Christina Cowherd Doula Profile

Christina was the first doula I interviewed in preparation for the birth of my first child, and as soon as we met, I knew I didn’t have to look any further. Her calm and caring demeanor instantly made me feel so comfortable. Throughout my pregnancy, she provided terrific support and a wealth of knowledge. She is very attentive and an excellent listener, and always focuses on what the mother and couple hope to achieve. If I had questions on any topic, she could offer a range of resources and personal advice.

Christina’s connections to her peers in the community was a tremendous asset. I am particularly grateful for the recommendations she made to a wonderful prenatal yoga class and a natural childbirth class we absolutely loved (and which in turn, led us to a new doctor and hospital, where we felt much more comfortable).

After laboring at home for almost a day, Christina met us at the hospital in the early morning hours, and didn’t leave my side until my daughter was born over 20 hours later. She was able to offer practical suggestions to help me through each contraction, so my mom and husband could focus on my emotional needs. She helped me breathe effectively, recommended helpful positions like squatting, and would fetch anything I needed from a warm blanket to a cool drink. When the doctor/midwife made suggestions such as rupturing my membranes or an episiotomy, it was such a comfort to have Christina there to confirm whether or not she felt those interventions were necessary. Christina’s constant support and encouragement were a big reason why we were able to achieve the unmedicated birth we hoped for.

And her support doesn’t end with delivery! She visited us at home the following week, with dinner and books on breastfeeding to lend us. Even now that my daughter is 5 months old, I still email her with questions and she always has helpful advice. I couldn’t recommend Christina more highly.

When I initially contacted Christina I didn't understand much about how much knowledge she could provide me. I was completely sold out on the idea after we first met.Christina is a very sweet person and a very knowledgeable doula. After our initial and first meetings I found out my baby was breech, & she provided me with a lot of information, even and other professionals' contact (great acupuncturist and chiropractor) that could help me changing the baby's position. Nevertheless, my water broke three weeks in advance & again hiring Christina as my doula proved to be the most asserted decision I've ever made. I was alone at home, no friends or family around, & as soon as I contacted Christina, she was ready to meet me wherever I needed. She was at the hospital with me, constantly reminding me to breathe when the contractions started. It was also a relief that she could read the monitor & tell me the baby was fine and my contractions were happening as expected. She helped me with keeping my husband informed of what was going on after I had to go in for an emergency c-section when the umbilical cord was coming out first. I felt safe with her by my side, someone that would look after my interests. Then she made sure my baby was being properly treated at the nursery while I was at the recovering room.For me her support during such an important time was priceless. I can not imagine having to go through all that again without her. She stayed with me until my husband was able to return to Orlando. We stayed in touch since then, and she even brought me this delicious meal when she came to visit us a little less than 2 weeks after my baby's birth. One thing my husband and I are 100% about future pregnancies...we'll definitely have Christina's support as many times as needed. Thank you soooo much, Christina!

After two hospital births I decided we wanted a different experience. I contacted Christina because I knew she had delivered her own babies naturally. She was able to answer all of my questions and guide me to all the resources I needed. Every step of my pregnancy, she was there to answer questions; when we were looking for a midwife, she helped me find a perfect match; when I was looking for a good exercise program, she knew a great place; when I wanted to rent a birth tub, she knew a contact.  Although this would be a hugely different experience than delivering my two other children, when the day arrived I had no anxiety. I called Christina as soon as my water broke. Her calm excitement about my big day made me feel so special. She kept in contact with me throughout the day. When I finally said I thought it was time for her to come, she was there before I knew it.  I’m not sure I can explain in words what Christina did to help me through each contraction. I was able to breathe the way my body needed me to because I could hear her breathing with me. She would apply a gentle pressure on my shoulders that helped me instead of tensing up in fear.  When it came time to push and deliver my baby, her voice is the one I remember hearing, telling me how good I was doing and how close I was. I had an amazing birthing team; they all did a wonderful job of helping me deliver the way I wanted to. I could not have made it through delivering at home and with out the aid of medication if I had not had Christina with me. Its one thing to have a supportive husband by your side, and mine was. But having an experienced doula like Christina changes the entire birth experience for Mom and baby. Christina is one of those unique people who just radiates calmness and peace. You can’t help but feel relaxed and safe in her presence. I wish I had known the benefits of having a doula with all my children, it makes such a difference.