love letters

"Thank you for always trusting me to trust my body."
~Kanoho Cho, Kailua-Kona, HI

"I truly can’t imagine my pregnancy and birth without Darby. From the moment my husband and I first met her, we felt such an instant connection. She has a quiet confidence about her that I was drawn to from the beginning. She always took the time to answer our questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. She took extremely thorough notes and really listened to all of our concerns. I left every single one of our prenatal appointments feeling more informed and confident.
She’s incredibly knowledgeable and in tune with women’s bodies and always reminded me of my strength and ability to grow, birth, and nourish my baby. When it came time to give birth, she spent the whole night at my house during my early labor and then helped me breathe through my contractions during active labor. Even though I was scared as a first time mom, I never let the fear take over because I felt so safe and supported. My baby was born perfectly healthy and beautiful in the most peaceful home environment, surrounded by so much love. My healing was fairly easy thanks to the herbs, tinctures, and placenta medicine provided by Darby. She was truly there for me from beginning to end. It was the most beautiful pregnancy and birth I could have imagined, and Darby will be a part of my family for life ."
~Emma Sparks, Waikoloa, HI

"Darby was my midwife throughout my pregnancy and birth last year. It was my first pregnancy and birth so I obviously had a lot of uncertainties and some fears around the whole thing. I loved our prenatal appointments together because she always held space and was compassionate about anything and everything we wanted to talk or ask about. She was so helpful, informative and comforting. She had magical plant remedies for any symptoms I had troubles with. She gave us information on the typical vaccines/tests that are done in a hospital setting and gave us the choice whether to partake or not. There was never a doubt in my mind that I was in good hands and I would be well taken care of. At the birth, she kept my baby and I safe, following all necessary protocols and giving us the peaceful and comfortable home birth experience we were looking for. She was there for me through the postpartum recovery, again healing me with her magical plant wisdom.
I would not have traded in this experience for anything. I highly highly recommend choosing Darby as your midwife."
~Lindsay Johnson, Holualoa, HI

"Darby is an amazing person and midwife, so beyond grateful for what she provided for me and my partner and the journey we went on to the birth of our fist child. There’s too much words to describe her wisdom and dedication to her practice and lifestyle, I can’t express enough how amazed and thankful we are for her to have come into our lives!"
~Ryan Miller, Holualoa, HI

"Darby gave me a gift that I will carry throughout my entire life — she gave me the home birth of my dreams! My first pregnancy was a c section, my second pregnancy was a hospital birth with a midwifery team and my third birth was by far my best and with Darby! My pregnancy with Darby was a VBAC at 41weeks plus 4 days at 39 years old. One of the things I valued most about my time with Darby was the significant amount of time she would spend with me at each prenatal appointment. Darby’s experience combined with her caring and calm nature allowed for many great conversations and education. Darby knew how much I enjoyed reading during my pregnancy and offered many great books from her collection during my pregnancy. It’s Darby’s unique combination of experience, a calm and grounded presence, attention to detail in her prenatal appointments and note taking, dependability and understanding of plant medicine that sets her apart. I could write so much about how wonderful Darby was but I will leave it with one more thing that is hard to find — someone who is ALWAYS there for you. There was never a text message, phone call or appointment that Darby didn’t respond to almost immediately. She’s highly dependable and cares so deeply for the moms she cares for. I always felt deeply cared for by Darby and believe she will always be part of our Ohana (Family)."
~Mollie Gundersen, Keauhou, HI

"Darby is a gift from goddess!! ♡ I have just recently given birth with her as my midwife for the second time and I am thrilled and so thankful to her. She is so supportive, gentle and caring. I always felt so loved and cared for. I was even having financial difficulties this time around and she was so patient and willing to work with me. I highly recommend this amazing woman!"
~Sarah Hoffman, Oceanview, HI

"I couldn't be more thankful to Darby for safely ushering our baby girl in the world. I felt safe and comfortable under her care. I appreciated her genuine spirit, confidence, strength, and relaxed approach. I had a LONG labor and she was there with us through the whole thing. I also loved that she came with a fetal heart monitor, oxygen, a wide range of homeopathics, and offered a vitamin K shot at the birth. She also knew just what to say and do and when to say and do it to help encourage my labor to progress! Many thanks to her. I highly recommend hiring Darby for prenatal care, birthing, and postnatal care."
~Chauntelle Sharp, South Kona, HI

"This midwife sits at the hand of God!
I wish every mother could have such a wonderful experience. Prenatal at home or at the beach? No problem! As first time parents (in our 40s nonetheless), Darby checked all our boxes - so loving, nurturing, yet professional, intuitive, and highly skilled. I would never want to birth in a hospital if I didn't have to, thanks to her and her amazing team. With 14 hours of active labor (4 of which were pushing), Darby kept this mama calm and supported every step of the way (even had to pull an all nighter). She also correctly adjusted my due date (ultrasounds are not always right). We are full of gratitude for the love and passion she has for her most important work. Not only do we have an awesome midwife for any future births, but now a friend and auntie to our precious Penny from Heaven."
~Jen Radich, Captain Cook, HI

"Darby is amazing and any of the woman she brings on her team too. She has a special bond with every mom, father and child that she works with. She has a gentle nature to her. So positive but in such an honest and informative way. Goes above and beyond for baby and moms and gives such amazing holistic love. Everything about our experience was euphoric. I always recommend her. It’s amazing too cause she’ll be a part of our babies life she doesn’t just go and I don’t think a lot of people realize how special that is."
~Jade Lauer, Kailua-Kona, HI

"When I became pregnant with my first child, I wanted nothing more to have a home birth but knew I couldn’t afford it. Darby and I met up so I could ask her a bazillion questions, and of course she answered every one of them with knowledge, patience and an open heart. She even suggested a payment plan. I am forever great full of the beautiful, gentle, home birth that she gave my family and I. With the help of Darby I gave birth to a very beautiful very healthy baby girl. And now that we are having our second child you better believe Darby is going to be our midwife. She is kind, intelligent, patient, and passionate. She is a part of our family now, and we love her!"
~Kaya Church, Honaunau, HI

"We were so blessed to have Darby as our midwife. She was both a calming and uplifting force that aided me to have such a beautiful birthing experience. I will always be so grateful that she came into our lives, she is by far the best midwife a woman can ask for."
~Amanda Santos, Kalapana, HI

"Darby was a wonderful midwife and helped to give me the care and birth that I wanted. She was knowledgeable with any questions or concerns that I had. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a natural, friendly but professional birth experience."
~Mindy Love Mettler, Waimea, HI

"I moved to island at the end of my second trimester, I stumbled across Darby through a mutual friend who highly recommend her and I’m so so so so beyond grateful that I found her. She took the best care of me and my baby, pre and postnatal. I had a natural home water birth You can just feel her pure positive and loving energy when you’re with her. She’s the best, I couldn’t have asked for a better midwife to help guide me through one of the most important days of my life and my daughters life. She becomes more than just a midwife. She becomes 'ohana. I can’t think of a better person to help empower woman in giving life of their sweet babes.' ~Airial Vega, Oceanview, HI

"Felt more safe and way more comfortable than going to the women’s center or hospital. I got to make the choices for my body and my baby without having to argue. I was heard and understood. My healthy son came out 2 days before his due date. Measured at 21inches and 8lbs 7oz. Everything went great with the water birth, baby is top shape, and no hospital was needed." ~Meleanaonālani Adams, Waimea, HI

Darby is an absolute delight in every way, and we feel so grateful and honored to call her our midwife. We knew she was the right one right away. Best. Decision. Ever. Darby impressed us again and again. She possesses endless knowledge and has so much love and passion for her work. Her light hearted and positive attitude, along with her down to earth and grounded nature truly make for such a balanced and beautiful experience. Every time we met with her we left feeling uplifted and so very nurtured. We deeply trusted her values and knowledge, which made it so easy to welcome her advice and support.
The birth itself was amazing...I couldn’t have dreamed of anything more perfect. We ended up needing to do a natural induction and it worked immediately and so beautifully. Our baby boy was born 10 hours later...an amazing home water birth that has changed our lives forever.
Darby was perfect in every way, and I can’t begin to express the gratitude I feel for every single way she facilitated my labor and birth experience.
This wonderful woman helped to create the birth of my dreams, even under some tricky circumstances, and she will forever be so very special to our family. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking a peaceful birth for their baby and themselves."
~Una Dees and baby Makai Ryder, born at home in the water 10/5/18

"I am so thrilled with my experience with Hawaii Holistic Midwifery! The one on one personal care, the herbs and oils, the in depth attention to my health all were a huge part of my beautiful empowering birth! If I hadn't been so comfortable with the birth team I know my birth wouldn't have been so powerful and transforming! The postpartum care I received was above and beyond anything else I could have received from another caregiver. I highly recommend having her encapsulate the placenta! It helped me recover physically and mentally from the birth so much. I am writing this review to get the word out about everything that Darby has to offer women. Darby has been a blessing to my entire family! If you want a spectacular, nurturing, powerful caregiver to assist you in the beautiful act of birth, Darby is that precisely!" ~Bailey Blake, Pahoa, HI

"When we knew we were pregnant, I was very clear with my self about the type of experience I wanted to create for my son's arrival in the world. I knew I wanted a support system in place through a midwife that was honest, kind, compassionate, and noble in every facet of care and communication. I knew that I wanted my midwife to be a master, knowledgeable in multiple disciplines of healing and support, someone who was flexible, adaptable, and strong when I needed her to be, someone who loved me and my growing family- especially since I was a first time mother- with an appreciation and respect that allowed us to feel safe being vulnerable when my husband and I needed to be, to ask for help, when we needed to, and to shine and be powerful in laboring and birthing our son. Our beautiful son arrived three weeks ahead of schedule, but right on time. I wanted to birth at home, if able, because I wanted to create a peaceful entry for my child and the birth of my growing family. It came as no surprise when I searched for a midwife and instantly was taken to Darby's website. Before I met her, I knew I wanted her to fulfill this role in my pregnancy, birth and post-partum care.
Darby is everything I could have wished for, and more. My pregnancy was physically a very difficult one, as I was sick throughout, dealing with all sorts of physical symptoms constantly, there were times when I felt hopeless and stressed, because I was unable to feel well for any length of time during my pregnancy, and Darby was loving, kind, and full of the support: both emotional and healing and medical, that I needed to keep my faith that all was well, that I was growing and evolving into the mother I was meant to become, and my baby was healthy and growing strong. She was informative, loving, and went beyond the type of care and support I could ever have received from a midwife in a hospital or birthing center; she truly cares about her mothers and their babies, offering them her sweet love unconditionally. Darby facilitated our son's arrival and birth with love and calmness, when my waters ruptured three weeks early, insuring our son and I were physically safe and stable through out labor, she communicated clearly and calmly the way she held space for us during the pregnancy itself: with direct love and honor for the mother I was becoming, for the human being I was bringing into the world and insuring we were well-informed and able to make empowered choices every step of the way.
When I transitioned to prepare to birth my son, she supported me and my husband with clarity and respect, and insured that we welcomed our son on our terms. Her presence in the room was intuitive, stabilizing and unobtrusive when I needed her to be. Her post-partum care honored the new relationship my husband and I had with each other and our new born son, Elias; she was and continues to be available when we have questions, concerns, and needed some additional guidance and support, as our son was a bit jaundice upon arrival.
Darby is one of my favorite people, because she modeled for me the type of love, mastery, and care I pray more and more people on the planet can share with one another. To have her present and supporting us through out my pregnancy and my son's birth allowed me to have more empowerment in my son's birth and allow him to enter the world in a peaceful, loving and safe environment, filled with loving kindness every step of the way. I am honored to have shared my vulnerability, empowerment, and growth into becoming a mother with Darby. I am so honored to recommend her highly to any mama looking for an amazing pregnancy and birth support system. Thank you so much, Darby. We love and appreciate you!"
~Amy Grimes and baby Elias James, born at home in the water, Hawi, Hawaii 11/6/18

"I am so grateful for Darby’s intuition, knowledge, care and passion for midwifery. I felt like I was able to let go and trust in myself and beautiful home water birth. I have worked with Darby for 5 years assisting her with her incredible midwifery work and I feel so lucky that I was able to experience her traditional, noninvasive care. I would use her again and again. She cares so much for her clients and spends hours and hours when needed or desired to be present and assist women through the gift of pregnancy and childbirth. Her care goes far beyond prenatal checks & birth support." ~Kimberly Nelli & baby Paxton Arthur, born at home in the water 9/30/18

"Our darling mermaid midwife Darby, is such a special lady. I knew it from the first time we spoke that she was "the one", which we would share this most memorable journey with. With such soft, sweet, authenticity, Darby emanates the divine mother. We felt so safe and supported by her nurturing ways and able to truly be ourselves and know that our birth dreams would be honored and come true. Darby is truly living her purpose in this world and we feel so blessed to share the journey with her and consider her apart of the family!" ~Lauryn Lavandula gave birth at home Napo'opo'o Hawaii to a baby girl, 7/14/17

"Darby, thank you for having been my strong loving unconditional anchor during my pregnancy and postpartum time! I experienced the birth of my son and the birth of our family beyond my greatest wishes and hopes. I am grateful with all my heart for Darby facilitating, gently guiding, holding me and making this wonderful birth possible. I especially appreciate her capacity to hold space for my partner and me to birth our son in a very connected and free way. Having Darby be present at our birth helped me to feel my greatest strength. She supported me in postpartum to heal naturally, to grow into my new self and to be able to take good care of my baby, e.g. by special breastfeeding support. My son is such a content and happy baby and I am absolutely convinced that his gentle journey of arriving earth side is a huge reason for that. Thank you Darby! Love you!" ~Juliane Rose and baby Ozya Napali, born at home in Honaunau, Hawaii on 1/61/17

"I feel so blessed to have found Darby. At the beginning of my pregnancy I was in Arizona, not happy with my prenatal or birth options. My partner and I wanted to move to Hawai'i so we planned to go before the birth. I wanted to find a midwife and plan a home birth, I found Darby's amazing website and immediately contacted her. Darby has such a loving, supportive, and positive energy, I knew that she was who I wanted to help me through my first pregnancy and birth. I went to an obstetrician the first eight months of my pregnancy while I was in Arizona because that was the only prenatal care Medicaid would cover. Darby was there for me before we moved to Hawai'i, answering my questions about prenatal tests and providing me information to make decisions about the baby and I with informed consent. When we arrived in Hawai'i, I had asked if she would be able to pick us up from the airport and she greated us with Lei's. I have appreciated her love and support so much throughout my pregnancy, but most definitely during my labor and birth. Darby is an outstanding midwife, she is very knowledgeable and experienced as well as caring and empathetic. I had such a beautiful homebirth, she guided me through natural pain relief techniques, kept me confident with positive affirmations, and helped me understand where my body was in the labor and birth process. My baby was born November 15th, healthy, beautiful, and strong! I really appreciate that Darby comes to my home for the postpartum care and I can't wait to connect more with her and her family once I am recovered fully. Thank you so much Darby for all that you have done for me, Hōkūlani, and my partner. You are a stunning, genuine spirit and I am so grateful to have had you as my midwife."
~Ainslee O'Donnell and baby, Hōkūlani born at home in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on November 15, 2016

"Darby and I met late into my pregnancy with my first baby, I knew immediately that she was supposed to be there for my birth. Just a few days later, I was blessed to attend my friend's birth, who Darby was also midwife to. After seeing her in action, I felt even more strongly that I had made the right choice. I faced many difficult life challenges during my pregnancy and this woman was always there for me. Not only was she a wonderful, strong, natural and professional midwife; She was also (and still is) a great friend to my daughter and I."
~Megan Gordon and baby Isabella Omaia, born at home in Pahoa, Hawaii on September 19, 2016

"This was my first home birth, second child, and I chose Darby immediately when I began my midwife search. I'm positive that life meant to bring us together at that point, I have never regretted my decision since! She made me feel so calm, relaxed and supported throughout the entire time, especially during labor and after. I loved the services she provides for during and post labor, especially the Moxa treatment! I am very thankful for her care and for her help. I would recommend Darby to anyone looking for a midwife. Many mahalos Darby!"
~ Victoria Broussard, RN and baby Saraya Nalani, born at home in Oceanview, HI on September 3, 2016

"Choosing your midwife its one of the most important decisions you would make in your life. This is the person that will be there when you bring your child into this world, for me this person was Darby,
The relationship we built throughout my pregnancy was that of a friendship and sisterhood, she was so attentive to my bodies needs and changes, the care that I received from her was loving and intimate. Now that I'm not pregnant anymore I miss our prenatal visits and all the sweet treats that I would get from her, whether that be in the form of a massage or aromatherapy or cupping therapy etc.
My labour was far from easy. It took me 3 long days for my baby girl to come into this world and Darby was with us every step of the way and in the many challenges that we had to overcome during those hours. But at the end it was the most beautiful experience of my life. I feel in my heart that we both grew so much from the experience of my birth to not giving up, to believing in ourselves and the power of our bodies as women as mothers as birthers.
I feel truly blessed that our lives crossed paths and that we were in each others lives during my birth. I take with me love and swims and laughs and the gift to have had her there with us in the most magical day of my life."
~Maria Alfonsin and baby Nalu Athena, born at home in Honaunau, Hawaii on May 29, 2015

"I am so thrilled with my experience with Hawaii Holistic Midwifery! The one on one personal care, the herbs and oils, the in depth attention to my health all were a huge part of my beautiful empowering birth! If I hadn't been so comfortable with the birth team I know my birth wouldn't have been so powerful and transforming! The postpartum care I received was above and beyond anything else I could have received from another caregiver. I highly recommend having her encapsulate the placenta! It helped me recover physically and mentally from the birth so much. I am writing this review to get the word out about everything that Darby has to offer women. Darby has been a blessing to my entire family! If you want a spectacular, nurturing, powerful caregiver to assist you in the beautiful act of birth, Darby is that precisely!
~Bailey Parkhurst and baby Ellie Nohea Rose, born at home in Pahoa, Hawaii on February 16, 2016

"After taking a home pregnancy tests and having it come out positive I thought …Now what? Of course we had planned on getting pregnant, but I didn’t have a primary care doctor, nor did I want one. I called the closest doctors office I could find that accepted my insurance to make an appointment. The receptionist was cold and when I requested the female doctor in their office she told me there was no guarantee that that doctor would deliver my baby because the three doctors in the office rotated their on call schedule. I really wanted to know who was going to be there to deliver my baby. Having a baby is stressful enough without having to
perform in front of a complete stranger or someone you’re not comfortable with.
I then started looking on the internet for a midwife. I figured, it would be worth a call just to find out how much it costs to have a home birth. I had heard so many horror stories of being forced into a c-section at the hospital if you don’t deliver when they think you should. I didn’t want that to happen to me. I wanted to deliver on my own time and as naturally as possible. I emailed Darby Partner and she responded right away that we could have a complimentary consultation. When I compared the price of using my insurance to the price of using Darby, I found it to be totally worth the little bit extra it would cost – for my own piece of mind.
I was blown away with the convenience Darby presented me. Her scheduling was so flexible and she was able to meet with me and my husband during what a normal doctors office would call ‘after hours’. I was also so comforted by Darby’s demeanor. Being pregnant and giving birth wasn’t some kind of medical emergency to her. Darby was so thorough with checking my blood pressure, blood sugar, and other things that need to be monitored during pregnancy. She was so calm during our visits and was always willing to offer a natural solution if something came up. At one point my hemoglobin came up lacking. Darby sent me an assortment of remedies to get it to the appropriate level to give birth. And they worked!
Darby was also very caring when it came to how I felt about who was present during the birth. She was sure to find an assistant that worked with our personalities. Amanda was great and a perfect compliment to Darby. They made a great team during the birth to make me comfortable and feeling safe.
The thing I liked best about home birth was all of the extra things that Darby did for me to make me feel better. She would massage my back and feet if I needed it with amazing essential oils. She consulted with my family to make sure everyone was comfortable with me giving birth at home. She made us all feel very safe and secure about our decision.
During the birth, I used the birth tub to labor in. What a dream to labor outside in a pool under the beautiful sky. My husband and I worked as a team to get through the labor and Darby was the perfect compliment to our team. She offered ideas on different positions to help the labor along. When it was finally time to ‘push’, Darby had made up a warm potion to hold against me to keep the area comfortable for the baby to come out. My baby’s exit didn’t hurt! I’m sure it would have had it not been for Darby’s potion.
After the baby was born, I felt so confident that I could handle being a new mom because I could ask Darby anything. It was also a great feeling knowing that she would come to the house and check on us regularly to make sure my baby was healthy and I was comfortable. She made sure I was eating well and using a proper technique to nurse. It was fantastic being able to stay home the entire time and not have to worry about exposing the new baby to the outside world right away. What a relief to know there were no hospital germs, or car seat stresses to begin with. I was also amazed at the thorough check up she did with the baby after he came out. She checked not only vitals but range of motion and other things. She was also just as concerned with me. I could ask her anything about the changes in my body without feeling embarrassed or self-conscious. And these questions could be asked via text message at any hour!
I realize that there are concerns about the danger of giving birth away from a hospital environment. We had a plan for any situation that could arise. Darby was always very good to debunk any irrational fears I had with patience and positivity.
I honestly can say that I don’t know why more women don’t have home births. It is positive and drama and stress free. You get to be in charge of how you want things to go, not some doctor.
I would do it again, especially if Darby could be my midwife!"
~Kellie Cooke, and baby Marshall Ryan born at home in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii February 21, 2016

"When I envision a better world, I think of the children. Their future, and ours, is determined by the love and kindness we share with them. I am so honored and grateful that my son was brought into the world in a gentle and loving way. He began his journey into this world through the hands of Darby Partner, a most skilled and intuitive midwife. Her calmness brought me courage and allowed me to believe in the natural rhythm of my body. Her knowledge and wisdom assisted me in a most amazing birth as well as throughout my postpartum healing. She has years of experience wildcrafting herbs and working the medicine of the earth into the birthing and healing process. Birth is sacred and Darby holds that space.
I wish all little ones could come into the world by way of such loving hands...Thank you Darby for the most powerful experience of my life!!"
~Falicia White and her son Kai Nakoa, born at home in Honaunau, HI December 29, 2013

"Where do I start ? This women is amazing. She can truly tune into what you want and need. I absolutely love how caring and thoughtful she is. Exactly what I would look for in a midwife. I ended up wanting to do an unassisted birth, she was there and held space. She also guided me at the very end when my baby's head was ready to be born. She just knows, because she is very in tune to all that is. I absolutely love her and if you are considering her, you have definitely made the right choice. Her energy is amazing and she is so calm. Exactly what you need during prenatal care and during and after labor. I could go on for days! Love you Darby!" ~Tasha Maile and baby, Soul Elijah born August 13, 2014 above Kealakekua Bay, South Kona, HI.

"Thank you Darby for assisting me with an entirely natural birth of my baby, always providing positive encouragement and exceptional patience during the roughest parts of labor and repeated confidence with my strong healthy baby boy! Mahalo." ~ Jennifer Sutton and baby, Unas Enti born November 7, 2013 above Kealakekua Bay, South Kona, HI.

"We recently worked with Darby and wanted share our positive experience with her. We felt our prenatals were handled with care and love. Darby was quick to reassure us with her knowledge and experience. She always spoke to my son with respect and treated my body like a temple, one of my favorite qualities about her. She made us feel comfortable and important and took care not to rush us. She was thorough with each visit and respected our decisions on interventions, tests, etc. If we had questions she always knew the answers and more; she is very well educated, another top quality about her. She never second guessed our decisions, she was very supportive and left the decision making to us while keeping us informed.
During the delivery she was gentle and motivating, always uplifting me. She was patient with my body and helped my husband as well. She gave the best newborn exam I have ever experienced (this was my 4th child and 3rd home birth). She was always kind and sweet with a great respect for babies and their moms. She let me listen to my body and move as I wanted but also made subtle suggestions for my comfort and progress. I would recommend her to anyone looking into homebirth. I would love for her to work with us again.
We will always feel immeasurable happiness when we think of our birth experience with her. It is an exciting time for a woman and Darby will make any birth experience a healthy and incredibly joyous one."
~Brittany and Joe Russell, Utah 2012

"Darby is amazing. She exudes such a sense of calm that sets the atmosphere for transition to a new world. She brings the highest intention of love to her care and naturally creates a place of stillness and peace. Every time I enter her space, her presence, I return to my center and remember the value of honoring the Divine experience. This awareness is self-evident as she makes each choice and action with tremendous gratitude and focus. I have seen her persist through incredible trials with incredible strength and courage. I know that anyone who chooses to journey with her will receive sublime support." ~Jasmin, Eugene, Oregon 2012

"Midwives and doulas give women the gift of inspiration and information. They are there to tell the story of gentle pleasurable birth and to teach women how to trust their bodies and their babies. They are there to say “Yes! You can! You can have the birth of your dreams!” Midwives and doulas help women find themselves and be reborn through birth!
It takes a very special kind of person to do this work and Darby truly is one of those people. She is very soft spoken and gentle, but also very strong and informed. There is a sweet calmness to Darby’s voice that is very in tune with the song of birth. She knows how to support women and their families in a way that makes them feel like she is part of their family and a fond friendly part of their pregnancy and birth story."
~ Tiffany Rosenbrock and baby Lyric, born at home in the water, Eugene, Oregon

"Thank you so much for always being there for me throughout my pregnancy and birth experience. Your loving presence and encouraging words really helped me through the rough moments during my labor. During the middle of the night when everyone else was asleep... you stayed with me. That meant so much to me -you can't even imagine! I thank my lucky stars everyday that you were part of my beautiful birthing experience."
~Marlena Kelly and baby Leona Fern born at home after a 33 hour labor. 2005

"I still remember the relief I felt when you walked in my bathroom and I was laboring in the tub, ahhh...she's here!! Gives thanks for Darby! I'm so glad you were at our birth. The first time I met you I knew you should be there...During my labor, I knew I wasn't alone, the strength in your eyes kept me at ease. Thank you for the loving attention."
~Eileen Wells and baby Judah, Eugene, Oregon

"Darby was my doula (prenatally, during my birthing time and postnatally as well!) for the pregnancy and birth of daughter, Isabella, who was born March 15, 2009. Darby is kind, funny, compassionate and extremely helpful. I had a planned home birth but ended up having to go to the hospital at the end because baby was a little too comfy inside! Darby spent nearly all of my labor (a total of 36 hours!!!) with me and was a huge comfort to me. She is a great herbalist and gives fantastic massages. I also had her do some cupping on me and loved that as well! She is very patient and very encouraging during pregnancy and birth and she has a really positive mind set. I'd use her again if I were to ever have other children, she's that excellent. Highly recommended."
~Stacey Fay and baby Bella, Springfield, Oregon

"I had my second baby, Skyler, in December, 2009 and hired Darby when I was 5 months along. I saw the other doulas in the area ...but, for me, Darby stood out. I could feel her love from her pics. I needed someone who was just as excited about me being pregnant as I was. When I met her, she was so calm and loving...which for me was so peaceful. Being pregnant can be so stressful at times and I felt Darby was always there to support me and bring me back to being blissfully in love with pregnancy.
She made me proud to have this huge belly full of stretch marks. She honestly, with all of her being, loves these babies and mamas and has devoted so much of her life to helping birth new beings into this world with love. So, during my journey with Darby, we became really great friends. Who wants a stranger at their birth? She came to my house and gave me massages, we went on walks, she helped with my baby shower/blessingway.
Darby brought the most amazing blend of herbs to give me an herbal foot soak then a massage. It was so divine. When I went into labor, calling her was so comforting. She has this soft voice that is full of confidence and talked me through contractions. During my labor she was so in tune with me, offering me support and strength.
We spoke a lot on what my expectations for my birth was and my feelings and wants. I was able to relax more in labor knowing she was going to take care of those things for me. She was my voice for me while I was in labor. She also offered lots of love and comfort and knew when to touch me and when to not. She supported my husband the whole time and helped him with anything he needed.
I have a 3 year old daughter and Darby helped with her too. When I describe Darby to anyone...the best way I know how to do it is..."I couldn't have created her any more perfect if I had done it myself." Her knowledge about birth is priceless, her experience is vast and she is absolutely amazing."
~Cindy Maddy and baby Skyler, born at home, Eugene Oregon

Darby Partner CPM LM  Hawaii Holistic Midwifery  808.313.2428  [email protected]  Kona, Big Island, Hawaii