Aly John – Doula Alliance

I am a first time mother who had a very high risk pregnancy, and a lot of unknowns, like whether I would have a C-​section or vaginal birth, would my cervix hold up, how large my son would be, if I could carry full term, or what complications I could possibly have with my particular health issues. Aly was knowledgeable, kind, always there when I needed her. She helped me get together my birth plan that covered all possibilities and helped me to figure out what I wanted from my birth, how the people important to me could be active participants, and how to make the birthing process easier for me and for everyone. My partner was blown away with how active of a participant he was able to be. I was able to have an unmedicated birth, which is what I really wanted, because she helped me with movements, positions and encouragement to reduce the pain and open my body to birth. She made sure I was hydrated and since I could not eat, ensured I was getting energy from what I drank. She gave me and my partner time right after the birth, so we could bond with our son. She took pictures that I cherish, of the last moments of labor. I fall in love with my partner every time I look at those pictures, and see him in the moment with me.
She also helped with issues that arose from the pregnancy, like ways to help with the morning sickness that lasted the entire time and was there when my LO started becoming stressed towards the end of the pregnancy. She gave breastfeeding advice and I felt confident when I first attempted to fed my son that I would be able to get him to latch (and he did!). She did video call meetings before and after birth as I could not travel and really worked with me, my partner, and our schedules. She introduced me to online groups that have helped support me through the pp process.
She removed the fear from the high risk pregnancy and the birthing process. I am so happy she was a part of the magical experience of birth and was so supportive afterwards. I would highly recommend her if you are considering a doula.