted to have doula support in order to help achieve a natural birth (if possible) and avoid unnecessary medical intervention. Being over 40, I was worried about all the tests and monitoring leading to induction and potentially a c-section. When my husband and I met Robin, we loved her enthusiasm for childbirth in general and well versed knowledge of the latest medical studies and research. It was obvious that she loves what she does and makes sure to learn everything she can on the subject of birth, rather than subscribing to a particular niche element. We also loved her calm demeanor and hoped that would help us navigate the uncharted territory of labor and birth with ease and confidence. When I finally went into active labor after a week of start and stop contractions, Robin came over and gently took the helm. I honestly don’t know how I could have done it without her. Her presence eased my husband’s anxieties and gave me something to focus on. She guided me through contraction after contraction—from massage, rocking my hips, instructing me to get in the shower, sit on the toilet, etc.—until finally it was time to go to the hospital. When we arrived, I was already 8 cm dilated! Robin and my husband were the dream team—holding me and cheering me through the entire event. I am truly grateful that we had Robin to help us achieve a wonderful and completely natural childbirth, at 43 years old to boot.” – Melanie C., (Ossining, NY)
“Robin was my birth doula, and I had the greatest experience laboring and birth with her. I had a successful VBAC! She always respected my wishes, and was sweet and patient. I’m so glad I met her. I totally recommend Robin.” – Monica K. (Chappaqua, NY)
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL
“When my partner and I found out we would be having our first child we were thrilled, but no matter how much we read, attended classes, and researched all the products to have on hand in anticipation of the baby, something was missing. And that something was Robin. The moment we met with Robin we knew she was the addition to the birth team we needed. We hoped to work with a doula who would help guide us through this new experience and advocate for our birth plan while at the hospital. The experience we had while working with Robin was this and so much more. Thanks to Robin, I entered into my final weeks of pregnancy and active labor feeling confident and self-assured that I could tackle any scenario that might arise during our child’s birth. Her expertise, disposition, and commitment to supporting me, my partner, and our baby-to-be were unwavering. We simply could not have done it without her, and would not have wanted to. We’re forever grateful.” – Maggie R., (Ossining, NY)
“When I learned that I was pregnant for the first time, I turned to friends for advice. I had two friends who used doulas, and they recommended working with one. My first call was to Robin, and I was so glad that we connected right away. (She) helped guide my husband and me to better understand the birth process and what to expect (although she also reminded us that the process often plays out in unexpected ways). This personal connection was extremely helpful, especially since we had no idea what to expect. When my doctor shared at a visit the week before my due date that she wanted to do a scheduled induction beginning the day after my due date, Robin helped me think through this process. She was objective, patient, and helped me work through tough decisions. When contractions began, she was there and helped us remain calm. She had many strategies and resources to guide us through the process, and it was a relief to have her there. As the contractions continued, it became clear for a range of reasons that I would need an unexpected c-section. I was hesitant, but Robin helped us through this moment as well. She reminded us that this was our birth story, and it would play out in a way that was right for us. Looking back, I cannot imagine not having her there. She held my hand throughout the process and was not only helpful to me but to my husband. After our baby arrived, she helped us with skin-on-skin time and breastfeeding. She stayed with us well into the early morning hours and followed up in the days to come multiple times. Our postnatal visit was extremely helpful as she checked in on me and our little one, and she shared strategies to breastfeed and for sleeping. It was amazing and so reassuring. She was truly the best, and we are grateful for her kind demeanor, knowledge and commitment to us throughout our first birth. I know we will remain in touch. – Louisa C., (Katonah, NY)
“I had a wonderful experience with Robin as my birth doula. I did not use a doula for either of my previous births, both of which involved pitocin augmentation. Despite taking standard childbirth and hypno birthing classes and attempting to use those techniques in labor, I never progressed beyond 4cm in either labor before feeling overwhelmed by fear and pain and requesting an epidural. For my third and last baby I was hopeful that more active labor support would help me progress without intervention. My pregnancy was monitored for growth restriction, and there was always a possibility of the pregnancy ending in an induction where I would have required pitocin and constant monitoring. I sought a doula who would provide non-judgmental support in this circumstance, and I appreciated Robin’s pragmatic approach. I was relieved to go into labor naturally and be able to labor at home for as long as possible. Robin was calm and encouraging throughout my labor, both at home and in the hospital. She helped me find positions keep my baby moving down and gently reminded me to keep my energy up by eating and drinking. When we arrived at the hospital, I was 5cm and felt great. As I progressed further and began to panic, Robin provided more active support and kept me calm and confident about continuing labor without an epidural. I was amazed when I reached 8.5cm and felt totally prepared to finish my labor naturally. Robin continued to provide wonderful support as I labored in this state for another four hours without progressing further. I was aware that my medical team began to talk about a c-section and I opted to get an epidural in order to relax and hopefully avoid surgery. Robin was totally supportive of this, and I was able to deliver soon after getting the epidural. I feel very satisfied with my birth experience. I know I put my very best effort into laboring naturally and I couldn’t have done it without Robin!” – Leslie P., (Katonah, NY)
“I knew I wanted Robin to be my doula when I met her in person. She was calm and caring, but also confident — qualities I knew would be essential for me and my husband during my pregnancy and labor. Robin was constantly available for support throughout my pregnancy, answering questions and pointing me toward resources. When I found out I was Strep B positive I became discouraged but Robin was very reassuring that, though the game plan needed to change, we could still achieve my goal of an non-medicated birth. When my OB began talking induction when I went past my due date, Robin suggested I also try acupuncture and gave me a name. My water broke naturally at the acupuncturist’s office after the second appointment. Robin was by my side throughout labor and, when I opted for an epidural, she assured me that she believed I could finish non-medicated but stayed supportive and non-judgmental. My most treasured moment with Robin was also my first treasured moment with my daughter- when Robin helped her to latch for the first time moments after she was born.” –– Barbara S., (Yonkers, NY)
Robin’s ability to listen deeply, tailor her work to meet our needs, and gentle guidance made her a tremendously effective consultant. On the day of delivery, Robin brought great energy, awesome pain management strategies, thoughtfulness, and a tremendous endurance that made it easy to lean on her. We felt reassured and comfortable because she was there shepherding us through the process. I am so grateful! – Sara K., (White Plains, NY)
“Robin provided invaluable support to me during the final weeks of my pregnancy (when we hired her), on my baby’s birth day and afterwards. Although my baby’s positioning and/or my own anatomy ultimately rendered a natural childbirth impossible, Robin supported me as I labored actively for close to 20 hours without pain medication, and during which time I attempted to push my baby out for 12 hours.Robin provided both physical and emotional support: she worked with my husband to physically support my body while I relentlessly pushed through each surge, provided light massage when appropriate and fed me juice and spoonfuls of honey to keep my energy levels up. Robin’s emotional support enabled me to feel in complete control of my entire birthing experience: her verbal encouragement kept me focused and made me feel safe and her presence gave me confidence to admit when it was time to change course after attempting all possible laboring positions and strategies. I am so grateful she was a part of the very intimate experience of bringing my daughter into the world and I recommend Robin as a resource to anyone seeking an extra layer of support during her own birthing experience.” – Amy G., (White Plains, NY)
HOMEBIRTH with Accredited Midwives*
“I knew that I wanted a very special home birth experience, to call upon my body to labor naturally with limited interference, only loving support from my husband and a circle of other women who have blazed the trail before me. Robin was one of those very special women who labored with me, guided and reassured me during every step of the way. She provided the soothing presence I needed and worked tirelessly with my midwives to keep me strong, energized and confident throughout each stage of labor. While my birth story began as textbook labor, it quite unexpectedly turned into an epic tale of unbelievable events, determination, and finally the safe arrival of my son via cesarean. Although he did not come out the way I had wished, I am deeply grateful to have experienced 22 hours of natural labor with Robin’s invaluable support as my labor sherpa.” – Blakeley L., (Bedford, NY)
*I’d be happy to refer you to accredited midwives who practice in NY & CT at home births, birth centers, and hospitals
Birth with Confidence 