"I loved having Ildi as my doula! Her calming, gentle presence really made a difference for me and my husband when we had our son. She is incredibly experienced and very knowledgeable and we felt completely at ease throughout the whole labor process because she was giving us really great advice, but also letting us have the space to make our own informed decisions.
A few days before I was due, Ildi came by and had us do a little exercise on various scenarios of labor. I didn't know it then, but that exercise made such a huge difference in helping me manage my expectations (in the chaos of having really bad contractions!) when I was going through labor.
Beyond labor support, Ildi also visited us at home postpartum and I remember being so incredibly grateful for her coming by because I was so overwhelmed with having a newborn, being in so much pain from labor, while learning how to breastfeed, being very sleep deprived and having told (incorrectly) by our pediatrician that our baby is not getting enough milk...! I was so thankful for having her and for all the advice and practical tips on how to manage the pain and help with our newborn. Can't recommend her highly enough!" - J.T. ,1st time mom in Manhattan, NY
A few days before I was due, Ildi came by and had us do a little exercise on various scenarios of labor. I didn't know it then, but that exercise made such a huge difference in helping me manage my expectations (in the chaos of having really bad contractions!) when I was going through labor.
Beyond labor support, Ildi also visited us at home postpartum and I remember being so incredibly grateful for her coming by because I was so overwhelmed with having a newborn, being in so much pain from labor, while learning how to breastfeed, being very sleep deprived and having told (incorrectly) by our pediatrician that our baby is not getting enough milk...! I was so thankful for having her and for all the advice and practical tips on how to manage the pain and help with our newborn. Can't recommend her highly enough!" - J.T. ,1st time mom in Manhattan, NY
"My experience with Ildi was exceptional. She was not only there supporting me 100% but she also took the time to support my husband and my mother throughout my birthing experience. I was supposed to meet with Ildi before the birth of my child however, my child decided to arrive early. Ildi had sent me an email saying that I could call her before our meeting if I needed her help. So, I did call her once I was at the hospital, and from the moment she came into the room I felt relieved. I don't think that I could have make it through natural birth without her help. She helped me to relax and to focus using different methods to help me deal with the pain without the use of pain medications. She made me feel like family and I felt that I could trust her to help me through my birthing experience. She has also been helping me postpartum to find things my baby and I need such as obtaining a hospitals grade pump and finding the right pediatrician for my child. She does go the extra mile. My family and I really appreciare all that she did for us. She truly has what it takes for this job because she has the passion and heart for this profession. I highly recommend her, for she is great in what she does." - N. H., 1st time mother in Seattle
"Ildi was compassionate, kind, considerate, competent, patient, forgiving, accepting, forthright, respectful, and nurturing. She is exactly the type of person I needed beside me during the life altering experience of childbirth.
The greatest gift Ildi gave us was knowledge. She provided more information and support in our two prenatal sessions than any of the classes I attended or books that I read. She provided handouts, books, articles, and links. She did this because she knew that I wanted to learn everything and was comforted by the information. I appreciated that she knew this about me, and was respectful of my needs. She was there for me 24/7 during my last few months, answering my texts at 1 am, and alleviating my concerns when my due date came and went.
Because my baby was twelve days overdue, I was induced, and Ildi never left my side. When labor really began, and the pain of back contractions kicked in full force, I was terrified and Ildi helped me manage my fears. What I appreciated most about Ildi was how much she respected and aided my phenomenal hospital nurse, Jen. They worked as an incredible team around me. Ildi also directed my husband and mother, who always felt useful and involved. I needed them all. My entire experience was conflict free, with everyone focusing on the health of the baby and my ability to deliver her safely. When I wanted to give up, I heard Ildi say "You are doing marvelous." When I had just 1/2 centimeter to go, I said, "I can't do this!" And Ildi urged, "You ARE doing this!" It gave me such courage!
Ildi was so helpful after the birth, aiding with nursing and the blues. It was wonderfully cathartic to process and celebrate the experience of childbirth. Having Ildi there as a part of my pre-natal, labor, delivery, and post-partum experience was invaluable. I cannot imagine what my experience as a first time mom would have been without her support." - K.P., 1st time mom in Redmond
The greatest gift Ildi gave us was knowledge. She provided more information and support in our two prenatal sessions than any of the classes I attended or books that I read. She provided handouts, books, articles, and links. She did this because she knew that I wanted to learn everything and was comforted by the information. I appreciated that she knew this about me, and was respectful of my needs. She was there for me 24/7 during my last few months, answering my texts at 1 am, and alleviating my concerns when my due date came and went.
Because my baby was twelve days overdue, I was induced, and Ildi never left my side. When labor really began, and the pain of back contractions kicked in full force, I was terrified and Ildi helped me manage my fears. What I appreciated most about Ildi was how much she respected and aided my phenomenal hospital nurse, Jen. They worked as an incredible team around me. Ildi also directed my husband and mother, who always felt useful and involved. I needed them all. My entire experience was conflict free, with everyone focusing on the health of the baby and my ability to deliver her safely. When I wanted to give up, I heard Ildi say "You are doing marvelous." When I had just 1/2 centimeter to go, I said, "I can't do this!" And Ildi urged, "You ARE doing this!" It gave me such courage!
Ildi was so helpful after the birth, aiding with nursing and the blues. It was wonderfully cathartic to process and celebrate the experience of childbirth. Having Ildi there as a part of my pre-natal, labor, delivery, and post-partum experience was invaluable. I cannot imagine what my experience as a first time mom would have been without her support." - K.P., 1st time mom in Redmond
"I feel blessed for having Ildi as our birth doula. She is a caring, enthusiastic, mindful, warm doula. We had two prenatal meetings with her when she provided us with lots of information on the process of labor and delivery. She was very knowledgeable; she answered all our questions. Her presence during my labor and delivery was as essential as my husband’s. She became a family member in a second and she was caring for both me and my husband in the way nobody else could have been able to care. I wished to have an unmedicated labor and without her I couldn’t have make it through. She provided both physical and emotional support, suggested various laboring positions and coping technique and remained calm, caring, encouraging and professional for the entire time. When I was about to give it up, her encouragement helped me to get through the toughest moments. She also assisted my husband to be a true support for me. After our baby girl was born, Ildi also helped me with the first breastfeeding and she made sure we are all settled down before she left the hospital. Both my husband and I are so thankful to Ildi for all she did for us that there are no words for that. I highly recommend Ildi’s doula services!" - P.N., 1st time mom in Ballard
"We decided to work with Ildi after a brief phone interview. We were drawn to her warm personality and her passion for natural labor and delivery process. We found her to be very enthusiastic and eager to offer suggestions and recommendations for various coping/relaxation techniques and positions. We felt that she had great respect for our birth wishes, and also for our decisions throughout labor and delivery. We were impressed that she was always present every minute of labor, always there with a soothing voice and encouraging words. She was such a calm presence for me, and a huge help to my husband.
Post-delivery, she stayed long enough to help establish breastfeeding and ensure my comfort but she then quietly left to give us space to be a family. We're very thankful for Ildi's assistance with our labor and delivery!" - J.T., 1st time mother in Ballard
Post-delivery, she stayed long enough to help establish breastfeeding and ensure my comfort but she then quietly left to give us space to be a family. We're very thankful for Ildi's assistance with our labor and delivery!" - J.T., 1st time mother in Ballard
"Ildi was exactly what we needed at our birth. Upon first meeting her, I immediately felt comfortable around her. She had a lot of positive energy and warmth and anyone can see that she was dedicated to what she was doing. When talking to her, it seemed like she had all the time in the world to answer our questions. Ildi has a ton of comfort measures in her "tool box" which she practiced with us at our pre-natal visits. She also provided tons of resources, videos and documents for us to feel well informed. At the birth, she was present every minute of the 12 hour labor. It was my first baby, so I was nervous about what to expect, but Ildi provided the reassuring touch, and encouraging words that helped me keep going. She was right by my side the minute I needed a drink of coconut water, or some light touch. Like she said during the interview, it really is her gentle reassuring touch that got me through. At our post-natal visits, I admited that I preferred her hand on my shoulder over my husband's! Ildi stayed over 2 hours after the birth, due to some bleeding. She always advocated for us and wanted to make sure we established a good latch. At our post natal visits, our baby was still having problems latching well. She sat with us while we called a list of lactation consultants. She didn't leave until we had an appointment set and she knew help was on the way. We have only positive memories of our birth!!" - M.W., 1st time Hypnobirthing mom in Columbia City
"Doula Ildi was great part of our birth experience. We immediately liked her calm presence when we first met. She is a wealth of knowledge about the whole process and helped us consider all our options. We spent a lot of time together in the prenatal meetings and she taught us some new exercises and relaxation techniques and directed us to several learning resources. When the big day arrived, Ildi was quick to get to our house and then accompanied us to hospital. She had some great direction for me on how to breathe through the contractions and stay grounded. She really pampered me and made sure I had everything I needed, from a headband to keep my hair back to adjusting the water temperature in the bath to suggesting coping techniques to try. The little things matter and Ildi really pays attention to detail. I was able to easily achieve my goal of a natural birth and can credit that to Ildi as a great guide and confidence booster. Right after the birth, she was helpful in making sure we had everything we needed and that the baby was starting to nurse. In our postpartum visit she also had great advice for nursing and general well being. Ildi is truly passionate and dedicated to her work and will add immeasurable value to any birth. - M.G., 2nd time mom in Ballard
"I had a wonderful experience with Ildi. We met with her twice before the birth and both times I felt like she was really listening to what we wanted. She also kept in touch through email and phone and was always there if I needed a question answered with advice and good information. She has such a warm personality, was very respectful of our wishes and encouraged us in whatever we decided on.
This was my second child and my labor was very short, but intense. It was such a relief to have her there. From the moment she came in she was trying to help me focus and keep calm while making sure my husband was doing okay and being informed of the situation by the nurses. She was so encouraging and helped me to use my energy and strength properly.
After our child was born Ildi stayed with us to help get breastfeeding started and to make sure we were feeling comfortable. She also came to visit postpartum to see how we were doing and help answer any questions we had.
Because my labor was so short she was unable to count it towards her certification, but she still was there for me 100%.
I so appreciate everything she did for us." - K.P., 2nd time mother in Kirkland
This was my second child and my labor was very short, but intense. It was such a relief to have her there. From the moment she came in she was trying to help me focus and keep calm while making sure my husband was doing okay and being informed of the situation by the nurses. She was so encouraging and helped me to use my energy and strength properly.
After our child was born Ildi stayed with us to help get breastfeeding started and to make sure we were feeling comfortable. She also came to visit postpartum to see how we were doing and help answer any questions we had.
Because my labor was so short she was unable to count it towards her certification, but she still was there for me 100%.
I so appreciate everything she did for us." - K.P., 2nd time mother in Kirkland
"I am happy to recommend Ildi Sebestyen as a birth doula. She recently assisted my daughter with the birth of her daughter. I was my daughter's birthing partner, and we were both quite apprehensive about the delivery. We were referred to Ildi by the instructor of the birth preparation classes we took at the hospital, since my daughter was very anxious about the delivery.
My daughter called Ildi and liked her immediately. Ildi came to our house on two occasions prior to my daughter's labor. We learned a lot from her in those meetings, and felt less stressed. My daughter went into labor shortly after the second meeting. It was a long labor. Ildi came to our house in the middle of the night to help assist. The next night, when my daughter went into heavy labor, Ildi coached her and helped her to breath through the contractions, focus, and try different positions during the contractions. We went to the hospital around 1:00 in the morning. My daughter's labor continued all night, and all day - she worked hard and Ildi was there every step of the way. Ildi was very calming for both my daughter and myself, and was great at explaining what was going on. That evening, after many long hours of labor and trying to push the baby out, it was decided that a C-secion was needed. Ildi and I were both allowed to be in the operating room, and her presence and support made an amazing difference for both of us.
Ildi is an angel on earth, I swear. I really don't know what we would have done without her. I would recommend Ildi to anybody who is looking for a birth doula. Just talk to her once and you'll know what I'm talking about." - M.N., 1st time grandmother in Bellevue
My daughter called Ildi and liked her immediately. Ildi came to our house on two occasions prior to my daughter's labor. We learned a lot from her in those meetings, and felt less stressed. My daughter went into labor shortly after the second meeting. It was a long labor. Ildi came to our house in the middle of the night to help assist. The next night, when my daughter went into heavy labor, Ildi coached her and helped her to breath through the contractions, focus, and try different positions during the contractions. We went to the hospital around 1:00 in the morning. My daughter's labor continued all night, and all day - she worked hard and Ildi was there every step of the way. Ildi was very calming for both my daughter and myself, and was great at explaining what was going on. That evening, after many long hours of labor and trying to push the baby out, it was decided that a C-secion was needed. Ildi and I were both allowed to be in the operating room, and her presence and support made an amazing difference for both of us.
Ildi is an angel on earth, I swear. I really don't know what we would have done without her. I would recommend Ildi to anybody who is looking for a birth doula. Just talk to her once and you'll know what I'm talking about." - M.N., 1st time grandmother in Bellevue
"I found Ildi’s assistance essential during the delivery of my son, and I highly recommend her to anyone who would like a strong, knowledgeable, and compassionate woman’s care during the birthing process. I met Ildi when I was halfway through my second pregnancy. Although I envisioned an unmedicated delivery, I had not yet thought about how to achieve that. Ildi came into my life just at the right time, as if she was sent to help me. She was very warm and personable, therefore I welcomed the chance to get to know her better and explore the option of using her assistance as my doula. After meeting with her, her passion for helping pregnant and laboring women was apparent. Along with the knowledge and care for making sure we had the information we needed to make the right decision for us, she was compassionate, which made the right decision apparent: she was the one to help us through the birthing process. Ildi is very thorough and made sure that the preparatory meetings and other information she shared with us helped us get ready mentally and physically for the last part of the pregnancy as well as labor and delivery. When the time came, she guided me through the contractions and pushing, and helped my husband so he could comfort me the most effective way possible too. She ensured that that my birth wishes that we prepared with her were followed by hospital staff as closely as possible, and she ensured that we understood all of our options when there were decisions to make. With her encouragement, emotional support, and expert guidance I was able to avoid an episiotomy and deliver my son without any pain medication, just like I envisioned. Ildi stayed after delivery to help start breastfeeding and to ensure that my nutritional needs were also replenished, to give us the best start possible. Once she made sure that we were taken care of, she respectfully retreated so we could enjoy some quiet family time with our newborn. Ildi helped me achieve the birth experience I wished for and for that I am forever grateful to her." – E. F., 2nd time mother in Kent
"Ildi was a crucial part of our birth experience. When we found out we had to have a C-section, it felt like we had lost the ability to actively participate in the experience, and we were very disheartened. Ildi empowered us by showing us that there were indeed measures we could take to be more involved in the decisions surrounding our own birth. Ildi was very respectful of our personal needs and decisions, and went out of her way to help provide us both with solid information as well as some much-needed emotional support. On the day of our birth, Ildi helped to create a positive atmosphere and ensure that we were comfortable and our wishes were being met. Her presence in the delivery room was very calming, and she provided support to Mommy so that Daddy could be with our baby right when he was born before he came to Mommy’s chest. We deeply appreciated Ildi’s genuine sense of care and commitment, and are so thankful that she was a part of our journey." - A.B. 1st time mom in Ballard
