Marnellie Bishop

I knew from our first meeting that Marnellie was going to be our strong advocate. In researching doulas for my second child, I wasn't sure what I was looking for other than knowing I would be supported. Upon talking with Marnellie, I immedietly felt confident that she had it all together. She is professional, yet warm. She answered all my questions fully and detailed, and had plenty of questions for us as well. Marnellie was able to ask the right questions to help me determine what I was hoping for with my birth experience. My first birth was positive, but I was looking for even more confidence in my second. She directed me to resources that helped educate myself, she answered all my questions. She was well versed in the Hypnobabies practice I had decided to embark on as a self study, which helped me feel confident enough to push through it. When my labor started, I felt so comforted knowing she was there to help me determine when we should go to the hospital. Not by telling me, but by helping me come to the decision myself versus worrying about it. My labor was fairly quick, so she sat by my side briefly while we were at home then joined us in the car to the hospital. She helped my husband coordinate with hospital staff once we arrived, allowing me to continue to labor how I needed to. She continued to be a liason between us and the staff throughout the birth, which alleviated a lot of stress for both my husband and myself. The postpartum visits were lovely because it just felt like hanging out with a good friend. She was there to talk, process my birth experience, and lend a hand. I found I was far less anxious with a newborn the second time around, but I would wholeheartedly recommend a doula for all first time moms. I could have used it for sure! I honestly would tell any pregnant mom to be to consider a doula, and especially Marnellie. I know my birth experience was so incredibly positive and empowering because of her help.

Hiring Marnellie as my postpartum doula was one of the best decisions and definitely money well spent.  I don’t have family in the area and am prone to depression so I hired a postpartum doula for emotional support and help with my baby.  She was so wonderful with tips on things like breastfeeding and sleeping.  I call her the baby whisperer.  She provides suggestions based on experience and research and is completely nonjudgmental and supportive of different parenting styles.  It was nice to hear that I was doing a great job, the 3rd party reinforcement helps a new mom immensely.  I highly recommend!

Our experience with Marnellie was an unforgettable one. We liked her from the beginning with her gentle nature and do what needs to be done mentality. She was professional and prepared for anything when it came to our prenatal visits and during the birth.  She had both personal experience and experience from helping others during birth. You could tell she had done her research. We, the scared parents-to-be, could ask all questions and she always made them feel valid and make sense. I personally liked that she felt like a friend I could trust right off the bat. During the birth she was exactly what I needed. With a quickly progressing labor, she would always be calm and ready us for what was next. She not only helped me but instructed the other members of my support team how to be helpful to me making all of us feel like a team. She reminded me to keep relaxed as much as possible and offered suggestions when necessary. She anticipated the needs I didn’t know I had and communicated what I wanted with the Hospital staff when I wasn’t able to. Stumbling home with a newborn, Marnellie helped us perfect swaddling, showed us new methods for soothing and helping us set up easy systems to get as much sleep as possible. I couldn’t imagine having a more wonderful experience with anyone but her. I was told I had a “Unicorn Birth” under 12 hours from when my water broke to the birth and about 30 minutes of pushing and I believe her strong soothing nature helped make that a reality for me. When we find ourselves pregnant again, we will call Marnellie when telling the rest of the family ?? Marissa and Zeke (and Kieran)

I can’t imagine what labor would be like without Marnellie. She was such a comfort to me throughout the whole process. She was such a great support before labor, during and after. She is truly passionate about her work. She listened to the type of labor I wanted and frequently sent me articles and videos to prepare me for labor. When I found out I needed to be induced because of pre-eclampsia I became nervous and tearful but calling her and talking throuch the process of induction helped to calm me. During labor she was with me at every moment massaging me, coaching me to breath well, coaching me to push effectively and having an active role in trying to turn my baby since he was in the wrong position. One of the most valuable aspects of Marnellie’s presence during the labor was to help talk through difficult decisions when faced with medical complications and the ongoing flexible support she provided when things didn’t go as planned. I ended up having a reaction to a medication given to me that was very scary and sent me into the biggest panic attack I have ever had. When I started to panic, feeling as if I could not breathe and I may not make it, all I could think of was “get me to Marnellie,” this proves how much of a comfort she was to me. She stayed late with us, comforting me through the drug reaction by massage, music and reciting her children’s favorite story from memory. After the labor she continues to be a support by checking in with me frequently and giving advice about any challenges my baby and I are facing. I would definitely recommend Marnellie as a doula for anyone!

Our decision to use a doula was almost last minute and we only signed on with Marnellie less than two weeks before our son’s due date. She came right over and helped us finish preparing everything from our birth plan to our hospital bags. When the time came she helped us labor at home as long as we felt comfortable and then went to the hospital with us. Marnellie was there supporting and couching us both through the entire process. We were impressed with her calm presence and professional manner. We will always be grateful for the guidance she gave us. We would recommend her highly to anyone looking for a steady hand to help them through this amazing experience!

Marnellie is amazing doula. We chose her after interviewing several other doulas and felt she was the best fit. Both my husband and I can vouch for her ability and knowledge. She is very responsive and will answer any questions you have in a timely manner. She will also research to provide you with information from various sources. My husband and I found her presence very calming during both our prenatal visits and birth. We also appreciated that we were able to meet her backup doula during one of our prenatal appointments. This is something none of the other doulas offered. Our birth experience took an unexpected turn however, we really appreciated Marnellie's support during the process.