Rebecca StLouis

3/28/2024

I was supported by In Joy Birth Doulas during both of my pregnancies, births, and postpartum recoveries. I tested positive for covid days before I gave birth to my oldest daughter. My planned natural unmedicated calm water birth in a birth center turned into a stressful delivery in a hospital. I felt the birth of my oldest daughter was another delivery on an assembly line of a huge hospital system. Thankfully, I was prepared with my self-education, and the education from my doulas during my pregnancies to make informed decisions about my care and the care of my daughters. Without the support of my doulas, I would have been coerced into medically unnecessary c-sections during both births. The option for a c-section was proposed, but when more time was allotted, and alternative interventions were suggested by my doulas, two natural unmediated births were achieved. 

Margaret Van Kampen

3/20/2024

A long overdue, trifecta review! Heather, Alyssa, & Madeline have all helped us bring our 3 little girls into this world and will always be a special part of our families story. We were hesitant to hire a doula in early 2020. The cost, would they have their own agenda, would my husband feel like he got overshadowed. Injoy birth surprised us at every turn. There is nothing more valuable I can think to spend for a new baby and family than doula services. They truly want you to reach your own birth goals even if those change at 8 cm. My husband was included and cared for almost just as much as me and he has learned so much about how to support me during labor, which has been so special.

Heather was the doula on call for our July 2020 birth, peak of Covid. Even though she couldn’t be present at the hospital birth she got creative and supported us via FaceTime, text, phone call, and she assisted us with early labor at home. She has a talent for reading the room, getting creative and reacting under pressure. The work she does in the Orlando community shows how caring and passionate she is for the birth community.

Alyssa was on call for our 2022 birth. To say she is a calming presence is putting it lightly. When she is in the room it feels like nothing will go wrong. She is knowledgeable and experienced, but always encourages you to think for yourselves and outsources to other professionals when appropriate. Our 2nd birth could not have been more peaceful & harmonious.

Madeline was on call for our 3rd birth in 2023. She met us at the hospital entrance, talk about service! She was there absolutely every step of the way. Every contraction, every hip squeeze, reminding my husband to eat & rest, voicing her valuable opinion when the drs talked about sending me home. Madeline will put in the work for your family. She created such a peaceful atmosphere to birth in and collaborated with hospital staff so effortlessly.

Margaret Van Kampen

3/20/2024

A long overdue, trifecta review! Heather, Alyssa, & Madeline have all helped us bring our 3 little girls into this world and will always be a special part of our families story. We were hesitant to hire a doula in early 2020. The cost, would they have their own agenda, would my husband feel like he got overshadowed. Injoy birth surprised us at every turn. There is nothing more valuable I can think to spend for a new baby and family than doula services. They truly want you to reach your own birth goals even if those change at 8 cm. My husband was included and cared for almost just as much as me and he has learned so much about how to support me during labor, which has been so special.

Heather was the doula on call for our July 2020 birth, peak of Covid. Even though she couldn’t be present at the hospital birth she got creative and supported us via FaceTime, text, phone call, and she assisted us with early labor at home. She has a talent for reading the room, getting creative and reacting under pressure. The work she does in the Orlando community shows how caring and passionate she is for the birth community.

Alyssa was on call for our 2022 birth. To say she is a calming presence is putting it lightly. When she is in the room it feels like nothing will go wrong. She is knowledgeable and experienced, but always encourages you to think for yourselves and outsources to other professionals when appropriate. Our 2nd birth could not have been more peaceful & harmonious.

Madeline was on call for our 3rd birth in 2023. She met us at the hospital entrance, talk about service! She was there absolutely every step of the way. Every contraction, every hip squeeze, reminding my husband to eat & rest, voicing her valuable opinion when the drs talked about sending me home. Madeline will put in the work for your family. She created such a peaceful atmosphere to birth in and collaborated with hospital staff so effortlessly.

Laura

2/12/2024

I couldn’t rave enough about my experience with In Joy Birth. I used them as doulas for my second pregnancy and was one of the best investments I made. They supported me in so many ways and not sure I would have had the positive birth experience I did without them. Hands down would recommend them and their services to anyone and everyone. They are well worth their value. I can’t thank them enough!

Tiffany Lowther

1/31/2024

We worked with In Joy Birth for my second pregnancy and we are so grateful that we did. It made a world of difference having such a wonderful, competent and caring advocate in Heather as we experienced a scary delivery and recovery. She was incredible in supporting us at that time. I have only heard positive feedback and rave reviews from friends and clients who've utilized their services. I highly recommend In Joy Birth personally and professionally as a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mental health.

Nila

10/7/2023

Simply put, I walked into the hospital calm knowing I was in good hands. Not one second was I fearful or worried. Not one second was I not cared for or looked after. Not one second did I feel embarrassed- if anything popped up I could ask questions without judgement.  I was and felt completely safe and now my son is here. I joke with my husband all the time and say “I’m never giving birth without Madeline in the room”…but I’m kind of not kidding ;). So any mamas or future mamas out there, whoever you are, if you are nervous, need extra support or just want absolute angels in your corner….these are your girls.

Shayna

6/7/2023

They just don’t come any better than In Joy!! I have had the gift of having Heather at two of my births (both VBACs) and I can not imagine not having had her by my side! She is clearly made to support mamas and it’s so evident- her encouragement, her knowledge, her calm, her experience, her strength, her kindness- I could go on and on. My husband agrees that having her as our doula was the best money we spent in preparing for labor. We can’t recommend hiring this team enough! From the prenatal visit (and many texts from us!), to having her at the hospital to the postpartum support, Heather was such a steady presence for us. We will forever be grateful to Heather and honored that she was with us for not one but two of the most important days of our lives.

Devyn Prado

3/5/2023

Heather and Alyssa at In Joy Birth Doulas are amazing. We used them for both pregnancies and had great experiences both times. It wasn't until talking to other first time moms who gave birth around the same time as me that I could really appreciate all that Heather had done for us during labor and after the birth of my first. Whether it was advocating with hospital staff, giving breastfeeding advice or troubleshooting newborn problems, I always had an expert I could turn to. I can imagine we would have struggled a lot with the issues that arose during our first few weeks at home without Heather's guidance. For our second birth, Heather and Alyssa offered reassurance and guidance as we worked together to make a different plan for this birth. During labor, Heather coached me and explained things as we went along, helping me to achieve the birth that I really wanted to have. During our postpartum visit, she held the baby so I could play with my older daughter, seeing how guilty I was feeling about not having as much time for her. In Joy Doulas are compassionate, professional, reliable and knowledgeable. I loved that they worked from research and common sense. They never made me feel guilty or question my own judgment. If I were to have another baby in the future, I might question my sanity ?? but I would not hesitate to invest in a doula through In Joy Birth Doulas again. It's a no-brainer!

Nicolette

2/24/2023

InJoy Birth is a truly amazing group of women who support their clients and community like no other. My spousal support was great but Heather & Alyssa were invaluable. I had so many questions at the end of my pregnancy and they helped guide me through all the research and information I needed to make decisions. They empowered and supported me every step of the way. When my labor was going long and getting super intense Alyssa was not only there for me but a great check in for my husband who was getting worried about me. Alyssa kept my goals and my hopes for the labor in mind when helping me navigate it all. My daughter was born 3 years ago and I could still cry thinking about what an impact working with InJoy made on my experience bringing my girl into the world. Alyssa encouraged me to reach down to help my daughter come into the world and, while I didn't think I would want to do that originally, it turned out to be one of the most incredible moments of my life. Oh, and they got a picture of it!!! Heather and Alyssa checked in on me after the birth and still answer questions or give referrals if I reach out. When we have another child, I wouldn't dream of doing it without InJoy. Best decision ever. 

Mariana Antomattey

2/24/2023

We had our first baby boy in September of 2022 and WOW if it wasn’t for the incredible doulas of In Joy I wouldn’t have had the experience I had. In the process of getting to know the ladies and with all the information and tips they gave me leading up to birth, I started to fall in love with the process and the idea of birth. We had the pleasure to be assisted by Madeline and SHES AN ANGEL. Absolutely mvp 100%!!! The ladies came over our home to get to know us and know our story and our desires for our birth. Their expertise and charisma is what made us comfortable. My husband and I had so much peace throughout the whole process and this is 100% thanks to in Joy. For new mamas and dadas, this is your sign to get in joy birth to be part of your life!

Tina Bearden

2/23/2023

I had an excellent experience with In Joy Birth. We used them for post partum night nurse caring for our 4 month old baby for four weeks. Scheduling was easy, payment was easy, but most importantly, all of the doulas were helpful, caring, empathetic, and knowledgable. Many of them provided detailed notes from overnight and I never felt uncomfortable having them in our house. They were also extremely COVID cautious at our request and wore a mask the entire time. All of the doulas were on time and courteous. Their services were beyond helpful during a very difficult time as the baby only slept in 1-2 hour intervals. I was very pleased with their service and have recommended them to all of my friends. 

Aly Ringeisen

2/3/2022

Heather and Alyssa are some of the best people I have ever met. My husband and I interviewed them for their doula services right when we found out we were pregnant. The calls we had with him made us feel like they were a great fit for us. 

A few weeks after we met, we unfortunately had a loss. After we had the ultrasound I called my mom, got off the phone and emailed Heather and Alyssa for advice. They got on the phone with me, gave me warmth, love, and expert advice for the fact based evidence on what our next steps were. During my miscarriage they checked in on me a few times, offered to bring us some warm meals, and made sure I was taking care of myself. They really did bring such a warmth to a dark time--they made it clear that I was allowed to share my feelings and really set the stage of how I healed. 

I am so thankful we found them, I could not imagine going through our loss without them. Our experience solidified that they are the perfect fit for me, a slightly crunchy, research-believer. I cannot wait to have them at my birth in the future. 

Renee Wiese

11/16/2021

A hospital VBAC birth with prodromal labor:

I cannot adequately put into words how grateful I was to have Heather and Alyssa as a part of my pregnancy and birth experience.

In the past, I have had trouble with prodromal labor, and my 3rd delivery was especially challenging. I heard that a doula could help with this, so I reached out to InJoy. They were professional, caring, and terrific communicators, and my husband and I felt comfortable with them right away. 

Although this was my fourth pregnancy, I still found a lot of comfort in reaching out to Heather & Alyssa with any questions or concerns. The most incredible part, however, was when my labor started.  It started at night, and my contractions were stuck in a pattern of 30 seconds long every 1-2 minutes. I was tired and discouraged, so my husband called Alyssa. She came right over, and we got to work. Alyssa got me into different positions to turn the baby, and my back labor disappeared. Then my contractions became more powerful and regular. I knew that good changes were finally happening. 

Then I said it was time to go to the hospital! Alyssa met us there, and she stayed with us throughout the rest of labor and delivery. She was never pushy or aggressive, and she was an incredible advocate and great comfort. It was good to see that the doctors and nurses knew Alyssa, and they had a professional rapport. Working with Heather and Alyssa was the best pregnancy decision I have ever made! They really are incredible.

Melissa Yates

10/1/2020

I'm one of nine doulas being mentored by Heather and Alyssa during the 2020/21 mentorship program. I highly recommend this mentorship program!! I took the DONA birth and postpartum doula trainings in early 2019. I particularly love postpartum work and assumed I would be satisfied to work with postpartum families forever. Then, hello COVID! With regular postpartum work scarce for several weeks, I decided to enroll in the InJoy Birth Mentorship Program to increase my skills as a birth doula. I knew Heather and Alyssa from the doula support meetings they hosted in the past. I knew they were highly skilled doulas and excellent teachers. I can't speak highly enough about the mentorship program! We have monthly classes, a group fb page for education and support, and Alyssa and Heather are always available via phone and text. Class work has included doula etiquette, the doula/client interview, prenatals, comfort measures, postpartum mood disorders, birth complications, Spinning Babies, and so much more. We've each had opportunity to shadow Heather or Alyssa at a birth and been trained in placenta encapsulation. Of course, COVID has had an impact on the availability of births for us to attend in order to earn money to pay off our mentorship fees, but Heather and Alyssa have continued to think outside the box to provide ways for us to earn income. Postpartum support is offered to families, and I've had a great deal of extra work because of this. So thankful for that! We have the opportunity to act as a doula assistant to Heather and Alyssa (when birthing parents are agreeable), therefore providing another way to earn money to cover our mentorship fee. The program has even been extended 3 months in order for us to receive extra support and give a little more time for fees to be paid. I love the doula sisterhood being created through this mentorship program!

Gabrielle Arnold

7/22/2020

InJoy Birth has helped guide me twice on my path into motherhood. First, they helped prepare me for labor (Heather and Alyssa) and I can honestly say that I attribute so much of my joyous birth experience to them.  Their beautiful blend of spiritual and evidence based thinking was a perfect match for us. They helped me feel confident, ready and strong! 

InJoy also more recently provided us with postpartum doula services during a somewhat stressful transition back to work in the midst of covid-19 challenges. We were matched up with Sammi who stepped right in and really saved us! She is a very caring and thoughtful woman who is just incredible with babies. Our son (7-8 months) took to her instantly! She did intelligent play with him and just has a really calming presence. 

we are so grateful for this collective of amazing doulas. XO!

Abby Silverman

6/23/2020

While I am certain my words of affirmation will fall short of expressing the true depths of love and gratitude I have for Heather and Alyssa, here I go...

Having these amazing women in our corner was a game changer! I was originally indifferent to getting a doula when my wife expressed interest, but was happy to go along with the idea and figured the extra support couldn't hurt. Let me just tell you - we got so much more than just some extra support! We got educators and guidance, we got advocates and a sense of safety, we got encouragement and reassurance, we got referrals and connections to a community of helpers, and at the end of the day, we got friends. Alyssa and Heather are brilliant and the very best at what they do. In the months and days leading up to birth, I knew we could call or text anytime with any questions or concerns we might have (and we did!). When it was show time, Heather showed up at our house and didn't leave our side for the next 21 hours. She coached and supported my wife through labor, and she allowed me to be the emotional support I needed to be. I felt completely confident the entire time that Heather would keep us safe and would make sure our birth experience was the amazing, beautiful experience it was. I am forever grateful for In Joy, for Heather and Alyssa. Without them, I am certain we would not have had the wonderful birth experience we did.

And then, the post partum care! Heather didn't leave our side until we were settled and had a good latch going. For the next days and weeks Heather was never more than a text or call away. She came over, she helped us get our sea legs, she brought us dinner, she made us feel like we weren't losing our minds!

I'll forever sing the praises of these women. Forever.