Stephanie Radcliffe

9/23/2014

I'm so excited to tell you about my experience with Brianna Anders! I was searching for a doula for the birth of my first child. I started googling doulas in the area and Brianna was first on the list! I called her and my husband and I met to interview her when I was about halfway through my pregnancy. My husband and I knew immediately that Brianna was the one! I was nervous as it was my first pregnancy and she was so informative and extremely genuine. I felt comfortable right away and so did my husband. My water broke 16 days early and she stayed in touch with me the entire way through; texting and calling me as I made it to the hospital. I got to the hospital at 8pm and my baby boy was delivered safe and sound at 3:01 am! My goal was to have a natural childbirth and I acheived this goal! It was the hardest thing I have ever done and by far the most rewarding. There are no words for the love I have in my heart for my baby boy! It means more than I can say to have had Brianna on my team! Her go-getter personality and sweet and gentle encouragment throughout labor helped my mind to stay foused throughout the most painful times. She helped me stay at ease and reminded me each step of the way that my body was created for this and could push through! I was very blessed to only have had a 7 hour labor and I know I have Brianna to thank for much of this as she helped my body to progress quickly! Brianna wasn't just helpful during my pregnancy/labor and delivery, she pointed me in the right direction, postpartum, when my baby boy had latching issues during the first days and weeks of life. She pointed me to an a board certified lactation consultant who also was amazing! I called her several times to update her and she was always such a huge cheerleader! Brianna is one of a kind and I would recommend her to any momma who is looking for a doula to accompany her on her journey through and after childbirth! I know who to call for baby #2!

Meagan Westerberg

8/26/2014

I try very hard not to play the "should've, would've, could've" game in reference to previous experiences in my life. However, if there was one thing I could go back and do differently with the birth of my first child it would be hire a doula! With that being said, the very second thing I did when I found out we were expecting baby number two was call Brianna to lock her in. I did not know Brianna very well, we were acquaintances through the Birth Network, but my gut told me Brianna was who I should call. She has such a personable and down to earth demeanor about her. I knew that I could count on her to be, both, incredibly knowledgeable and, just, bubbly and silly enough that I would feel comfortable being 100% vulnerable during my birth experience. Labor and birth aside she proved to be available during my whole pregnancy as a resource for education and support.

She has the amazing ability to flow with the energy of the labor and do as little or as much as is needed depending on the changing needs of her clients. Originally, I told Brianna she was the main labor support for me, and my husband would be on toddler duty with my eldest. Once in the swing of things it was very apparent that I needed my husband's support and touch more, and she was crucial in coaching him through his support role during labor. She was always helping, even if she wasn't hands on with me - taking pictures (amazing pictures!), checking on my daughter, assisting in breastfeeding, aiding my midwife, cleaning up, chatting with me etc.

My birth was perfect. I truly believe that is due in part to my birth team. Brianna later told me that I did so great that she didn't even have to do much. This is partially true. However, what she doesn't realize is that I did so great during labor because of the books and resources she had recommended early on in my pregnancy : o ). I look back and am so grateful she was there.

Kathi Watson

8/25/2014

Brianna was our teacher for our natural childbirth class at the birthing center.  She was a great teacher, very knowledgable and we liked her so much we hired her to be our doula.  Everything we learned in class coupled with actually having her there at my side helped give me the confidence I needed to believe in my body and allow the natural childbirth process to happen. She was professional, compassionate and helped keep me focused and comfortable. My husband appreciated having her there as well. They worked as a team together comforting me and taking care of my needs while I was in labor. She snapped a few of my favorite pictures of the first few moments of my daughter'a life as my husband and I met her and bonded with her. I would highly recommend hiring Brianna as a doula!!!

J Garner

8/19/2014

Brianna was such a big help! From the beginning Brianna showed her passion and enthusiasm for what she does and she helped make my birthing experience that much more amazing. She was so encouraging the whole time from just talking about how I would like my birthing experience to go to making that a reality and encouraging me when things were getting tough. I am a first time mom and was concerned about pain management but I knew without a doubt that I wanted to have an all natural birth and that's where Brianna came in. Brianna stayed calm under the pressure of the situation and in turn helped my mom and I to stay calm when things really started to progress. Brianna coached me through and encouraged me with every push until my little one came into the world. I was also greatful that she stayed even after the birth to help out wih any question and to just help me out in general. My son will be turning 4 months old in a few days and Brianna and I still stay in touch and it's great to see her at baby events and show her how much my son has grown! I am so glad that we chose Brianna as she came highly recommended and I see why. She is truly dedicated to her clients and is there to help you on one of the most amazing journeys in life! Thanks Brianna :) 

Jessica Dilbert

8/19/2014

I could not imagine what my birth would have been like without the help of Brianna. She was such an amazing asset to my experience in the hospital and out. She was there for me when I was first typing out my birth plan and was there to give me breastfeeding advice after ny baby girl Mirabelle was born. She spent those three days at the hospital with me and my fiance prepared for anything and eased my sorrows of not having the birth I planned for. I have heard of some doulas who leave once the mention of epidural or c section but not Bruanna. She was there for us till the beginnibg of our baby's life and still is!

Meesha Davis

6/24/2014

It's been seven months since I gave birth naturally and drug-free to my baby and I still think about it every single day. Brianna played a huge part of this positive experience, giving me much more support than I could have ever imagined. My first child was born five years ago in a hospital, without a doula, and after SEVEN interventions. I was left feeling that something should have been different.

This time, I thought a doula would help me cope through natural labor and birth, but I actually got support throughout my whole pregnancy. Every meeting or talk was so friendly and encouraging, and she never laid judgment. Even though she had other clients, I always felt that I was important to her. We talked a lot about giving birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home. Ultimately, I switched from my OB-GYN and the hospital to a birth center, with her unwavering support no matter what my final decision was.

I'm so proud to say that my baby was born with ZERO interventions! I was in labor for about 10 hours and I pushed for an hour and a half - and Brianna was by my side the entire time. When things got intense and I could feel other people's fear and stressed energy, I only felt calmness from Brianna. She helped me remember to breathe, over, and over, and over - and embrace the contractions to work with my body and any position I felt I needed. She empowered my husband and gave us space if she sensed that I just wanted to sway with him for a while. I frequently found myself holding on to each of their hands at the same time - only hers were much softer than my husband's!

This was truly a special day that we will never forget. But, Brianna gave us postpartum support too. She helped me with breastfeeding and visited us at home a few weeks later. If you're considering a doula, Brianna will not let you down. Her kind spirit is contagious, which is perfect when welcoming your little one into the world for the first time. THANK YOU Brianna!!

Kate Berman

2/7/2014

I interviewed other doulas but knew right away that Brianna was the right person for us. It was immediately evident that she is passionate about what she does, knowledgeable and educated in her field, and truly cares about a mother's well being and wishes!

I had been on the fence deciding if I would deliver in a hospital or at home. In my heart, I wanted to have a home birth but was struggling due to the influence of family members. Brianna helped me work through these doubts and I was ultimately able to choose the home birth I wanted. At no time did she try to persuade me either way, she just encouraged me to make the decision for myself.

The day of my baby's birth, Brianna was amazing! She helped guide my breathing, kept me moving around, provided counter pressure during contractions (which made them feel soo much better!), offered water and snacks, and encouraged me to push when the time came.

My water broke before contractions started, so the clock had started ticking to deliver my baby. When the midwife checked me early in the morning my baby had turned posterior - which would make labor longer and more difficult...Brianna helped me through movement and positioning to get my baby to move back into an anterior position...and it worked! If I had been in a hospital with no doula, I believe the outcome could have been much different... possibly resulting in a need for interventions, maybe even a c-section. Instead I had a wonderful, amazing home water birth and I couldn't have wished for anything more!

My water broke at 1:30am, contractions started at 3:30am and by noon I had my baby girl in my arms! For a first time mom this was a fast labor and I believe having Brianna on my team made the difference!

As I write this my 7 week old baby girl is nursing in my arms and I am happier than I've ever been... Thank you Brianna for making my dream a reality. <3

Elizabeth M

10/30/2013

I hired Briana Anders as a doula because I wanted to have an unmedicated natural birth. I was a First Time Mom so had no clue what I was going getting into. Brianna was extremely helpful. We met about 2 times prior to birth to go over expectations for birth. Brianna listed to what I wanted and also gave suggestions that I may not have thought out. When it came time for labor, I couldn't have done it without Brianna. I started labor around 9pm on Thursday. I called Brianna several times during the night as I was slowly progressing. At about 3 am, Brianna came over and helped me labor at home through the contractions. When we went to the hospital, that's where Brianna truly shined. I know I would not have been able to go as pain free as I did if it had not been for her. She applied counter pressure during the contractions that really made it possible for me to deal with them. Brianna also was a great advocate in asking questions to the nurses and doctors of what was happening. I second what the previous posted stated on how well she worked with the hospital staff. I believe they were all amazed at how she was in the room in assisting me and was appreciative of her.

I know if it had not been for Brianna I would have asked for an epidural way early on as the pain was too intense. Brianna really made the difference in my birth experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world. She is a great asset for anyone to have in their birth experience to make it smoother.

Shanel Arroyo

10/28/2013

Brianna was amazing!!  I called her last minute because my baby turned posterior.  She was so informative and super helpful.  She was a grat addition to my birthing team.  I highly recommend Brianna and will recommend her to anyone I know that is interested in a doula.  I am so thankful for her support!

Amanda Travaglini

7/7/2013

I truly had an amazing birth, beyond my wildest dreams, with Brianna. This was my second child, and I had a long and painful induction with my first. While I wasn't opposed to pain medication, I told Brianna I was willing to try going Epi-free, and that I wanted to do things as much on my own, with as little intervention as possible. She really listened to what I wanted, and during the birth process, supported me 100%. She attended an OB visit with me, where we had to discuss some difficult options, and she asked questions I wouldn't have even thought to ask, making sure my wishes would be followed through. I did end up being induced this time, but with her support, it was only 11 hours, and I ended up making it all the way to transition without any pain meds! I never thought I would be able to do it, but she coached me through every contraction, providing the right emotional support, as well as positioning techniques and counterpressure that really helped me get through it. She also worked really well with my chiropractor, who also attended the birth and helped me to transition relatively quickly. Because I wasn't a natural birth advocate, per se, I wasn't sure what to expect when hiring a doula, but I really could not have done this without her, and now consider her a beautiful and integral part of this awesome experience. Even if you are having a traditional hospital birth with an OB, I can't recommend hiring Brianna enough. She worked so well with the hospital staff, and I think they walked away with a new appreciate for what she does. I also appreciated the support leading up to the birth, when she was available day-round via text to answer questions and provide advice.

Lindsay (Nicholson) Link

7/27/2012

 Brianna Anders was truly by my side during my pregnancy and labor/delivery the entire time. It was my first pregnancy and although I did my own research and reading on the process she was very comforting and reassuring throughout the entire thing. My pregnancy was wonderful and labor and delivery somewhat complicated and very extensive (46 hrs of pre labor/labor and delivery). She lived one hour away from my house and the hospital that I was going to deliver at. She made the trip twice during that 46 hr period (hospital sent me home because I was not dilated enough), but within 4 hours of being home I was back at the hospital and so was she. And she was 7-8 months pregnant during this time as well! Brianna is very dear to me and when I have another baby she will definitely be at my side for encourgament, comfort, and knowledge. She gives her advice and listens to what her clients need/want. She is truly dedicated to helping expecting moms be in control and have knowledge of the birthing process. She helps you to understand it in a way that makes it not seem like pregnancy is not a "medical diagnosis". 

Daniella Koontz

4/30/2012

 I have used Brianna Anders for advice and support during the pregnancy and after the birth of my 3rd child. You'd think by the 3rd baby I'd have all this down pat. Brianna was always quick to respond to any questions that I had. She never made me feel less of a mother or woman for any questions or choices that I made. The great thing about Brianna is that she lives by the lessons she teaches. She has 3 wonderful children of her own, and lives a very organic and natural lifestyle. She is willing to help and teach any who are willing to listen. I highly recommend her to any mothers out there, and especially for those who might be looking into a more natural birth for the first time. Brianna will ease you into the process in a kind and non-judgemental way.