Birth Stories

I think about my birth story often and where do I begin with how amazing and caring Nicole is. We couldn’t have asked for a better doula throughout my pregnancy and birth. She was there whenever I needed her and always had answers to any questions I had. Nicole is compassionate, knowledgeable, and so supportive my homebirth was everything I ever wanted and more. She made it such a calm enjoyable experience that I want to do it over and over again. I couldn’t have done it without her help and expertise. We also took her hypnobirthing class which was the BEST. We learned so much from the class and it prepared us more than we could have ever imagined. It was so nice having her as our teacher and doula. We can’t wait to have another baby so she can be our doula again! -Auria

Having a doula as part of our birth team was a no brainer, but we had no idea how much we were getting by choosing Nicole to join us. She is extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. My labor was super quick and by the time we called her things were moving very fast. Over the phone Nicole knew where I was and guided me through movement and breathing. She suggested a couple of positions to get the baby in a better position (again - over the phone she could tell what was going on) and a few minutes later baby was in the perfect position and ready! We had to rush to the birth center so she had to meet us there. On the drive there she helped me breathe through the very late stages of labor while on speaker phone with me. Her technique is amazing and it really made labor a lot easier (or more bearable)! This was my second labor and I can tell the difference. I had a doula with the first one and she was great, but Nicole is committed to making labor easier, more comfortable, and faster. Mamas have to do the work too, so she will guide you on posture and exercises during pregnancy to make things easier for you too. She also has the touch of an angel. She knew what to do to make me comfortable and was a rock in keeping me grounded when, you know, things got rough. My husband loved having her there too. She was a total partner to both of us and I cannot express my gratitude enough. I had a suuuuper long labor the first time around and even though people say the second one is faster, I'm 100% confident that having Nicole's support made labor and delivery a lot easier this time around.

-Raquel

Nicole attended the birth of my third sweet baby which was a planned 2VBAC at home. It was the first time I hired a doula and I cannot sing her praises enough. She is so skilled and knowledgeable in her craft. When she arrived at the birth she watched me through a few contractions, asked questions and from there knew exactly what positions to get me into to help baby get into the most ideal position. Through each contraction she kept me focused and calm, and I felt so supported during my entire labor. It was a dream birth and I feel it was so successful much in part to Nicole being there. My partner and I won’t be having any more children, but if we were we would absolutely hire her again. -Ariel

My wife and I discovered Nicole after being encouraged to look into doulas by a friend. Personally I have not had any interaction with doulas, even after working in the healthcare field for approx 6 years. I just have to say that the care and support that Nicole brought both for my wife AND myself during the birth of our first child was above and beyond expectation. She truly is passionate in what she does and that shows through with her demeanor and interactions as a birthing guide. We can easily say that Nicole was by far the best decision we made in relation to our birthing plan. I cannot speak highly enough about her, a few times in life you run into someone who is passionate, talented and perfectly suited for their profession…Nicole is one of those people!

- Harry

I’m beyond grateful for having Nicole’s services throughout my pregnancy as it was hands down the best decision my husband and I could have made in preparation for the birth of our first baby. Not only did we both feel educated and prepared but she expressed so much care and support that today Nicole is like family. Our natural birth experience couldn’t have gone better all thanks to Nicole’s knowledge, encouragement, and calm demeanor. I HIGHLY recommend Nicole’s services and look forward to working with her with future pregnancies.

-Chrissy

“I hardly ever write reviews but was so grateful for the care and experience that Nicole brought to our birthing journey that a review seems necessary. We were first introduced to Nicole through a HypnoBirthing® course that she taught. I had a c-section with my first (twins) but knew I wanted to try for a unmedicated VBAC this time around with my singleton. I literally had to drag my husband to the hypnobirthing class every night, he was not thrilled. However, through Nicole’s teaching, and patience, that class ended up being a great educational experience for both of us. That class was very informative and helped spark many great conversations between my husband and I about the birth experience that we wanted. After taking the course I knew that we needed a doula. Nicole’s experience and advice were helpful during the pregnancy, delivery, and after. From helping get baby in a better position during those last few weeks, to keeping me up on my feet to keep labor progressing, to helping with counterpressure for nearly every surge…she kept both my husband and I grounded, encouraged, and motivated during the whole process. My husband even mentioned what a godsend it was to have Nicole there (he was originally against the whole idea of having a doula…haha) and how much she did to help us get through the experience. I have to say, too, that every time her name was mentioned at my OB’s office (whenever I was asked if I was using a doula or not) they would talk about how awesome she was with all her clients. So, she is highly respected amongst the medical providers at Full Circle as well. Highly recommend both her hypnobirthing class and doula care.”

— Ashley

“Meeting Nicole was a game changer for our second pregnancy. She has great energy and goes above and beyond for her mommas! Highly recommend taking her hypnobirthing course as well as having her by your side during labor and birth. She is your biggest advocate and gives mommas the support they need. We are absolutely thrilled to have had a successful HBAC (homebirth after cesarean)! Thank you so much Nicole!”

-Hayley

“I met Nicole relatively late in my pregnancy (third trimester) when I decided I wanted/needed a doula. I feel so fortunate that my healthcare provider gave me Nicole's contact information because she was such an incredible resource for me. She supported my decisions and helped me construct my birth plan, which changed quite a bit when COVID-19/hospital birth became a source of anxiety for me. She provided me with the tools I needed to get my baby in the optimal position for delivery, which was invaluable!Nicole is genuine, caring, and knowledgeable. I felt incredibly comfortable with her and trusted her completely (which is not something I do easily)! I highly recommend Doula Nicole! ”

— Christa

“ I can’t say enough about my Doula Nicole. She was incredible and helped bring me comfort and relaxation on one of the biggest days of my life. I genuinely do not know what we would’ve done without her. With covid so many of of my plans and wishes were not possible. My mom was originally going to be my extra support person but days before my birth hospital regulations changed leaving me devastated. Nicole immediately stepped in checking on me, supporting me and advocating for my wishes. I was admitted earlier than planned awaiting tests from complications that came on suddenly. Her goal was to help me have a birth that was what I wanted, or at least the closest thing possible. My baby was breech, and my blood pressure was high; Nicole was so informative of my options, and helped me come to make well informed decisions. She was there to support my hopes, I wanted to try everything to save a vaginal birth- and we did try it all, even with no success, I felt comfort knowing I gave it my all. Although nothing went as I planned, I still ended with a cesarean. Nicole being certified with the hospital was able to be in the OR with us during my ecv procedure and c-section. She massaged my shoulders, used essential oils, and helped comfort me through the pressure and anxiety I was feeling. Afterwards she came back and helped me with breast-feeding and even taught my husband how to assist. She is amazing, & I am forever thankful. I couldn’t recommend her more!”

— Savannah

“Caring. Supportive. Informative. Optimistic. These are the words I would use to describe the type of care I received from Nicole as a doula. I only worked with her starting in my 39th week of pregnancy but wish I had known her sooner. She provided lots of essential information regarding prenatal care, labor process, and postpartum baby care. She was supportive in my choices for my birth, while at the same time being aware of my and baby's safety. She maintained constant communication with my midwives, nurses, and the entire staff at the hospital, even when I was unable to speak. She stayed with me during my long labor of 30+ hours culminating in a c-section. If you are in need of a doula who can offer compassionate, informative care, then I highly recommend that you add Nicole Stewart to your birthing team.”

— Helen

“I loved having Nicole as my doula during my pregnancy and birth and even postpartum. She became involved in our process instantly with reminders, guidance, resources and just checking in which really showed she cared and made me feel secure. I had a home birth and she arrived in perfect timing, just when we felt things were getting a bit more intense, and her presence was soothing and calming. Her energy was confident, assertive and helpful. My partner was able to be more present with me knowing Nicole had our backs with everything from timing contractions, texting the midwife, setting up the birth pool, coaching me through contractions, offering helpful suggestions, taking photos, cooking, cleaning etc.  We couldn't have had such a beautiful birth without her!! I'm forever thankful I found her and I highly recommend her!! 

— Jennifer

“If you are looking for a nurturing, fun-loving & knowledgeable doula , Nicole is your girl. She went above& beyond her call of duty. She had a way of bringing a calming presence to our room. The nurses loved her & our midwife! She helped us carry out our birth plan in a very respectful way. When I had my moments of “ I can’t do this anymore” Nicole was right there, my little cheerleader! Reminding me how strong& capable I was. She reminded me to breath. She even applied chapstick to my very dry laboring lips! Having had a natural birth herself I feel she was able to show a great deal of empathy.

We still joke about how she sat in my amniotic fluid- Talk about “ bare necessities “ !

   After our daughter was born she continued to be my wonderful breastfeeding cheer leader as that was so important to me . We are ever so greatful . Thank you for everything Nicole! “

— Lisa