Testimonials
From: Haley Gandsey
These first-time parents were amazing to work with in 2024. Here is what Haley had to say about her experience.
“I don’t want to come across as dramatic, but I think hiring Julie McBurney of Blissful Births is the best money I’ve ever spent. We interviewed 4 different possible doulas and Julie immediately was our first choice. Her birthing experience is extensive, she put us at ease with her intuitive questions, and she prioritized getting to know our individual temperaments and personalities. We were first-time soon-to-be parents and we were nervous. She communicated with us each to suit our different styles of learning and processing. She was on call for our birth and spent a long 25-28 hours with us in labor (it’s all a blur). But what I remember is how she made us feel. I am stubborn and persistent and wanted the birth I wished for so badly. As in most things, nothing ever goes as planned. Julie helped us make informed decisions at every angle and every point of the birth journey. She made me feel strong and validated and also gave me permission at the end of it all to lean into what was needed. After we were discharged she came to our home to do a postpartum visit. She was so critical in helping me breastfeed successfully and spent time showing us how to baby-wear and pace bottle feeds. We have a healthy baby boy and Julie was a huge part of his ride into this world and we are forever grateful. Could not recommend Julie more; she is the best!“
From: Sarah Gorham
This was Sarah’s second birth and our first time working together in 2023.
“Julie provided invaluable support during my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum period with my second child. I truly cannot imagine having a baby without a doula and Julie is one of the best. She’s highly knowledgeable, very experienced, an excellent listener, and exceptionally calm, which was exactly what I needed. Thanks to her, I was able to achieve my goal of laboring and delivering my daughter unmediated and in an upright position. Highly recommend!!”
With the support of her amazing birth team (husband, midwife, nurse, and doula), Sarah was supported in following her intuition and comfort and staying upright to deliver her baby. It was all done safely, and it was a beautiful birth.
From: Julianne Perotti, mother of three
I had the pleasure of being Julianne and her husband's doula for all three births in 2013/2018/2021.
“If you could only pick one person to be with you during your birth journey, you’d want Julie McBurney. I did, for all three of my kids. I don’t know how we would’ve gotten through without her. With impeccable intuition, wisdom, and patience she guided me through the life-changing journey of motherhood. She anticipated my needs before I even knew what my needs were. Her support was indispensable and irreplaceable. Julie is kind, caring, smart, and funny. Julie’s support, a wealth of knowledge, and experience guided all of my births and helped me land a smoother postpartum recovery. She recognized breastfeeding issues immediately-supported me and connected me with the best breastfeeding expert that I could not have successfully breastfed all three of my babies without her. I highly recommend Julie, as your Doula and her Placenta Encapsulation services.”
From: Paulline Mallea
In 2025 I had the pleasure of joining Paulline and Doug on their first birth journey. Here is what Paulline had to say about the experience.
“As someone with high anxiety, I knew I wanted a doula to guide me through the birthing process. The minute I met Julie, I knew she was the right person. From our first meeting, I was welcomed with warmth and support. She provided an incredible amount of knowledge and answered all my questions with patience. She was attentive to our family and me before, during, and after the birth. Her years of experience helped me navigate tailbone issues weeks before my labor date. She identified that the baby's head may be in the wrong position and gave me exercises to help relieve it and improve the baby's position. This type of knowledge was not something my provider could identify, and oh, was she right.
When it came to labor, she brought me so much relief. Julie's superpower is her grounding energy, which creates a nurturing and calming atmosphere. She knew exactly what to say, how to hold me, and taught my partner how to help during the process. There were moments when I needed to advocate, and she showed me how (teaching me to fish). She was a dream to work with, and the other labor and delivery midwives and nurses agreed. The nurses shared that we made the right choice because she has an incredible reputation in the hospital as a supportive and highly professional doula to work with. I saw it firsthand. She was always one step ahead to make the whole experience seamless for both me and the nurses. Because of Julie, I had a positive, low-anxiety birthing experience. She helped me through my challenges, eased my fears and anxiety, and kept an incredible energy in the room that rubbed off on everyone. My husband, baby, and I couldn't have been happier.
After birth, I had challenges with breastfeeding, and Julie was there to provide guidance and connect me with a professional from her network who shares the same level of customer care, passion for her field, and commitment to excellence.
Julie is, without a doubt, following her calling. She has made an incredible impact on our lives, and we are so happy that our little one entered the world with such a positive experience.”
From: Jill Putman
This was Jill's third birth. I served as her encapsulation specialist in both 2021 and 2023. In 2023, this was my first experience as her doula.
“Julie is amazing. Her presence was a grounding force during my pregnancy and labor. She was able to explain what was going on with the monitors and translate from medical speak to help me understand. And then empowered me so I could have the birth I wanted. Although it was my 3rd birth and 2nd VBAC I couldn’t have done it without her.
The thorough process for encapsulation intake made me feel comfortable that my placenta would be safe and handled with care. The service is fantastic and Julie delivers them to your door which is great postpartum. The pills were prepared well (no residue) and easy to take. The keepsakes are so special, I wish I had them with my first.”
From: Marty Long
I had the honor of joining Marty for the birth of both her boys in 2008 and 2010.
“.Julie is the kind of person who brings calm to the entire room, no matter the situation. In 2008, she was with me in a hospital setting for the birth of my first son. Then in 2010, she helped me through the birth of my second son at Women's Birth and Wellness Center. Without Julie, I wouldn't have had the courage to switch to the midwives, and I would never have had the birth experience I actually craved. I will always be grateful to her and am so glad she was the woman present for me at the two most important moments of my life.”