Dominique Shae

9/20/2017

I was always skeptical of needing a Doula, especially since with my previous 3 births I had awesome coaches in my Mom and husband. I figured that’s all I needed. Unfortunely those birth experiences did not go as I had hoped. I had c-sections with all three, mainly because I just went along with what I was told by my doctors without having any real information for myself. But as my husband and I welcomed our 4th child a couple months ago, we quickly realized we could not have done it without Ayanna...The Doula!

I had a VBA3C, which is almost unheard of because it seems like in the birth world, “once a cesarean, always a cesarean”. That unfortunate philosophy is not what I believe though. I always thought it was possible for me to give birth vaginally despite what the doctors told me, I just didn’t have the expertise and guidance I needed. Ayanna did, and she thought it was possible for me to have a vaginal birth as well! She supported me the ENTIRE pregnancy by getting me mentally and physically prepared for a VBA3C. She provided resources, research-based information, ever-present assurance, and even coached me through prenatal fitness routines. By the time I went into labor, things had fallen so into place it was almost magical! I had the birth experience that I always dreamed of and it was only possible because of the supportive birth team I had. My awesome husband, great OBGYN, caring nurses, and my amazing doula helped me achieve my dream.

I’m so thankful for Ayanna and her incredible knowledge and encouragement. I was blessed to have had her as my doula...The Doula, and I highly recommend her to anyone and EVERYONE! As doubtful as I was to hire a doula in the past, I now believe every woman should have a doula during their birthing experience.

Miriam Sim

2/17/2017

Ayanna was the best doula that I could ask for.  After being unexpectadly induced, I was worried about my birthing experience since I was also unexpectadly induced with my first child and it was horrible.  I called Ayanna, whom I had met for the first time hours before my induction and she responded right away.  She came into the hospital, introduced herself and was such a pleasant and down to earth person.  I was worried that she would be super crunchy and talk like she was on cloud 9 but I was surprised at how "normal" and easy going she was.  She put me at ease right away.  Long story short, she left the hospital and came back at 1 am when things were getting bad and the entire time during my labor she was a constant strong presence. She was neither passive or aggressive but simply reassured me and gave me suggestions to ease the pain. I am one of the lucky few who have back labor so every time I contraction came she was right behind massaging and putting pressure to help relieve the pain.  After 3 hours of doing that I could no longer handle it so I got an epidural.  I told Ayanna she could go home (since I felt like she had a major work out and it was 4 AM) but she stayed right beside me for another 2 hours until my daughter was born.  I was infinitely thankful for everything she had done and could not have asked for a better doula. I consider myself a very lucky person and if she was still in Philly I would recommend her to all of my friends and family.