Kristina H

9/17/2021

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Tammy! I had a traditional hospital birth with an epidural with our first daughter, and experienced some complications I was hoping to avoid with our second birth. When I became pregnant with our second daughter, a friend suggested I at least go talk with Tammy. 

I met her at the park and I immediatlely felt comfortable with her. She was so warm and empowering. I frankly didn't think I could ever handle birth without an epidural, but she made me feel confident in myself and in my body. After talking with her more and meeting with her and my husband, we decided to have Tammy present with us at our second daughter's birth. 

Throughout the whole process of preparing for birth and deciding what we wanted and didn't want, she was informative and open. She didn't push us into any options, she just helped us clarify what we really wanted. At about 39 weeks, I started getting strong contractions late on Friday night and was fairly sure I was going into labor. We called Tammy over to the house, and by the time she got there, the contractions had died down. She was so gracious about it, and stayed on our couch (with our dog!) overnight in case we needed her. When I ended up needing an induction for medical reasons, her support and encouragment helped me to have a good attitude about the process, even though I was fairly nervous about it. 

During labor, she was amazing. She seemed to know just what to do. She knew when to talk and joke, and when I just needed quiet. I can remember a few moments where she tried a small trick I never would have thought of and it was just what I needed to help me keep going through tough contractions. 

If we decide to have more children, we will aboslutely ask Tammy to be at those births! She made our birth experience enjoyable and memorable!

Talitha

4/29/2020

I don't have the words to express how much I appreciated having Tammy present at the birth of my son. She was an incredible resource and comfort throughout my third trimester and beyond. I still send her the occasional picture of my little ones and she responds with words of encouragment and poetry. She wrote up a beautiful telling of the birth that makes me misty-eyed any time I look at it. Tammy is an incredibly special person, and she makes you feel like the most beautiful, strong, and important mother in the world when you need it most. 

ALSO! All the staff at IU know her, so that's really nice when you show up to have that baby and she's cool as a cucumber calling the nurses and midwives by name (and maybe getting you a latte from the shop downstairs as she does).

Bethany Johnson

5/16/2017

Tammy's friendship and guidance through both of my pregnancies filled me with the confidence to labor well. Her intuitive support and steadfastness through childbirth gave me the strength and energy to endure with joy. Her continuing care and influence as my children grow has made me a better mom, a better wife, a better human.

Below is a poem I wrote for Tammy as I reflected upon the one year anniversary of my son Ari's birth.

+++

Full Stop

One year ago I was scrubbing grout
...with a toothbrush
...on hands and knees
When you called and said
Stop.

One year ago I was planning
...scheduling
...arranging
When you said
Stop.

One year ago I was rushing
...accommodating
...apologizing
When you said
Stop.

... And take a moment...

The Ecclesiast wrote of seasons, and you spoke of moments
But these moments are the space in which we breathe and give birth

For there will be seasons to
seize and pursue
cajole and give chase
scour and leap
and devour whole

But within this season
... this is my moment
...to stop.

Jeff Wang

1/16/2015

Tammy made sure my 3rd daughter wasn't born in the back of our Honda Fit, and for that I am eternally grateful.

She came to the house at 3 in the morning when it was go time. She kept my wife focused and calm while she very quickly went from regular contractions to transition. While I was getting our babysitter oriented she was crucial to making the call to go the hospital when things were progressing quickly. As we piled in the car with Tammy and my wife on their knees facing backwards in the backseat, my wife said to turn off the ignition and go back in the house. Tammy was able to successfully convince her that it would be better and less to clean up if we went to the hospital. By the time we got to a room and the midwife checked her (before an IV or registration) it was time to push. At this point, Tammy took a step back and took some amazing pictures of the birth. She was wonderful in being there but not being there, like a stagehand who appeared magically with a towel right as someone would ask.

Tammy helped ensure that my wife had the natural birth that she wanted but not necessarily in our car or bathtub.
Her calm demeanor and intuition were a great asset to have and I highly recommend her to anyone in search of a doula.

Jeffrey Wang, MD

Joyce Kosley

10/2/2014

Tammy was an absolutely incredible doula. My husband and I will always remember how important she was in bringing our little girl into this world in a beautiful way that was exactly as we wanted. My daughter was a natural birth—I did not have an epidural or narcotics, only a local anesthetic for stitches due to a small tear. That said, I admit that child birth seemed incredibly danting and intimidating leading up to my baby’s birth (I swear, I cannot endure pain!). But both taking Tammy’s natural child birth class and most critically having Tammy as part of our birthing team made labor and delivery practically FUN. Not only is Tammy superb at her job, but she is also a kind, passionate, and hilarious person who became our friend through the journey. We love her!

Andy G Mennen

5/30/2014

I have nothing but good things to say about Tammy! The first day we met, she came to the house for a private class. We expected maybe an hour or so of her time but she went out of her way to make sure we understood the birthing process and procedures. she spent about 6 hours with us until she felt we were 100% comfortable.   After that, we knew we had to have her present for the birth of our daughter.  Not only was she 100% attentive with comforting Erika during her labor, she also made sure my head was in the right space.   I would never again want my family to experience  a childbirth without a doula. Furthermore, I would be honored to have Tammy be the one for the job.  Erika's labor was 3 days long and completely natural.  I thoroughly believe that would not have been possible without the help of Tammy.   We love her!!

Erika Nunez

5/30/2014

Our experience with Tammy for our labor was amazing. Without her I don't know that I could of done it. She was my rock. She helped not only me but my husband through it all. Tammy handled everything with grace and love. She would help guide me through my pains by guiding me through my breathing and vocal techniques. Tammy took time to know how I truly wanted the birthing experience to be and she made sure it was supported. Her grace and ability to make me feel comfortable and confident made for a wonderful labor. She was there for me every step of the way, and I must add it was a long 3 days of labor! Tammy was there. I can not explain in words how much I am grateful for our experience with Tammy during our birth.

~Erika Nunez

Tyson Baker

1/14/2014

I couldn’t imagine a doula as amazing as Tammy. Her knowledge, support, adaptability, and genuine personal connection need to be experienced to believe.

Tammy’s birthing classes came highly recommended, so my wife and I signed up. Tammy warmly greeted us and quickly made us comfortable. Tammy taught birthing very well, engaging both the mothers-to-be and birth partners in the birthing process. Tammy’s classes were more than medical knowledge and coping techniques; they were how to make the birthing as positive and enjoyable as possible. We came for knowledge, but after our first class we were determined to have Tammy as our doula.

In the weeks prior to the birth, Tammy visited us to tailor our birth plan, but it felt like coffee with an old friend. I never felt like a client; Tammy was there to help us make our birth experience the best it could be. Tammy ensured she knew exactly what my wife needed, but also what I needed for the birthing process. My plan was to make everything about my wife; Tammy ensured I could do that. We weren’t making medical plans; we were planning an exciting event.

Once my wife went into labor, I was amazed at how in-tune Tammy was with everyone around her. She had a masterful skill to be calm yet energetic, laid-back yet attentive, non-intrusive yet guiding. In essence, Tammy naturally adapted to exactly what we needed in that moment. Our daughter started off posterior, making birth longer and more difficult than normal, but Tammy was able to help by providing guidance, physical comfort, and emotional comfort for my wife, my mother-in-law, and myself. Tammy was working directly with us and also directly with the medical staff to ensure my wife and I had the best possible birth experience.

As a birth partner, I cannot recommend Tammy enough. Tammy far exceeds what I thought possible in a doula.

Gentry Sheets

1/8/2014

When my wife told me she was thinking about having a doula for our birth I was a bit of a skeptic. My wife met with Tammy for lunch and I could tell she was already more relaxed about the birthing process. Tammy came over to our house twice before the delivery to counsel us on what to expect and what her role would be. She was above and beyond what I expected! I don't know what we would have done without her! Tammy has such a calming presence about her. Without a doubt if my wife and I have another child I hope Tammy will be available for for that delivery as well!

Cecilia Norris

12/26/2013

Where does one begin. I cannot say enough positive things about Tammy. Her experience coupled with her knowlege is only part of her amazing package. Tammy is genuine. The real deal. Instantly, you can tell she loves this role.

She has a great relationship with the hospital staff, and it was obvious the Midwife I met during delivery had the upmost respect for Tammy.

As the Grandmother, I was thrilled to have her coach my daughter. She is outstanding.

I miss her already. If you are lucky enough to be in her care enjoy. Amazing lady!

R.Cecilia James

Nova Scotia

Emily Guy Birken

11/7/2013

My husband and I met Tammy three years ago, as we were preparing for the birth of our first child. I knew that I wanted to have a doula at our birth, and I had gotten the names of a couple of local doulas to interview. After meeting with Tammy, I knew that I didn't need to interview anyone else.

Tammy is one of the warmest and most genuine people I've ever met--and she has a wicked sense of humor. My husband and I instantly felt very comfortable with her. Prior to our son's birth, she talked us through various options for our birth, and gave us some very useful information and videos to help us prepare for the birth.

On the night that our son was born, Tammy went above and beyond on multiple occasions to help make our birth comfortable, memorable, and safe. One of the things I loved about her was how she was able to instinctively know when I or my husband needed her and when to let us work or labor on our own. She provided unwavering support while still helping us to feel the unique parental intimacy of the birth experience.

This year, when I was expecting our second baby, it was a given that Tammy would again be present for the birth even though I felt more comfortable with what to expect. I wanted Tammy to be a part of my new baby's birth story. Again, Tammy provided an incredible level of support, especially during a particularly painful delivery. She was even able to get my exhausted husband to belly laugh after our new son arrived late in the evening.

You could not ask for a more diligent and caring doula to have in your corner during your birth experience. I can almost see myself having a third baby just to have Tammy be my doula again. (Almost.)

Sammy Saber

10/23/2013

My wife and I wanted a natural childbirth that was free of medications or interventions. To help us on our journey, we decided to hire a doula, and were so very lucky to find Tammy who agreed to assist us.

My wife approached her pregnancy by trying to learn about absolutely everything that could happen during the birth process. This complimented Tammy very well as she also gave a very informative birthing class. It was very practical, a lot of fun, and very intimate as there were only a few other couples participating.

I didn't quite know what to expect during the birth, and, even less so, how a doula would interact with my wife and I. Tammy was extremely kind from the very beginning and assured that she saw her role as a supporter who made sure the husband/birth partner played an active role in the process. The birth itself takes a really long time, and while it is exhausting for the one who is giving birth, it can also be exhausting for the partner as well. Every woman who gives birth reaches a point near the end where they are absolutely exhausted, frustrated, and feel like they can't go on. And, it can be extremely difficult as a husband or partner to watch the person you love go through that. With the stress of the birth, my wife and I were extremely grateful to Tammy for being that extra support that both of us needed to get through the entire birth the way we wanted it done originally, naturally and without medications. Had we not had Tammy, I don't know if my wife and I would have had the strength to stick to our original plan.

I'll close by saying that Tammy is just an incredible person who is so well suited for being a doula. She has an infectious energy that is just so positive and wonderful. And, in an instant, she can switch from bubbly and excited, to extremely calm, nurturing and supportive. I would recommend Tammy to anyone who wants to make sure that they have the best birth experience they possibly can.

Christina W

9/6/2013

We will be forever grateful to Tammy for her guidance as we welcomed our second daughter via a drug free VBAC in what turned out to be a rather quick and interesting delivery! We took Tammy's class, which helped prepare us for what was to come, but having her with us during my labor was invaluable. She has such a calm and reassuring presence, and-probably more importantly, she seems to have an instinct and intuition about what you need. She is quiet and in the background when she needs to be, but she knows just when it's time to step in and offer her skills--suggesting a new position, reassuring fears, validating any feeling you're having, helping guide your partner...

Much to our surprise, my labor moved really quickly and without Tammy's guidance, we are fully convinced that we would have had the baby at home! Thankfully, Tammy was able to coach me through a very active car ride to the hospital while I was in the early stages of pushing. She helped me remain calm and guided me through each of my contractions in a way that allowed me to endure them without pushing too hard. Without her calm, yet firm assistance, my husband and I would both have been scared, overwhelmed, and probably panicked. Instead, she took control, guided me through, had the midwife on speed dial, and made sure that the hospital was ready for us upon arrival. We got to the hospital and there was a room full of nurses and a doctor waiting for us. Tammy guided me through the final stages of pushing and helped us welcome our daughter only minutes after arriving at the hospital.

I had many hopes for my labor and delivery. I put a lot of thought and research into my plans. I did everything I could to prepare myself for a successful VBAC. Of all the things I did, having a doula was by far the most beneficial. Tammy's care was superb and I will be forever appreciative of what she did for me and my family!

H. Perkins

3/4/2013

Tammy,
Hi, how are you? My Husband and I, and both set of grandparents just celebrated our son's first birthday here in Virgina. It has been the great year of learning, and its been a lot of fun. He actually took his first steps at his birthday party. Since we were celebrating his birth, we of course were reminiscing about all the activity that day. I wanted to let you know just how special you made his actual birth. You were the great sense of calm in the chaos. I told Todd that if we ever have another kid that I was going to Lafayette so that you could be my doula. So, thank you so much for all the special memories.
Thanks

Jennifer Linvill

2/6/2013

Tammy was with us for the birth of all three of our boys and I highly recommend her as a birth doula! Tammy’s caring and generous nature combined with her amazing skill for listening allow her to provide each family with a uniquely personal and private experience, even in a hospital setting. She is flexible and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that mom, dad, and baby are well cared for before, during, and after birth.

M. Linvill

1/24/2013

 Tammy IS a celebration of life and brings that to her doula work. The wisdom, experience, and attitude she brings in this role is priceless. Doctors and hospitals manage the health condition with clinical efficiencies. Tammy is about the gestalt. Her planning and preparation with us was critical to our three successful deliveries.

We are enriched for knowing Tammy.

Holly Myles

6/13/2012

Julie Newcamp

4/13/2012

Courtney Lashbrook

8/10/2011

I found Tammy through Doula Match and contacted her via email.  I could tell right from the start that we would get along great.  Tammy met with my husband and I for an interview.  Tammy made me feel very comfortable and she was very easy to talk to.  Tammy was very knowledgable about birth and labor and I really felt that she could help my husband and I get more familiar with a natural labor.  Along with being my doula, I asked Tammy if she could do some labor/birth education so that my husband would be more comfortable in the delivery room.  Turns out that the baby decided to come at 35 weeks while Tammy was on a family vacation.  But I carried with me the education and support that she provided to us during my labor.  I would definitely recommend Tammy as a doula or a birth educator.  She is fantastic!

Valerie Wininger

12/10/2010

After having 2 children in the hospital with epidurals and not loving the experiences, I knew I wanted my 3rd time to be a little different. I started researching doulas and found Tammy. I knew if I was going to do this without drugs, I was going to need some serious support! I contacted her and fell in love with her via email. I was ready to hire her without even meeting her - that's how awesome she is. Needless to say, she sweetly suggested that we meet (just in case) and after that, we became fast friends.

She provided amazing support to me, my husband, and my children during my pregnancy, delivery and post-partum. She was always there to cry with me, hug me, laugh with and nurture me. She helped us through our very FAST labor at home and a speedy car ride to the hospital after my water broke. She helped me believe in myself and know that I could get through this, even when I was desperately trying to keep that baby from coming out (hey it hurts a little). She even helped me prepare my older kids for the delivery so they could be there in the room when their baby sister was born! I don't think they'll ever forget that experience, which means the world to me.

With Tammy's unending support, I was able to have the birth experience I'd always wanted - epidural-free and unattached to monitors/IV/etc. It was a very empowering experience. Three months later and I still daydream about my labor and delivery - how crazy is that? I can't recommend Tammy highly enough!

Lyndsey Jones

1/28/2010

Tammy was our doula for the birth of our first child. We met her through her natural child birth classes and enjoyed her so much we asked her to be present at our birth. We had a water birth at home with a midwife, her assistant, and Tammy as our doula. During labor Tammy was very supportive with encouraging comments, rubbing my back, putting on calm music, or just being there for me and my husband.  She and my husband would count up to 30 and then back down to 1 during my contractions and I found that it gave me something to think about and remind me that the contraction would eventually stop. My husband loved having her there. He and Tammy worked together to help me with my contractions. She provided me with water and laborade during labor, but also gave him food and water when he needed it too. She was literally willing to do anything to help! After the birth she stayed for a few hours to help clean up, take care of me, and spend time with us. The days and weeks following the birth she would call and email to keep in touch as well as stopping by for several visits. She was always available if I had a concern or a question. I cannot say enough positive things about Tammy and how we loved working with her. We had a wonderful birthing experience and no question that Tammy's presence was a part of that!

erin o'connor

1/7/2010

living in california, i spoke to my dear long-time friend tammy about how i had all of the medical and intellectual support that i needed before giving birth to my second child, but that i was missing that beautiful emotional connection i had before bearing my first son. this was due in part to the fact that the first time around i had taken so many classes, including prenatal yoga, that had readied my mind, body and spirit. now, with a very active preschooler, getting into the right emotional space was tough. i asked tammy to be my LDD - Long Distance Doula. she took on the challenge with her signature energy, humor, creativity and grace. she sent me recipes, gifts for my firstborn, music mixes, birthing affirmations (my favorite "i am relaxed and free of fear"), a birthing ball, pregnancy tea and so much more to nourish every part of me. this woman is thoughtful and loving-- using her giant brain and giant heart to make you feel special and cared for. sometimes she'd just call me and leave a message like, "hey i'm just thinking of you, wishing i could cook for you tonight and rub your feet." has your husband ever said this to you? mine neither. : ) invite tammy into your birthing experience. you're worth it... and the beautiful memories will last a lifetime.

Julia Chester

12/6/2009

We met Tammy in our natural childbirth class. We felt an immediate connection with her and knew that we wanted her to be our doula. Tammy is one of the most caring and loving people I have ever met. She can look deep into your heart, anticipate fears and concerns, and support you in every way a person needs to be supported. Tammy is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the childbirth process and helped to educate and prepare us, not only for the process of childbirth itself but also during the prenatal and postpartum time. Before our son was born, Tammy shared our excitement and anticipation and it was fun to update her on our progress. She always had helpful tips for how to take care of myself both physically and mentally. Tammy was ready for all twists and turns associated with the childbirth process. She has amazing energy and yet can stay calm and focused. I really appreciated Tammy’s support during my labor. My “natural” childbirth experience didn’t go quite as planned (I ended up needing a C-section). But all through the process Tammy remained hopeful and encouraging; she provided options for laboring positions, and helped me accept the process as it unfolded. She also helped me sort out my emotions and thoughts about the birth during the postpartum time and has remained a supportive and understanding friend. I always felt very comfortable with Tammy and never embarrassed or hesitant to open up to her. Tammy’s skills and calm and loving nature make her the ideal doula and we are eternally grateful for her support.

Jolene King

11/30/2009

When I met Tammy, I knew my family had been blessed.  She is full of energy, compassionate, comforting, and is gifted to know just what to do to help you through the current situation (emotionally, physically, etc.)  My husband and I didn’t decide to have a doula until soon before the birth of our daughter. Due to limited time, Tammy made special efforts to help prepare us and educate us about what would happen, answer our questions, talk about our birthing plan, etc. Tammy eased our minds and hearts instantly.  I had to be induced, so the night before I checked into the hospital and Tammy was right there. She continued to provide emotional and knowledgeable support to our family. She walked me though what was happening and provided reassurance about the process.  Tammy joined me bright and early for the big day. I cannot put into words how fantastic my support system was! Tammy helped me and my husband through the different stages, she was an interpreter for us (from the doctors and nurses), she helped us ask questions, she made us laugh, and she provided excellent companionship. Since this was our first child, she helped my husband know what to do to be the best support for me. Her guidance was training and support for both of us! Tammy has a unique way of sharing her knowledge that made us comfortable, excited, and not at all fearful of the unknown. With her support, I was fortunate to be able to have my daughter without any pain medication. I could not have had such a wonderful experience without her. Her postpartum support was fantastic also. She took all the time that I needed and shared information, helped me understand how to handle changes in my body, etc.  Happily, we are expecting another baby and we knew right away we wanted to have Tammy with us.  I cannot adequately describe how impactful Tammy has been in our family. She really is a true blessing.
 

Emily Kasal

11/20/2009

Tammy was my Doula for the birth of my son and she was absolutely instrumental in helping me achieve the natural birth I wanted. My husband and I hired Tammy early in my pregnancy and knowing she would be there when the big day arrived helped me to feel calm and safe during the months leading up to it. I cherished our prenatal appointments and her positivity and encouragement gave me what I needed to fully commit myself to having a natural birth. She was able to frame things in a way that made me feel excited about the birth rather than fearful. When I went into labor Tammy arrived at my house at 1:00am, excited and eager to help. She sat next to me while I labored in bed, reassuring me that everything I was experiencing was normal. I felt so comfortable having her with me and she helped me stay positive and confident through the pain. I was able to labor at home with her for a long time before needing to go to the hospital and once I arrived at the hospital I only had about two and a half more hours of labor before my son was born. Tammy helped me to feel so safe during the difficult moments and I don’t know if I could have done it without her. Tammy has also been amazing to work with during the difficult postpartum period. She has helped me to feel normal, serene and cared for. I have no doubt that having Tammy present for the birth of my son was one of the most important factors in helping me achieve the natural birth I wanted. She is truly a gift!

Corie Wilson

11/15/2009

Tammy is an amazing person!  I believe that being a doula, second to being a mother, is her natural calling.  We hired her to assist with the birth of our second child.  Having Tammy's help and support not only during the birthing process, but also during the first few postpartum weeks, was nothing short of wonderful!!  She provided a wealth of knowledge, support, guidance, and love for our family.  Tammy's assistance made the birth of our second child even more joyful!  I can't imagine having another baby without her expertise!  Thank you Tammy!

Eileen E. Booth

11/15/2009

I worried about a lot of things during my second pregnancy including a repeat case of pre-eclampisa, another involuntary c-section and another early birth taking me by surprise.  I met Tammy only about two weeks from my due date at a doula party where I was the model for a belly casting.  I felt such a uniquely strong connection with Tammy that my husband and I decided to hire her as our doula that same evening.  She came highly recommended by many close friends and my local mom's group.  I even had one friend tell me she would consider flying Tammy down to Florida for her next birth.  Tammy made the whole experience very memorable and wonderful.  Tammy responded very quickly to my 3am phone call the morning I went into labor.  She was not only postive and energetic at that early hour, but genuinely excited and enthusiatic throughout the experience.  She loves her life's work as a doula and it truly shows.  I could go on forever about how special Tammy made the experience, but here are some of the highlights.  Tammy helped sooth me as I labored on my porch swing while my husband ran around the house letting the dog out, calming our upset toddler (who was tired at 3am and very worried about her mommy) and collecting my belongings for the hospital.  If you think your partner can be in three places at once, consider the last minute madness that is the departure from the house.  Pretty much the reoccuring theme of the day was that while either my husband or Tammy were running around alerted nurses of my needs, retrieving more ice chips, providing updates to the family in the waiting area, the other one was able to stay with me.  I did not want to be left alone during what was the most intense and wonderful experience I've ever been through.  Tammy is worth every penny she charges- you truly can't put a price on a beautiful delivery.