We could not have been happier with Taba. She is amazing as a person and as a Doula. Put it simply that is what it comes down to. I will obviously leave the most informed review I can as I want others to understand why we were so happy with her. I am writing this from the perspective of the father. Before I met Taba I had never even heard of a Doula and when my wife mentioned it I asked why we would even consider it knowing that we would be having a baby at a hospital known for amazing care from the nurses. I am so glad that I listened to my wife (yes, I just admitted that) and that we hired Taba. From the first meeting we discussed our views of pregnancy, birth, etc and our situation as well as how we thought we would like things to go. As first-timers we were still convinced that we would be able to "steer" a good part of the process based on feedback and timing from our OB Gyn. Boy were we in for a surprise. I am in no way saying that we were not fully supported and helped by our OB Gyn as we love her and think she did an amazing job but what Taba does is just different. In several meetings Taba understood our birth plan and gave us many things to research and get a feel for so that we could have as many options available to us as possible. That is one area where we were VERY happy with Taba was in her preparation and knowledge. I loved that she did a ton of research but instead of just taking it in as fact, she weighed it with other sources and knowledge she has gained from her own experience. All of this combined was used to provide us with vast amounts of knowledge and understanding.. and ultimately options. We THOUGHT we knew some things but Taba taught us a lot that we didn't know (and we did a LOT of research). An area where Taba excels is in how to manage the doctors and nurses. She knows what they can do, will do, won't do, may do, etc, etc and this information is PRICELESS. She knows how to give you questions for your OB Gyn that might not be brought up in a normal visit. Taba has a sincerity that is uncommon in my opinion. Taba will be honest, sometimes to a point where you are like "REALLY?", "Did she just say that in public?" ... but we LOVED it. The pregnancy and birth of your child comes above all and we loved the fact that Taba placed that priority above all. Her number 1 concern was us and the healthy birth of our child. Whether you are considering Taba or a Doula at all you are selling yourself short if you do not at least meet with Taba and get a feel for what she brings to the table. We cannot express how thankful we are to her and how amazing she helped our experience to be. She is in your corner from the moment you meet her and not afraid to stand your ground for you in a time of need and in a time where you may not have the energy or knowledge. People like Taba, that take such an extreme pride in what they do and excel, are uncommon in my opinion. I personally recommend Taba at the highest possible level. read more

Taba was my doula over 2 years ago and I cannot say enough positive things about her. My last month I went in twice a week for NST and she would accompany me to those visits. Besides being a great doula her support after the birth of my daughter was invaluable. She helped me with breastfeeding, made me breakfast, and took walks with me. I can go on and on, but you really just need to meet with her and see for yourself what a fabulous birth you will have with Taba as your doula. read more

Taba is a simply wonderful to work with! Not only is she incredibly well-informed and knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth, but she was also a super partner when it was showtime. As first time parents, I believe working with Taba was the best decision we made. Taba reassured us through my unplanned induction. She brought her bag full of tools and helped manage my pain throughout my labor. She stuck through my entire 24 hour labor like a champ and worked our nurses like a genius. Simply put, she is amazing. read more

I wanted a home birth for my first baby and had a midwife but ended up with a C-section. I remember being disenchanted with the midwife because she was so hands off. So, for my second baby in 2009 I knew a doula was a necessity for my VBAC. I had a completely natural birth and know it was because Taba is such an amazing doula! She kept both my husband I laughing and her loving, caring support was exactly what I needed to get my (large!) second daughter out the old-fashioned way. A midwife is important for a natural birth but a doula is absolutely essential since she focuses just on the mama while the midwife is more focused on the medical procedure. She also captured the most important part of the birth in photos - me reaching down to "catch" my daughter as she came out. It makes me cry just thinking of it! read more

Taba just left after spending over 2 of the most quality hours we have ever had with a lactation consultant. She is amazing. I couldn't wait to write this review because of the knowledge she delivered and the way she communicated it both to my husband and me. Taba is great communicating verbally, her visual aids and ability to be hands on is amazing! Not only has she improved my confidence in being a breastfeeding mom, I feel I have gained a friend who really cares. read more

My Husband and I recently celebrated the birth of our first child over the holidays and we can't imagine our birth story without our Doula, Taba. My mother lives out of state, my Husband hates hospitals, and as nurse I know all the things that could go right and go wrong. We had also previously had a nerve wracking experience when we had to go in to our hospital for fetal monitoring so we decided to explore the Doula option. She came highly recommended by my prenatal yoga instructor when I was five months pregnant.We had an initial consultation which was incredibly helpful to go over what to expect during labor and what our goals and expectations were. We felt no judgement and felt that Taba was going to provide immense support for our birth story. From then on Taba would call me for updates on all my prenatal visits and I could contact her at any time for any concerns or questions. She also came to our home where we created a custom aromatherapy oil and continued to discuss my birth plan. Taba even had lunch with my mother and sister when they came for a visit to introduce herself. The weeks coming up to my delivery date your body goes through significant changes and it was helpful to have Taba there to explain to me what was going on and not to be concerned. When I finally did go into labor I felt safe enough to labor in the comfort of my home and bath tub with Taba as my support before it was time to go to the hospital. When we did go to the hospital Taba was an advocate for us in encouraging the staff to allow me to be off the monitor and labor in the shower. She also did massage and aromatherapy throughout the labor and encouraged my Husband to participate in my labor process as much as possible and not be scared. When it was time to push she explained everything to us especially my Husband who could have been easily overwhelmed by the intensity of the situation and the amount of people in the room. Taba stayed till my baby latched on and also gave us hand written thank you cards to give to the staff. In addition every single staff member who walked in the room whether it be a Dr. or medical records she gave a little appreciation gift. A week after we came home she visited us and answered any questions or concerns I was having. She even taught me two new breastfeeding positions and encouraged me to listen to my body and my baby and that everyone was different and thats ok. Overall, are birth experience was made more intimate between my Husband and I and less anxiety driven by having Taba at our side. read more

I hired Taba to help with the birth of my second son. I had a C-section with my first birth and I was adamant that I would not have another if there was no medical reason not to. So I was trying for a VBAC and I knew that I would need a lot of help. My husband was not sold on the idea of having a doula because he felt as though our doula would be replacing him. Taba was referred to me by another doula that was not available for my birth and I am so glad. She was so warm and immediately personable upon first meeting her. The first time we spoke on the phone I felt comfortable with her and knew that she would be the "one" She made my husband feel at ease and he was so happy to have her there when I went into labor. I was induced with my first birth and never actually went into labor so my husband and I had never experienced any labor of any kind so this was like being first time parents for us. Taba was great. As my husband was freaking out during some of my harder contractions she was the voice of reason and calm. She kept everyone calm including my 21 month old son whom she held in her arms while comforting me as I labored at home before going to the hospital. I was able to have a successful VBAC with no epidural as I had planned and it was only because of Taba. There were times during the end of my labor that I felt I wanted to give up and Taba would just hold my hand or just climb up on the bed with me hold me and tell me that everything was going to be all right and that I could do it. Her presence was so reassuring and soothing for both me and my husband. He now sings her praises to anyone who will listen. We could not have done so well without her. We love you Taba!!!! Thank you for everything!!! read more

I've been meaning to write something for Tabare since the day after my son was born (he just turned one). Oh jeez, just thinking about that day is bringing back so many amazing feelings, and Tabare was such a wonderful part of that. Her way was so gentle and confident and positive and real. I want my wife and I to have another child just so we can all feel that energy again. In something as sacred as giving birth, I think you attract the things you need even when you may not be aware of it. But this was not the case with Tabare, we knew it with in the first few minutes we had met. I guess from a new fathers point of view what meant the most to me was how comfortable my wife felt around Tabare. Ooh and also her gentle suggestions during labor to help me better participate. I whole heartedly feel Tabares steady quiet confidence was perfect for us. We love you Tabare! read more

Taba ROCKS! I cannot say enough about what a wonderful experience we had with the birth of our second daughter and it's 100% due to having Taba as our doula. This being my second birth, I knew what to expect for the birthing experience but really needed that extra support the second time around. My first birth was without a doula and while my husband and my mom were both supportive, I just felt I needed someone a little more knowledgeable the second time around. Someone who was 100% there for my needs and knew exactly what I wanted out of the experience. I found Taba through an on-line doula search and as soon as I found her profile I knew she was the one. We met with her and it was sealed for me. Daddy was not quite as sold on the idea of a doula...since we'd been through it before he didn't see the need until the actual birth and now fully understands why she was there. He even told me afterward that he felt so much more comfortable for the second birth because she was there to guide him. We met with Taba 3 times before my induction going over every aspect of how I wanted my birth to go...as naturally as possible. She was also there at the hospital every step of the way through a long drawn out 3-day induction, including a 45-minute text conversation at 3AM (!!!) calming me down when I wanted to go home that first night. I really cannot say enough about how wonderful she is and what amazing support she was. I believe without her support, I most likely would have ended up with a c-section due to needless doctor intervention. She knows what to tell you when dealing with the dr's and she also knows how to butter up the nurses!!! If you're looking for a doula - you will never regret choosing Taba. In fact I love her so much, I'm pregnant again and already have her in my plans for this time around. I just can't imagine her not being there. Best of luck on your choice! read more

To the lucky soon-to-be-mama's considering Taba Depaep as their birth doula- I gave birth to a happy, healthy baby girl with Taba right there with me. She helped me wrap my head about the fact that, like it or not, I would one day go into labor, and it was up to me what happened next. With her help, I was able to figure out the intentions I wanted to bring into the hospital with me. She was calm and confident and she made me feel like what lay ahead might actually be doable. And her sense of humor got me through 38 hours of labor and a delivery with no pain meds. It was through talking with her that I figured out that was what I really wanted, which came as a total shock to me - I never thought I would have natural childbirth as my intention. And I certainly never thought I'd be able to do it. Even through nearly two full days of labor, Taba's spirit and positive energy never faltered. I know I never would have made it through the marathon that was my labor if not for her - and I know my husband would agree. He wanted to be deeply involved, and as essential as she was, Taba still allowed the space for him to be my primary birth partner. She made it possible for both of us to find our way through the experience - surely one of the most intense and joyful of our lives. read more

I LOVED Taba! First a word about price. Taba charges a lot. Here's the thing: It's not enough, by far. Normally, I find that life conforms to the truth that you get what you pay for, but in Taba's case, you get more! She was absolutely a God-send. From the first moment of contact, Taba impressed me by how responsive and professional she was. I contacted several doulas since my due date was Christmas Day and I knew that it might be challenging to find a doula who was available. Taba responded to my first email within 12 hours, which was lightning-fast compared to all the others, and very quick for any business. I was thrilled that she was available. I had originally planned a birth center VBAC with South Coast Midwifery using Hypnobabies, but I was transferred to the care of an OB at 35 weeks due to gestational hypertension. Eventually, my doctor and I agreed that the safest thing for me and baby would be to induce labor. Taba stayed with me and my husband through my incredibly slow labor. The induction had to be done, shall we say, "gingerly" due to my blood pressure so it took 33 hours from start to finish. My nurses were awesome but weren't always able to give me an explanation of what the doctors wanted to do and why. Tara stepped in to translate several times. Her confidence and knowledge of hospital procedures helped ease my fears and gave me the confidence that I was making well-informed and therefore good decisions. She also kept my spirits up and encouraged me to continue to use my hypnosis tools so that I could still have that experience. While my birth experience was nothing like the natural, hippy birth I had originally envisioned, I am convinced that Taba's expertise in the hospital setting helped me the have what I truly wanted: a successful VBAC and a healthy baby! read more

As a first time mom, I had no idea what to expect, but I felt that I needed the support of someone who would be on my side no matter what during the labor and delivery. So I searched for a doula and somehow got in touch with Taba. This was perhaps the best decision I made about the birth of my daughter. Taba was a wonderful doula. She helped me calm down, and make sensible decisions when I needed to, she helped me relax when I needed to, she was simply just overall wonderful and perhaps the main reason why I still have good memories of that day when our daughter joined us. My husband was there, too, but he was a newbie just like me, and Taba made it easier for him to handle everything. BTW my husband is very picky when it comes to working with other people, but he really liked and respected Taba, and this made everything so much smoother. Taba also visited us after the birth, when I had serious breastfeeding difficulties. I certainly would not have been able to breastfeed as long as I have without her warm and informed support. Besides being a great doula, Taba is a warm and fun person to talk to. Just call her if you need a doula and you would like someone who will take the time to slow down with you and search for what it is you want from your birthing experience and help you make it as close to that as possible. read more

Taba is amazing! She was our doula for the birth of my first son. She is very educated, knowledgeable, and caring. I knew right away that she would be the person (besides my husband) that I would want by my side when my son was born. We met with Taba several times during my pregnancy and her advice and tools were so useful. Two weeks before my due date we learned I would have a C-Section. We were disappointed but Taba didn't leave our side! She was in the recovery room as soon as our little one was born and took some of the most amazing pictures that we will treasure forever. She was an invaluable resource once my son was born. She came to the hospital several times after he was born to help with breastfeeding. Once we were home she came to our home to help with breastfeeding further. She was also available via phone and email when I ran into some complications a couple months after our son was born. I am so happy Taba was apart of one of the most amazing times in our lives. We recommended her to our best friends and they also used Taba for the birth of their first daughter and loved her! Thank you Taba :) read more

If I could, I would give Taba ten stars out of five. She is an incredibly gifted, informed, and skilled doula. After having had a difficult (doula-free) birth two years ago, I knew I wanted a doula for this birth. I sought one who was compassionate, tender, and warm, yet also professional, informative, and organized. Taba was all this, and so much more! Both pre and post birth, she provided several consultations and conversations, and was always available to address my questions and concerns. During my birth, she was the epitome of awesomeness! She made me laugh, she made me feel good, she provided so may resources, she built good relations with all hospital staff, and she helped me every step of the way. I was able to achieve my goal of going through labor without pain medication, and I absolutely believe she was instrumental in doing so. As my water broke before my contractions started, she helped to provide information/pros and cons to me that helped to make key decisions. She REALLY knows her stuff, and she knows SO WELL how to work with others to make the birth situation the best it can possible be. My husband and I agreed 100% that her fee was worth EVERY single penny!! Her warmth, sense of humor, helpfulness, and overall vibe made a hugely positive impact on my entire birth experience. I give Taba my HIGHEST recommendation!! read more

Taba stepped in as a co-doula when our first doula needed to leave due to illness (our first doula had already been with us for 24 hours). Taba was fantastic. We'd never met her before, but her personality was such that she meshed seamlessly with my husband and me, during what was a very difficult labor and delivery (back labor, constant vomiting, and 38 hours in total, the last 3 of which were pushing). One of the most amazing things was how she helped me to have the vaginal birth I wanted instead of the C-section that was threatening. I had been stalled out at 9.5 cm for hours and hours, and the doctor indicated that if I couldn't get to 10 cm a C-section would be necessary. Taba not only helped me get into different positions, but in the last ditch effort that we were going to be able to make to prevent the C-section, she literally held my leg up by my head for 45 minutes straight while I was on my side in an effort to dilate me that last little bit. It worked! She was also a wonderfully calming presence during the long delivery, and as soon as the baby was born she helped with breastfeeding. I personally think it was Taba's advice on proper latch positioning that enabled my daughter to breastfeed immediately with no problems. We're still nursing exclusively at 4 months and I credit Taba with giving us the strong start we needed. She also prepared placental powder capsules afterward which I thought was pretty cool (and while it might have been the placebo effect, I certainly felt pretty good while taking them). I think she is wonderful and would recommend her to anyone who is interested in a doula. (And I would highly recommend doulas in general). read more

When I first contacted Taba I wasn't even sure what a doula was. I had a surprise pregnancy and I knew I was likely going to be a single mother, so I was looking for a support system. I got so much more. Right away when I met Taba I appreciated her open, calm presence. This was the most stressful period of my life and she made me feel so comfortable and never judged. Taba empowered me to take an active role in planning the pregnancy and birth that I wanted to have. She wanted whatever I wanted, and never pushed any of her own views on me. That is what everyone loves about Taba. She is a real, genuine, kind person with a huge heart and a huge brain!! Taba supported me and stood by me during my whole pregnancy. She offered to attend doctor's appointments, took an active role by supporting the classes I was attending, and constantly was keeping me abreast of the latest research and articles so I could have up to date information. We had numerous visits before I delivered to prepare for her arrival. She taught me about breastfeeding, baby carrying, and how to use a breast pump. The day of my daughters birth she got to the hospital in 20 minutes when we discovered that I was going to have an emergency C-section. After the C-section she advocated to the doctors to reunite me with my baby as soon as possible. She took beautiful pictures that I will treasure forever. She even work a baby wrap that I had been wearing so that my daughter could "smell" me when I couldn't be with her because I was in recovery. Taba was with me every single day in the hospital. She provided on-going education and support... not only to me but to my whole family! After I came home the visits continued. Taba came over to continue working on my breastfeeding. She stayed with me and supported me until my daughter and I were nursing pros! Please keep in mind, this is all in addition to the hundreds of random phone calls and questions I've had for her about nursing, poop, cries, sleep, you name it. As if this wasn't enough, Taba also took it upon herself to begin a support group for single moms in the community. She united several women who are going through similar situations and gave them a place to "belong". I don't know what I would have done without Taba. I don't know what I would do without her now. What I do know is that I love and appreciate her so very much. Like I said at the beginning, when I first found her I didn't even know what a doula was. Now I can say that a doula is an educator, advocate, supporter, partner and true friend. I am so grateful to have Taba in my life. She is an angel and a blessing!! read more