Kelly Hemington

12/15/2024

My husband and I couldn’t have been more happy that we hired Ashley as our doula and photographer.  This was our first baby and we didn’t know what to expect, and after going through it, I realized that all babies come with the unexpected element.

We had debated on if we should hire a doula, and looking back we are so thankful that we did. There are many things that come up towards the end of pregnancy, it was so nice to have someone that I could text with questions. She was also a great resource for my husband through the whole pregnancy and labor/delivery process.

We were supposed to deliver at a birth center but ended up transferring to the hospital due to complications. She was the constant through it all. I couldn’t imagine having another baby without having a doula. Working with Ashley made it feel like you had somebody in your corner and on your team. She strikes the right balance of professionalism and genuine care. She was able to lend her knowledge and expertise while respecting us as a couple and miracle that is birth. And more than anything, she really cares about you and your family. I would highly recommend Ashley, we loved our experience.

The photos she captured during birth and with our newborn were priceless. So many things go on and it’s just nice to be able to remember those moments you never want to forget.

Brittany Hogan

11/6/2024

 We hired Ashley for my second pregnancy after everything I did NOT want to happen with my first, happened. Hospital birth during COVID. All the interventions. You name it. Ashley gave me hope from our first call. She helped me have a faith based mindset rather than a fearful mentality. During my pregnancy I felt empowered to have a beautiful home birth and that’s exactly what happened. She was by my side and on the phone with me every step of the way. When I was in early labor, she was as educating me and helped me stick to the plan. When game time came, she was right by our sides to ensure our birth space was peaceful and exactly as I wanted it. Her words of encouragement were everything I needed. She also captured our home birth beautifully with her photography skills that brought my family and I to tears. Afterwards she encapsulated my placenta and told me to use them according to my daily moods/hormones. When she came over for our postpartum visit, she picked up some discomfort in our baby and suggested chiropractic care. Our chiropractor discovered our baby was having reflux issues and he’s already on the right path and we noticed significant improvement. Ashley is a god sent and truly amazing at what she does. I plan on having her on my birth team for my future babies. Thank you Ashley for loving on us and taking care of us so well ♥?

Bree Kral

8/16/2024

So I had never known anyone who had a doula assist them with their labor and delivery, but being my first pregnancy I was looking for a way to show up with as much knowledge and confidence as I could. No matter what I read or the research I did, I still had uneasiness with all of the unknowns that birthing could bring so I started looking into doula services and that is when I came across Ashley's website. When I say she was a godsend to this time in my life, I'm in no way exaggerating. She gave me the confidence and calmness I was desperately searching for and I knew it immediately as our first phone call took place. During my labor Ashely was there with my husband and I through it all, beginning at home until our little boy made his arrival at the hospital. Throughout it she reassured me of my decisions and that she would be there to advocate for me if i couldn’t, she offered her honest thoughts and opinions when I needed, used her knowledge to ease and help me manage discomfort, all while helping me navigate my emotions and thoughts. She was a woman of many women during it all. She was a care giver, a friend, a supporter, a teacher, a listener, the list goes on and on. Long story short Ashley and her services gave me so much more than I could have asked for or expected to receive for my labor and delivery.

Skyla Camera

7/22/2024

I cannot recommend Ashley highly enough! From our first phone call, she provided unparalleled support and guidance to me & my husband throughout my pregnancy, labor & complicated delivery. Her calming presence and extensive knowledge made me feel confident and at ease during every step of the way. She was always available to answer our questions and provided invaluable advice that truly made a huge difference. During labor, her encouragement and techniques were incredibly effective, and I felt empowered and supported the entire time. Ashley isn’t just a doula; she's a compassionate and dedicated partner in the birthing journey. We will definitely be asking her back for our next pregnancy

Angie

6/21/2024

I've always heard great things about other people's experiences with birth doulas... but no one told me how life changing it truly is, at least with Ashley! After interviewing many doulas, I knew immediately from our initial phone call that Ashley was the right doula for me. She assisted in my hospital birth with my second baby, and I had her doula, photography, and placenta encapsulation services. Even though this was my second birth, I still felt very uneducated when it came to the differences between a natural, holistic birth and western medicine. Ashley is a PHENOMENAL educator and made me feel so confident in all of my decisions. Any question I had, even if I thought it was silly, I would text her and she would respond quickly with an answer. I was a little unsure at first about booking a doula along with a photography service, not wanting one service to interfere with another - but Ashley is a super mom at both! Once she knew I was comfortable and confident in my birthing progress, she would take photos while my partner assisted me - I didn't even know she was there! I couldn't be any more in love with how the photos turned out. It's something I will cherish forever, and a memory I can relive and share with others. Ashley stayed with me for a little over an hour after my birth, making sure I had everything I needed. She carefully handled my placenta and took it home with her, and I received my capsules by mail within 3 days! Since then, we had a postpartum visit where she made sure any and all questions were answered and has checked in on me via text in the following weeks. Ashley was 100000% supportive, respectful, educational, and the biggest advocate to my partner and I. We can't thank you enough!!

Samantha

4/24/2024

Ashley was an absolute Godsend. She was so helpful throughout the pregnancy, providing tips and resources along the way. This was my first pregnancy and I was quite overwhelmed with everything I needed to learn and know. She was easy to contact, answered our questions, and helped us develop a birth plan.  The day I went into labor, she guided me through the process and helped me determine when I should go to the hospital. She met us there and immediately started helping me with birthing positions and pain relief options. I experienced excruciating back labor and her pain relief techniques helped me survive the pain. I am so grateful she was there to help me through one of the biggest moments of my life. She also was extremely helpful postpartum. Our postpartum visit eased my anxiety about caring for my new baby. I highly recommend Ashley’s services, it is 100% worth it.

Kailey

2/26/2024

As a first time mother the unknown about childbirth was a little scary, but Ashley put all these fears to rest. Throughout my pregnancy Ashley was so responsive to all my questions and gave us very clear immediate answers. 

The day I went into labor I called Ashley to let her know that I was having contractions but was unsure if they were the real deal. I did not want her to waste a trip to my house if this was not real labor. She assured me this was her job and what she does and headed over in the early evening. When she arrived she determined that I was in fact in real labor and most likely close to transition. She had me on the ball and in other positions and was helping me through contractions with a very calm and soothing voice. She was also talking my husband and Mom through as well and letting them know how they could support and help me. Around 9pm my water broke and the pain really kicked in, Ashleys presence helped me to stay focused, and determined to have the unmedicated birth I was so wanting. Things were a tad hectic when we arrived at the hospital and Ashley remained the voice of reason, calm, loving, motherly and strong. We delivered our precious baby girl shortly after arrival completely unmedicated like I wanted. It was such a wonderful and beautiful birth and I believe had I not had Ashley my birth plan would of been out the window.

Ashley also encapsulated my placenta which I highly recommend. I have recovered so well after giving birth and my milk supply has been great! I really feel like they have helped me so much. 

I can not rave enough about Ashley and the importance of a doula by your side. It made me feel so empowered, strong, and deeply cared for by Ashley, my husband and Mom. The pictures were amazing as well, I can’t stop looking at them. Ashley, I am forever grateful, thankful and we love you!

Christina

2/3/2024

I wasn't sure I would want a doula because I feared having anyone present would put me into hosting mode. And I was hesitant about getting photos because I thought maybe I'd start worrying about my appearance, or that it would be images I really don't want to see. 

I am so glad that I was able to work through these concerns and have her full support. She came by a few times leading up to my birth to help try to reposition my baby, gave me tips/tricks/techniques to try. She always reached out to me to see how I was doing and let me know to message her with questions or concerns any day, any time. It was a huge comfort knowing I had her support 24/7. 

When I went into labor she was the first person I messaged, and she walked me through what to do until she arrived (she left her house immediately so it wasn't long at all). I went straight into active labor so she had no warning. And when she got here, she strategically assisted either me or my husband throughout contractions. It felt so wonderful having someone to give me comfort during that time and helping my husband to readjust if I needed something different or encouraging him when what he was doing was helping me. 

and then we got the pictures, and I was prepared to squint through half of them. Instead I cried as I relived the happy and empowering experience. I LOVE them. ALL of them. Even the graphic ones I was initially terrified of seeing... somehow she made them beautiful and on the discreet side.  I barely noticed her taking photos at the time, but she captured the whole experience. 

And afterwards she was unimaginably helpful with post partum nursing and baby care and support. Ashley is incredible, kind, thoughtful, and an expert in her field!!!

Annika N.

2/2/2024

After interviewing a couple of different options for doulas, we easily chose Ashley as the best fit for our family! She was obviously gifted in advocacy and empathy from our first facetime call and was clear about her goals as part of our birth team and what she could offer. I hired her later in my pregnancy, in perfect timing to begin to ease the anxieties and unknowns of giving birth for the first time. I chose to have a very loose birth plan (hospital birth, and waited to see what contractions and labor felt like before deciding whether or not I wanted any medications). Ashley was respectful and encouraging of my hopes and wishes for birth, and was SO informative of what the hospital may offer or encourage for me and my baby. This was such a helpful voice in a world of so many harsh opinions and information overload. I was most grateful for Ashley's ability to empower my husband as a birth partner, teaching him how to support me in the delivery room. 

When my sweet baby's birthday came, my labor was fast and furious! Ashley met us at the hospital in perfect timing, and amazed me in her ability to snap photos of our most special day while simultaneously supporting me in labor and informing us of our options as things progressed. I ended up having an unmedicated birth, and don't think I could have done so without her encouragement and gentle reminders. Her presence was a calming force for both me and my husband as we welcomed our sweet boy, and I am so grateful she was there for each moment! 

I had a fairly quick recovery from labor, and attribute much of my physical healing to Ashley's prenatal reccomendations and care. She took incredible photos of our baby entering the world that we will cherish forever! I reccomend her to any mama- you and your family will not regret having her there through life's most precious moments! 

Zoe

8/30/2023

Hiring Ashley was the best decision we made for our labor and delivery! Knowing we had someone so knowledgeable on our team gave both my husband and I so much peace of mind since this was our first child. She was always available to answer questions and ease any concerns I was having leading up to, during, and following the birth of our baby girl. My labor escalated very quickly and I ended up requesting an epidural shortly after arriving at the hospital, which was not part of my "plan A" birth plan. Ashley reassured me that choosing an epidural made sense since my body was not getting a break to relax between contractions. She was such a positive and calming presence during the entire process in the hospital. She also photographed my girl's delivery and the pictures are stunning. I'm so grateful we'll have the pictures to look back on that day forever.

Jessica

5/4/2023

Having Ashley by our side for both a bereavement doula, and a doula it's easy to say Ashley was by our side on the very worst day of my family's  lives, and one of the very best days. She helped ease  ptsd from loosing my daughter fade away during the birth of my double rainbow baby, she advocated for me when I could not, and held my hand, and supported me during my daughters birth she helped make sure months before I had all the information, and supplies to prepare my body for birth, and checked in with me constantly to make sure I was in the right head space, I don't think my husband and I could have had such a positive experience without her by our side. Her photography skills blew us out of the water. She made sure I had the pictures my heart desired,And we are SO thankful to have these pictures to look back on.She made sure I had everything I needed according to my birth plan. She sat by my side for hours in the nicu with my daughter, braided my hair, and  she helped me breast feed my daughter,We will be forever thankful to have had her by our sides.She is truly WONDERFUL, and become part of our family. She was the support we needed to get through this.She checked in with me postpartum and made sure I had everything needed for my body to heal, And she still continues to check in. Ashley is a beautiful soul and I could not recommend her and her amazing skills enough. She truly goes above and beyond. And her photography skills are AMAZING. 

Katelyn

4/9/2023

The one thing that eased my mind going into childbirth was having Ashley as our Doula. I was extremely nervous about not being prepared, however, every conversation we had with Ashley I felt informed, empowered, and 100% supported. She has an undeniable love and passion for what she does and brings out the raw beauty in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Not only is she a genuine human, but she has incredible knowledge. I'm so thankful for the education she provided both me and my husband prior to my childbirth and all the options that I had available, and that I was the decision maker in the hospital. When I went into labor, seeing Ashley walk through the doors brought me peace and comfort. She held my hand and talked me through nerves, fear, and pain. She made sure I was taken care of immediately after our baby girl was born and helped me breastfeed for the very first time. I cannot express in words the amount of gratitude I feel for our Doula Ashley. She is supportive of your birthing journey, whatever that may be. Having a Doula like Ashley was one of the greatest gifts we could hope for. So thankful for this profession to help empower and support women through the beautiful miracle of childbirth and how strong our minds and bodies can be. 

Megan E

3/9/2023

Ashley was the best investment I made during pregnancy and would 10/10 recommend her.

During labor she held my hands, spoke affirming words over me, rubbed my arms, etc. My labor moved so quickly that if it weren't for her speaking up and asking me if I wanted to get into the water to birth, I probably wouldn't have had the water birth I desired. Not only was Ashley able to juggle supporting me through my contractions while photographing at the same time with ease, she also provided a ton of support before getting to the labor room and after.

In my last trimester she visited us in our home, sat with us for hours, and prepared us for labor. In the days and hours leading up to birth, she texted with me at all hours and was the support I needed before the midwives were willing to admit me. If I didn't have Ashley to lean on during that time, I wouldn't have had such a smooth and seamless labor and delivery.

After birth she followed up with me multiple times, ensured we got the support we needed, and encouraged us as new parents. You can tell she truly cares about her clients and is the sweetest soul. 

Alex Woodward

2/2/2023

Ashley is such a professional yet personable doula and photographer. She really cares about supporting your growing family in every way, and with your desires in mind. My husband and I didn't think we needed a doula until we realized just how unprepared we actually were - and at 32 weeks! Thank the Lord we found Ashley and that she was willing and able to take us on with short notice! She quickly felt like a friend we greatly trusted and were excited to have help bring our rainbow baby into the world. Our little guy was breech for a while, which led us down an unexpected road that Ashley helped us navigate with confidence. She gave me all the resources to try to get him to turn on his own, and made me feel so supported and well-equipped to best advocate for the birth experience I desired! When it started to look like things weren't going as expected, Ashley grounded me with a safe space to feel my worry and frustration, and then lifted me up in prayer to be hopeful and see the unexpected blessings in my otherwise not ideal situation. Thank God for that because baby boy decided to try to arrive breech a week early, and I ended up needing a C-section, so I felt as prepared as I could be! I'm so thankful for her praying for our safety, health and joy in the process even when she couldn't be there (OR visitor limits).

Ashley also generously took birthday photos for us, which we will cherish forever! We love looking back at these sweet photos every day as seeing just how much he's changed since then helps to savor every moment even more.

During my postpartum check-up she saved me from a breaking point in my physical healing and breastfeeding. I developed a horrendous rash from the bandage adhesive that was spreading and Ashley was ready with natural remedies that brought so much relief! Seriously can't thank her enough for her wealth of knowledge!

We highly recommend Ashley and can't wait to have her again for our next baby, God-willing!

Brittany S

1/24/2023

Ashley was my doula and photographer for my first VBAC. I would recommend Ashley's doula and photography services to my best friend. She was responsive and helpful before, during, and after delivery. She has a calming presence  in chaos and very much feels like a mama bear, bringing that extra touch of care & protection which reminded me of my own mother. In labor, she supported both me and my husband well by teaching him in the moment ways he could care for me. If you're on the fence about hiring a doula, reach out to Ashley for a meet and greet to see if you're a good match! 

Sarah C

1/11/2023

Ashley is an absolutely incredible doula and we are so, so blessed to have found her. From the second we talked I felt so at ease and cared for. Ashley has an amazing ability to be calm and comforting, while also assertive and bold when needed. Both are so important especially in a hospital birth when it’s critical to create a peaceful, safe environment while also having to navigate difficult decisions and hospital staff. She is so approachable and the prenatal visit was so helpful to be able to connect and get our questions answered, especially surrounding more natural birth options. It was invaluable be able to be in contact when contractions started, and I was amazed how during the birth she was able to think so quickly on her feet based on how my labor progressed, and would patiently explain different techniques and coach my husband along in how he could support me in that moment. She was there to pray with us, hold my hand, set up a diffuser with essential oils and encourage me through challenging contractions and pushing. She was a sounding board and someone to consult with when the nurses or doctors would throw a decision at us, and was so great at honestly talking us through the pros and cons. My husband and I truly could not have gotten through the birth without her support. Ashley is an amazing example of how while the knowledge and experience that goes into being a doula is so important, what really shines is someone’s heart and determination to stick with you and be an encourager and advocate. She is such a natural in this role and I believe really made all the difference in delivering our sweet baby boy smoothly. Ashley also helped me tremendously during postpartum, checking in and being just a text away to answer critical questions about breastfeeding when I was overwhelmed, and processing the birth during the postnatal visit. We are so grateful for Ashley - please hire her as your doula!! Best decision you will ever make.

Codi Backman

12/13/2022

Ashley was the photographer and our doula for the birth of our second daughter. We walked into this second pregnancy with a lot of trauma from our first birth experience, and Ashley was a reassuring, confident force as we geared up to have our second child. I greatly appreciate that she made the effort and showed up to soothe the concerns of my husband as well, so that we were a truly confident team. With her on our birth team, we felt certain that we were going to be taken care of, that I would not be abandoned during birth, and that I was built and designed for birth.
The moment Ashley walked in the door, my body felt safe to labor and birth. The techniques that she used during my labor were extremely effective and made my labor more comfortable.
It amazes me that Ashley was such an incredible addition to our experience and she was still able to beautifully document this sacred time. The images she photographed are ones we will cherish the rest of our lives and are invaluable.
I knew that doula support was greatly beneficial to birth, but after our experience with Ashley, I swear by it and could not express her value enough. We are so grateful to have had Ashley as a part of our story and now, as a dear friend of our family.

Alex Baddley

8/28/2022

Grateful is an understatement.. I found Ashley through a frantic google search during my third trimester with my second baby. Her quick response time and honest communication was an excellent first impression. She was transparent with her availability and her policies. Throughout our first interactions I appreciated her flexibility, especially because we had hired her so late into my pregnancy. We chose her birth photography package. I’ve only seen the sneak peak pictures so far and I already know I am super impressed with her skill. So impressed that after our son was born we hired her again for in home newborn photos. Not only is she an excellent photographer but her passion for doula services was ever present. During labor at the hospital she respectfully offered advice and support above and beyond what we had hired her for. She also stepped up and assisted in ways that exceeded our expectations. Needless to say, I would absolutely recommend her services.

Brittney P

8/7/2022

When we were first looking for a doula, my husband was on the fence on whether or not we needed one. All it took was one call with Ashley for us to realize she was going to be the perfect addition to our birth support team. Into my third trimester, we found out I was going to be induced, and Ashley really helped us level set on what that meant for my labor and helped manage our expectations. 

When my induction came around, it was a terrible experience in the hospital. Ashley was right there with us every step of the way and provided invaluable support by helping me stay comfortable, helping my husband feel confident, and being a sounding board for us to vet things through. She gave us the confidence to speak up and advocate for ourselves when we were having a difficult time with hospital staff.

On top of being a fantastic doula, she takes incredible pictures that have helped me reflect on my birth experience and help me to focus on the beautiful birth of my child versus the traumatic experience we had. 

As we're now navigating postpartum, Ashley still checks in with us and we have always felt like she truly cares about our family and our pregnancy/birth/postpartum journey. She is and was hands down the best decision we made for our pregnancy and birth, and we could not recommend her more. 

Greg M.

6/7/2022

First and foremost, Ashley was amazing and we will be forever grateful for her and her guidance during such an amazing time. Highly recommend her!

From a guys prospective, I really wasn't sure what a Doula would be doing during the pregnancy and birth process? Wife wanted this so we decided to hire her. 

After the process, she is such an important shoulder to lean on. She does way more than I would have ever expected. She provides 1 on 1 help with mom on what to expect and what's to come. When the show begins...She shows up in the middle of the night during contractions, stays the entire time at the hospital, braids hair, massages mom, comforts dad, provides comfort and breathing techniques, knows what to say and when to say them (I wasn't the best at this), helps with the baby when she arrives. The list goes on.  Personally, she provided support/comfort when things got a little scary and I will be forever grateful for her in that moment.

Also take part in the picture packages. She captures the most amazing moments and being able to look back on that is such a blessing. I'm happy we have those moments to be able to share. 

I feel like in the beginning we hired a doula and in the end we ended up gaining a new Family member! 

Thanks again from the bottom our our hearts! Our family will be forever grateful for Auntie Ashley! 

Emily McInturf

5/27/2022

Hiring Ashley was the best decision my husband and I made in our pregnancy. Not only was Ashley attentive during my pregnancy answering many unknown questions but she spent many hours with me prior to birth ensuring I was confident in what was to come. When it was baby time at 2AM Ashley was at my house promptly and was able to asssit making decisions on going to the hospital. Ashley's care in the hospital was above and beyond what I could have expected. With each contraction she was there to comfort me and try different techniques to make me comfortable. Ashley also did birth photos for us and although i was really on the fence, I am so glad we did them. Labor land is real and you forget everything after the baby comes and having the memories that Ashley captured are something we will cherish forever! 

Ashley will be apart of each one of my childrens births moving forward and I couldn't be more happy to also call her an amazing friend! 

Lisa

12/29/2021

   I highly recommend Ashley Catto as a Doula; I have birthed 8 children and Ashley was my Doula for the last 2. Ashley is knowledgeable, easy to understand, respectful, kind and direct. She is great to work with prior to delivering, and I recommend following her advice. During delivery she was right there for any moment of need, she was encouraging to both my husband and myself and did not interfere at all with the intimate experience it is for parents to deliver a child together. In addition to this, she is a fantastic birth photographer! I have wonderful pictures from my births with her, she captured precious moments and I wasn't even aware of her taking them. When we needed her as a Doula she was right there, and somehow she took wonderful pictures. I would say Ashley is a 5-star Doula and a 5-star photographer, if adding stars together is permitted, that is 10 stars. 

Jodie Lovegren

12/13/2021

Ashley was the exact support I needed during my first birthing experience. She was both my doula and birth photographer, and greatly contributed to creating a truly empowering and memorable delivery. 

She was with me through every step of a very long induction process and was incredibly helpful throughout my unexpected hospital stay. She helped me understand the decisions I needed to make at various stages of the induction, informed me of alternative options, and guided me through intense contractions with exercises, breathing techniques, and shower utilization that proved essential to getting the baby moving and the induction progressing.

She provided knowledge, advice, referrals, and encouragement since the moment I met with her. She serves with a force of calmness, patience, kindness, and sense of humor. She built my confidence when I didn’t think I was capable, was my voice when I didn’t have the words, and comforted me with a companionship I didn’t think I would have during the birth of my son. She supported my plans and decisions during the entire birthing process and made sure that I had the exact experience that I wanted.

She is the kindest soul, an AMAZING photographer, a powerful advocate, and the best doula! I am forever grateful to have had Ashley by my side during the birth of my son, and highly recommend her services for anyone looking for guidance during birth & postpartum, especially for single moms like myself. 

Stephanie Culton

7/28/2021

Being a doula myself, I had a pretty specific idea (er, high expectations!) in my mind of what I was looking for when hiring my own doula.  I had consulted with 2 other doulas, and much like a first date, I just didn't feel the "chemistry" with them that I was looking for. When I had my first zoom consultation with Ashley, I knew immediately that I had found "the one" I was looking for. Not only is she extremely knowlegable about all-things pregnancy/birth related, her energy and demeanor is so peaceful and calming, which was REALLY important for a high-strung anxiety-ball like myself. She was available to me for questions well before she ever went on call for my birth which made me feel so relieved to know I had that extra support available towards the end of my pregnancy.  The days leading up to my birth included many phone calls and lots of texts encouraging me to stay the course towards my birth plan. The day of my birth, Ashley arrived at my home and coached me through my early labor, capturing precious images of my husband, mom and I laboring in the comfort of my living room. Our transition to the hospital was smooth and once admitted, Ashley was literally forehead-to-forehead with me, praying for me, playing worship music, holding my hands, fanning me, focusing me, and helping me make the best decisions for myself and my baby. Hiring Ashley as my doula was by far the best decision I made for my family and my birth plan and I am so incredibly blessed for the experience we shared, and also for the incredible images she captured of this monumental day. Our post-partum visit came at a much-needed time and I feel now that Ashley is more than just my doula, she is my friend.  Thank you, Ashley, for the tremendous blessing of being our doula. I could not have asked for a better, more perfect experience.  xoxoxo

Jade Hoff

7/24/2021

Having Ashley as part of our team was an absolute joy. As first-time parents, having someone with her knowledge and expertise was invaluable. When my planned vaginal birth turned into a necessary c-section, I so appreciated being able to turn to Ashley with my fears and concerns. She provided much-needed support during my pregnancy and postpartum period, as well. The fact that she is an amazing photographer was icing on the cake! I am so glad I booked her for maternity, birth, and newborn photos; we will cherish them forever.

Mleesa Rogers

7/9/2021

Ashley was truely amazing! Her communication was wonderful and she was always checking up on how I was feeling! While I was in labor, she wasn’t pushy or overbearing at all. She really knows how to read a room and makes you feel totally comfortable! She has the most calming voice and tone and some really great ideas when it comes to pain management. She’s not afraid to get in there and be hands on. She also did a really great job at not overstepping or taking over. I was worried that having a doula may "replace" my husband and leave him feeling left out, but she did not do that at all! She did a great job at standing back when we had it and stepping in when she thought it would be beneficial. I think she did a great job leading up to labor getting to feel out our personalities to help with that. If you're thinking of hiring a doula, Ashley is absolutely the way to go!

Lydia

6/17/2021

Ashley went above and beyond as our doula. Her support throughout the end of pregnancy, labor, delivery and the postpartum period was so important and helped us to have the best experience possible. We are so grateful for the advice and support she provided. I would recommend that anyone looking for a calm, collected, helpful and evidence based doula give Ashley the opportunity to provide her services. In addition to her exceptional services as a doula, Ashley is also a fantastic photographer that has a knack for capturing the intense emotion of the labor and delivery process while staying out of the way and not interfering with the process.

Molly

5/27/2021

I first came across Ashley as a birth photographer. I had never heard of a birth photographer, and was apprehensive toward the idea of letting someone into my birthing space, because I did not know what to expect with the birth of my first child. Ashley's presence in the room was extremely professional. She did not make herself known unless there was a need of mine that wasn't being met. She showed my husband how to apply counter pressure, and was able to advocate for my needs. She captured the most precious moments of my life without getting in the way, or taking away from the experience. Words can't describe how much I was thankful for her presence, and the memories I now can cherish forever. When I became pregnant with my second child, she was the first call! She received her duola title before my second pregnancy and I used her knowledge all during my pregnancy, even reaching out to her in the middle of the night when my water broke. Unfortunately with it being the first day of the lockdown in CA due to Covid-19 at that time, she was unable to come to the hospital with me, but was easily reachable and encouraging during my birth and after. Being able to say I have had a birth with and without her physical presence, I feel like is safe to say that I would have her there to advocate for me, encourage me, and support me, a million times over.  Ashley gave me advice when my second baby was breached, on ways to encourage him to engage properly.  She came to the hospital when I was supposed to have a cesarean, prayed with me and held my hand while I was nervously waiting, all to be sent home before going into the O.R.  because her advice was a  success and my baby flipped last minute so that I could have my natural birth a week later (in a locked down covid hospital, unfortunately). 
All of this to say, having Ashley's services are priceless. You will be thankful to have her on your team!

ashley finegan

4/22/2021

Kind,caring,compassionate, are just a FEW words to describe Ashley. From the start,she was eager to understand my birth plan and was excited to help me feel empowered and capable of accomplishing just that!
However, she didn’t fall short on educating me and allowing me to see all options available as well as allowing me to feel like a strong mama even if things didn’t go according to “plan”... after all, we are on the Babies terms now right?? Being a first time mom,I didn’t know what all went into those first few weeks of motherhood, ash didn’t just educate me before and during birth, she also made sure to support me in my postpartum journey as well. Something I don’t think you quite grasp until you’re in it! She wasn’t just a doula for me, she absolutely became a friend so gentle and kind in every way! Throughout the entire process I felt the genuine love that ash has for what she does, someone who wholeheartedly cares not only about you but about the well-being of your spouse and more importantly your new gift to the world. Her expertise doesn’t just stop there though, she’s a very talented photographer and she has given me several timeless treasures that I’ll be able to look back on for a lifetime ahead!! If you aren’t sure whether or not you need her services, I encourage you to at least inquire.. I promise you won’t be disappointed!!!

Rene Garcia

3/29/2021

Ashley is amazing! I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of having Ashley at my home birth. Her attentiveness and professionalism are unmatched. Not only was she able to be present, anticipate my needs and coach my husband through the delivery process, she also captured amazing photos in the process. Labor and delivery can be a whirlwind and I'm so thankful to have these photos that will last a lifetime to remind me of that special day. Thank you, Ashlee for all you do!

Tyrique Drayton

2/1/2021

Where do I begin? Amazing does not describe how she works. Me & my wife were more than blessed to have her in the delivery room. She made the experience comfortable for both of us being first time parents. The advice she gave got my wife through so much. In the ways I couldn’t help she was there making sure my wife had what she needed. She understood what my wife needed from the nurses & was able to proficiently explain everything to us when we weren’t sure what to do. The words thank you don’t even compare to how grateful we are for her. The pictures are beautiful & it’s something my family will get to share forever and always. 100/100. Thank you for being there. Thank you for everything. She was the blessing leading up to our blessing.

Analysa Drayton

1/30/2021

Ashley is just amazing! From her doula services to her birth photography she does the most amazing job! Being a first time mom i was very nervous about giving birth, but as soon as we hired Ashley as our doula all of my worries went away! Not once during labor and delivery was i scared or nervous. She knew exactly what to say to steer me away from any fear. She was so supportive of my husband and i. And her photography AMAZING! She truly captured the most amazing moment in our lives and i can always look at those photos to relive that moment. I couldn’t have done it without her.

Lucila Bovero

1/25/2021

Words can’t express how amazing Ashley Catto is at what she does. If you’re searching for a doula, I highly recommend Ashley. With Covid this year I was not sure that I could even have a doula, she helped me so much before I headed to hospital and she was there for any questions my husband had. Although she wasn’t able to be in the hospital I had her support before, while laboring, and after. She helped understand all my options and how to deal with pain management. Im truly thankful for how informed she kept me during the whole process and even after Zella arrived. Today she took newborn photos of Zella, she was so easy going and gently with her. I can’t wait to see the pictures ??

Jessica

1/25/2021

Ashley was helpful and supportive through every trimester. Always lending an ear to listen and a level head to discuss options and choices through out my high risk pregnancy. She supported my decision to hire a home birth midwife and with an hour (less than) long labour I'm very glad I did. Her knowledge and resources are extensive and she was kind and respectful of covid concerns during these unexpected circumstances. We would hire her again and recommend her as a doula and photographer to any expecting parents in any birth setting.