Eliana
“The first time we met Sutay, before even knowing she was a doula, my husband and I both knew we wanted her at our birth. Her presence was calming, confident and grounded, and we knew she was the kind of person we wanted to accompany us as our daughter came into the world. We’re so glad we chose Sutay to share that most precious and intense day with us. She was so present throughout my labor. She stayed by my side for countless hours, and I felt like she knew what I needed without my having to say anything. Her energy melded seamlessly with my family, and she truly supported everyone there. And her presence helped me feel safe, soothed and taken care of. One thing that really stands out about Sutay was her desire and ability to help my husband help me. We both appreciated that so much. We truly felt Sutay’s caring during visits before the birth, at the birth and in visits following the birth. I would recommend Sutay to anyone looking for support through this amazing journey.”
Amy
“My daughter’s birth turned out to be extremely difficult, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that I don’t know how we would have gotten through it without Sutay. Her support before, during, and after the birth were vital. During our stay in the NICU afterwards, the nurses commented on how wonderful Sutay had been during my labor and what a great advocate she was.”
Tanner and Mommy
“My water broke only a few hours after my last pre-natal yoga class with Sutay who was also my doula. Thirty hours later, our beautiful son was born. Sutay was instrumental in our amazing birth experience. Although the labor was intense and long, I knew with Sutay and my husband, I could do anything. We were able to have an unmedicated birth and a healthy delivery. Sutay created a calm environment, knew exactly where to be when, and supported me and my husband. Her countless ideas and suggestions made our birth plan come true. She worked with the hospital staff ensuring that we were all on the same page. Being able to let go of the details and logistics allowed my husband to be truly present with me. We are so thankful and grateful for Sutay and cannot thank her enough! Her vast knowledge and calm spirit combine to make her a wonderful doula and person.”
Sierra
“Sutay’s prenatal yoga class helped prepare me with some moves to make my labor more comfortable and speedy. As a first-time mom, I didn’t know what to expect during labor. At first, my contractions were pretty mild and didn’t seem to progress– we were going to have to induce soon. So I experimented with different yoga positions. My husband and I were both blown away with the effectiveness of *2* squats in jump starting the contractions! I don’t know if squats could work like that for everyone– but it was nice to have some tricks up my sleeve.”
Yoga Client
“I looked forward to Sutay’s prenatal yoga class all week. I knew as soon as I arrived that I would be surrounded with understanding, acceptance, and peace. Not only was the class a place where I could stretch my sore body and relieve some of the physical stress associated with carrying a baby; it was a place I felt safe sharing my innermost concerns about my pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood.”
Deanna and Malaya
“I tried several mom and baby yoga classes after my daughter was born (in June 2008). Sutay’s class was by far my favorite. She uses great asanas for moms, and thoughtfully gives an option for you to integrate the baby into every pose if you want. I found it to not only be great exercise as I worked through my postpardum period, but also relaxing and wonderful bonding time with my little one. I would highly recommend Sutay’s class to any mom’s and babies!”
Jean Marie
“Sutay is caring, compassionate, kind, and strong. She knows so much given her experience as a mother, a nurse, and as a human being. She is like a rock. Sutay was there for us before, during, and after the birth of our gorgeous baby girl. She supported us through everything; she listened and provided counsel as we needed it but she never impressed anything upon us; the choices I made were mine. The thing is, I can’t imagine having made those choices without her by my side. I can’t say enough how much Sutay’s presence meant to me and my husband. I am forever thankful that I met her and that she was there for the birth of my baby. If and when I get pregnant again, I will call Sutay.” —Jean Marie
Amy D.
“As our doula, Sutay did a wonderful job of supporting both my husband and me during my labor and delivery. Her presence was very calming and grounding, and her experience and knowledge in the field of pregnancy and childbirth was very comforting to me. I think every pregnant mama should seriously consider finding a doula to support them during their pregnancy, and especially during their labor and delivery. It’s so important to have another support person, in addition to one’s partner.”
Nicole
“Sutay’s prenatal yoga class was truly the highlight of my pregnancy. Her gentle spirit, combined with her nursing background and life experiences of birthing around the world make her an excellent resource for expectant mothers wanting to connect with others through yoga. In addition to invaluable yoga and relaxation techniques, her classes provide a forum to connect with other mothers in sharing hopes, fears and questions in a supportive environment.”
Cynthia
“Hey Sutay, I actually went into labor the morning after my last yoga class with you. We were able to make it through without any interventions—the “keep up” exercises really helped me at the end with keeping the pushing going. I really enjoyed and appreciated the prenatal yoga classes with you, which helped me get ready for the birth.”
Emily
“Sutay’s mom-baby yoga class was a fabulous way for me to bond, relax, and exercise with my baby. Not only did my baby love the special mom time, he loved dancing with me and joining in the yoga stretches. I also gained a lot of confidence in my parenting skills and it was just so nice to be with a community of moms who were going through the same ups and downs and anxiety that I was as a first time mom. Also, the gentle exercise helped me get back in shape and feel good about my body again.”
Mandy and Amelia
“Sutay’s (and Shanti’s) positive energy and spirit are just what I need to get through a crazy week. Her classes have inspired me and helped me to get back into shape after having my baby. Thanks Sutay!”
Jill & Jack
“We recently had the pleasure of working with Sutay Berman for the healthy pregnancy and birth of our first child. We were so blown away by our experience that we felt compelled to share with others so that they may know what it is like to have a beautiful pregnancy and birth experience.
Sutay’s vast knowledge and gentle spirit initially attracted my attention when I was looking for a doula. At the time she was the instructor of my prenatal yoga class which was very helpful in keeping me fit and feeling great all the way thru my pregnancy. Sutay’s experiences with African mud hut births all the way thru super high tech births made me feel safe no matter which route I chose, or if unexpected medical circumstances were to arrive.
My husband was not excited about the idea at first. He felt it was a waste of money and that we could do it with the midwives and our family. After he met Sutay, he was singing a different tune completely! She worked with us for months before the birth to really get to know each of us as individuals as well as a family. I believe this, along with her natural intuition, allowed her to anticipate our needs during the birth, often times before we even knew we had the need. She was like a little angel floating around our room making us feel safe, more comfortable and well protected. She took care of all of us – even our family! She managed to make all this happen without ever being obtrusive or making my husband feel out of place. He was so thankful that she was there to do the things we didn’t know to do, but that made a big difference in our experience. She was a true advocate for both of us, as well as our son.
My birth turned from an un-medicated natural childbirth to a planned c-section due to my baby being breech. She was there every step of the way to help me make this monumental adjustment mentally and emotionally. She was even there holding my hand during the c-section when my husband was not allowed to be by my side. I can’t say how much this meant to me! It really made all the difference in the world. I was never alone in the operating room. She captured the birth on film when neither of us could have, and we are so grateful to have those pictures today. I was very afraid of the surgery, but Sutay went above and beyond to make me comfortable. I feel that I received “special treatment” from the hospital because she was my doula. I toured the birthing rooms and surgery recovery rooms prior to and had a walk thru of sorts so that I would know what to expect and wouldn’t be so scared. She answered so many phone calls and emails answering my questions about everything under the sun that was remotely related to pregnancy and birth. I think I talked to her just as much if not more than my midwives!
To this day Sutay is a trusted friend, one I feel privileged to know. I can’t say enough about how her presence impacted my entire experience and made it peaceful, and beautifully my very own. Our family will always hold a special place in our hearts for her, and will ask for her help again when the time comes to expand our family. I can’t imagine why I, or anyone, would make this life transformation without her!”
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