Johana Bhuiyan

3/18/2024

I could not have asked for a better support partner than Ayisha. I was seeking a doula who would provide spiritually and religiously inclusive support to me as a Muslim woman, someone who centered my needs and wishes and also had experience working with women of color generally. What we got from working with Ayisha far exceeded my basic wish list. This is my first pregnancy and child, I was aiming to do an unmedicated natural birth with as few interventions as possible. First, Ayisha and I had a consult call and then once we decided to work together came to meet my husband and I 3 times to talk through my birth plan, get me in the right mindset and figure out what kind of coping mechanisms work well for me. That was all before my due date and was what I expected. Those meetings were informative, so personalized and Ayisha made my husband and I feel so comfortable and confident. Then when my due date approached (and then passed) Ayisha was on call and made sure to check in, she came over to help me perform exercises that help move labor along and even took me for a walk. She was also always available as I experienced new sensations like lightening or prelabor contractions to help me decode them. Finally, I went Into labor a week after my due date. To say that I couldnt Have done it without Ayisha's support of not just myself but my husband is an understatement. She coached me through my contractions, was able to act quickly but calmly when my water broke with some traces of meconium in it and when, after 13 hours of early labor, I finally Decided that I wanted An epidural, Ayisha made me feel totally secure in my decision. I didnt feel judged at all. In Ayisha we found a life long friend, God willing, and someone who we were so thankful to have by our side throughout this whole process. I could Not recommend her enough. 

Danielle Thomas

10/18/2022

Ayisha has been a blessing to me!! Words cannot describe how truly grateful I am to her for helping me navigate my birth experience.

My first pregnancy was unexpected and came with a lot of uncertainties, suggestions and shared experiences from friends/family/social media… not only was I overwhelmed but I had no idea how I was going to get through 9 months and overcome the fear of delivering my baby . Meeting Ayisha was literally the best thing that could ever happen to me. We connected instantly! She is super pleasant, kind, patient, very knowledgeable and resourceful! She gave clarification to things I wasn’t sure about and also made me feel comfortable and confident to open up about the fears I had regarding delivery. Knowing I had her support made me feel confident throughout my journey . Though we had a labor/delivery plan, it didn’t go the way I expected .. Due to the hospital’s negligence it wasn’t the best experience, I was left waiting for hours to be checked in, hours to be placed in a room, hours to then finally be able to start the induction process… I was frustrated, exhausted, scared, lonely and didn’t know what to expect… Then Ayisha came and instantly became everything I needed her to be..

My soundboard/support -she asked all the questions and made sure the nurses did what they were supposed to do

My calm- she brought essential oils for me to smell (I absolutely love peppermint), she gave the most gentle, soothing back rubs when I was having contractions .. she just knew how to make me feel better

My protector-  Though it was such a tough process she made me feel so safe, she never left my side <3

I cannot thank Ayisha enough for being there for me through it all !! She’s an amazing person , a true blessing and amazing Doula !!