Sarah & Josh - Washington, DC
"They say it takes a village to raise a child - and if you have Lisa Gould Rubin in your virtual village, you’ll be the luckiest parents in town."
As brand-new parents, we were dedicated to the notion that it’s all about instinct. With most of our family living far away, we were fiercely proud of ourselves for struggling through the tough times without asking for help.
It wasn’t until the third week of our baby’s life that reality seemed to hit home. My husband was traveling on business. Our girl was in her fourth consecutive witching hour – and my hormones were making me hyperventilate in unison with her cries.
I called Lisa. The voice on the other end of the phone immediately began to restore confidence and calm.
What amazed me is how much she listened – and how quickly she seemed to share ownership of the problem. She asked me to hold the phone out so she could hear the baby’s cries. “Sarah,” she said, “our baby girl is tired… she’s really, really tired and so are you.”
And then Lisa told me that no matter how long it took, she’d stay on the line with me while we worked through how to console both the kiddo and give some TLC to my inner mama too.
On that night - and so many more in the months that followed - Lisa held my hand. She was there through the phone, FaceTime and texts whenever I needed her, never a minute too soon or too late.
We talked about feedings, burping, sleep (for the whole household), diaper changing, holding positions, hormones and the emotional ups and downs that go along with it all. She offered me the latest research in childhood development, knowledge about what women have been doing for centuries and most importantly - as it turned out - her own remarkable insights about how to proceed, given the particular circumstances and problems my husband and I articulated.
One of Lisa’s many special gifts is the ability to be insightful without being overbearing. She always had respect for our own parenting instincts, teaching us how to trust them and build on them. Part of what made her such an extraordinary help and support is that she listened to us and really saw us - as we learned to listen to and see our new daughter.
What Lisa managed to teach us – and what we’ll hold with us as our baby girl grows - is the knowledge that we’re the best parents for her when we’re forgiving and understanding with ourselves.
We still have sleepless nights, but now, three months later, there are fewer of them. And we joke that we want Lisa with us right up through our daughter’s college applications.
Words aren’t enough to express what her support has meant in our lives. We look forward to talking with anyone considering bringing Lisa Gould Rubin into theirs.
Sincerely,
Sarah & Josh
Washington, DC
Julia & Jamie - London, UK
"It was a huge comfort to navigate this new, challenging experience with expert guidance and on-demand, virtual support from Lisa. Even though we live in the UK, this worked really well."
Albie is our first child, so we were keen to embrace as much support as possible. Lisa, as our virtual doula based in the US, provided us with this profound support.
Even though we live in the UK, this worked really well. Despite the time difference, Lisa was available and “on call” around the clock, using a combination of Facetime for audio/video calls and WhatsApp for messaging. In the run up to the birth, we checked in with Lisa regularly, both independently and as a couple, to discuss Albie’s birth. It was during a protracted three-day labour that Lisa’s support was truly invaluable. She listened-in via loud-speaker during contractions and provided practical suggestions on how best to manage them, together with much-needed reassurance.
Once baby Albie was born, Lisa checked in with us daily answering our many questions. She used Facetime video to help remotely with breastfeeding, 'walking us through' various techniques and ultimately recommending a product that helped Albie to latch. Those first few weeks were so challenging and unfamiliar. From breastfeeding, sleep advice, post-labour healing and diet to assistance with general baby ailments, Lisa provided us with clear, comprehensive support at every milestone. It was a huge comfort to navigate this new, challenging experience with expert guidance and on-demand support from Lisa. She was so generous with her time, and respectful and thoughtful in her approach. We are hugely grateful and recommend her wholeheartedly.
Julia & Jamie S
London, UK
Martha & Aaron - New York, NY
"Having Lisa’s knowledge, reassurance, and warmth was such a comforting and grounding presence for my husband and me. Being able to text her at 3 am when first going into labor and having my husband be able to reach out to her during our time at the hospital was the perfect amount of support for us."
The process of pregnancy and labor can be a frightening experience, so much is unknown and out of our control. As first-time parents, we were so excited to meet our baby and at the same time quite honestly a bit terrified. Having Lisa’s knowledge, reassurance, and warmth was such a comforting and grounding presence for my husband and me. We felt safe and able to ask questions and receive the exact amount of support that we needed from moment to moment. For our family, we decided to utilize Lisa’s Virtual Doula support services. This virtual experience was perfect for us because Lisa was able to support us anytime we needed via phone calls, texts, Facetime/skype, etc., all while we were in New York City.
Lisa’s availability and dedication to both my husband and me was incredible, and the flexibility of her being our “Virtual Doula” allowed our time together to be completely tailored to our needs. Being able to text her at 3 am when first going into labor and having my husband be able to reach out to her throughout our time at the hospital was the perfect amount of support for us. Her passion and love for the entire process of pregnancy and birth was so clear and evident; her joy created a comforting blanket that let us know, “this is going to be okay, you can do this.” With Lisa’s guidance we were able to process all the complex emotions regarding becoming parents, and she helped us feel better prepared, supported, and excited for this new tiny being entering our world. We are so thankful that we were able to have access to support 24/7, even though we were in entirely different cities. Lisa you are so talented, and we can never thank you enough. We love you.
Martha & Aaron
New York City, NY
Molly & Joe - Arlington, MA
"What an incredible gift Lisa is. She answered our frantic calls and texts at all hours of the night - no question was too small or silly."
What an incredible gift Lisa is. Her wisdom, calming presence and energy were just what we needed to prepare for the arrival of our first child and soothe us all once home.
It began with virtual birth classes tailored around our busy work schedules. Even through the computer she observed the panic in our eyes when discussing anything medical and met our panic with the warmth and wisdom of a beloved family member. Lisa answered our frantic calls and texts at all hours of the night - no question was too small or silly.
Following the birth of our first child Jack, Lisa provided what can only be described as life-saving support. She loaded us nervous new parents up with information on new born baby supplies, breast-feeding tips, and validation that this was HARD. Lisa gave us the concrete steps that we needed to master his bedtime and sleep routines, including getting him back to sleep easily whenever he woke during the night. I’ll never forget when we called her 2am panicked by the sounds Jack was making while sleeping. She listened and assured us he was just snoring. She supported us in gaining confidence over the following weeks to trust our instincts. To believe that we were capable and loving parents; perfect for Jack.
It’s hard to describe what Lisa gave us in our most vulnerable time. She saw us, heard us and supported us in ways that you can’t put in words. We are forever thankful to have her in our lives.
Molly & Joe
Arlington, MA
Sarah & Nick - Carmel, NY
"To have been able to access this type of support virtually, no matter where we were, was immeasurable."
As first-time parents, my husband and I were more than a little bit nervous about the birth of our baby. At the time, I had no idea what a "Virtual Doula" was, but we were running from one appointment to the next for prenatal checkups etc. and, with both of us working full time as well, the idea of working with a doula from a virtual standpoint was extremely appealing. My pregnancy was considered high risk, and as I struggled to find practitioners that felt comfortable for us, Lisa put me in touch with the right people.
From here our journey blossomed as we were supported by Lisa's vast knowledge and guiding heart throughout my pregnancy, delivery and postpartum experience. To have been able to access this type of support virtually, no matter where we were, was immeasurable. No driving to an office or having to wait a week for a scheduled appointment, it helped me to feel very relaxed knowing Lisa was only a text, email or phone call away.
We were able to take Lisa's birth class live by video conference, from the comfort of our couch at a time that was most convenient for us (even our dogs joined in). We loved the thoroughness of the information along with the personal, approachable feel of our sessions. For my husband, it was much more feasible to be present for our birth class after dinner, at home. We felt comfortable, safe, and empowered, and grew more and more excited after every class.
It was also extremely helpful to have Lisa with us via phone and chat in the delivery room, especially for my husband and my mom as they helped me navigate my difficult labor along with our midwife. This wasn't a "one size fits all" kind of thing. Lisa was totally tuned in to us, to who we are individually, the whole time and that was an incredible feeling.
The culmination of our time with Lisa came as she guided me through the toughest days of being home postpartum. One morning in particular, in tears, I had messaged Lisa about feeling totally overwhelmed and instead of having to pack the baby to leave the house, or wait for someone to come to me, she was on the phone and talking me through it, then checking in later that afternoon through text message. Lisa's support was an invaluable part of the birth of our daughter. We truly hope to be able to call on Lisa again with news of a second baby someday, because we will certainly want her with us, virtually, again.
Sarah & Nick
Carmel, NY
Emily & Teddy - Bristol, VT
"I am convinced that the work we did together by phone helped me have the beautiful, intervention free, drug free, redeeming labor I envisioned."
I am convinced that the work we did together by phone helped me have the beautiful, intervention free, drug free, redeeming labor I envisioned. I am grateful for your wisdom and care. You have a gift and I am incredibly thankful to have crossed paths with you.
Emily & Teddy
Bristol, VT