"LaKeisha was amazing throughout our whole pregnancy/birth/postpartum journey! She was a continuous calming force during the happy, and more difficult moments that arose during our experience. We hired her for our second pregnancy, kinda late in the game, and we couldn’t be more thankful we found each other! I knew during our first conversation that she would be just what we needed to add to our support team. Her passion for birth, and maternal rights are on par with our own beliefs, and she helped us advocate for what we felt was best throughout our process. We had multiple meetings leading up to the birth, and upon my request she also helped prepare some meals prior to baby, and the next day baby arrived! I was able to labor at home for the majority of the time, and was only in the hospital for two hours before baby came. I confided my fears in her, and she continued to remind me how strong and powerful I was, and I only pushed for 10 minutes with no medical interventions. She stayed for baby’s first latch, took lovely pictures, and came to the house postpartum to support as well. She also accompanied me to a lactation consultant appointment. She honestly does it all! LaKeisha continues to be a loving part of our family and we cannot thank or recommend her enough <3" - G.P.

“LaKeisha helped me accomplish my goal of having a successful VBAC with my second! I really wanted doula services from another woman of color, especially after my birth experience with my firstborn, as well as being new to the Rochester area. LaKeisha offers grace, love, patience, kindness, and humility in her client care. She was able to care for us as a family and provided education and support for my husband as well as my 2 year old. She’s a lovely soul, has a heart for our community, and I highly recommend her services!” - K.W.

“From the first moment I spoke with LaKeisha, I knew that I needed her on my birth team. There was some divine connection going on that instantly made me feel at peace. We did not have a doula for my first birth experience with my daughter, and pregnancy and birth had been anything but calm. I still felt like I hadn’t healed from that experience, and I knew I wanted my second experience to be different. But add in a move from Texas at the end of my second trimester this pregnancy, finding new providers, getting settled in a new city, and it all left me feeling a bit overwhelmed. But that moment of speaking with LaKeisha was like a wave of peace. She has this calming and magnetic energy that makes you feel both powerful and at peace. LaKeisha prepped us with materials and made sure both my husband and I felt calm and confident as we approached baby’s due date.

With her support, I am so humbled to say that I was able to experience a positive and healing birth experience, delivering my 9lbs 2 oz baby boy unmedicated. It was joyful, peaceful, intense, and healing, and I know so much of this positive experience was due to having LaKeisha on my team. She helped me remain calm and confident and to stay in tune with my intuition. I am forever grateful for her. If you are thinking of hiring a doula who is warm, empathetic, and will support you with every ounce of her being, that is LaKeisha. She has a passion and love for what she does, and it comes out in every interaction. I am changed forever by my most recent birth experience, and I have LaKeisha to thank for that.” - J.K.

“Throughout my entire journey from planning my pregnancy, all the way into postpartum, (and then some), LaKeisha has been my saving Grace.

From the very beginning, I instantly knew she was beyond passionate with her services as a Doula and supporting her clients. I initially made contact with her during quarantine of 2020, where I’m sure most of us felt unsure of what was to come next. Our first conversation alone: she provided support, awareness, understanding, and what I most appreciated: honesty. Planning to have a child during such an uncertain time, was tricky. However: she made me feel assured that when I was ready, she would advocate for not only me, but my husband and our future child.

I must emphasize, because I am an African-American woman: gain the support of an African-American Doula. There is no better support system than a knowledgeable & passionate professional such as LaKeisha. From every recommendation she provided, from my midwife (shout out Tracy Webber, CNM!), medical specialist, mommy tips and guidance; and for just being there when I needed. Literally a text away! I appreciate you!

I highly recommend her services! I often joke (but dead serious): if it were not for LaKeisha, my darling babygirl would not be here! I Needed her energy to support my step into motherhood. There was anxiety, hesitancy, fear; but nonetheless: she got me through it. Thank you again for all of your support! You helped this little family of Brian and I, turn into 3. Utilize her services folks, this woman is a gem.

P.S. Doctor Brian (lol) says thank you a million times over for being there, even with baby girls arrival on her own terms! :-)” - N.S.

“LaKeisha was more than an integral part of the birthing process from beginning to end. As a first time home birth family we knew we would want the extra support of a doula on hand - and doula + birth photographer all in one? No brainer! The knowledge and expertise about birth are unparalleled, paired with her soothing, sweet demeanor it’s like she was put on this earth to support birth and lactation. Having her in our arsenal of tools as new parents saved us an unbelievable amount of stress. I would do it all over again in a heart beat.” - B.T.

“When I first found out I was pregnant there was something that kept drawing me closer and closer towards LaKeisha. I was stuck in Trinidad during the time and my husband was working longer shifts due to the pandemic and at times I would feel very lonely. I was unable to get home for about 6 months and I had reached out to LaKeisha during that time with anticipation to get home. I asked her if we could meet once I got back to America and she said yes. From the moment we met it has been an extreme pleasure not only did she help me towards this journey through Motherhood but I also learned from her as a new Doula too.

I gained a lot of insight about comforting birthing techniques and having a voice during a time of much confusion and pressure from doctors and etc. My favorite part of this whole service was her concern and partnership with my Husband. He was included throughout the entire process and when he wasn’t around she always asked about him when he was unavailable. I believe your partner’s involvement is very important and she always reminded us that she was here for both of us and I appreciated that. Leading up to my birth was a bit stressful and LaKeisha helped me through it even if I needed to just call her and cry it out. My birth experience overall was an amazing one and I have LaKeisha to thank for that.

I had my placenta encapsulated thanks to Flower City Doula Services and I’m happy I was able to do that as well. I did it for postpartum blues because I don’t think I could’ve handled anymore on my plate and thankfully I didn’t experience postpartum depression. Thank you Flower City Doula Services for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do especially during this time the world has experienced a lot more isolation than we would like to.” - M.M.

“Choosing LaKeisha of Flower City Doula to make a tincture and encapsulate my placenta was a decision I'd make all over again for my next birth! As someone already prone to depression and hormonal fluctuations, it was important to me to choose someone who came highly recommended to encapsulate my placenta. 4 weeks postpartum, I can say I am extremely happy with this choice. She was extremely friendly and communicative and even made a lovely keepsake out of the umbilical cord!” - M.S.

“My wife and I welcomed our daughter into the world on 9/26/20. We were able to interview and secure doula services, birth photography and placenta encapsulation through flower city doula LLC. My wife and I were adamant about Doula Services since this was a first time experience for us. I must say LaKeisha supported my wife to the fullest. Whether it be text messages, phone calls or appointments at our home, she was always there for us. She is extremely knowledgeable, humble, caring and laid back. She represented everything we needed and more. I give her and her services the highest recommendation. I have a greater depth of understanding of the importance of a doula during the birth process. Having her as a support system can not be measured. I hope to see others utilize a doula as I am sure it would make families feel much more confident and safer during the birthing process. I also deeply appreciated her establishing a relationship with both myself and my wife. We were always on the same page and same sentence. Our daughter and my wife are happy and healthy due to an organized birth plan and much more. In the event you would like more information about our experience, I can be reached at korysamuels30@gmail.com or Facebook.” - K.S.

"LaKeisha has supported my husband and I in two of our pregnancies, births, and postpartum experiences so far! Both times, she has been such a blessing to us, supporting us in different ways, from education, to resources throughout pregnancy, to support during labor, and support after labor. During labor, LaKeisha brought nice, comforting touches to the birth room, such as Christmas lights and oils. LaKeisha was a voice of reason and advocacy when it came to making decisions such as breaking waters or using pitocin. LaKeisha stayed with us throughout the entire labor, and checked in (both in-person and virtually) with us frequently after birth. I am so grateful for LaKeisha and all she has done for my family!" - I.D.

“LaKeisha is such a sweet, supportive and knowledgeable doula. I am so glad to have worked with her during the pregnancy and delivery of our daughter. She was a calming, peaceful presence in the birthing room, and she seemed to know what I needed without having to interrupt my focus by asking numerous questions. I so appreciate the time she spent with me, offering helpful information and listening to all of my concerns. Her support definitely contributed to my very positive and empowering birth experience and I wish I had worked with her for my first two deliveries as well!” - H.M.

“I am very grateful that God allowed me to meet this beautiful person. I knew way before I got pregnant that I wanted a doula present at my birth. Not just any doula, but a black doula. The minute I met her I felt a warmth and KNEW she had to be the one. LaKeisha is the sweetest person ever and throughout my pregnancy I was calm and at peace. Due to COVID-19 and my baby coming early we weren't able to meet in person that many times which was totally fine as we still communicated via video chat and text/calls. She provided me with a lot of learning material and was able to answer any questions or concerns I had. Thank you for being by my side despite COVID. I already told her this but she is stuck with me for life. For as long as I reside in Rochester whenever I am pregnant I am beyond willing to pay for her services.” - J.A.

“LaKeisha was amazing to work with for my twin placenta encapsulation! From answering my questions along the way to communicating with my husband during an early emergency c-section and coordinating pick up and drop off she was beyond what I could have asked for. I was so happy I encapsulated for my twin pregnancy after the birth of my singleton I knew this is what I wanted to do the next time around and it 1000% helped me in my recovery without a doubt and I would recommend it to anyone looking into it without a doubt!” - M.G.

“Hiring LaKeisha was one of the best decisions I have made during my pregnancy. I utilized her doula service, placenta encapsulation, and birth photography. This is our first child, and I felt like I needed someone to advocate for me in my most vulnerable moment. I read and listened to many birth stories that said they wish they utilized a doula. Being a Hispanic women and knowing my risks as a minority women alone made me want a doula of color who understands what its like to be me in the hospital setting. LaKeisha guided me through the birth process. My birth did not go as I planned, but no matter what LaKeisha was there to uplift me, and help me get through this devastating change. From making sure my husband and I got skin to skin, taking pictures and videos of my delivery, feeding me ice chips after major abdominal surgery, and coming to our home several times after delivery. Her services gave us a peace of mind and knowing that we made the right decision to hire her. She is understanding, she will advocate for you when you're at your weakest, and help coach you through a very difficult process of giving life. We're truly thankful and blessed for LaKeisha and her sweet nature. If anyone wanted to reach out to me regarding any questions about LaKeisha you can email me at vls02400@yahoo.com.” - V.S.

“My husband and I cant thank you enough.  To say we appreciated having you as our doula is an understatement. Every question and concern we had during my pregnancy was answered with supportive encouragement. I couldn't imagine my birth experience with out you. Your energy during my labor was loving and confident . It was exactly what we needed at the time. We are looking forward to hiring you again for baby number two.” - A.H. 

“I wanted to highlight this beautiful relationship I've fostered over the last 11 months. It all began with a Google search for a Black doula in Rochester. I found LaKeisha of Flower City Doula Services, LLC she returned my call and so it began. She helped me map out my birth plan, met with my family. She provided guidance and even a pop up visit to support me when I was scared after getting some news. No my birth plan didn’t go as planned. ( thanks to a medical complication, and changes in hospital policies due to COVID19). However I did get a unique virtual experience during my birth. Perhaps I will blog about my birth story, one day. Anyway if you are looking for a doula I recommend LaKeisha Washington” - L.S.R.

“Loving my placenta capsules! I strongly believe that my speedy recovery, milk supply and emotions have all benefitted from taking them! Thank you LaKeisha Washington!” - K.C.

“Lakeisha was a wonderful support throughout pregnancy and delivery. She was available anytime we needed to talk. I struggled with postpartum hemorrhaging with my daughter and feared I would face that issue again. Lakeisha helped me to find ways to communicate my concerns and to advocate for myself with my medical team. And when doubt and frustration crept in she listened, acknowledged, and spoke affirming, kind, encouraging words. Once I was in the hospital she helped me to identify options when it felt like there were none. At times I felt trapped in a situation I had no control over (I was overdue with high blood pressure and had to be induced.) but Lakeisha helped me to ask questions and to find my own sense of control and peace in it all. Very thankful for our doula!” - W.S.

“I hired LaKeisha to encapsulate my placenta and had a terrific experience! Not only did she provide the placenta capsules, but she was supportive and communicative throughout the entire experience. (You can tell she’s a doula, too!) LaKeisha went above and beyond — my husband and I forgot to put ice in the cooler when we passed our placenta off to LaKeisha and she stopped at a gas station to add ice! I strongly recommend LaKeisha with Flower City Doula Services!” - K.K.

“Awesome service! I would recommend these services because I have never felt so supported. LaKeisha was patient and calm and most importantly in the moment. I needed lots of support with the absence of my husband and she made sure I had the best laboring experience. I experienced a few complications during my laboring process but LaKeisha made sure I knew that I was in full control of my laboring process and that I knew what my options were . She wore a smile the entire time and made sure that every moment that presented itself for me to laugh, I did. She was not only my doula, I’m sure in such a moment she was my friend. I appreciate her services and will never forget this experience. If I chose to have another baby in the (far) future, I will definitely request her services. Thanks again.” - B.J.

“I could not be happier with my experience with Flower City Doula! I knew I needed support this time around and that’s exactly what I received from LaKeisha. She always addressed my concerns during the pregnancy and was amazing during my very tough labor and delivery. I am beyond pleased to have made the decision to hire a doula, specifically LaKeisha. She made such a positive impact in my last time becoming a mom!” -C.I.