Ginny

4/14/2023

Lisa came highly recommended by a friend of mine, and my husband and I were not disappointed! My labor was extremely long, and we have no idea how we would have gotten through without her. She was so encouraging and supportive through the whole thing, with great ideas on how to help make me comfortable. I really surprised myself with how well I handled labor, and I give Lisa a lot of the credit for that. My husband and I now tell all of our friends that they need to get a doula!

Mindy Kootstra

1/26/2022

Having Lisa as my doula in December 2021 was a great blessing that had a significant positive impact on my experience giving birth to my first baby. When we initially spoke I got a sense of her ability to encourage, guide, calm and reassure women as they prepare for and experience childbirth. I was impressed with how available and responsive she was leading up to the due date and she provided excellent insight while I was in early labor that helped us decide to go to the hospital at the perfect time. Lisa was very prepared and prompt when it was time to go. She was familiar with protocols at my hospital, interfaced confidently and respectfully with staff, and assisted as I was being admitted. Lisa helped me with good positions, vocalizations, and labor techniques in the hospital. Probably most importantly she gave me assurance throughout that things were going well when I otherwise might have wanted to panic or give up, and she made me feel like I could do it! I had hoped to give birth without pain medication if possible and Lisa definitely played a large role in me persevering, but I would have loved to have her with me even if I had different goals. I was very happy she was with us and would recommend her to others. 

Tom Burns

11/12/2017

Lisa Anderson is an amazing doula!

My wife, Elise, and I can attest to Lisa’s ability and knowledge. Her presence during the birth of our son, Martin (we call him “Marty” like the hero from Back to the Future) was a tremendous help. This was our first pregnancy, and new to Dayton, Ohio, we have few family or close friends in the area. A mother herself and a doula at numerous other births, Lisa not only served as an experienced coach during the delivery but someone we could contact for advice throughout the pregnancy.

Elise had some anxiety over the pain she might go through during labor and the effects drugs may have on Marty. Prior to—we met with Lisa twice beforehand—and during the pregnancy Lisa reminded us of our options of how Elise could reduce her pain without endangering Marty, such as changing positions or taking medications. The decision to administer an epidural and how soon to do so was ultimately ours, but Lisa stood ready provide the benefits and drawbacks as well as serve as an advocate for our choices to the hospital staff.

Marty was born at Soin Medical Center in October 2017. Elise’s labor was induced because our baby was not ready to make his appearance and her blood pressure was a little high. We were both worried about the induction process Elise and I thought maybe after our first, the stress of childbirth would prevent us from wanting to have another. This could not be farther from the truth. We are already planning on Marty’s brother or sister in the next few years. We know the confidence we have in the future comes in large part from Lisa’s helping hand in Marty’s birth.

Lisa – thank you so much!

Tom, Elise, and Marty

Katie Ann Mathews

10/25/2017

I can't put into words how grateful I am that we had Lisa as our doula at our daughter's birth. We had just moved back to the area right before she was born so I thought it was too late for me to have a doula, but Lisa jumped right in with us and, even in our initial conversation the week our Eden was born, made me feel more confident about the labor process than I had been my whole pregnancy, and she gave me guidance and peace about hard decisions we were making about the delivery.

During the delivery, she was a gift not only to me, but to my husband and mom as well, who were also in the room with us the whole time. She knew positions that eased my pain that I wouldn't even have thought of, encouraged me every step of the way that I was doing well (even when I thought I wasn't) and that the process was moving along just as it should (even when I doubted). She was a constant voice of peace to me and my family, and she knew her stuff! We all looked to her to answer questions, offer comfort, and suggest helpful tips, and she delivered on all of the above, above and beyond. She has such a kind spirit that fills the room and I can't recommend her enough. Forever will be grateful that she was there for us and our Eden.

April Nelson

10/24/2017

Lisa was a gift to me that I didn't even know I needed! With a nursing background, I thought I would be so helpful to my daughter when she asked me to be w her and her husband during the birth of their first child. When Katie told me she was also hiring a doula, I was skeptical. The morning Katie went into labor, Lisa arrived 30 minutes after I did. Within an hour of her being there, I realized what a an absolute gift she was going to be. Lisa entered and exited the labor journey at just the right times. She allowed me to be momma to my daughter and she was our medical representative to the hospital staff. She was such a helpful presence in the room. She was one big security blanket for all of us! She kept great records of when and what happened during the enitre process. She made great suggestions and in the end, allowed Katie and Greg to make their decisions. Lisa is intuitive and sensitive to the needs around her. I am beyond thankful she was a part of the team that helped my daugther deliver her first baby. Thank you Lisa!

Emily Grey

4/7/2017

Having Lisa with us for the birth of our daughter was wonderful! Having someone there who knows what you want and has been through the birthing process was so helpful. Meeting with her beforehand and reviewing my birth plan I think really helped my husband with the reality of what was going to happen and what his role was going to be.  When I woke up in early labor, she was the first person I texted. At the hospital, she helped my husband rub my back and make me more comfortable and when it was pushing time she was right by my side coaching me through.  I had my baby at 4:30 Christmas morning so you know she is there for you anytime (as in all night and on holidays).  I would highly recomend Lisa to be your doula too!

Joanna Leszczynski

4/4/2017

Lisa is the definition of a selfless, sacrificing, most-competent caregiver. She was like Super-Woman to the rescue when it came to our birth story. As a first time new mom, I was incredibly worried and nervous to give birth. I had been hoping and praying that there would be a support person available to me as my mother was not able to be present. God answered my prayer as she identified herself to me as a service. Being someone who puts things off, I did not schedule a meeting to talk about birth plans until 3 weeks before my due date. Ironically that was the morning my water broke at home. On the way to the hospital, my husband called to cancel the meeting, of course. But she was willing to come to the hospital that day! I meet her for the first time in triage! Things moved very quickly as I was already 8 cm dilated. I was thinking that I couldn't do this, but she stepped right in, held my hand through the contractions and reassured me that I was already in the thick of it. Because I was so anxious I wanted that epidural right away! But she looked me in the eye and told me, "You can do this. You've already done it this far."  With her belief in me, I was able to give birth naturally without any drugs. Her calming presence, unwavering belief in me and knowledge of the birthing process gave me the confidence to progress. Something about her let me know that she was someone that I could trust. She was willing to rearrange her schedule, have someone pick up her kid from school and stayed with me for a couple hours after the birth to make sure we were ok and comfortable. Lisa is an exceptional doula and one that I would recommend to everyone!