Alyssa-Rae Zonarich Doula Profile

When I found out I was having twins and would have to have a hospital birth, I knew I would need additional support to have the natural, drug free birth I desired.  I had known Alyssa for years and it was an easy decision to make to hire her as my doula.  My husband was very little help during labor and delivery, as he was too worried about me to do much of anything at all!  I began labor without her there (at 3am) and by 6am I requested her to come to the hospital.  I was on my knees and I was struggeling with the pain, I was tense and knew I should relax.  I just couldn't do it.  I didn't know she had arrived, but when I felt her hand on my back, my entire body relaxed immediately.  With her soft and soothing voice, and her comforting touch I was able to make it through all of the labor pains with no drugs at all.  

I did ask her once in private about an epidural, because I wanted to sleep, and she didn't judge me or make me feel like I couldn't have one.  She simply stated we should have me checked to see where I was first if I was really considering it.  It was all I needed to hear. I delivered both my boys with her by my side, and then she went and checked on them while my husband stayed by me in between babies.  She was a life saver, and I truely believe I would have had the epidural I didn't want without her.

Alyssa is an amazing doula and provides just the right kind of support that you need.  She is friendly and personable and it feels like you have known her much longer than you have. She provides mental, emotional, and physical support for the mom in labor. Mentally, she helps you think through and assess where you are in labor and what's going on. Emotionally, she is so supportive and constantly saying just the right thing to get you through that moment. Physically, she uses her knowledge as a chiropractor to massage, give counter-pressure, etc. to help your body manage the process.

Alyssa was there for the birth of both of my children.  My first was born naturally after 16 hours of active labor and 2 hours of pushing.  She came to our house in the middle of the night after we had labored on our own for a few hours.  At the hospital, when the Dr. starting about c-section, she was our first line of defense.  It was wonderful having someone working to make sure we got the natural birth we wanted and guiding us in making decisions.  My husband and I were both so glad she was there!   For our second child, she came to our house again but labor went from early stage to pushing in about 10 minutes.  We tried to get out the door to head to the hospital but my daughter had other ideas.  Alyssa was perfectly calm and directed us to call 911.  The fireman and EMTs arrived just in time to deliver her, and I am so thankful that Alyssa had peace of mind in a stressful situation. I am so thankful Alyssa was there during our suprise home birth.  We are so thankful that we found Alyssa and grateful to her for her support and assistance.  I can't imagine having a baby without her!

Dr. Alyssa was a life-saver!  She provided the support I needed to have a natural, drug-free childbirth with my second child.  I had very intense back labor she gave me the coaching that I needed to have the delivery I wanted.  She was also a great support for my husband.

 I first met Alyssa at an ICAN meeting, and right away I adored her.  She's smart, friendly and funny, and she had a way of putting everyone at ease, from my husband (who was initially skeptical about doulas in general) to l&d nurses to the on-call obstetrician.  She helped me as I made several difficult decisions during my pregnancy and birth, and was priceless as a physical and emotional comfort during labor.