"When I called Whitney in a panic at 32 weeks in my second pregnancy, she was instantly my voice of reason.  I wanted a VBAC and my doctors were becoming resistant.  I knew in my heart I could successfully have a natural birth if I was given a chance.  Whitney loaded me with information and confidence to stand my ground and demand the birth experience I wanted.  So, when my baby was ready to join this world, having Whitney by mine and my husband's side was pertinent.  She helped me find my inner strength while allowing my husband and me to have one of the most intimate and exciting experiences in our lives.  Whitney was able to reason with me, calm me and refocus me when the going got tough.  She gave me strength while my husband gave me support.  It was truly a beautiful birth and I could not have done it without Whitney!"

Lisa, Client

"Whitney was amazing throughout my pregnancy and helping me navigate the unexpected story of Alina’s birth!  I knew this from our first meeting, but to still feel that her services were so important after a birth that was so different from my expectation is a true indicator of how much I valued her wisdom and support!  Her strong communication follow-through is also incredibly important!  She answered every phone call, text or email.  I never had to worry about Whitney being there to help me out! At first I wondered if a Doula’s value was less when a C-section is necessary, but quickly identified value in so many areas of Whitney’s support.  My sister was in town to help us out when we got out of the hospital.  That first night was anxiety-filled as our daughter cried as she hadn’t in the hospital and my milk hadn’t yet come in.  She left when Whitney came to check in with us, and when she returned, she said, “Wow!  You two are different people.  I think she was worth every penny just in that last meeting alone!” My birth story is nothing like I dreamed it would be, but it worked out, and it was Whitney who helped us navigate these unexpected challenges that led us bringing home a beautiful, healthy baby girl."

Teresa, Client

"Whitney's knowledge before, during, and after the birth made it a wonderful experience.  She brought up many things I hadn't thought about before the birth that made the birthing process go smoothly.  During the birth, I am convinced that without her, I would have had a c-section in order to deliver my 9 lb 10 oz baby with a 15" head!  While she never pressured me to deliver naturally, she always had alternative solutions so I could wait a little longer before having the epidural.  By the time I didn't think I would make it any longer, it was time to push. Because, I was in labor for 32 hours and active labor for 18 hours, this was no easy feat!  Whitney is an amazing resource to have with you while giving birth for both you and your partner."

Megan, Client 

"We gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby girl on September 3, 2011, with Whitney as our Doula. Although we unfortunately ended up doing an immediate C-section due to baby's breech position, we were grateful to have Whitney alongside us and throughout the prenatal period. She was a really great resource for all the important things to consider and prepare for during the prenatal period. Luckily we were allowed to have her join us in the operating room, where she provided great supportive help to both me and my husband, helping us understand the process, which would have felt chaotic and out of our control without her guidance. Before going into the operating room, she encouraged us to ask for things and do things that we wouldn't have thought of, such as having my husband hold the baby

on my arm and chest to encourage early skin-to-skin contact, and other helpful pieces of advice or ideas. I am so grateful for her assistance in our birth and would highly recommend anyone to work with her whatever the circumstances of the birth might be."

Shravanthi, Client

"Whitney was quite helpful in preparing us for birth, but she was indispensible at our hospital birth.  We had quite the ordeal since my water broke first and I didn’t have contractions for over a day!  Whitney did a great job of coaching as well as giving us factual information with which to make good decisions as the hospital staff presented us with options.  I am convinced that it is because of Whitney’s coaching that I did not get an infection, one of the risks for waiting after my water broke. After our beautiful son was born, Whitney helped with breast feeding and answered our many new-parent questions.  Both of us feel that she met a very real need for a coach before, during and after our birth.  I highly recommend Whitney for anyone preparing for either a home or hospital birth."

Jessica O., Client

"The moment i discovered i was pregnant i knew i had to find a doula. Not just any doula she had to have extensive background in VBACS. This was my third pregnancy and i was determined to have this baby vaginally. My Teddy weighed 9 lbs 2 oz! Whitney was there for me from the first interview. She calmed my fears, and gave great advice to put all the balls in my court for the delivery. On March 27th i had an intense labor. My contractions started around 5pm. and were a min apart by 7pm.  I couldn't get on top of my contractions till i decided to just start pushing. Whitney was the only one to notice i was pushing. She didn't tell me to stop or tell anyone i was pushing. She was reading my birthing cues. My husband held my body weight through each surge and Whitney applied pressure to my lower back. I asked for a hot compress for my urethra and my bottom. Whitney got them immediately. The doctor and nurses yelled at me to push. Whitneys reassurance and experience helped me feel secure that my baby would be fine. The nurses applied supra-pubic pressure and Teddy shot out so fast i almost fainted. He was born at 9:10 pm I am still amazed and in awe of his birth. I knew i could do it. Whitney helped me take back my power over my birth."

"My husband and I were thrown for a loop when our planned and rehearsed natural birth plan abruptly changed due to our baby being in a breech position. We had been set to deliver at Mountain Midwifery, but now we were heading to Swedish Medical Center, and we were so scared that we’d end up being just another c-section. Thanks to the wonderful Dr. Michael Hall, I still had the chance to deliver vaginally and without any drugs, but I knew I needed help from a pro! In a panic, we searched online for a doula, found Whitney and called her at 37 weeks to talk. The moment my husband hung up with Whitney, we knew she was the doula that would help us get through this together. Suffice to say, I delivered our beautiful daughter Chloe at Swedish, with Whitney coaching all the way. No drugs, no unplanned procedures. Everything was perfect (well, super hard, but we did it!). Whitney literally gave my husband and I our most amazing, memorable experience to-date and gave Chloe a natural, non-drugged start at life. And, she latched right away and we’re still happily breastfeeding along at 8 months! Thank you, thank you, thank you Whitney. You’re amazing!"

"Whitney was a calming presence for us before and after the pregnancy. Our daughter was one of the only (maybe THE only) birth Whitney has ever missed because little Devyn came so fast. But I am still so glad that we hired Whitney. She gave us great information in the weeks leading up to the birth that made us more confident going into labor and delivery. And I was incredibly glad to see her as they were handing me my baby for the first time as she helped me calm down from the delivery and start breast feeding. She was also invaluable to be able to call in those first couple of weeks when everything baby does is new and scary!"

"Whitney provided us with prenatal support for the birth of our son in June 2011 and we couldn't be more pleased with the care, attention and support she provided. Although she was unable to attend our actual birth (our son arrived earlier than planned), the sessions we had with Whitney leading up to the main event were a key factor in allowing both myself and my husband to feel prepared for the birth process and for me to labor without medication. Whitney was a wealth of information and always made herself available for any questions we might have, both pre- and postpartum - as nervous new parents, we particularly appreciated this aspect of her care. We were very lucky to be able to work with Whitney, and I'd highly recommend her services for anyone interested in having a doula attend their birth."

Amanda G., Client

"I went into labor on a Saturday night and texted Whitney that I thought this might be the real thing.  She was available all through the night and answered all of my questions; she was willing to come to the house at any time.  Whitney came to the home Sunday morning and stayed by my side the entire day.  We decided to head to the hospital late Sunday afternoon.  Whitney was highly attentive to the nursing staff, while continuing to be my advocate and comfort while laboring.  She was able to ease my pain (unlike my husband or any family member), it seemed she had every trick in the book for each stage of labor.  She helped my husband understand what kind of support I needed and didn't need.  Whitney helped me develop confidence in myself and body that I never knew I had; she continued to encourage me that I was "doing this"  and I could do it.  We had an incredible birth with Whitney by our side the entire way.  We plan to work with Whitney during our next pregnancy/birth and highly recommend her because of her vast knowledge and understanding for women's health-childbirth."

Jessica, Client 

"5 months ago today I gave birth to my first baby at home.  Whitney gave me the confidence and support I needed to make this dream birth happen.  She was able to supply me with a wealth of knowledge and educational material to help prepare me for the birth.  She came to my house to speak with me and my husband about our expectations and even watched some birth videos with us.  When I went past my due date she came over and gave me a wonderful support talk to get me through. During the birth she kept both me and my husband nourished and hydrated.  She held my hands and rubbed my back and was with us every step of the way.  Her support was invaluable.  I know she kept my husband from becoming very overwhelmed when my labor became intense.  Her presence calmed me both because of her expertise and because she had become a true friend during my pregnancy.  I highly recommend Whitney to anyone getting ready to give birth either in a hospital or at home.  She is professional and warm, and she really knows her trade."

"Whitney has a great rapport with people, she is not only good and knowledgeable in what she does, and she is also committed and engaged. We are truly thankful for everything she did for us and hope that we can work with her again either as a doula or as a future midwife."

"Whitney is amazing and played a pivotal role in making sure my husband and I had the first time birth experience we desired. Being plus size and pregnant you’re placed into certain stereotypes but I was determined to not live up to them. Whitney had more confidence in my ability to have a natural childbirth then I had but over time she helped me to become just as confident. My husband and I felt like we learned more from Whitney in our first meeting then we had with six months of prenatal care with an OB.Whitney tapped into our emotions regarding our son’s birth and opened my husband up in ways he hadn’t anticipated. She was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had via e-mail and always made it clear that she was here for us at all times. When I was in labor Whitney taught me how to ride my contractions like a wave and blow them away. Chris and I did our best to express our gratitude but I don’t think I can ever really thank Whitney enough for her guidance and care during one of the most incredible times of our lives."

"Without Whitney, I am confident I would have had my son via c-section in a very hospital-centered way.  With her support and after taking her advice of switching to a midwife, I ended my induction off of all medical interventions, with freedom and dignity, with no pain killers, and with a natural birth of my completely healthy baby boy."

"Obviously in a pregnancy, the spotlight is on the mother and the baby, as it should be.  However, I feel that it is necessary not to leave out of these testimonials that Whitney does a wonderful job for those in the partner role as well.  As a first-time father, she did a great job of helping me figure out some of my concerns and engage me to my comfort levels throughout the pregnancy.  On game day, her support for my wife, as well as for me, made a huge difference."

"Whitney was absolutely amazing, and my husband and I couldn't have been happier with our birth experience."

"Whitney was there from start to finish. She had a way of knowing exactly what I needed without me ever having to say it. Having a hospital birth that truly felt like a home birth wouldn’t have been possible without her. She is an incredible woman and her ability to be an advocate, sister, friend, support, and a true professional is so very amazing. She is an incredible doula and I would strongly suggest her to anyone embarking on the journey of pregnancy and birth."

"my husband and i have a 6 week old son that we delivered naturally two weeks late and we give whitney full credit for getting us there. we were scheduled to be induced at 6 pm on sunday nov 1 and we went into labor at 1130 am. we were a full two weeks late which was stressful and full of a lot of recommendations and suggestions and pressure from all sorts of people and throughout it all whitney was neutral and objective and incredibly supportive and informative. whenever we were getting pressured to do something she would email or call with resources and information for us to balance the recommendations nad help us make our own decisions. in the end we tried castor oil, and whitney was the only one who recommended this but she explained to us why so many people have a bad association with castor oil and we figured we would try it and that is what got our labor going and ensured we had the natural labor and delivery we had hoped for. throughout our pregnancy whitney was always available to answer questions or just provide support -she's sweet and smart and really dedicated and passionate about her work-you can just tell. we met her at a doula info session and she really stood out to us as someone who was both knowledgeable and assertive. she was a great advocate and friend to us."

"We had Whitney as an on-call doula during my 45 hour labor in late August. This means we'd never met her before, but she just showed up after we called the center. . . and  she totally relieved us, gave us new ideas for coping, taught me to relax and also came to our birth, where she was a great presence. Choosing a doula is obviously a very personal thing, but I loved her energy, knowledge and spirit and I highly recommend her."

"I was in labor for  a total of 19 hours. Whitney did what no one else on the team could do- she helped me discover a part of myself that I never knew was there.  She called it my inner Warrior.  I not only succeeded with my VBAC but I also experienced a spiritual journey within myself.  I will be forever greatful to Whitney for taking my hand and guiding me through my fear to an unchartered place of strength within my own self."

"I had a wonderful birth experience with Whitney. My pregnancy ended up complications, polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid) and my daughter was large for gestational age.  At the end of my pregnancy my belly measured at almost 50cm, instead of 39cm matching my 39 weeks of gestation. Whitney made several long trips to my home to meet with me to make sure we had all the information we needed to have the best birth possible.  Whitney regularly checked in on us by phone and email.   In the end we decided on a c-section to ensure healthy mom and baby. Whitney completely supported our decision and helped us with information on all our options for a c-section and to create a great c-section birth plan.  In the end our c-section worked out just as we planned and wanted.  It was a beautiful birth with her help, despite it not being as we originally planned.  Which was to have another medication free, natural birth as we had with our son.  Our birth was quite different, but as or even more wonderful.  We ended up with a happy healthy mom and baby. The post-partum visits and phone calls, along with the help on cost during this bad economy was so helpful too! Thank you Whitney, you are really the best!!!!"

"Whitney provided me and my husband with services as our "back-up" doula.  She was called to meet us at the hospital on short notice (and on her birthday, no less!).  Her support during my first 12 hours of labor was invaluable.  Her presence was comforting and she offered many and varied suggestions to help throughout labor.  She created a sense of calm around us and gave us information on our options as I began to question my ability to birth drug-free. Whitney possesses a great deal of professionalism as well as personal familiarity which is a perfect balance for someone in this line of work!  I highly recommend Whitney; her work as a doula is truly outstanding!

"Thanks so much for everything.  I really know that your support gave me the strength I needed to have a totally natural birth in a hospital setting. What an accomplishment and miracle." 

"We are both very happy with our birth experience and have great memories, thanks to Whitney. We are glad to have utilized Whitney and highly recommend her for your birth."

"Whitney was terrific both before, during and after the birth -- especially given the labor didn't go as planned due to a mix-up at the hospital. It was very reassuring to have her help, and we loved working with her because she really listens to what YOU want as opposed to trying to talk her clients into having a certain type of birth plan. When she works with you, she makes herself available 24/7 and I called her a few times when I went into false labor and it was terrific to have her around as a resource. She also has a great sense of humor and made me feel very at ease. We'd highly recommend her!"

"I just don't feel like you know just how wonderful you are...but YES you are one remarkable Doula!  Ever since Aleia's arrived I've been very busy (needless to say :-).  But I've been meaning to share this with you.  I cannot thank you enough for all you've done for me and my family!  I had the best labor experience measured up to my dream labor (that I had previously wrote down) in every way!!!  Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU, for making one of my best moments just as good as I hoped for.  I also appreciate just how you were perfectly there for me just when I needed help, encouragement as it came time to push.  I felt so nurtured, cared for, and completely felt comfortable to trust you to help and guide me during such an intense and intimate time.  I wish every woman could get this experience."

"Whitney was very helpful in comforting [mother], offered great suggestions, provided support & helped with breastfeeding in recovery"

"She helped me stick to my birth plan, even when I didn't want to, which helps with my overall birth happiness"

"Whitney did a wonderful job"

"She was wonderful! Very helpful & encouraging."

"Whitney was invaluable! She did a great job!"

"Her emotional support was very good!"

Whitney Nichols-Dewey is a certified birth (labor) doula serving the Denver and Boulder areas.