Stephanie and Matthew
Working with Efe leading up to my son's birth was such a delight. Her prenatal private sessions with my husband and me were thorough and really made us feel like we were preparing both physically and emotionally for labor and postpartum. My goal was to have an unmedicated birth and she helped me to feel confident in my instincts and strong in my body. Due to a prolonged period of advanced dilation/effacement prior to my water breaking I was not permitted by my doctor to labor at home and as soon as my water broke Efe was on her way to meet us at the hospital. During my quick labor and the challenges of pushing she was positive, offered amazing suggestions to help make me as comfortable as possible and worked really well with my OB and the rest of the hospital staff. In fact, my OB told me after it was one of his most enjoyable experiences working with a doula because of her great energy, solidarity and collaboration. I had the labor I had hoped for with Efe's help and couldn't recommend her more.
Sarah and Noah
Hiring Efe was the best thing my husband and I did for ourselves while preparing for our baby. The main reason we wanted a doula was for guidance on the big day, but Efe helped us prepare for when the baby actually came (surprisingly we hadn’t thought that far ahead...). She encouraged my husband and I to articulate our expections for household management, emotions during and after labor, handling family, and taught us how to bond with our baby. She helped us decide on our birth plan and how we wanted to communicate with doctors and each other during labor. We planned to labor at home and deliver at the hospital without pain medication. I wound up getting induced at 38 weeks because of a (not accurate) growth scan saying my baby was too small. I was given oral drugs to prepare my body for Pitocin, and while waiting for them to work I used Efe's techniques to encourage labor to progress on its own. I started to have contractions and my water broke while laboring on the yoga ball. My OB still wanted to administer Pitocin even though my contractions were escalating quickly, but she was absent so Efe helped my husband manage the nurses, who allowed me to continue at my own pace without administering additional drugs. Six hours later our daughter was born! Efe encouraged me when I was in my darkest place, when I said I couldn’t do it anymore she said I could, because look - I already was! I’m surprised I didn’t break her hand from squeezing it. My husband and I are both fully convinced that I would have been given Pitocin, and probably an epidural, if not for Efe’s help. We love her and are so grateful that she was there for us!!
Malwina and Konstantin
Efe was a great help during my pregnancy, birth and afterwards. When my due date passed, she was able to reassure me that I'm making the right decision waiting for the birth to happen naturally. She was always there for me to talk to her and ask all the questions. Then, she was assisting me and my family during what was a very long labor in the hospital. Efe was able to work together with the midwife, but at the same time advocate for me and explain what procedures the hospital staff was suggesting and if they were truly necessary. She knew perfectly what positions to recommend and how to keep my attitude positive (which was not easy!:) Eventually, I gave birth to a healthy and happy baby girl. And although it wasn't the easiest birth, Efe contributed a lot to the fact that after all it was a very positive experience for me and my family.
Efe is very dedicated, knowledgable and provided us a lot of pregnancy- and birth-related information. Besides that, she is just an awesome human being: you feel comfortable having her around in that special time in your life.
Jasmine and Michael
From our first meet w| Efe, during the interview process for Doulas, my boyfriend & myself were excited about having her assist us. Not only was she positive and informative, but she also wanted to get an insight on the type of clients we were.
From the prenatal visits, to signing us up for classes, forwarding information for us to discuss that we didn't even think of and/or research for ourselves; Efe not only made prepping for our sons birth worry-free, but gave both my boyfriend and myself so much support the day of. Encouraging us, reminding me of my affirmations, guiding my boyfriend as he supported me.
All this continued well after the birth of my healthy baby boy, who's now 1 month. Efe continues to reach out to us, to check up and see how we're doing and if have any questions. Greatly appreciative of her. And we decide on having another addition to the family, she will the first person we call when we are ready to prep our home birth
Alicia and Herman
Efe Osaren came into our life four days before my water broke & after three Doulas that did not work out. At first meeting, we reviewed our client intake form which laid out my birth plan. My husband and I felt that she was down-to-earth and professional. Directly following our first meeting she sent us a contract to review, which was comforting. When my water broke a few days after meeting, Efe was communicative and brought me peace of mind as I entered into this new adventure. Throughout the labor process she kept me present to my birth plan, shared video resources, and supported my husband with navigating the medical system. All in all, we worked great together as a team and I felt extremely supported the entire time. In the delivery room, she was calm and present but not overbearing -- which I really appreciated. Postpartum, she helped me with breast-feeding (she is also a lactation consultant) and has answered all of my questions via text or email. I highly recommend Efe and her services and I am confident that she will be a phenomenal doula and soon to be midwife for you! Work with Efe - you will be happy you did.
Kemeshia
My experience with Efe was exactly what I expected. She pushed me to going further than I wanted to go which is what I needed. I told her I didn't want an epidural and I really wanted a VBAC and that is what I got. Even though I started to give up on my dream of a natural birth. She really advocated for me during delivery and labor. I definitely would love to have her again when I decide to have another child. She remembered everything I said I wanted in detail. I was comfortable with her from our first meeting until she visited for my postpartum. Her energy is very positive and calm and that is what I needed. I really enjoyed my overall experience with her.
Wynoami and Joe
I knew Efe was going to be a great addition to my support team the moment we met. She is knowledgeable and passionate about natural childbirth and the care of the mother. Once I went into labor, she waited patiently for my call to have her come over and she was at my home in less than an hour. Throughout my 34+ hour labor, she was patient, helpful, and loving. My husband was heavily involved and Efe was gracious in leaving us plenty of space while also offering continuous support. My birth did not go the way I hoped but Efe stood by my side the whole way through reminding me of what was important to me, what my rights were, and what was coming my way. Her presence and knowledge helped me find peace in a quite hectic moment in time. After my baby was born, she made sure we were in a good place before she went home for a well deserved rest. Over the course of the first two weeks postpartum, Efe checked in to make sure breastfeeding was successful and connected me to lactation specialists when things were tough. I would most certainly choose her again should I be blessed with another child and I would most definitely recommend her to any mother especially first-timers.
Shari and Harley
Efe was an amazing resource throughout my pregnancy. She maintained professionalism and flexibility with my demanding work schedule. An added plus is that Efe is well known in the birthing services industry and highly respected (anyone we asked knew her name right away). This helped us feel more confident in our decision to choose her as our doula. During my pregnancy, it was important for me to feel knowledgeable and empowered in my decisions. Efe kept us informed of our options and gave us time to reflect on the information she provided without pressure. She was also always available for questions. If she didn't know the answer to our questions, she would always followup with responses from her network. During labor Efe was attentive without being overbearing. She was there when I needed her and gave me space when necessary, which was very important for my birthing plan. After my son was born, Efe came to our home, helped with some latching issues, and even put together my sons chair. She goes above and beyond for her clients and her love for this works shows. Ultimately, you can't go wrong in having Efe as your doula.
Shaina and Theo
After one of my prenatal visits my midwife suggested I get a Doula. I expected to have a natural birth at a birthing center with no drugs and just a limited amount of people. I didn't receive any of that. The only wishes that were granted to me was a healthy baby and the unwavering support of my Doula from early labor til now 1 week and a half post partum. My doula Efe was my emotional support pre-natal, during labor and post-partum. She became my conscience and my guide when I felt like i couldn't fight anymore, she reminded me of the things I wanted for my birth such as dim lights, delayed cord clamping, and exclusive breastfeeding. My labor was a crazy whirlwind of many opinions non of which consulted with me and it would have been EXTREMELY worse if I did not have Efe, she helped preserve not only my sanity but my strength as a woman and now as a mother that I am strong and able
Melissa and Pete
We had a very positive experience working with Efe. She was responsive to my questions before, during, and after labor. She came to our home for our pre-birth visits and provded us with useful information to prepare for our daughter's birth. During labor, she was a supportive presence and helped me make decisions in the hospital. She stayed with my husband and me for 12+ hours until my daughter started to latch. She has been helpful in answering questions postpartum. Efe is knowledge and a kind presence. I recommend her doula services.
Nzinga
Efe is the definition of a wonderful doula. My experience with her was amazing. She was there for my entire labor and delivery. Honestly, if it wasn't for her presence I don't think I would have been able to do it. She helped with my contraction pains by constantly applying pressure to my back. As soon as I wanted to give up she reassured me that I could do it. Thanks to Efe I gave birth to my bouncing baby boy naturally on July 10, 2016.
Anu
Working with Efe was great. We'd enjoyed working with her because of her open mind and our similar cultural experiences. Her energy and great hugs were a wonder to work with. She was very considerate of our wants and needs. She helped us execute our birthing plan to the fullest extent possible. Efe went out of her way to help find us classes and programs in our budget (free). She saw our struggle and found a way to fill in the gaps of what we needed. She never forced any methods on us. Although all of her suggestions were helpful in the long run. When it was time for labor and delivery, he tips for a successful healthy delivery and her soothing presence were beyond miraculous. I had a quick and healthy birth. I managed to walk out of the delivery room in one piece and feeling great. I wish there was more to give Efe other than a giant thank you and hug.