My husband and I had the pleasure of having Susanna as a support person for the birth of both of our daughters. We took a birth course with her during our first pregnancy, and when unexpected decisions came our way (needing to be induced) we knew we could turn to her for direction, questions to ask, and how to advocate for the birth experience we wanted. She was on speed dial for our first birth (which went beautifully with her support) and decided to have her as our doula for our second. She played an irreplaceable role in our birth because she put us both at ease. Having her present allowed my husband to feel more confident because he had a resource to ask questions when the doctor brought things up he didn’t fully understand. Having her put me in a more peaceful state because I knew I had an additional support person who was for me and believed in me as a birthing mama. Not only so, but she had strategies and resources to help me get the full birth experience I was hoping for. I would recommend Susanna as a doula to my closest friends. Having a doula was empowering, comforting, and rewarding. Thanks Susanna!
Hala and JackBeverly, Nov 2022 My partner and I were looking for a birth doula in the greater Boston area for our baby #2 and working with Susanna has been the best decision! Susanna is *very* knowledgeable (she is an experienced birth educator), calm, friendly, thoughtful and affectionate. It was also important that our doula be flexible and open-minded, as I was not sure about going for a natural birth (although interested), and had other needs such as ensuring virtual communication with my husband during labor & delivery due to Covid restrictions. In every aspect, Susanna was wonderfully willing to support us accoridng to our specific needs. Our only concern was that it would take her around 1 hour potentially to get from her home to our hospital in Cambridge MA, but it turned out to be a non issue. In working with Susanna, you will be truly listened to and find yourself with the most soothing yet strong & consistent support. I ended up having a natural birth and overall short hospital stay, and I think Susanna was a big factor in making it happen and also giving me the confidence to make decisions that resulted in that kind of birth experience with our #2. So, this is just to say I highly recommend Susanna as a birth doula!
Y.G.Cambridge, Jan 2022 I can’t say enough great things about Susanna, but my experience with her in one word: relaxing <3. She will support you before, during, and after your labor in every way that you may need. She’ll give you a massage, babysit your older child, rock your infant, make you a postpartum meal - whatever is helpful. Plus, Susanna is just so pleasant to deal with! Her being my doula didn’t feel contractual at all - it felt like having a friend who cares about you, reaches out, listens, empathizes, always ready to help, and truly has your best interests in mind. I say this because she consistently went above and beyond what I ever expected.
For one, she is exceptionally knowledgeable and with her you will always feel prepared and reassured. Being an experienced Bradley Method teacher and having had three unmediated births, she is pretty much a walking Encyclopedia whom you can text anytime :).
Once I was getting close to my due date, she started checking in with me over text on a daily basis just to see how I’m feeling and how things are going for me. Yet, she made it clear that I don’t have to respond so it didn’t feel overwhelming. As a result, I felt comfortable bringing up small questions and concerns that I wouldn’t have bothered a doctor with. This greatly reduced my stress during pregnancy.
Last thing I’ll say is that most other doulas would have missed my labor! But not Susanna, because again she went above and beyond without me needing to ask her. When I called her at to tell her that I was having regular contractions, I said that the contractions are manageable and it’s too early for her to come. Nevertheless, she checked the traffic and found that her commute to me was an hour instead of the usual thirty minutes, so she got in her car and started driving in my direction. Had she still been home when I called her for the second time, she would have missed my labor!
SophiaReading, July 2021 My husband and I took Susanna's childbirth class in preparation for the birth of our first child (a little boy, but we didn't know at the time). Susanna was warm, patient, and informative - everything you'd want from someone guiding you through the childbirth process. She prepared us for both the planned and unplanned aspects of childbirth, and empowered us to make the tough (but informed) decisions we inevitably needed to make during labor and delivery. I highly recommend Susanna's services to anyone looking for a calm, empathetic, warm presence as you prepare to welcome your child into the world.
CorrieSalem I would definitely recommend Susanna's class to a friend (or a stranger). She's very knowledgeable and friendly - a great resource as you get ready for your big event.
Adam and KatieWest Roxbury My husband and I took Susanna's Bradley Methods class. Susanna was such a huge asset to us in our birth experience -- she did not just teach us the common scenarios, medicines, interventions, birthing methods, etc., she prepared us mentally to tackle any situation, even those that we couldn't imagine happening. Our baby came 7 week early and we faced so many decisions and issues we could not fathom in our birth plan, but we were calm, cool, and confident throughout the experience because of Susanna's excellent training.
SarahBeverly My partner and I attended Susanna's childbirth classes when I was pregnant with my first child and looking for a way to reduce my fear and prepare to give birth with as few medical interventions as possible. Susanna's knowledge of the science of the birthing process and pain management techniques, as well as her wisdom, are extensive. Her approach is warm, nurturing, thoughtful, and curious. She instilled in us the confidence to identify our goals and advocate for them. What has been evident throughout my time knowing Susanna is that she is constantly growing and learning, and that having a positive impact on both baby and maternal health is a passion of hers.
LaurenEast Boston I was looking for a more in-depth class than the standard fare, and knew I wanted to avoid interventions if possible. Susanna delivered that and so much more--I truly felt so well-prepared for my first childbirth experience, and I was able to deliver the way I wanted to. Even when things didn't go according to plan, I understood my options, how to communicate my needs and desires to my caregivers, and my husband was able to coach me through it all. I truly can't describe how strongly I recommend Susanna's classes, and her balance of knowledge, caring, empowerment, and common sense. She never pushed me in any direction, but made sure I was well-prepared to make decisions with which I would be comfortable.
Kate and GeorgeNatick Susanna's childbirth and parenting classes went above and beyond! The material that she presented was incredibly comprehensive. It spanned everything from self-care during pregnancy, the physical and psychological changes that take place during gestation, preparation for labor and childbirth, and postpartum care. I found this information to be incredibly valuable and it provided me with a lot of peace of mind. As expectant parents there is so much mis-information out there, so it was amazing to have guidance in these areas. Susanna is incredibly down-to-earth and knowledgable as an instructor. And the course is interactive with discussion, activities, and videos. I also appreciated the focus of the partner's role and how he/she can provide support during every step of the journey. With guidance from the course I felt fully prepared to have a natural childbirth (as prepared as anyone can be!)
Asia and AlexCambridge Susanna - We are extremely grateful to you for the amazing, in-depth and personalized course. It helped us get through some tough moments! I lost count of how many times we discussed your tips and course during those 2 crucial days at the hospital. Thank you, Susanna.
Deepak and NaomiBelmont Susanna, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for guiding us through. We used so many tools that you taught us. Having the knowledge that we gained I think really helped us get through the long haul that it was.
Aran and KarolineWorcester Looking back, we can't imagine how things could have gone this well without all the help and wisdom and practice from our Bradley class.
Stephen and JennyCambridge