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I thank my lucky stars everyday that I hired Marissa to be my doula. I don't even know where to begin - she prepared me for EVERYTHING in a way that was not overwhelming or scary. She can see both sides of every coin and can give you her perspective. My birth turned out to be exactly the opposite of what I planned and because of Marissa, it still managed to be the best day of my life (and trauma free!). If you are looking for someone that is smart, savvy (in all things natural/medical birth) and on top of that easy to talk to, hire Marissa! Your birth experience will only be amplified if you do.
-AMANDA
I am forever grateful for the wisdom and support from Marissa. My partner and I attended her Birthing From Within workshop and met several times before the birth. Marissa provided support and encouragement as we welcomed our daughter at The Birth House. She took priceless photographs that help us share our birth story with friends and family. She also provided placenta encapsulation and beautiful placenta prints. The postpartum visits helped me find my own intuition and confidence as a first time parent. I had high expectations for Marissa’s work as our doula and she surpassed them in each interaction. My partner appreciated her humor, compassion, and ability to ease our anxieties as we navigated each step. I appreciated her kindness, ease of communication and connection, and real talk. I highly recommend her!!
-Carrie
At the beginning, my partner and I were both hesitant about the high cost of using a doula, as well as the prospect of having a stranger be present for a very intimate experience.
However, we found the two prenatal visits to be immensely helpful to prepare us mentally for the experience of childbirth, to acknowledge aspects of anxiety or apprehension around birth, and process through our expectations (both good and bad).
I really appreciated the ways that Marissa challenged us to think about childbirth, especially in discussions about how we would feel if things did not go according to plan. It helped me go into my labor with a better perspective and preparation for all possible outcomes, which alleviated some of the anxiety about the unknown.
During the birth, every action Marissa took filled our needs perfectly - from always being on hand with a refill of ice water, to setting up the TENS unit quickly, and suggesting a take-out order before restaurants closed (which was the last thing on our mind). We both felt very supported.
During our postpartum visit, Marissa gave us a babywearing lesson which was so helpful in giving us the confidence to use the ring sling and wrap carrier.
I would definitely recommend Marissa for both birth doula and photography. Her deep commitment to birth work is impressive, and she has an immensely grounding personality that is very helpful in the chaos of childbirth.
However, we found the two prenatal visits to be immensely helpful to prepare us mentally for the experience of childbirth, to acknowledge aspects of anxiety or apprehension around birth, and process through our expectations (both good and bad).
I really appreciated the ways that Marissa challenged us to think about childbirth, especially in discussions about how we would feel if things did not go according to plan. It helped me go into my labor with a better perspective and preparation for all possible outcomes, which alleviated some of the anxiety about the unknown.
During the birth, every action Marissa took filled our needs perfectly - from always being on hand with a refill of ice water, to setting up the TENS unit quickly, and suggesting a take-out order before restaurants closed (which was the last thing on our mind). We both felt very supported.
During our postpartum visit, Marissa gave us a babywearing lesson which was so helpful in giving us the confidence to use the ring sling and wrap carrier.
I would definitely recommend Marissa for both birth doula and photography. Her deep commitment to birth work is impressive, and she has an immensely grounding personality that is very helpful in the chaos of childbirth.
-SIERRA
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Words can't express how grateful I am for Marissa. She helped make the most frightening and difficult experience of my life calm and enjoyable. Although I had done my best to prepare for birth, having her as my doula at the birth was the only thing that kept me focused, reminded me to stay positive, and ultimately got me through the worse pain imaginable. Thank you for all you do and for the support leading up to the birth. We were lucky to have you and we hope to see you again for baby number 2!
-DESIREE |
I can't thank Marissa enough for the help she provided us during birth. As a first time dad, I didn't know what to expect, specially in the hospital, and I can't imagine having to do it without her. But more importantly, Marissa helped my wife through the hardest thing she has ever done. She helped her focus on the joy and excitement of our baby's arrival, not the worry or fear. We were blessed to have her with us to great our baby for the first time. Thank you!
-steve |
-MOLLY |
Marissa helped us during the pregnancy by checking in and providing information/resources that we hadn’t thought about. I liked the sense of calm that she brought to the table, as well as her advocacy. She asked thoughtful questions and got me into that ‘mode’ of asking questions myself, which came in handy during the birth when I felt like things weren’t happening as planned. I was very confused, but she kept calm and asked questions, which brought more information and made it easier to make a decision I felt good about. Because of her I was able to have the natural birth I wanted- despite all the roadblocks that appeared! That is a feat that I still can’t believe I was able to accomplish, and I truly believe it was a direct result of having her at the birth. She is knowledgeable, capable, and she makes a real difference in the birth experience. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone who is looking for a doula!
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-CLAIR |
Marissa was our doula for our first baby, who we had decided to have at home. She met with my partner and I multiple times at our home before the birth to find out what we were looking for, to talk about her methods and to help us understand what to expect. When my labor began she came over right away and didn't leave my side. During the labor she helped me find comfortable positions, had me use her TENS unit, and helped me to maintain a positive and peaceful frame of mind. She worked closely with our midwife (the incomparable Rachel Cook!) and together they make an amazing team! After our baby was born she cooked my partner and I dinner in our kitchen and went home, having spent a full 12 hours laboring with us at our house. Since the birth she has been available to answer questions, and has lent us her baby carriers. She is a font of knowledge and resources. If you are looking for a doula in the South Sound region, I can't recommend Marissa highly enough.
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I felt very much at ease knowing Marissa would be there to help and support me through my labor and delivery. She helped me find different positions to labor in and I loved the pressure she put on my hips during contractions.
I was extremely uncomfortable and not myself during this process, but she didn’t make me feel bad for the things I said or the feelings I expressed. She wasn’t overbearing nor too hands off. She provided just the amount of support I needed. She really listened to my needs and identified where I was in my labor due to her experience. Without her, I might have delivered at home because my midwife didn’t realize I was progressing so quickly. Having never been through labor before I absolutely needed her. |
- MEGAN
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Having just moved to the area, Marissa’s awesome, friendly and down to earth personality made me feel like I had a friend at my birth helping me, not a stranger like at hospitals. She listened to me, acknowledged my feelings and thoughts as being valid and supported my voice. During the birth, she was flexible with her time and willing to come over immediately when I needed her. She was such a calming presence during my labor, being able to stare into her eyes really helped me focus on breathing through the contractions. |
I really appreciate how helpful she was after the birth, making sure I ate and was hydrated and comfortable in early postpartum. She also took photos of the birth and I’m so happy to have that documentation. I’m so lucky to have found her and I’m so grateful she got to be part of my birth experience! I’m so happy with the way everything turned out and I wouldn’t change a thing!
-kris
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Marissa was the most caring and inspiring doula I could imagine. She took time to really get to know me so that by the time I went into labor l felt extremely comfortable with her. We walked through the woods together and I got to hang out with her two kids.
She was very receptive to listening to me talk about past traumas that I was worried would negatively impact labor. When I hurt my knee at the very end of my pregnancy, she came over and brought me my favorite kind of soup. She is creative, wise, and so full of love. I felt completely safe and protected with her guidance. |
She also photographed the birth and took pictures which i will always treasure, but managed to do so without compromising her attention towards helping me and my partner. Her overall calm and peaceful demeanor helped to keep us grounded and confident. I know my birth story would have been very different without her. She is truly an angel!
- EMBER
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Marissa has been such a vital part of my journey into motherhood. I was lucky enough to have had her by my side at the birth of my son as my doula through the Open Arms organization. She gave me excellent prenatal support, was my amazing doula at my birth, encapsulated my placenta, AND has helped us postpartum as a support person and sleep educator.
I am in awe of all Marissa does and has done for our family (all while being pregnant and then having a newborn of her own!). She gives unconditionally to her community, has a straight forward/down to earth demeanor, and is one of the most authentic, humble, and empowered women I know. |
I have no idea how she does all she does but I am SO grateful for it all.
Finally, if you make the wise decision to have Marissa as your doula - make sure to ask her to sing her birth song. My memory of birthing my first child naturally at home is blurry but I do remember Marissa singing that song clearly. Her comfort techniques and energy allowed me to dig deep and find my true mama warrior strength.
Finally, if you make the wise decision to have Marissa as your doula - make sure to ask her to sing her birth song. My memory of birthing my first child naturally at home is blurry but I do remember Marissa singing that song clearly. Her comfort techniques and energy allowed me to dig deep and find my true mama warrior strength.
- CARISSA
Photo by Sarah Wolfe.
From the first meeting with Marissa, we felt like we were in truly good hands. Her professionalism and knowledge were absolutely more than appreciated.
Marissa helped me understand what was happening to my body, giving me a whole new appreciation of its natural abilities. Her calm attention to how not only I was feeling, but the family as a whole made a huge difference.
The birth was the perfect energy, calm, exciting and on point with communication. She also helped us know how to best communicate boundaries with VERY excited guests after the birth.
We would recommend Marissa and her services to anyone needing a doula. We both feel as though the relationship was more than just a doula-client partnership, she became part of our family! There is no way we can picture navigating through this new experience without her!!!
Marissa helped me understand what was happening to my body, giving me a whole new appreciation of its natural abilities. Her calm attention to how not only I was feeling, but the family as a whole made a huge difference.
The birth was the perfect energy, calm, exciting and on point with communication. She also helped us know how to best communicate boundaries with VERY excited guests after the birth.
We would recommend Marissa and her services to anyone needing a doula. We both feel as though the relationship was more than just a doula-client partnership, she became part of our family! There is no way we can picture navigating through this new experience without her!!!
-Rose & Quinn
I was in my third trimester when I met Marissa at a Dancing for Birth class. I was already planning on having a home birth but was on the fence about having a doula. All that changed the moment I met Marissa. Her warm, knowledgeable, strong spirit immediately called to me and I am so grateful I followed that first impression! My prenatal meetings with her were professional and informative and I appreciated how much she included my partner as he wanted to be as involved as possible. It is hard to describe what Marissa contributed to my labor and birth without repeating the words fantastic, devoted, wonderful and perfect. My son's birth was a blessed experience and I am clear that Marissa's presence contributed to the wonder and magic of it all. She continued to provide support in the following weeks and I always felt comfortable reaching out to her. I can recommend her services with one hundred percent confidence. Marissa is passionate about what she does and that passion translates in to the very best of care for her clients.
- LUCY
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I am a licensed midwife in Olympia and was thrilled to recently attend a birth with Marissa as my client's doula. I absolutely loved it, Marissa is a perfect blend of physical and emotional support. She brought a didgeridoo to the birth and played the low harmonic instrument that helped the woman match its tones through the intensity of the contractions.
Marissa is a wealth of knowledge about all things birth, babies, and breastfeeding! Everyone of my clients who have taken her Dancing for Birth classes has LOVED it and spoken very highly of her. Thank you for serving this community Marissa, I hope to attend many more births with you! |
-RACHAEL COOK, LM, CPM
new day midwifery
I honestly don't know what I would have done had I not chosen to have Marissa encapsulate my placenta. It was a true life saver for me. My situation was a little different in I had lost so much blood they almost had to do a transfusion. I also had a c-section and was healing from that on top of nursing and caring for a newborn, all on my own. I was so fatigued I honestly didn't know how I would continue.... enter placenta pills, my saving grace. They immediately improved my mood and recovery and helped me feel so much better. It was a drastic difference and I'm so sad I can't have them to take for the rest of my life. I also opted to have the tincture made and on days I'm feeling down or when the baby is sick and I know I need a boost, I will take some drops of that and feel like a superhuman. I really wish there wasn't such a negative stigma attached to placenta encapsulation, it is almost a necessity in the recovery of growing and birthing a tiny human.
I also have a theory that it helps guard away from post-partum depression. If you have all the nutrients you need to heal and recover your hormones are going to stay more balanced and not dip into a dark and potentially scary place. Long story short, do it cause you won't regret it. I had family look at the me in the recovery room and tell me I was "disgusting" for the choice to encapsulate but I am so glad I didn't let that change my mind.
I also have a theory that it helps guard away from post-partum depression. If you have all the nutrients you need to heal and recover your hormones are going to stay more balanced and not dip into a dark and potentially scary place. Long story short, do it cause you won't regret it. I had family look at the me in the recovery room and tell me I was "disgusting" for the choice to encapsulate but I am so glad I didn't let that change my mind.
- Aimee
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Marissa encapsulated the placentas of my fraternal boy/girl twins a few months ago. She is a talented woman with a beautiful artistic eye. She was able to capture and preserve a moment for me that has nourished and provided my body strength in its recovery, and I will forever hold her dear to my heart. She also created a tincture that I can take for added immunity or save for my daughter once she hits puberty. She also took prints of the placentas that I have framed and created beautiful dream catchers made from their umbilical cords.
I would recommend her to anyone looking to encapsulate or commemorate their birth as it is an incredible moment in life that should be celebrated. |