Stories are sacred.

2021

“We cannot express enough how invaluable Susie was to us before, during and after the birth of our child. She is a wealth of information, experience and support, and was a steady presence throughout. From her first prenatal home visit we knew we had made the right choice in hiring her. She is beyond knowledgeable and provided a sense of security and calm from the outset. She is attentive, comforting, and makes herself available at almost any time of day or night. There was never a moment where we did not feel like we were her only client. She is adamant that our preganancy and labor is ours and she is there to help us carry out our wishes and needs. She does not try to steer you in any particular direction, instead she gives you the resources and information necessary to establish your own path on this most intimate of journeys. During our labor, both while at home and with her at the hospital, she was a calming and steady presence that took much of the pressure off of both the mom and dad. She let us know what our rights were and where we should fight for our preferences, and she did not hesitate to advocate for us for any measure big or small. Her network of connections--masseuses, chiropractors, healing collaboratives--have been incredibly helpful, especially in post-partum recovery. We cannot imagine having gone through this without her.”
(See more of Cordelia’s experience here)

2020

Susie helped with both of my very different births. In addition to being at the births, she taught my husband and I so much about pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. My September 2018 son was breech so I had a planned C section. Susie educated us about a gentle C section so I was able to advocate for myself and my baby. I had a positive experience despite how afraid I was and how upset I was about not having the vaginal birth I hoped for. I was able to do skin-to-skin right away and they tried to get my son to latch while I was laying on the OR table. I kept my son with me the entire time because she taught me to push for it. She attended my C section and helped comfort and support both me and my husband. She also took pictures during the surgery and those photos really helped me connect with the birth. Susie also encapsulated my placenta which I believe helped regulate my moods, aid my milk production, and increase my energy. In November 2020 I had a natural VBAC with my second son. Susie again helped my husband and I prepare for the birth. She attended the very long labor and even stayed a few hours after the birth because I needed surgery to repair some tearing. She helped make sure surgery went well and helped me establish breastfeeding with my son. I labored without any medication and I truly don't believe I could have done it without Susie. She not only helped coach my husband and show him ways to support me both physically and emotionally, but she herself also supported me in so many ways. She ensured I was drinking enough, applied hip squeezes throughout my contractions to give my husband some breaks, suggested different positions, and encouraged me to walk around periodically. My husband and I both know whole-heartedly we could never have had an unmedicated birth without Susie. She helped us in so many ways and taught us both so much. We will be forever grateful! 
(See more of Stephanie’s testimonial here)

2019

“I had Susie and Rachelle as my doulas, and they were wonderful. They were there for me when we received hard news at week 39 and continued to be there during the long labor and postpartum period. Both Susie and Rachelle guided me through many positions, offered hip squeezes, and were able to keep me informed of all of my options and their pros/cons throughout the labor. I was very scared and physically sick during my emergency c-section, and Susie was able to be there with me. She stayed with me after my husband had to go be with the baby. She also made sure that the baby had a good latch and that I was doing well before she left the hospital. Both women were completely supportive of all my choices and really made a difficult birth experience much better. I was delighted when they brought over a newspaper from my daughter's birthday during a postpartum visit and when they emailed me my birth timeline. I definitely couldn't remember all of those details myself, and I treasure having that! I'm already excited to work with these doulas again for my next baby.”
(See more of Molly’s testimonial here)

2018

“Susie  s h o w e d  u p  for me and my husband on our second son's birthday this year (2018). Coming out of a traumatic birth experience with my first son, I knew I would need to "recruit allies" to improve my odds of a better experience with my second son. Some online research led me to a doula who recommended Susie as one of the very best in the state. Susie provided a very calming presence to this scared couple's birth experience along with physical support like a shoulder to hold and very helpful counter pressure during contractions. She was also a reliable and comforting on-call resource via text messages and phone calls for weeks leading up to the big day. If that wasn't enough, as our son was being born via c-section, she took pictures for us on my husband's phone that we will treasure forever. She was like a fairy godmother to us!”
(See more of Bailey’s testimonial here)

2017

“If anyone is considering hiring a birth doula, I highly recommend Susie Finnerty. She was extremely supportive throughout my pregnancy, especially when I developed a high risk condition. She always made time to talk, and the prenatal sessions were incredibly valuable. Her care during labor for both me and my husband was incredible! Having Susie there was one of the best decisions I made to ensure that I had a positive and empowering birth experience.”
(See more of Brigid's testimonial here)

2015

"Susie is friendly, accommodating, non-judgmental, and wise beyond her years. She was a calming and informative resource during our pregnancy and her quiet confidence was reassuring and effective in the hospital."
(See more of Michelle's testimonial here)

2015

"She gave me the support, encouragement, and direction I needed to experience this journey called motherhood. Every question, concern, emotional breakdown, she was there-no judgement-just love. I know my situation isn’t the most common, but I can say without any hesitation that working with Susie was the greatest decision I could’ve made."
(See more of Amanda's testimonial here)