I truly cannot say enough good things about Debbie. I had twins in September 2012, and Debbie worked with us for several months following their birth. From the moment I had my babies, Debbie was there for me—supporting me through some of my challenging post-partum transitions and helping me get ready to bring the twins home. Once we were home, Debbie was a godsend. For starters, she was incredible with the babies—natural and caring and comfortable even with my preemie twins. I learned a lot just from watching her. But even more than that, she was incredible with our whole family. From helping us with practical things like setting up our Pack-N-Play, to helping me verbally process my post-partum emotions, to answering my husband’s questions,  to assisting with breast-feeding and bottle-choosing, to advising us on what to ask the pediatrician, Debbie was there for us in every possible way that we needed her. I always looked forward to when she would arrive for day help or for overnights; her arrival was always like a breath of fresh air (and she was always punctual and professional). In addition to being empathic, I found Debbie a be especially non-judgmental.  I never felt pressured to do things her way, and she clearly wanted to help me do whatever I felt was best. That said, she is exceptionally knowledgeable, and I loved how she could answer all my questions thoroughly and usually with a  lot of scientific backing. If she didn’t know an answer, she looked it up. I valued how detailed her explanations were and just how much she knows—about a lot of things baby-related.  We feel truly lucky to have had Debbie become a part of our family and recommend her enthusiastically. She is a gem.
Stephanie
IÂ hope that you are lucky enough to work with Debbie Castelbuono as your doula!
I’ve known Debbie for almost two years. She is a caring, empathetic, nurturing professional and friend to women and mothers. I’m impressed by not only her knowledge, but also her desire to be open to others experiences and to always be learning more.
Debbie is truly focused on the health and wellness of the baby, mother, and whole family that is being impacted by a new arrival.
You will quickly feel comfortable with Debbie – she is a genuinely kind and intelligent woman, someone who is a keen listener, has a sharp eye, and a fabulous wit. Her experiences working with women formally and informally both as they approach childbirth, and also after a new baby has arrived, are quite varied, and always inform her knowledge base and work. Plus, Debbie is also a fantastic mom to three amazing kids herself!
I am a mother of two small children, and Deb is a huge part of my support system and knowledge base. My whole family has been blessed by my connection with her, and we owe a debt of gratitude to her for the love, concern, caring and help she has offered over the years.
Your entire family will benefit from working with Debbie before, during, and after your labor with your child. Congratulations on the new addition to your family, and enjoy the support and strength that Deb offers you all.
Christy
Amanda
Debbie was our birthing doula for our first daughter, born April 2nd, 2012. When we met Debbie she was immediately calming! Her voice, manner and knowledge had a calming effect on both my husband and I. She spent almost two hours at our first meeting answering questions and reassuring us. We did not even interview any other doulas because we were so certain that this is who we wanted to help us through our first birth.
When my water broke before 6 am on a monday morning I knew immediately that the baby had had a bowel movement in utero so that it was likely I would have to deliver at the hospital instead of the birthing center.  We arrived at the hospital all around the same time (9 am) and she immediately started to provide suggestions for supporting me through early labor (movement, distractions). The longest part of my labor, from probably 3-7 cm – my husband and Debbie were working together as I used hypnobirthing techniques to manage the pain. Debbie’s voice was hypnotic and her presence relieved the pressure from my husband as she told him how to help me. He never had to wonder.
I was able to fulfill the most important part of my plan, which was having a healthy baby girl! I labored and delivered naturally thanks in a large part to Debbie’s support of both my husband and I. Debbie also stayed an extra two hours after my baby was born to provide suppoort through our first breastfeeding experience. My daughter latched well from the start with her guidance.
The entire birthing experience was amazing and I would not change one thing. Â My husband and I have already said that if we are lucky enough to have another baby we will be calling Debbie – we could not have done it without her.
Paula
Deb is calm and gentle and helps keep mom, dad, baby, and environment relaxed. She understands exhaustion, options and identifiers for PPD as well. Having Deb assist as a birth or post partum doula will offer you comfort and assistance at a time when we need it most!
Renee
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