Testimonials

The Clients Speak

ONCE UPON A TIME, there was a couple who had a very big dream...to be a family. On Halloween Day the couple learned they were going to have twins!...a boy and a girl! The couple knew nothing about babies, and less about twins. They were a bit concerned. Then a magical thing happened...when Sophie Bea and Maxwell Blake arrived the universe sent the couple care, compassion, fun and kindness...all packaged up in one special person...Marlene. The couple was forever grateful for the endless love and patience she had for their babies. They will never forget her genuine support, the learning and the laughter. Marlene, we will miss you (and our sleep) dearly. You will always be a part of the very big dream...that really did come true. XOXOXOXO,
~ Jan, David, Maxwell and Sophie.

A very busy household, lots of commotion, things not in their proper place, and a 4 year old talking, playing and running from one activity to the next in the house and outside of the house just welcomed a new baby brother.  This is the normal visiting that transpires when a grandparent arrives.  "What to do?  What to say?," are the usual questions of the grandparent to create some law and order to say the least.  Having worked all day, exercised and then of course see the grandchildren on a daily basis, I needed a sense of calmness and tranquility by the end of my day with my grandchildren and the parents

."THANK GOD FOR MARLENE!!! Marlene is a miracle worker. Her demeanor is pleasant, calm, nurturing and with the most outstanding expertise as a baby nurse and new member to a family...The household is remarkable peaceful and beautiful. This could not have happened without Marlene. Marlene, you are a blessing to all of us! Peace be with you and all whom you touch with your golden hands, heart and presence. 

~ Nana Adrienne

When I became pregnant with my first child, I was terrified. One of my best friends (also a new mother) told me about Marlene. In simple terms, she said "you HAVE to have her"!! And she was right!! On May 16, 2001, my husband and I brought our new baby home. For the next 2 days, we were frazzled, to say the least. Our daughter was almost constantly crying, as we tried frantically to entertain her with books and toys. On May 20, Marlene arrived. The house was immediately transformed into a state of calmness. Her words to our baby were "we don't fuss in this house, missy" as she lovingly took control. Claire immediately stopped crying, sensing the comfort level of her new friend. That night (on our way to bed to sleep the whole night through!!!!!), my husband said to me "this is hands down the best money we have EVER spent". I couldn't disagree!

In the coming days, Marlene took great care of Claire (and of me, while I recovered from a nasty c-section).  She did "on the job training" for my husband - and for me.  After only 2 weeks (and don't forget Marlene let us sleep all night for those 2 weeks!!!), Claire was on a beautiful schedule, and I had a great understanding of how that schedule would evolve as she grew.  Through this consistent care, she thrived!  She was sleeping through the night (12 hours) at only 6 weeks old, was eating and napping like a champ, and was a happy baby.  Would I recommend Marlene to help you through infancy??  Well, let's just say that.... after my husband..... Marlene was the first person I called when I turned up pregnant with #2 -- who also benefited tremendously from Marlene's involvement.  We will always consider her part of the family!!

~ Cheryl

From a nannys position what super baby nurse Marlene does is start your little ones on a productive road to life. They have structure and mommy and daddy has an easier transition from either no children or additional children better. I will never forget what's been dubbed the"Marlene Swaddle". Great job and I miss you lots. Learned a bit on how to enjoy a cup of bergamont tea.
~ Jeanne, The Nanny

When Marlene showed up I exhaled. Little did we know just how much peace of mind and confidence she would really bring to us. Marlene has helped my wife and I with both of our children (now 7 and 4). From a husband and father's perspective, it was incredible watching the confidence Marlene instilled in my wife in caring for our infant children in just a couple of days. From bathing, to feeding, to "swaddling", to (yes) sleeping(!) Marlene was tremendous. Then of course it was my turn. I went from being afraid of dropping a fragile egg to "swaddler extradionaire" (I title I'd like to think I still hold). Marlene made me, the dad, feel very much a part of the process and to this day I still remember all that she taught me. We have recommended Marlene to our family and numerous friends. Marlene truly makes the beginning of parenthood a wonderful experience 

~ Kevin in Annapolis:

I am currently a second time mother who just gave birth 2 weeks ago. In the hospital my son was nursing, however, he was not latching on correctly. Even though I had lactation consultants helping in the hospital, (since my first child never took the breast) I did not know and was not told i was doing it incorrectly. Upon my discharge from the hospital and Marlene's arrival, my son lost almost one pound. I was frantic, stressed , and did not know what I was going to do. So there I was walking in my house with very very sore nipples and my baby needed a feeding. Immediately Marlene jumped into action to instruct me on what I was doing wrong and how to fix my bad habits. During the next few days things got worse before they got better. My nipples were bleeding and I became totally discouraged. By day two at home, Marlene had me on track and my son was back to his birth weight and I was beginning to nurse correctly. Her excellent tips for latching on, holding the baby correctly, relaxing and lowering my shoulders, and BREATHING allowed me to successfully nurse. Now two weeks home, I am enjoying breast feeding doing it in different locations throughout the house, my son has gained another pound this week, and we are all loving it... Marlene is truly an expert at this as well as a wonderful instructor who helps mothers deal with the challenges of breast feeding that women don't discuss..This is just one of the multitude of things she has been helping me with..I wake up each morning thankful to have her as part of this experience.  

~ Michaela

Marlene is a lifesaver for new parents. My husband and I had our first baby and thought we had a handle on things ....then we had a three hour consultation from Marlene and life with baby got much easier. At the time, our daughter was sleeping for 3-4 hours at a time during the night. After Marlene's tips, she started sleeping for 7-8 hour stretches. Now, at 4 months, our daughter sleeps for 10-12 hours straight! Marlene also coached us on proper swaddling; ways to prevent diaper rash; and feeding techniques. She has taken care of hundreds of infants and is an invaluable resource. Even after our initial consultation, she continues to check in with me weekly to see if we have further questions. She is warm and friendly and after you meet her you will understand why we call her the "baby whisperer." 

~ JT

There are not enough words in the English language to describe all that Marlene did for me and my family.  Honestly, I was so grateful to have her in the moment, but as time goes on and I raise my daughter, I am more and more grateful.  First of all, Marlene makes it possible for you to truly truly enjoy having a newborn baby! WHAT A GIFT.  She does this in a myriad of ways: the most obvious, of course, is that she lets you go to SLEEP.  Marlene also teaches you so many things that you need to know (the woman is truly an EXPERT) which helps reduce your anxiety (examples include: how to swaddle, how to bathe an infant, how to set up a nap schedule, how to breast feed,  how to understand the different types of baby cries, etc etc.)  --- with Marlene as your calm, confident leader, you begin to trust that you can handle anything that parenting has to throw at you!

Marlene also helped my marriage! Having a newborn baby is hard on a couple, but knowing that Marlene would be there to help meant that my husband and I felt more relaxed in those early days.  Instead of exhausting nights leading to exhausting days full of fighting, my husband and I felt like our days were full of shared learning and bonding with our child.

Lastly, Marlene is simply a joy to be around.  This woman is fiercely positive and loving! She has wonderful stories to tell, and knowledge to share.  Having her in your home is the gift of a lifetime!
~ Edith