Graceful Beginnings Doula

I feel so lucky to have met Angela and to have had her as my doula for the birth of my first baby. Her generous spirit and calm support were instrumental in enabling me to have the birth experience I wanted.
From the beginning of my pregnancy I knew that I wanted to try to have as natural a birth as possible, but I also knew that I would have to give birth in a hospital as I am on Medi-​Cal and home birth midwives aren’t covered. Although my partner is extremely supportive, I knew having a doula who is educated about physiological birth and natural pain management would improve my chances of avoiding unnecessary interventions. I also knew I wouldn’t be able to afford the usual cost of a doula’s services.
Luckily, I found my way to the Birthways Volunteer Doula website, where I registered for the program. For several months I heard nothing and had resigned myself to not having a doula, but at what seemed like the last minute (around 37 weeks) I got a call from Angela offering her services. At our first meeting, she was extremely friendly and professional. We talked about my preferences for the birth, and I could tell that not only was she extremely enthusiastic about birth in general, that she would be supportive of the type of birth I was hoping for.
During the rest of my pregnancy, which ended up going a full two weeks past my due date, she kept in touch on a regular basis and offered supportive suggestions and encouragement via email and text. On the couple of days when she was not going to be available she even arranged backup doulas for me to call should I go into labor.
On the night that I finally did go into labor, she helped us decide when it was time to go to the hospital and then met us there. Throughout the twelve hours in labor and delivery, she worked seamlessly with my partner to provide the support I needed. Their gentle hands and loving presence helped me give birth to a 9 lb 4 oz baby boy with no drugs or interventions. She even got a video of the birth and moments just after.
I highly recommend Angela to anyone looking for a doula in the Bay Area. I feel so fortunate to have found her. She provided excellent professional labor support even though in my case she was volunteering her services. I wish that I had been in position to pay her full fees as her services are well worth it.

I had a wonderful experience with Angela. I knew I wanted to have a Doula for this birth. I was in a new state with hardly any family. My mom lived too far away to be with me this time and my boyfriend was going to be in the room but didnt really understand/​know how to comfort/​support me. This was my second pregnancy and my first birthing experience was awful. I was induced, had a failed epidural, and know it all staff who made me feel dumb for asking questions. I am so thankful to have met Angela and that she was able to be my Doula. She really put me at ease and let me know that she was there for me. I loved how confident she was, her personality, and her joy in birth and babies.
I ended up being induced again but this time had a much better experience. I called Angela once pitocin was administered and my contractions were manageable but starting to become more than I could handle. It didn’t take her too long to arrive. At that time, I was by myself so it was great having her support. Angela helped keep me calm, as I breathed through increasingly painful contractions. My plan was to see if I could deliver without an epidural but would be open to it. I was afraid to have another failed epidural. I was dilated to a 2, so I decided to see how I was progressing at my next check to decided whether to get the epi or not. I got to a point were the contractions were too much, they were bringing me to tears and yet Angela held my hand and told me how great I was doing. When I said I had enough, I wanted the epi she was accepting, helpful, and still encouraging. The nurse checked me, in just 3 – 4 hours I had dilated to a 6. Unfortunately, the anesthesiologist was in a csection, this was my second baby, I was quickly progressing so I didn’t have time for the epi and delivered a beautiful 7lb 12oz baby girl, without an epi. I couldn’t believe it and couldn’t have done this without the help of my Doula. Angela is an awesome person, understanding and encouraging!