Love Notes & Birth Stories

Candi was such a blessing in my births and my life. She came highly recommended and I quickly understood why. She has so many talents and knowledge including hypnobirthing, massage therapy, EO’s and more. She helped me determine what I wanted and needed in my births, helped me write a birth plan and taught me to use hypnobirthing. I was blessed to have her for two of my births (she was 1st choice for all!) and the experiences were the most positive, encouraging, calm and comfortable because she is an amazingly gifted doula. She was available, knowledgeable, calming, and highly intuitive. She was always aware of my state of mind (I had extreme anxiety around hospitals) and needs at all times. I had intense back labor and she helped my husband apply counter pressure to my back and hips during my long labors and never tired. My husband was very worried about knowing how to help me during labor prior to meeting Candi. During labor he suddenly knew my every need before I did and was calm and supportive. He knew exactly where to rub to release pain, the best positions to hold me and exactly what to say. Little did I know that Candi was quietly whispering to my husband what he could do for me. She EMPOWERED him to be present and supportive in our birth. She’d calmly explain what was happening. Her voice was so comforting and assuring. She knew my needs before I did which took the pressure off my mom and husband so they were confident they were helping me. I know without a doubt that her presence and support was the only reason I was able to stay unmedicated with intense back labor. Our medical staff was highly impressed with her professionalism and knowledge and enjoyed working with her. The nurses even left saying, you are in wonderful hands here! When I asked my husband if he was glad we hired her and he said “OH! We are NEVER having another baby without her! SO WORTH IT!” I am forever GRATEFUL to have to have found her. Steph E.

Candi was part of both of kids' birth stories and I'm so grateful she was there for me. My husband and I attended Hypnobirthing classes with Candi before my son's birth. She taught us so much and helped us both understand and prepare as best as we could for birth and parenthood. She was with me the entire birth for my son, trying to ease my painful back labor, the entire (27 hours) time. Without her, I wouldn't have been able to achieve the drug free birth I wanted. It was a very long day and night and she never waivered. With my daughter's birth, just 18 months later, she was there to support me in my water birth. For both births, she walked the hallways for hours with me, utalized her expertise in yoga, massage therapy, essential oils, dancing for birth, hypnobirthing and other techniques so I was able to have an easier birth. After the baby's birth (when everyone just wants to see and hold the new baby), she was the only one to ask me how I was doing. She did belly binding on me after my daughter's birth, which helped me with a quicker recovery. She also did a post-natal massage and celebration of motherhood with me. The way she helped me celebrate and acknowlege what my body had done by growing a tiny human, was something I would have never done for myself. She is truly one of a kind. Candi is compassionate, kind, knowlegeable, skilled and dedicated. I cannot recommend her more highly! Kimberly

We were SO BLESSED to have Candi as our doula for three pregnancies and births! Candi is a caring and talented professional with a generous spirit. She combines the experience of being a massage therapist and birth professional to provide a doula package that is unparalleled. She is a rare find in an underserved region of greater Minnesota where there are few natural birth advocates, and I am so grateful for her service. With my first pregnancy, I went into labor two weeks early in the middle of the night, and my husband and I were both scared and did not know what to expect. We called Candi, and she came right over. After watching a few of my contractions at home, Candi realized birth was imminent, and we left for the hospital. I had incredible discomfort in my back during labor, and Candi used her massage skills to provide me significant comfort. My son was born 90 minutes after we arrived at the hospital. Candi was there every step of the way providing support, comfort, and encouragement. As a bonus, Candi also took some wonderful photos of the birth. After the birth, my husband said, “everyone should have a doula!” Candi was very respectful of the relationship between me and my husband and encouraged him to support me throughout the pregnancy and birth. Candi is also skilled at navigating the relationships with medical staff. After my most recent birth, my midwife was quite impressed with Candi and asked for her contact information for the future. We were so excited to hire Candi for our other births. All of my births have been unmedicated, and I credit Candi’s service as a main reason why my births have gone smoothly. Candi has become an integral part of our birth team and is like a member of the family. I highly recommend Candi, and we plan to hire her again should we have another baby.    Shannon L.

Candi was my doula with my first child. I couldn't imagine it without her! I also took hypnobirthing classes with her and they helped my mindset going in immensely. I had back labor and only thing that helped was counter pressure to my low back. Candi sat with me for hours with her fist in my back to provide relief which I'm sure was tough on her body as well. I truly don't think I would have gotten through without drugs or medical intervention if not for Candi, she is a godsend! I was unable to have her as my doula with my second child and it was way different. I did not feel like I got even half of the same support that I felt I had with Candi. Just her presence and demeanor is very warm and calming. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a good support system for your birth and hope if I'm ever to bring a third life into this world that she is right by my side. Trina P.