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Welcome!

I'm Maria Darden, Birth Doula

I am a doula who guides and supports people so they feel empowered while giving birth.
CD(DONA) LCCE

Calm, Confident, Supported

I believe birth is fundamentally a natural, healthy, physiological process. I believe that birth works best when undisturbed the majority of the time. I do acknowledge that at times the use of judicious intervention is necessary, beneficial, and increases the safety of mother and baby.

About

Hi, my name is Maria Lena! I have extensive experience and exposure to childbirth spanning 20 years in multiple settings, including homes, a free-standing birth center, and hospitals. This experience has made me very familiar and comfortable with labor as a normal process and aware of what laboring women’s needs are. When I am not helping people give birth, I love to ride horses, read novels and write fiction. Along with my extensive professional experience with birth, my personal experience guides and informs my work with families. I have a special heart for women hoping to VBAC and especially want to support them. I have had two VBACS which allows me to know firsthand how much support and reassurance is often needed to build up and reaffirm belief, confidence, and trust in the body’s ability to birth after a previous cesarean surgery.

Learn more about me on my website!

 

I believe birth is fundamentally a natural, healthy, physiological process. I believe that birth works best when undisturbed the majority of the time. I do acknowledge that at times the use of judicious intervention is necessary, beneficial, and increases the safety of mother and baby.

Hear from my families

Maria is an amazing doula to say the least! Going into my second pregnancy wanting a VBAC I was so nervous and knew I needed more support. I did a ton of research and found Maria! I read all her testimonies and her experience (she has experience with her own VBAC!) so I knew she was the one! She was so comfortable around me and made sure I knew all my options. When it came time, and I believed I was in labor, she was always there to answer my questions and text me back! When I went to the hospital she arrived to meet me and helped me through each contraction. Her calmness and knowledge allowed me to get through my anxiety. I was upset to know I wasn’t dilating very well so we went home. As my labor wasn’t progressing at home, I became panicked but she explained to me she knew exactly what to do to help move the baby into a better position. Even though I was in so much pain during the circuit (forgot the name) and wanted to give up she persevered for me! She wouldn’t let me give up and she kept encouraging me to get through each contraction. My water broke during the last part of the circuit so we went to the hospital! She spent the next almost 10 hours doing EVERYTHING in her power to help me and comfort me. Even though I was in my most vulnerable state, it was like I’ve known her forever. She said all the right things and kept my best interest and my babies in mind at all times. I am so happy I was able to experience my VBAC and I couldn’t have done it without Maria! Thank you!!!!
I greatly appreciate all of the support Maria provided me during my daughter's birth. Having a doula definitely assisted me with feeling supported and dealing with the unexpected. Thank you Maria!