What Families & Care Teams Say About Oily Doula

From the first time me and my husband met Rhonda we knew that she was the doula for us! Her spirit is so warm and kind, she would text me every so often and check up on me and give me helpful tips. She was so attentive to how I was feeling and always listened to what I had to say.

During labor she and my husband gave a great amount of support, Rhonda encouraged my husband to help and be present. She helped give me the encouragement I needed to get through labor.

-Miguel and Breanna

Rhonda is absolutely amazing! Our family was blessed to have her as our daughter’s sibling doula when the one we hired backed out last minute. She exceeded our expectations and always went above and beyond. Even though she was the doula for our daughter, she showed up for our whole family!! I love her, and will be forever be grateful for contributing to our beautiful birth experience! Our daughter absolutely LOVES her. THANK YOU RHONDA!!!!!
 -Brianne

From the time Rhonda walked into the room, I felt nothing but warm and comforting vibes from her. Thought I was very hysterical in a way she kept me so calm at the same time. She made sure I knew things the doctors weren't telling me and she didn’t leave my side until she knew I was comfortable. Rhonda wasn’t my original doula but she was there and she helped as if I've been working with her the entire time. Anybody accompanied by her during labor and delivery will be beyond lucky. I couldn’t thank her enough.
- Jasmine

Rhonda was my doula I can’t describe how supportive and friendly she was she provide us more information how to stand our ground and there was another doula was there to incase she isn't there also the day i went in labor i text her she was there right away there was two of them that night supporting me and my husband emotionally everything information we need thanks Rhonda keep up the good work you doing it wonderful human being​
-Halimo 

To have an advocate in an environment unknown to us and where mortality rate is significantly higher for persons of color were the main driving factors in hiring a doula. What Rhonda provided was SO much more. Education, hands-on training, empathy, and so much support during and after birth. Hiring Rhonda was one of the best decisions in our birthing plan!

-Ashley

Having Rhonda helped me feel so much less alone during my long and slow labor process. When we had to change plans and move to another birth location she let me know what to expect and had recommendations on where to go. I knew that even though my midwives couldn't come with me, Rhonda could. That was a huge blessing.

-Hannah

Rhonda was absolutely 100% amazing. Throughout my entire pregnancy she was there for me every step of the way. She would even randomly text me throughout the month to check on me, she remembered my doctors appointments and always asked how baby did at the appointments, she never rushed a meeting or made me feel like my questions were dumb, when it was time for me to give birth... things took a turn and I had to have a csection and while I was terrified she kept me calm. She was also there for my husband 100%. She made sure he rested and ate. She educated him every step of the way. She also did not let anyone (family and medical team) push me around or go against my wishes. I recommend Rhonda 100%
-Nina

Rhonda was such a gentle, wise, and encouraging presence during my labor experience. She allowed my husband to take the lead in terms of physical support, but she acted as a coach with ideas for comfort and pain management. She kept me hydrated, timed my contractions and let me squeeze the dickens out of her hands during delivery. (My apologies, Rhonda!) Some of the encouraging words Rhonda spoke to me during my labor I will never forget, and they played a crucial role in keeping me calm and confident that I could do it! As an added bonus, Rhonda took pictures directly after the birth of my baby, photos we will cherish forever.
-Kate

Rhonda is simply amazing. She has a calm, supportive presence and I found that after meeting with her several times I felt very close to her. Rhonda is a natural at this work! When I was in labor, she just knew exactly what to do. She was steady and present, and she was an anchor for me. My midwife asked if Rhonda had been a doula for over ten years because she had never seen such fantastic doula support! She was also inclusive of my husband, and we both loved having her. I will cherish the very special and intimate experience of having Rhonda right by my side, literally hugging me, as I delivered my son. I felt so held and cared for by her. I can't thank Rhonda enough for her contribution to my birth experience and for her support during my entire pregnancy. She is knowledgeable, nurturing, and an all around wonderful person. Clearly, I highly recommend her to anyone considering a doula for their birth!

-Sarah

WOW! Where do I even begin...?  Rhonda is 100% dedicated to you. She is amazing at listening!!! She puts an individual plan just for you. She gets to know you and what’s important for you. She makes sure you are aware of different options when it comes to handling contractions and actually practices it with you and your partner!! Rhonda provides educational videos and materials. She also made several visits to be sure I have all my questions answered and was comfortable going into labor. 

This amazing lady took the time to personally introduce me to another Duola just in case she couldn’t make it (she had mandatory trip planned before I met her that was around my due date).  She was very quick in getting to the hospital when we called her at midnight. While at the delivery room she made sure hospital personal were following my birth plan. She helped me A LOT breathing together through contractions which made all the difference in the world!!! After baby was born Rhonda helped to take photos and made another visit to check how I was feeling and offered help with breastfeeding. So if you want to have a smooth, worry free labor, if you want to enjoy your company with your partner while someone   else makes sure doctor follows your birth plan then you GOTTA call Rhonda!!! This beautiful lady will be there for you every step of the way!!! 
-Maria 

I really feel like pregnancy and birth has so many unknowns and you don’t know what you don’t know so having someone to talk through things and help you navigate it all is so helpful. Towards the very end of my pregnancy I started to have some things come up that resulted in some extra monitoring and having Rhonda to talk through what my OB was recommending was so helpful. Additionally in the actual birthing process things can change so quickly that feeling supported while navigating that was so helpful. I ended up having to have an unplanned/urgent c section (but thankfully not emergency) c-section and even though it was scary and not what I had wanted I felt more confident knowing it was actually the best choice for baby, because I knew Rhonda was always placing value on what I wanted and had helped me to try everything we could to achieve that. I think I would have felt so scared and alone when things had to change if I hadn’t had Rhonda because I of course wanted my partner to be with our baby after she was out but also I needed someone supporting me still too.

-Katie

I'm a black woman and the statistics for black women and babies dying during childbirth are pretty grim. I was so anxious about not getting the care I needed and dying during childbirth.
My husband was pretty nervous about how to comfort me during birth, but When I told him to go stand in the corner and not talk to me, we all agreed it was time for Rhonda to arrive! From the moment she walked in, she was a calm and affirming presence. My husband would not have even thought to ask for ice water and cloths to rub on my arms and legs while I labored around my room. He wouldn't have known to push me to get up and move or try a warm bath while waiting for an epidural.

I pushed for almost 6 hours and I think without Rhonda there, I probably would have ended up with a c-section. She was so encouraging and empowering. Rhonda was able to point out trends I didn't have the capacity to notice, like which positions seemed to give the best progress and how I was doing better with some occasional sips of juice. I gave birth a Regions, which is a teaching hospital, which means there were lots of people around. In around hour 4 of pushing, a team of 4 ob-gyns came in to check on me (I was delivering with a midwife and student midwife) and Rhonda asked "do all 4 of these people need to examine her?". I was so grateful that she asked the question because I really wasn't in a great position to make decisions about what was happening and she made me feel safe. She also snapped some photos and I'm grateful someone did.

I was worried that a doula would be a waste of money, but it was worth every cent. I will be calling Rhonda if I ever have a round 2. She just knew when to crack a joke, share words of encouragement, and when to speak with conviction. She is a wonderful doula and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for support during their labor and deliver to 
-Briana

Rhonda from Oily Doula has been an incredible support throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum journey. As an OBGYN provider, I thought I had a solid understanding of what to expect during my third child's birth, especially since I didn’t work with a doula for my first two. My only exposure to doulas was through my patients, where I witnessed the remarkable support they provided.

When I became pregnant with my third child, I wanted to experience that support for myself. I decided to set aside my OBGYN hat and embrace the role of a patient, allowing Rhonda to guide me. I am truly grateful for that choice.

I learned so much more than I anticipated, as Rhonda presented information in ways that challenged my typical OBGYN perspective. I believe every woman, regardless of her background, should consider working with a doula. They are invaluable for navigating childbirth and ensuring you have the birth experience you desire. Even if things don’t go as planned, a doula like Rhonda helps you regroup and appreciate your efforts.

Rhonda was by my side during my labor, which lasted about 28 hours. She provided unwavering support, encouragement, and reassurance that I was doing everything I needed to do. At times, she felt like a close friend, which made the experience special. Her dedication significantly impacted my journey.

The postpartum care was exceptional. Rhonda prepared nourishing soups and engaged in heartfelt conversations that made me feel at ease. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this experience with her.

I wholeheartedly recommend Rhonda and encourage anyone considering a doula to reach out to her. This experience was eye-opening, even for someone in the OB world, and I am so grateful for Rhonda's support. 

-Dr. Abdulle

Rhonda was so helpful with helping me consider birth locations and many different provider recommendations including a prenatal specialist chiropractor, pelvic floor rehab, placenta encapsulation specialist, pelvic steaming, postpartum nutrition/meals, and more. I had many twists and turns throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum. I was hospitalized for a medical complication at 36 weeks where an incidental kidney mass was found, and later on during labor I had an unexpected transfer from birthing center to hospital, but Rhonda was there every step of the way reminding me of my options and keeping me informed so that I never felt pressured into any decisions. Rhonda's compassion and encouragement got me through a storm of stress around me, and literally helped me into active labor as soon as she arrived at the hospital. With her presence I was able to focus in on myself, trust my body and baby working together to move along, and regain a sense of emotional and psychological safety. Even with some complications, I felt completely assured I was in good hands. Rhonda collaborated so well with the hospital birth team. I credit how confident, calm, and well prepared I was at the end to Rhonda. We created a birth plan that considered many possible outcomes. We talked through my fears around labor and birth, some of which happened but I was still okay! I am eternally grateful for  Rhonda rallying support around me after unexpected personal life changes during that vulnerable postpartum time as well. I can't say enough how grateful I am for Rhonda. I plan to work with Rhonda for any future babies to come and I really couldn't picture it any other way! This is truly her calling.

-Saoirse

Rhonda was a part of my doula team and even though she was not the doula that attended the birth of my baby I met with her throughout my pregnancy. From the first time I met with her she helped me feel empowered to make my choices during pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. She encouraged me to think about things I may not have thought about and to also always ask questions. She also helped educate me and my partner. She was able to provide us with material to read, watch and even showed us how to do things hands on. She hit every way of learning. One of the meetings Rhonda came to my house to practice labor and birthing positions. While she was there we had very open conversations and she would always leave room for questions. My partner was very curious about some topics and she gave him all of the information as well as things she had witnessed at other births. After she left that day he spoke about how much he appreciated all of the information from that day. While in labor I used all but one of the laboring positions she showed me. I remembered that she told me not to do anything I wasn’t comfortable doing. After coming home from the hospital I grabbed a sheet of paper that she gave me and taped it to the fridge. It is a postpartum pledge and she asked that I pick a few to do for myself daily. Before I had my daughter the things on the paper seemed so simple but after the first few days postpartum I realized just completing a few was extra work but it was worth it. It’s important to be in tune with your body and take care of it. Almost 8 weeks later and when I walk past the paper I make sure I have done at least 5 things on the list. Having Rhonda on my support team was amazing!
-Kaujah

As a person of color, I was particularly anxious about giving birth in a predominantly Caucasian field where my concerns might be overlooked. Rhonda took the time to build a genuine connection with me, ensuring that I felt seen, respected, and heard. She educated me about my birthing options and helped me process the flood of medical information coming at me during labor. With her guidance, I was able to confidently advocate for myself and make decisions that were best for me and my baby, rather than feeling pressured into what was convenient for the doctors.

Having Rhonda as my doula was one of the best decisions I could have made. She provided unwavering emotional and informational support throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journey. If you’re considering hiring a doula, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do it. They are your advocate, your guide, and your partner in one of the most important experiences of your life.

Rhonda was an invaluable part of my journey, and I can’t recommend her enough to anyone looking for compassionate, empowering support during their birth experience.

-Sophia

Rhonda is such an asset to your birth  team! We hired her for both of my pregnancies and had great experiences. She is very knowledgeable, highly experienced, and extremely well connected to the community. Anytime we needed a referral, she had one for us or knew someone who did. She connected me to an IBCLC, postpartum doula, craniosacral therapist, massage therapist, infant feeding specialist, homebirth midwife team, pelvic floor therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, placenta encapsulator, and I'm sure I'm missing others. She knows everyone and that is an underrated gift to you as her client! 

Throughout my pregnancies, she provided evidenced based education, helped us plan for the postpartum period, and taught us stretches and movements to help with baby's positioning. During my labor time, she was the most active supporter in the room. She always had an idea about how to help, even if that was to simply let me be. She also actively involved my husband so he knew how to help while also making sure he ate and rested. When my babies were born, she made sure to take pictures to capture those precious moments. Then during the postpartum period, she checked in regularly and was always available to help however she could! 

We had amazing experiences with Rhonda and I have already recommended her to friends and family members! Having a doula is an investment, but it is absolutely worth it every time. Especially with a doula like Rhonda! 

-Jenae

Thank you so much for providing such amazing support for 14+ hours to the new mother.  Your presence was clearly appreciated and cherished by the patient.  Also, as the RN in the room, it was incredibly helpful for me to know the patient was always being supported as I was busy with tasks that took me away from being able to give constant reassurance to the patient.  This is truly the beauty of doula care to provide that necessary constant emotional and physical support. Thank you so much for your dedication to birthing families and providing exceptional care.

With gratitude,
- Nurse Lisa

She [Rhonda] was positive, supportive, and so encouraging to the patient and husband at the end of her labor. The thing that I really took note of was that during the really intense time right before delivery, she put her hand on the dad’s back and asked him how he was doing. She made sure he was up close to the mom and that she wasn’t in his way, while still being able to help.

-Email from Anonymous Nurse 

You did a wonderful job with my patient.  I do not know how I would have been able to support her patient if you weren't there to be her doula.  

-Nurse Selena

You being a constant for the patient during change of shift, while she was pushing, was so helpful for the patient.
-Nurse Emily