We worked with Michele and Naima for the birth of our first child. From the first time I spoke to
them on the phone I was at ease – both of them were warm and easy to talk to and very
knowledgable. I also liked the idea of having a chance to work with a team of two doulas.
It provided the opportunity to learn from two people and not have to worry about who the back-up would be. I appreciated that they were also very flexible when it came to working around our needs and schedule (opting for more postpartum meetings rather than pre). During labor, Naima was supportive without being intrusive. She worked closely with my husband to try different techniques and make sure I was comfortable (to the extent that’s possible during labor), but also stepped back when we wanted to experience the moment together. She also encouraged me to stick to the natural birth I wanted. Afterwards the postpartum visits were incredibly helpful – those precious hours gave me a chance to take a much needed shower and have a break, and it was great to have someone trustworthy to help out.
I had a truly wonderful experience working with Michele and Naima. As a newly expecting dad I didn’t always expect to be included in the conversations regarding birth, post-natal care and care for my wife, Rosalba and I was pleasantly surprised to not only be included but
strongly encouraged and welcomed to participate in the conversation regarding our path towards parenthood and the journey thereafter. Michele and Naima both were flexible in their schedules to meet with us throughout our time working together, which I imagine is not always easy when you are on call 24/7.
All of our fears were not cast aside or invalidated but taken head on for us to work through with Naima and Michele. Not everything went as we had planned during labor or post-partum and with every challenge both Naima and Michele were there to support us and to also use those experiences as teachable moments.
My experience with both Naima and Michele was refreshing because I felt so comfortable when we worked together, talking about birth in preparing and going through birth as a partner and afterwards. We were fast friends and they also created a safe space regardless of whatever was going on in the background.
I would strongly recommend them to anyone seeking a doula(s) in the 5 boroughs – you will be well taken care of, respected and most of all truly cared for throughout the process and there is no $ value you can place on this kind of support.
Read MoreI wanted to share my incredibly positive birth experience in working with Michele and Naima. As someone who was always leaning towards the option of an epidural, I wanted to make sure it’d still be valuable to work with a doula (and naturally, one who wouldn’t judge me for this choice). From the moment my husband Aric and I met with Michele, we knew shewould positively and constructively add to our birth. She was warm, open, non-judgmental and incredibly informed. She connected not only with me but with Aric, which we knew would be key during labor. The prenatal sessions with both Michele and Naima helped us feel confident and relaxed, and they had great information and ideas in response to the multitude of questions we had as first time parents. As for the labor and delivery process itself, I can honestly say that Michele played a huge role in making it the beautiful experience that it was. From laboring at home, where Michele helped us understand what was happening (spontaneous crying fits? Totally normal and great!), how my husband could help me, and when to head to the hospital. At the hospital, she dug deep into her bag of tricks to help me stay relaxed and cope with the pain pre- and post-epidural (it wore off, so I was extra glad to have her there). More than anything, Michele helped me feel safe, confident and empowered every step of the way. Later we recalled the little things she did that made such a difference – whispering guidance to Aric when he was running out of ways to soothe me, explaining some of the hospital lingo and happenings to me, taking pictures and even video of our new baby. For anyone considering a doula, I’d highly recommend Michele and Naima. I think they add a ton of value to any birth experience. That they are a partnership is a bonus – you have two great resources. I’m so glad and forever grateful to have had them as part of my team.
Read MoreHiring Naima and Michele was one of the best decisions my husband and I made during my pregnancy. I can’t imagine my labor without Michele. She was an unrelenting advocate for me during the birth and kept me calm and focused during a process that was full of unexpected twists and turns. She knew exactly what to do at every juncture and acted as my very own cheerleader, coach, and spokeswoman throughout. She was very supportive of my decision to take the epidural but minimize other interventions, and thanks to her I had a labor that was exactly what I wanted (and now have a beautiful baby boy!). I wouldn’t hesitate to hire Naima and Michele again and would absolutely recommend them to any parent wanting to humanize and demystify the birth process.
Read MoreInsanely amazing!! My husband and I immediately felt at ease with Michele and Naima.
They were supportive, reassuring and eager to come up with ways to assuage my
trepidation of child birth and the aftermath as a first time mom. Despite having to throw out my birth plan as soon as I went into labor because my body wasn’t informed of my birth plan, Michele was right there with us, walking us through what to expect, how to course correct and still enjoy the ride. 37 hours later (of which Michele stayed with us for close to 24 hours!! I mean, come on that’s just crazy dedication) I delivered an amazing baby and while 37 hours of labor is pretty much a nightmare, Michele helped keep my spirits and energy up until I crossed the finished line! WE LOVE THEM. HIRE THEM!
Can’t say enough about Michele and Naima, they are an amazing team!
Our first meeting with Michele was informative and she really put us at ease about what we were hoping for in our “birth plan,” and we instantly clicked with her energy, warm disposition, and wonderful hilarious humor.
We then met Naima who was equally warm and kind, and very knowledgable. Our pre-natal meetings were really great with both of them, and they really devote their time to their clients. Any time I had a question they were there! Michele gave some great breastfeeding tips, which was great for those first weeks with baby, and Naima talked to us about what we wanted out of our labor and answered a lot of our questions. I thought I was going to go into labor early, and one night I had cramping and just let them know as an FYI, and Michele called immediately to check in and see how I was doing, and offer advice.
Naima was on call when I actually did go into labor, and my husband found her comforting when he checked in with her to let her know how I was progressing. My goal for labor was to stay at home as long as possible (to avoid unnecessary medical interventions at the hospital), so when Naima came over, and I asked to go to the hospital, she suggested that we get into the tub and try to labor a little longer. I’m SO glad she suggested that, because i was able to get to the hospital at 8cms dialated! all through the help of my husband and Naima working together to keep me breathing and focused. Naima knew i what i needed without me having to ask, and also retreated to the background so my husband and I could be in the experience together. I truly had a wonderful labor, and I thank Naima for a lot of that.
And post labor both have been incredibly helpful and supportive. Could not have asked for anything more in our labor process. And already planning on hiring them for baby #2!
Read MoreIn a word, Amazing!
This is my first child so of course I had no clue what I was getting into, I was just excited. After the initial sessions, Naima and Michele had us organized and confident. Even though we didn’t end up having everything happen the way we planned, they still has us covered. Looking back now, I’m not sure I was really prepared but I think every time I might have been a little lost or unsure, Naima was there to give a few gentle directions that made seem like a pro! In the end I was able to give my girlfriend all the support she needed while successfully quelling my nerves.
Dads, I recommend that you sit through the session with Michelle on breast feeding, it didn’t appear necessary to me at first but believe me, it is important that dads know that information as well. As for the session itself, I guarantee that it will be entertaining, Michele miming a baby is not to be missed, sorry Michele, had to put that in 😉. It was funny as hell at the time but oh so accurate now! She has the faces and the behaviour down to a science!
All in all, I would recommend them anyone, we learned a lot, we got, and we are still getting great support and they demystified a lot of things about the process and made it so much more enjoyable for me and my girlfriend.
Hire them!
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