Testimonials

Sam

second time mum

Birth is always going to be an overwhelming moment in every new parent's life. We were so excited, anxious, overwhelmed, happy, curious, all the emotions to have our baby boy! I didn't have a very positive experience with the birth of my first born. I was 10 years younger and at a hospital that wasn't very invested in bedside manners. I remember having a birth plan and it being ignored and felt that things were happening without any of my participation in it. This time I was determined that I would be equipped to take on this very big moment with support. My husband and I reached out to Helping Hands and they paired us with Nikole. She was super responsive to all of our questions, had this calm demeanor and energy, which helped me so much even at the most intense moments. She had this perfect balance of being supportive but also letting me make all the decisions when it came to my birth and even at times when the decision was slightly made for me, she stepped in and whispered to me that this was my moment, my birth and that I had a choice. She gave us the courage, the positivity and the support when we needed it the most and I cannot be more grateful for the wonderful moments my husband and I had during labour and even after. She reminded us that there was a special moment happening when it did (because sometimes you are so overwhelmed to notice things happening around you) and that helped us savor it. For anyone looking for a calm and strong presence in your birthing room, an advocate who will stay true to your needs and wishes with respect, grace and positivity, Nikole is that person for you! Even the hospital's response to us and our needs were so dramatically altered the moment she walked in - she has that kind of presence and commands that type of respect. If we decide to have another child, she is our person!!

Emma

first time mum

We made a last minute decision to hire a doula at week 36, which turned out to be the best decision we made during the entire pregnancy. Nikole was our birth support and having met her only a couple days prior to the birth of our Daughter (an early arrival!), we immediately felt a connection and our last minute nerves were put at ease. 

I cannot say enough positive things about Nikole, she was with me throughout every stage of the labour and delivery, and her support and guidance enabled us to have the birth that we had hoped for.

It takes a special kind of person to be a doula, and we feel very grateful to have met Nikole. She truly is one in a million and we will be forever thankful for her helping to bring our baby girl into this world.

Candice

second time mum

For my second pregnancy I enlisted the help of Nikole as my doula. I knew from the birth of my first child that in order to have an unmedicated birth I needed to be supported by a doula and after meeting Nikole I knew she was the right choice. Choosing a person to be with you at one of the most important moments of your life is difficult, Nikole has a very warm, caring personality and she supported me every step of the way. She was able to determine my needs before I could and made sure I was comfortable while at the same time encouraging me when things got difficult. It is hard to describe how wonderful it is to have someone by your side who understands what you are going through. With her kindness, encouragement and support , I was able to deliver the baby without any pain medication which was my wish, Nikole also made sure my son latched properly for breastfeeding and checked in with me after the birth. It was a wonderful and empowering experience. I do not doubt that Nikole also took some pressure off my husband who was not always sure what to do , having a doula allowed him to embrace the birth experience as well. It is a very special time, and I cannot imagine having done it without her! 

Katrona

first time mum

I gave birth to a 7lb boy at 40 weeks and 3 days at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital with Nikole as my doula. This birth was medicated and just shy of 24 hours in length.  As a doula, Nikole was a valuable source of support, reassurance, and educational information as it related to both my pregnancy and labour. 

Our relationship began with an in-home visit where Nikole collaborated with my husband and me to create our birth plan. As this was my first pregnancy she also took the time to go over what we may experience during the birth; this was very helpful especially for my husband. Nikole also provided us with several pain management strategies to practice in preparation for labour. 

In the months leading up to my due date, Nikole checked in with me frequently to see how I was feeling both physically and emotionally. Furthermore, she often sent informational emails and videos which were very helpful in preparation for labour. One of the many things I was appreciative of as a part of her service was Nikole’s availability; whenever I had a question or concern, she was readily available via phone or text.  For example, in the days leading up to my labour I was able to consult with her about any early signs/symptoms. 

During the labour itself, Nikole was a fantastic support; things would not have gone as smoothly without her there. She came to the hospital with snacks for me and my husband, a music playlist which we discussed as a part of my birth plan, and performed several pain management strategies such as hip squeezes and cold compresses during the portion of my labour that was unmedicated.

I had one midwife present, however she also a part of another birth during my labour; this meant that Nikole was often the only other support in the room with my husband and I  when the midwife had to tend to her other patient. 

After I came home from the hospital Nikole continued to be a fantastic source of support for our family. She was able to provide guidance concerning my post labour recovery as well as breastfeeding advice. 

I would highly recommend Nikole as a Doula. Her positive attitude, calm demeanor, ability to collaborate with her clients and wealth of knowledge are precious. 

Nikole went above & beyond for me. She even showed up for my ECV when she had no obligation to. She was so helpful and I can’t say enough good things about her. Just fabulous, kind, professional & knowledge