I was so glad I to chose to work with Mariam and Designated Doula during my pregnancy and through the birth of my first child. As an expecting mother, although I read books, visited online forums, consulted with family and friends, and took classes with my partner, I was still nervous about labor and birth. Having Mariam by our sides before and during labor took so much of the worry and anxiety away. She was able to answer all the questions we had about labor, delivery and post partum with grace and compassion. When I thought I was going into labor, she was one of the first people I contacted and she was there as I needed her--I liked that she was as available as I needed but still gave my partner and I the space to make the experience our own. Having her with us at the hospital was monumental--she encouraged me to walk the ward to help progress labor, applied pressure/massage as contractions were happening, helped talk to the doctors as I was unable to due to pain. I loved knowing I had someone in the room that had helped others through birth before and could be my translator. When it came time to push, she was an amazing coach! Delivery was pretty much perfect and I owe a lot of it to Mariam--I'm fortunate she was there with me during the scariest and most joyful moment of my life. Again, one of her greatest gifts is the ability to "read the room"--to step in when you need her but also to give space to make the moment special for you and your partner. If you are contemplating hiring a doula, I highly recommend Mariam with Designated Doula. read more