Here's what my families have to say.

Words from parents I've worked with as a birth doula

I'm a first time mother and had a lot of fear regarding childbirth. Working with Cody made me realize it didn't have to be a scary experience. Cody is insightful, intuitive, patient and creative. She helped make my birthing experience empowering. I'm very grateful for her guidance in helping to bring my beautiful daughter into this world!     Love, Eliza

"I never imagined the love, care, and support we received having Cody present for the birth of Guliana. Her knowledge and expertise helped tremendously, not only during the birth, but before and after as well. Having her there and responding to our needs, made for a beautiful birth. We couldn't of asked for more." :) Nichole

^^ Working with Cody during the birth of our son was a privilege. It was a comfort to know she was there to support me and my husband.  She gave us encouragement and guidance, reminded us of all the goals we had set  in our birth plan, all while being supportive of our needs in the moment.  Working with her helped give us the confidence we needed in birth and as new parents. >> Sheila

At the end of my first labor (a “natural,” drug-free delivery), our son's heart rate fell abruptly, prompting the use of a vacuum assist and an episiotomy.  I was in a great deal of both physical and emotional pain for many months, far beyond what I had ever imagined.  After this experience, I felt frightened to pursue an additional "natural" delivery.  During my second pregnancy, on numerous occasions, I questioned why I wanted to pursue one again at all.

I interviewed several doulas to help me work through this fear and go through the birth of our second child two years after our first.  One of the best decisions I have (ever) made was trusting my instinct to work with Cody as our doula.  We worked with Cody throughout the pregnancy with talking, reading, comforting physical rituals (massage, baths) and yoga. 

Her disarmingly genuine spirit, unparalleled attentiveness, consistently remarkable listening skills, and kinesthetic intelligence completely transformed both my pregnancy and labor experience.   Whereas during my first birth experience I was encouraged to try different stagnant positions, my prenatal yoga exposure with Cody converted labor into a series of simple but powerful and comforting movements.

Ten minutes before our daughter was born, our midwife (who was also wonderful) kept saying, “ I think you’re going to meet your baby soon.”  I remember very vividly thinking that she was out of touch – that I would be in so much pain by the time the baby was born…that things were going to become very painful.  But within ten minutes, with the supportive hands of my husband, Cody, our terrific midwife, and our nurse, our baby was born.   

I am not a spiritual person but I can say that I felt moving me beyond my fears and through a positive birth experience would take some kind of miracle – and that this incredibly talented, kind woman did that for me.  I am so grateful.  She listened from the beginning to what I shared was calming to me -- during the birth, music was playing,  the room was almost dark, the scent of orange was in the air, strong hands were at my back, and I had never stopped being in motion.  Following the birth, I felt wave after wave of peace and relief.  

 - Therese, MD

When we hired Cody as our doula.. my husband, Daniel, and I expected to have a low key, natural, vaginal birth. My pregnancy had been great and I was nervous about birthing in the hospital, about being pressured into unnecessary interventions, and about being generally helpless in labor. Right from the beginning, Cody put us at ease. As we prepared for childbirth Cody was so supportive. She had awesome recommendations and advice and was so friendly and confident. When the big day finally arrived, nothing was as we expected. My water broke 2 weeks early and when we arrived at the hospital and the nurse took my vitals, my blood pressure was so high that the doctor thought the machine had broken. Within minutes I was in bed, an IV in both hands, fetal monitor strapped on, and a doctor telling us to "throw our birth plan out the window." This was exactly the "helpless" situation I had imagined and feared. I had severe preeclampsia and was at risk for a seizure. They started the Pitocin and I thought "This is it. I won't be able to have the birth I wanted. I won't be able to handle this." My husband and I are thoroughly convinced that if Cody hadn't been there with us, our birth would've ended with a c-section. Cody helped us navigate through the interventions and communicate with the hospital staff. Just her presence alone solidified our desire to have a natural birth and encouraged the staff to work with us. But she did more than just that... while I was laboring I could have sworn she could read my mind. She was so attentive. And even though both my husband and I were nervous and overwhelmed, we were able to find peace and stay calm and focused. In the end, our birth was everything we could have asked for given the circumstances. I gave birth to our beautiful healthy son vaginally and without any pain medications. I am so grateful to Cody that I can look back at my labor and delivery without pain and fear. Because of her we have a birth story that we're proud of! >> nikki

Words from parents whose children I've cared for

Cody babysits for our son, Alden.  I have known Cody for over two years since our son was about four months old.  Cody knows kids.  She has an amazing skill that I haven’t seen in too many people.  Cody is a natural teacher.  She is kind, aware, knowledgeable, and playful and loves to be with children of all ages.  Cody babysat for us when Alden was a baby and was very trustworthy and competent with him.  Alden is currently three and adores when he gets to see Cody.  Cody has reached out to us for play times (outside of babysitting).  She goes way beyond the need for a babysitter and takes her relationships with parents and children seriously.  Because of this relationship building with me, my husband and Alden, it is easy for us to leave Alden with Cody without tears from Alden.  Cody is a part of our family.  She is authentic and present for any questions we might have.  Any family would be blessed to have Cody on their team.  Sincerely, Beckie 

Our son immediately took to Cody--he's a shy guy but was happy to spend time with her. We were so happy to have our son with Cody this summer! We trusted her judgement and care and were glad for the time they spent together. Phoebe

Cody has been involved with our family for several years as a babysitter, employee of our summer farm camp and as a friend.  Her passion for children and their positive development is uncanny.  Cody is a passionate educator and her commitment to the well being of children is deep.  Cody has played an important role in our children's lives and of so many others. Love, Corie