Zoe and Tim Linafelt

4/8/2024

After our incredible experience with Ande, we enthusiastically recommend her.
 
To say that Ande exceeded our expectations for a doula would be a huge understatement. But it would also tell only a small part of our story with her.
 
After a medical induction, we had a series of quick, unexpected complications that turned what had to at that point been a rather uneventful pregnancy into a frightening roller coaster. This is when Ande truly shined. With our heads spinning, our family separated in the hospital and our medical team scrambling about and hurriedly tending to a potential emergency, Ande kept her cool and provided exactly what we needed every step of the way.
 
She calmly explained what was happening and what was likely to happen, asked nurses and doctors relevant questions, and kept a calm, confident demeanor that help us not to panic. She served as a liaison to friends and family in the hospital waiting room, stayed with us through all hours of the night and knew right when to crack a joke to provide a little levity. And when things were at their hardest, Ande even provided a hug and a shoulder to cry on.
 
Thankfully, our story had a happy ending. With right there providing strength and encouragement - and occasionally running out for ice chips - we delivered a healthy baby boy. While we were enthralled at the sight of our son, Ande caught photos of every precious moment and shared them with us just minutes after they were taken.
 
By the time our pregnancy and delivery had finally finished, and we said goodbye to Ande, we couldn’t help but feel just a little bittersweet. Not because of our birth experience, but because we felt that, over a short period of time, Ande had become a friend, and we knew we would miss seeing her so often. Through her outstanding work as a doula, Ande carved out a special place in our family’s story, and we will forever be grateful.

Alicia

10/29/2023

Ande was an absolute angel for my homebirth! From the moment she arrived to support us, things went so smoothly and I felt so supported. Ande was a rock star and jumped right in providing what I needed without a word needing to be said. She did hip squeezes for most of the seven hours I was in active labor. When she wasn't squeezing my hips,  she was pouring warm water on my back while I labored in the tub. She held the barf bucket which I sadly needed multiple times. Her honey packets saved the day when my energy was low. When I wondered why on earth I chose not to be at the hospital with all the drugs, Ande was right there with more hip squeezes to remind me I can do hard things. When things slowed down she supported me in rest and then pushed me with the perfect suggestions when it was time to move labor forward and I had my baby shortly after. She even caught our birth on video and now I have priceless footage of one of the coolest moments of my life. In all of our pre birth and labor interactions Ande made me feel so supported and comfortable being vulnerable and I'm so grateful she was part of our birth team. 

Courtney Sullivan

5/3/2023

Ande is AMAZING! I could go on and on. She is extremely knowledgeable, from her vast experience as a doula and mama herself, to her toolkit of evidence based research and studies, to her large network of local doulas and resources. Ande was always prepared to meet and discuss my questions or worries with all of the information I needed - and of course, blended with comfort and reassurance. She was determined to understand my goals for my ideal birth story, and worked to support that. It was clear that baby and I were her first priority, and she used her tools and knowledge to support us. She did not force or influence any decisions, but would give me her opinion when I asked for it. She helped me navigate a difficult five day induction / labor - I could not have done it without her. When I needed emotional support, she was there. When I needed information, she was there. When I needed her opinion and advice, she was there. I could not have asked for a better doula. She is flexible, too, which was extremely helpful. When I needed to reschedule meetings, she totally understood. She is generous with her time and her talent. If she says she is going to do something, she does. She is reliable, trustworthy, and again - SO knowledgeable and mother-centered. Ande will be my doula for any babies to come. :)

Lauren Reagan

10/3/2022

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I had goals I wanted to achieve. Of course, I strived to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. I also wanted a delivery that I was in control of. Being a first time mom comes with many fears, especially when you read about the statistics regarding hospital births. Thankfully, I found Ande who helped alleviate those fears! From day one of her being my doula, she provided me with necessary information that supported my birth plan. As I encountered situations that I had not "planned" for, she guided me and my husband in the decision-making process and helped me feel confident along the way. At 41 weeks and 5 days, I went into natural labor. My husband and I felt supported and confident as we entered into the hospital. I labored as I pleased with Ande by my side. I delivered my baby girl without an epidural. All of my goals were achieved and it was an experience I will never forget! Thank you, Ande! You are wonderful. 

Melissa

10/2/2022

I had 3 main goals for my daughter’s birth: to labor as much as I could at home before going to the hospital, not to be induced, and be more in control of my labor than I was with my first baby. Ande not only advocated for me to achieve my goals, but also took some of my stress away to make my labor a positive experience. I absolutely recommend Ande and highly suggest to anyone pregnant that you need a doula! Your job is to look out for your baby, but Ande’s job is to look out for YOU - and she does an amazing job. Thank you!! 

Tina

8/16/2022

I found Ande early on in my pregnancy and after meeting her I immediately knew she would be the perfect support person to compliment my personality during labor and delivery.

My labor was not at all what we expected and when I called her in the middle of night to come join us at the hospital she was there immediately. My labor stalled for quite a long time and Ande was amazing at helping me try all kinds of different positions.

Once labor intensified Ande was right there beside me, encouraging me and talking me through it.

She was truly wonderful to us, and my husband and I were so thankful to have her with us for the birth of our daughter.

Jaedine Brandan

5/24/2022

I moved to Tallahassee towards the end of my pregnancy and was worried that I would have a hard time finding a Doula to support me during labor and delivery. Luckily, Ande was able to support me and my family. She did a phenomenal job! She met with us twice before his birth to discuss what to expect, work on some coping techniques, and answer any questions we had.

When labor began she supported us via text until we were ready for her to join us at our house. Although my husband was very involved and tried his best to help, the real relief came when Ande joined us. She knew exactly how to help me with new position suggestions, encouragement, and counter pressure. She helped calmly get me out the door and to the birth center when it was clear that it was time to go. When we arrived at the birth center, the midwife confirmed that I was 10 cm and it was indeed time to start pushing. Ande continued supporting me during the next four hours of pushing which finally ended with the birth of my healthy baby boy.
Throughout the whole process, Ande totally respected and supported my decisions. She was exactly what I needed to make it through my unmedicated birth. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a birth doula and I plan to use her for my future births. 

Chrysti K

3/23/2022

I was 37 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby when I reached out to a mom group for help finding a doula. Ande was so kind, reached out to me directly, and patiently let me tell my story. I never used a doula with my first two births, but had just moved across country to a new home, and my husband wasn't arriving until week 39. I was TERRIFIED of going into early labor and having no support especially since I had a new OB I had met only twice. Ande assured me that her role was to advocate FOR me. She never pushed her vision of childbirth onto me, rather she helped me have the experience I wanted. I quickly learned with her how few options were ever offered to me by previous doctors as far as help during labor, how my husband can help, and how I can spend my first few hours with my baby. 

As for the big day, she came over while I was in early labor, helped me through contractions, and showed my husband how to be active in helping through every contraction too. At the hospital, she helped me with communicating to the staff, helped me through a longggg labor (how can my 3rd be the longest labor??) and captured precious memories for my husband and I throughout labor. My husband and I wanted a very intimate birth and she gave that to us. She let my husband be the star support person and empowered him far better than any nurse, doctor or midwife ever had. Let me tell ya, hip squeezes are the best drug!! 

I am so happy that I found Ande and that she took me on as a client so late in the game with multiple other momma's due the same month. Had I known what a difference a doula could make when I was a first time mom, I'd have had one at every birth. If you're on the fence, interview a few doulas...they're amazing and you won't regret investing in YOU for the birth of your baby. 

Kathleen Lipson

2/14/2022

This was my third birth, but first time using Ande as my doula. She was wonderful, the calm quiet presence that I needed as I labored. She was also a huge help as we met on several occasions before having my baby to discuss my plan, my fears and how I hoped things would go. She was always available to answer my questions and help me not to worry so much when baby didn't come when I hoped she would. Ande also helped me advocate for myself and my desires with my doctor/midwife team. She was an excellent support through the whole process!!

Charlise

2/1/2022

Ande was AMAZING from start to finish. Although this was not my first pregnancy, it was my first experience with a Doula and it was life changing. She provided very pointed information, and was quick to respond whenever I had any questions or concerns. Ande knew how much I wanted this natural experience and she made sure it happened. I loved the fact that she advocated for me when I was in too much pain to do so. She reassured me that everything would be just fine, and it was!  Honestly, had she not been there I definitely would have gave up and got the epidural but her coaching, techniques, her calmness, kept me calm and strong. I tell everyone who's expecting or looking to expand their family one day about my experience and how I'll never do another pregnancy without a Doula and it's all thanks to Ande. If you're looking for a sign, here's one. BOOK HER! I promise you won't regret it. ??

Nikki-kiyay

1/31/2022

Giving birth at a hospital unmedicated is a tall order especially considering that I'm allergic to pain. Enter Ande Clark the doula with a passion for helping women achieve the best birth experience possible. Ande met me for pre-birth visits to discuss all things birth. She and I talked about potential scenarios that could arise at the hospital so she could learn my wishes before being in the moment. I talked and she took notes! She was calm, friendly, knowledgeable and has great communication skills. She gave me pointers for birth that were empowering such as: your birth is yours. That resonated with me because I had doctors even discourageing me from trying an unmedicated birth. Ande supported me from the beginning.

Birth day dawns and I call Ande at 6 am who answered the phone instantly and agreed I was in labor. She promptly came to my house and after time gently told me she believed I was probably at 6cm and would hit transition soon. We agreed and when doula Ande recommended going to the hospital, naturally I listened. Glad I did! Water broke in the car on the way there and was 9cm at arrival! Moving from comfy home to loud and bright hospital is distressing in labor, but Ande sailed along my side. She helped answer medical personnels questions all while seeing to my comfort. So glad she was able to field questions and ask me if I wanted to be checked when doctors told me they'd like to check me. It gave me the control over who did what with a simple nod or shake of the head. I felt like the queen! And when I became my biggest contender for an unmedicated labor due to never before experienced back labor Ande understood my greater goal and softly encouraged me to change positions and applied counter pressure. After a few contractions LO turned and so did my need for an epidural. Ande was the angel voice on my shoulder coaching me through. With her by your side, you can be a queen for a day too

Haley Shimer

1/29/2022

As a first time mom, I had no idea what to expect and no idea how to survive labor. Ande met with me and my husband several times ahead of the birth and helped us focus our questions so that we could create a birth plan. She stayed by my side through a ridiculously long labor, and helped remind me that sometimes the plan has to change--and that's ok. We highly recommend Ande. ??