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Samantha's presence at, and after, the birth of our daughter was such a help. At our birth we appreciated her ability to read the needs of the room - from keeping me hydrated, to sensitively supporting me through contractions, to warming up towels to wrap around our new family in those first precious minutes together, to emptying and repacking our birth pool and leaving the room spotless. Samantha was able to find the balance between being directly supportive when needed, role-modeling helpful techniques for us both, and giving us space in the process; She stepped forward as needed, and back as appropriate.

As first time parents preparing for a huge new experience, having a supportive and knowledgeable Doula was invaluable and one of the best choices we made. Samantha was generous in sharing information and time leading up to our birth as well as after. Her prenatal visits focused on imparting information and preparing us for the many eventualities, possibilities and decisions in labour and birth. Samantha's presence at our labour and birth focused on attuned practical and emotional support for our family as a whole. Further, as part of her Doula package Samantha took some incredible photos for us that we will cherish. She also loaned us a baby wrap to use after the birth, and was very helpful in providing referrals for other services. Working with Samantha was a big part of our process in creating a well-informed and well-supported birth experience. We are so grateful.

​-Sarah + Tim

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We couldn't be happier with the support we received from The Maya's Nest!!
At our first meeting, Samantha and I just clicked and I knew she would be the right doula to support us throughout pregnancy and birth. I knew she could help me work towards (and hopefully achieve) a more informed birth experience for my second child - whatever the outcome.
Samantha knew education and informed choice was so important to us and really focused on that during our prenatal appointments. While quietly fostering a close, comfortable relationship with myself and my husband, she also endeavored to answer every question we might have about labour, delivery and beyond.
I firmly believe that Samantha's calm, unwavering support on the day I was labouring, as well as her diligent preparation and education for us is what helped me achieve an unmedicated vbac, and finally a birth I was proud of and at peace with. She empowered us through love and knowledge and we couldn't have done it without her. Thank you for everything, Samantha, we love you!
​We would not hesitate to hire The Maya's Nest again, and highly recommend them to friends!

- Jolene and Russ

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Samantha was a fantastic support for us. As second time parents and my husband being fully involved in every aspect of the pregnancy, I didn't think I would need that much support but of course the unexpected always happens! Samantha was a wonderful coach - I don't know how I would have handled the natural birth of my daughter without her! She was also always available for any questions I had during and after my pregnancy. Much appreciation for this wonderful doula.
- Crystal

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Samantha was referred to us by my sister who also had her as her doula this year. From the moment we met, we knew that Samantha would be our doula as well for our big day. She explained everything clearly, was patient while answering all of our questions, and met with us a few times prior to our delivery. Even though we had also taken prenatal classes, it was very helpful to meet with her one on one for our questions and to make us feel more at ease. She was also available for any questions via email and texts messages. When my labour started, she was available and came to our house when we needed her. As soon as she got there, I felt better knowing that she was there and it helped to calm me down, even though I was in pain. Just having her there, holding my hand and making eye contact with me at the house and in the delivery room helped me to push through the pain in order to deliver. She thought of ways to make me comfortable that others didn’t think of, even small things like making sure I was hydrated.
In addition, as my delivery was quick so Samantha didn’t have a lot of time to take pictures for us, so she was even sweet to come to our house afterwards for a photo shoot. While many might question whether hiring a doula is worth the cost or think they don’t need one, I highly encourage it. I knew I wanted someone else there with me, besides my husband, and my doctor, who I knew could not stay with me the entire time. Samantha made us feel comfortable the whole time and highly recommend her and her team for their services. We have even hired them to learn how to do infant massage, which have been very helpful for our little girl. I also appreciated how seamless and professional the hiring process was.
-Ram

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We recently had the pleasure of having Samantha as our doula for the birth of our first child and can honestly say we can’t imagine getting through it without her! Starting with the pre-natal info visits, Sam provided a wealth of information (and humour) to prepare us for the birth and beyond. Sam presented the info in a relaxed way that made it easy to understand and very relatable. During the birth Sam provided a sense of calm and reassurance that truly helped my husband and I get through the whole experience. We planned on having a home birth but in the final hour had to transfer to the hospital. Sam calmed me down during this extremely stressful transition and seemed to always know exactly what I needed before I did! Having Sam beside me made me feel empowered and supported from start to finish, she gave me the birth experience I had hoped for.   I highly recommend Sam and will be calling on her again if we have a second :) 
- Jen and Wes

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My wife and I had an overwhelmingly positive experience using Samantha as our Doula.
During our two pre-birth meetings, Samantha encouraged us to make our own decisions when it came to creating our 'birth preferences' and she provided us with a lot of very useful information. She has a very easy going attitude and is extremely knowledgeable! This made the whole experience much easier because we knew what to expect.
When my wife started going into labour in the early hours of the morning, Samantha made it to our home promptly as soon as we asked her to come. She stayed with us for the entire labour, and well after the birth (over 24 hours!!).
Samantha's knowledge and encouragement allowed us to stay comfortable labouring in our own home for the entire day. When she decided it was time to go to the hospital, and we had the exam, my wife was 8CM dilated. That's some seriously good timing! Her relaxation techniques kept my wife rested and in the zone -- meaning she managed to give birth without any pain medications or other interventions (as was our preference).
A couple of days after the birth, Samantha came over and took some great professional photos of our baby. They turned out really nicely.
I really can't recommend Samantha enough. It was the best money we ever spent. If you are on the fence about getting a doula (especially if this is your first baby), just do it. It is well worth the peace of mind.
-Mike

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Samantha was amazing. She gave my partner and I great information at both our prenatal appointments. She patiently answered all of our questions. I texted her regularly leading up to my birth and she always replied promptly. It was good to have someone to contact about questions I felt silly about or that seemed like "TMI". During my birth, which took place in our home, she always seemed to know what I needed and had it right there for me. She moved about in a stealth way so that she was available, but sort of the sidelines at the same time. It really allowed my partner and I to be the main players in our son's birth. Her voice is very calming and I really appreciated her gentle coaching during my birth. I used her birth pool which made for a much more comfortable birth than had I not been in water. She had great advice and goodies for me at our postnatal visit. I recommend her strongly without hesitation and look forward to working with her again! She also took beautiful photos for me, again in a way so that I didn't even notice her taking pictures at the time. I also used The Maya's Nest placenta encapsulation services and I think it's been beneficial for healing, energy, and mood for me. Thank you Samantha and The Maya's Nest!!!

-Emily

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Samantha made my birthing experience truely amazing! My husband and I could have not done it without her. Her words of encouragement kept me going when I thought I was done and her coaching to my husband in how to help me benefit both of us. I would highly recommend having Samantha part of your special day as she is simply the best!

-Naveen

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We were so happy to have the support of Samantha for our birth.  It was great to have her available as a check point by text/phone in the days leading up to labour.  When it was finally "go time", her support was just what we needed.  Samantha was a great practical help and we really valued having an experienced person on hand to know when to head to the hospital, to help further explain things, and to reassure us about what was normal.  Most importantly, she brought a calm spirit to the labour and birth that helped me trust my body and put my husband at ease so that he could be the best support possible.
-Trudy

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This was my second pregnancy and I was planing a VBAC. The first time around I had a c section and never experienced contractions or did any labor. After much consideration I decided to hire a doula to help me through labor. Best thing I ever did. 
Samantha was great. She anticipated all my needs and guided me through each contraction. it was like running a marathon and have a personal coach by my side encouraging me ever step of the way. The TENS machine also helped immensly through each contraction. I highly recommend it too. Samantha is knowlegable and was there to answer all my questions. Even in the hospital she was able to explain some of the terms they use in "plain" words. Thank you Samantha.
                                 - Romina

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"Samantha's support dring my homebirth was phenomenal. I did not have to ask for anything - she always knew what I needed and what to suggest. Anytime she was getting something for me or taking photos, she made sure my partner or my older son or one of the midwives took over seemlessly. I can honestly say my birth was 'perfect' and I have so many beautiful photos to look back at to remember the day my daughter was born."

- Angie

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Samantha is the best and she was Immaculate!!! Having her as my doula was definitely one of the best decision that we ever made throughout my first pregnancy considering that we have no family to support us here in BC. She was so "automatic" during my labour process. She was very knowledgeable on what is happening and just know the right thing to do if a curve ball arises. Samantha was also very gentle and never stepped in or replaced the role of my husband althroughout the entire process. Instead, she was there to teach and show my husband how to support me during my tough labour. She stayed the whole time until my little one came out. Samantha made my first pregnancy and delivery a very memorable experience. I never thought I would make it to natural birth after all the pain due to back labour. But having her to coach me made me confident & stronger in every contractions. She will always be a part of my pregnancy journey story and will forever be thankful for having  
                                        her as my doula. Would definitely ask and have her again for baby # 2 and will highly recommend her. Thank you        
                                        very much Samantha!   #love&gratitude

                                  - Naja

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"This was our first baby and our midwife suggested a doula. We met Samantha at around 36 weeks. We exchanged phone numbers and she came to our house to get a feel for the birth experience we wanted. From the start Samantha was very easy to talk to and she made my husband feel really comfortable. 
On the day of our labour Samantha came over to our house when we requested her and brought along some pain relief techniques and knowledge that really helped me get through my labour. She also helped my husband help me and took over when he needed some breaks.  My labour ended up taking 34 hours! But we got there and Samantha stayed the entire time. I felt really comfortable around her from the beginning. In between contractions we talked and laughed. During contractions she helped me relax and encouraged me the entire time. Samantha is also very knowledgable about labour and new born care. She came by a couple days after delivery and was able to answer my questions about the labour and caring for a baby. I will for sure be requesting her for baby #2 and recommend her to anyone."

​- Leigh & Ryan

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"My husband and I were so grateful to have Samantha's support throughout my pregnancy and the birth of our first child. She provided us with a ton of helpful information and great tips for both my pregnancy and labour. Always checking in on us, available when we needed her, and genuinely concerned that we were taken care of. Her techniques and personality combined put me at ease during a difficult labour and she stayed with us to the very end. It was great peace of mind just to know she was there. We couldn't have done it without her and we were so happy she was part of such a special experience. We will definitely be calling her again for baby number two! Thank you Samantha!"
- Fania & Anthony

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"The support from Samantha before during and after my birth was absolutely incredible. She's your absolute dream partner. Her knowledge and experience allowed me to make decisions that were best for me and my baby. After the birth of my daughter I can truly say that the birth went exactly how I wanted. I'm so happy and pleased with the tender care she provided and always felt like I was in control of the next step. My husband felt such a sense of relief and was able to focus and enjoy every moment that was ahead of us. This is my first child and I won't be having another one without Samantha. She is such a wonderful person to top it all off and it's so clear that she loves what she does. I would recommend her to everyone!! Thank you Samantha for everything. You were my lifesaver."

- Susanne & Nic

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"I guess I never really thought much of the role of a doula since I never even heard of such a thing until a month before the birth of my daughter. I figured most people just have doctors to deliver for them, or some people choose to have midwives which I already thought was a luxury. But when I went into labour, knowing that Samantha would be there was very comforting although I only met her once beforehand. The moment she arrived in my room, I couldn't believe how much I needed her to guide me through the excruciating pain - the breathing, the various coping methods, the communication... Everything about my experience with her was amazing and I am so thankful to have had her there for emotional support. I can't even begin to explain how important her role was through  my labour process and I can't imagine having gone through it without Samantha. Best decision I ever made was to have Samantha at my birth!!!"

                                            - Camy & Steve

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"I was so, so, so happy to have Samantha as my Doula. She was such an informative and calming influence during my labor and afterward when I had to go for surgery. Her words of wisdom via text, when I was in early labor really, really helped alot. I was always remember her during my most vulnerable time....during my first birth. She will always hold a special place in our birth story and our special day. Thank you always Samantha."


- Melissa & Jeremy

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"I found Samantha to be a valuable support person. During the prenatal visits, she provided me and my husband with adequate resources and information on pregnancy and labour. In addition, her presence and constant support during my labour was a big help. During labour, she was very nurturing and encouraging. She helped me remain calm and focused through the contractions. She also provided the TENS machine which helped ease the pain. She even stayed in the hospital long after the delivery of my son to help in any way that she could. I highly recommend Samantha as birth doula!"

- Katherine & Johnathan

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The Maya's Nest Doulas and Birth Photographers provide information, support and nurturing while capturing life's
​ most precious moments to families in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, n Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody,
 New Westminster, ​Burnaby, Vancouver, Langley and Surrey.