Emma-Claire

1/25/2026

I genuinely cannot imagine giving birth without Ari’s calm, steady, and encouraging presence. Their wisdom and support during the homebirth of my first baby were invaluable every step of the way. 

I had been struggling to find a doula—I needed someone who was openly queer-affirming, who could walk alongside me during pregnancy and birth without gendering the experience, and who could accommodate a birth the week of Christmas. Even though I’m an hour away, Ari took me on as a homebirth client and became a vital, life-changing part of my birth team. 

In our three prenatal appointments, Ari brought a depth of knowledge that made me so much more prepared and confident to have this baby than I would have been otherwise. In the weeks leading up to the birth, Ari was a crucial resource for my partner and I as she answered our questions over text and helped us stay grounded in our waiting. On the big day, Ari affirmed my ability to birth on my own terms and treated me with respect, dignity, and compassion. Everyone deserves to feel that way when they are giving birth. 

In the throws of an intense early labor, Ari joined me over the phone at three in the morning and instantly made me feel more at peace; she drove to my house and stayed my side for 18 hours that would have felt impossible without Ari’s skillful guidance and unwavering patience. They have honestly raised my standards for what I should expect from the people around me when I’m in pain and when I’m seeking help. 

If you are searching for a kind and knowledgable doula whose practice is informed by justice, collaboration, and genuine connection, then seriously look no further. Ari is so obviously called to do this work; their number will be the first that I call when it’s time for baby number two. 

Patrick

1/19/2026

Ari is a kind, experienced, and deeply knowledgable doula—exactly the person to help us welcome our first baby into this world. Their preparation and care were essential to our successful home birth.

We connected with Ari after several uncomfortably gendered childbirth education experiences, and we were immediately delighted by their affirming, compassionate approach. Our pre-delivery meetings were warm and very educational, and helped us to feel grounded, supported, and prepared. My partner's labor was long and painful and overwhelming; Ari's active in-person support for 18+ hours helped remind us both that labor was possible and purposeful. Ari made sure that I ate and rested the day of, and frequently checked in on my emotional well-being. They also managed communication with our mid-wife team so that my partner and I could remain fully present in the moment. Ari's stamina facilitating birth positions, guiding movements, and leading mantras almost felt super-human. Our birth experience would not have been the same without them. We're still in the haze of newborn parenting and likely years away from planning another birth—but we already know that we want Ari there with us again. We HIGHLY recommend Ari to other expectant parents!

Kelsey Harryman

1/5/2026

Ari is an incredible doula and a true advocate for her clients. I hired them to help me prepare for a VBAC, and her support was invaluable. They are a wealth of knowledge and helped us navigate everything from birth plans to breathing techniques.

Working with Ari for my second birth was the best decision I could have made. After having a C-section with my first, I was determined to prepare for a VBAC this time around. From our very first meeting, Ari truly listened to my wishes and made me feel heard. She meticulously reviewed every piece of information with me, helping us build a birth plan that felt authentic to my goals.

We met several times prenatally to practice movement, positioning, and breathing techniques. When medical reasons required me to be induced, Ari didn't miss a beat—she helped me pivot and prepare for every possible scenario. Throughout a long induction, Ari provided unwavering support both virtually and in person.

Even though I ultimately had a second C-section, the experience was night and day compared to my first. Because of Ari’s preparation, clear communication, and deep knowledge, I felt prepared and empowered to advocate for myself the entire time. Her positive and calm energy is infectious, and the postpartum visit was so deeply appreciated. I also love that Ari offers a sliding scale to keep her vital services accessible to the communities she serves. I cannot recommend Ari enough!

Amanda

11/5/2025

Ari was a fantastic birth doula--calm, present, knowledgeable, and accessible. Our meetings beforehand were very helpful to push me to think through my worries and questions. I was still a bit traumatized from my first baby's birth, and while I knew I wanted to learn more and change my strategy for baby #2, I couldn't bring myself to do that until Ari gave me some gentle pushes. She offered a wealth of information, balanced with some cautions about what could be planned for and what just couldn't be controlled. We developed a strong toolkit for me as I planned for an unmedicated birth--but also with clear steps towards pain meds if needed. She was great at helping me articulate what I hoped for and then advocate for what I wanted throughout the process.

During birth, which was fast and, indeed, unmedicated, she was incredibly calm and just had an instinct for what I needed, like arm stroking or breath work. She listened very intently to what I was saying and would respond almost before I was done speaking. Her presence was so empowering--I felt like I had a great teammate who was working with me throughout the process. 

Davy and Ben

11/4/2025

The most important contribution Ari made to our experience of labor and delivery was the way they shaped our birthing space. We had selected a hospital birth, and while the medical care we received was excellent, the physical space was impersonal. When Ari arrived, early in labor, they wordlessly turned off the lights and set up some battery-powered candles. They suggested that we put on music we would find calming and they led Davy through a circuit of positions to help our unmedicated labor progress. They transformed the space from a clinical-feeling room to a calm and loving environment.

After 34 hours of unmedicated labor (22 of them in the hospital), when Davy decided to get an epidural, they were supportive and encouraging. Ari simultaneously held space for the unmedicated birth we had planned for and helped us adapt as the process threw us some curveballs. We will be grateful forever that our baby entered the world into a room of people working together to welcome them with love, an environment that Ari helped create.

In the three visits before labor, Ari listened to each of our hopes and concerns. We especially appreciated that Ari affirmed us as a parenting team and listened to us about the way that we wanted to approach the pregnancy and our preparation for welcoming a child into our family.

Ari was excellent at making the sterile hospital feel like an affirming space for us. Ari was equally excellent at supporting us emotionally through the process of pregnancy and labor and at answering our practical questions. For instance, when we had a growth check that measured small and the doctor suggested the baby might be transverse, Ari suggested that Davy begin doing forward leaning inversions once a day, which fixed the problem over a period of a couple of weeks.

We loved working with Ari and we recommend them to anyone looking for a doula in the Philadelphia area!

Rebecca & Nafis

9/18/2025

We feel really lucky to have had Ari as part of our birth preparation process. Ari is very knowledgeable and has a grounded way of communicating both information and options - not just about pregnancy and the birthing process, but also birthing facilities and institutions in Philadelphia. She was a valuable resource for both the birthing parent and the partner; she shared a lot of well-curated resources that clients can draw on to plan their births at the pace and level that they desire. She is well-connected and resourced within the Philadelphia Doula community, which translates to a deep pool of support she can rely on in extenuating circumstances such as ours. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Ari was unable to be present at our birth. However, she was able to provide us meaningful support by drawing on her extensive network and we had a wonderful birthing experience thanks to that. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula in Philly!

Savannah Nelson

6/5/2025

Hiring Ari at 35 weeks was one of the best choices we made in pregnancy. We interviewed three doulas, and Ari stood out—warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely open-minded. We hoped for an unmedicated vaginal birth, but more than anything, we wanted someone who would support our preferences, not push a particular agenda. Ari promised to follow our lead and delivered on that at every step.

Our prenatal visits were hands-on and empowering. We clarified our birth preferences and practiced techniques for early labor—hip squeezes, breathing, positions, and more. Ari helped us feel confident and prepared.

Labor began at 40+2 with my water breaking in the night. Because I was GBS+, we had to head to the hospital right away. Ari was immediately available—calming, helping us revise our plan, and reminding us to pause and savor the moment. At the hospital, Ari helped set a peaceful tone: soft lighting, music, and prompts to keep oxytocin flowing.

When our baby started experiencing heart rate decelerations, everything changed. Alarms sounded, providers rushed in. Ari jumped into action, grounding both me and my husband as we navigated intense fear and uncertainty. After further decels, we were faced with a decision: continue trying for vaginal delivery or opt for a C-section. Ari helped us process the information, understand the risks, and reflect on what felt right. Their words—“It sounds like you’re making this decision out of love for your baby”—gave me the clarity I needed to choose a C-section not out of fear, but with confidence.

Ari met us in recovery and later helped me process the experience, remember moments I’d forgotten, and honor the strength of my choices. Their presence was steady, informed, and deeply supportive—helping turn a tough, unexpected pivot into a birth story I feel proud of.

Jilana

5/21/2025

Ari was a total rockstar throughout our experience, and we couldn't have done it without her. We had several great prep meetings where we discussed everything in depth. She was knowledgeable, responsive, and empathic. During the labor, I really appreciated her calm and confident energy. She was able to push me (and my partner) through a pretty difficult transition phase, and I felt so well-supported throughout. She was an essential component of having a healing and empowering delivery!

Rachel

5/1/2025

From our very first consultation call through the postpartum visit, Ari showed such thoughtfulness and sensitivity. She really listened to what kind of support my partner and I were looking for, and she made sure we got it.

During our prenatal visits, she shared tons of helpful information, but just as importantly, she took the time to really get to know us. We felt comfortable with her, which made a huge difference. She also offered practical advice for the pregnancy challenges that happened along the way.

I had a long stretch of prodromal labor, and Ari was amazing during that time—available by text or phone when we were in triage, and checking in every few days to make sure we knew she was available for us. We've heard about doulas who are strict about when their support "starts," and honestly, if that had been our experience, we wouldn't have gotten the care we really needed...birth just doesn't always work like that.

When labor finally kicked in for real (fast and furious!), Ari was everything you'd want in a doula—helping with position changes, encouraging me, advocating for what I wanted with the hospital team, and helping my partner feel confident and involved. And when we ended up needing a c-section, Ari continued to be such a steady presence. She supported my partner as he prepared to join me during the procedure, and then sat with me on the table after our baby was born, while the procedure finished. She refused to leave until she knew that all was okay in the recovery room.

We’re so grateful to have had Ari by our side through it all.

Margaret Eby

4/12/2025

We had an incredibly great experience with Ari as our doula. Throughout the entire process she was calm and supportive and offered us evidence-based advice on everything we were worried about. My baby ended up being breech and I needed a scheduled C-section. Ari was in the operating room with us, keeping everyone calm and telling us what was happening. She is so knowledgeable and compassionate. I can't recommend Ari more. We're a huge fan of their work. And if we have another kid, we will for sure be calling Ari up again.

Elisabeth Galassini Oosthuizen

1/25/2025

Ari is the best decision (by far) that we made in the creation of our family. Ari provided education and resources throughout our pregnancy. My dream of giving birth vaginally without an epidural felt so achievable through our work with Ari.

My birth didn't proceed the way I had dreamed--my son was diagnosed with a fetal issue and I had him via unplanned c-section at 34 weeks pregnant. Ari was there  during pre-op, and talked me through what to expect and how I could use my coping skills for the physical discomfort of vaginal birth during the mental discomfort of a c-section. They stayed through the surgery and met me right at post-op to process and speak through the birth. Through my work with Ari, I was able to advocate for hospital education and most importantly, I was able to take a contraction stress test to give vaginal birth a go, despite my son's condition. My doctor confirmed, through that test, that the best option was a C-section for him and his health. I would have never known to ask for the test without Ari's education. Although the birth and NICU stay were not without pain and grief, I truly have come to believe that the difference between a truamtic birth that could haunt and a difficult birth that you can grieve and move on from is, in large part, knowledge--are these interventions really the best choice? How can I be sure? If my husband and I hadn't had the answers to those questions through Ari's education and advocacy, we wouldn't have been able to grieve my birth in time to fully step into the role of health advocate for my son during his NICU stay. 

Ari's post-partum visit was also enormously helpful in that--they helped me continue to process my birth and continued to help me center myself and reframe the difficult parts of it to center what is important--my beautiful baby. I cannot recommend Ari's work enough. 

Amanda Bartley & Nick Harris

1/15/2025

As first time parents, we had no idea what to expect; timelines, contractions, advocacy, interventions. Our birth experience would have been incredibly difficult to navigate without Ari’s guidance. Our prenatal meetings allowed us to feel prepared when complications arose during delivery. During delivery, Ari remained calm and informative, and provided much needed support until we were all healthy and home. We would recommend Ari to anyone and are honored to have such a wonderful doula help us welcome our daughter into the world. 

Naomi Myers

12/2/2024

Ari was a joy to work with through my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They offered unrushed care, really taking the time to get to know me and my partner and prepare us for birth and beyond. They have a wealth of knowledge that was apparent through our constant questioning! Specifically at my birth, Ari was a gentle yet sturdy presence and will always be in the forefront of my memory from the best day ever(meeting my daughter.) They guided me through a grueling labor with lots of kindness and hands on support. I'm grateful for the care our little family received through Ari??

Sam McMahon

10/12/2024

Hiring Ari as our birth doula was one of the best things my spouse and I did during my first pregnancy. Being a part of a queer family, while also having medical knowledge, lead to some conflicting feelings; I knew I wanted the birth to be at a hospital but also wanted to make sure our family was heard and respected. From our first meeting, Ari made us feel comfortable and heard. They provided three invaluable prenatal sessions where we were able to truly understand the birth process as well as familiarize ourselves with different birth positions. With countless resources, they helped us determine the birth plan that would work best for us while also helping us prepare for the countless unexpected possibilities that could follow.

I had a scheduled induction and Ari, an integral part of my birth team, was available to us virtually the entire time leading up to my labor. Once my labor began, Ari arrived and I instantly felt relieved. They jumped right in, advocating for me with the medical team and making sure I was as comfortable as possible. They were incredible every step of the way. From the ambiance they provided- strings lights and essential oils- to the emotional and physical support they offered me, I don’t know what we would have done without them. When we got to the pushing stage, Ari was amazingly helpful with different position suggestions and constantly advocated for me with our medical team.

After our baby arrived, they had some issues breathing -it was terrifying not knowing what was wrong. I am forever grateful to Ari, during that time they kept me informed and grounded until my baby was returned to me. Later, as we bonded with our new child, they made an incredible print of the placenta for us to have as a keepsake. I didn’t think I wanted anything done with the placenta, but as someone with an appreciation for beautiful art, this was the perfect way to capture it for me. We are forever thankful for Ari!

Pauli McMahon (They/Them)

10/10/2024

From our first meeting with Ari at a coffee shop, just to get to know eachother, my wife and I knew instantly that they would be the perfect addition to our birth team. As a queer/trans family, we were nervous about what our birth  experience might look like given our previous experience with doctors. While I worried about advocating for my wife and child, my wife was worried about my anxiety and people respecting my identity throughout the birthing experience. Ari checked all of our boxes. They were the calm, compassionate, knowledgeable person I needed there to help me be the best partner I could throughout the birth experience for my wife.

Before the birth, Ari helped us with so many resources to help us feel empowered to determine what birth plan worked best for us. She helped us find the confidence we needed to advocate for our family even after their job was done. The birth of my child was such an incredible and beautiful experience and I truly don't believe it would have gone so well if we didn't have Ari there to help us through it. They set the mood of our birth room with strings lights and essential oils, which proved to be calming for not only my wife and I but the nurses really appreciated the ambiance as well!

They showed us incredible compassion during our babies stay in the NICU and were very flexible with us regarding our postpartum care. I cannot recommend Ari highly enough. I told them the day our baby was born and believe it even more strongly now- Ari has found their true calling in this work. My family is forever thankful and grateful to them for everything they have done for us. 

Norah Lurie

8/28/2024

We can't begin to descrbie what an integral part of our birth process Ari was from the very beginning. From our initial meeting we felt so heard and affirmed in our birth preferences. Ari was open to answer any question we had and brought up additional possibilities we hadn't considered that were very important. She was always available and very commuicative and an all around great human to have on our team! During the birth itself Ari consistently reminded us of our desires and kept affirming our birth preferences as a hugely valuable advocate during a vulnerable time. We hope everyone can have an Ari on their team!

Ji Eun Park

7/9/2024

Ari is a fantastic doula. Ari is a highly knowledgeable and thoughtful person who went above and beyond to help me achieve my goal of having an unmedicated, natural birth experience in a large hospital.

I had an overnight labor at the hospital, and Ari was there the whole time. Ari brought a calm and positive presence to the birthing experience and guided me through different positions, which helped me relax during the most intense contractions. When I struggled during the pushing stage, Ari guided me to make deep sounds, which was highly effective and made the pushing a lot easier. 

Ari also has excellent communication skills and was a great advocate for me at the hospital. She not only collaborated very well with my husband to support me during labor but also worked closely with the healthcare team to make sure I got what I needed. For instance, when Ari knew I preferred to use the squat bar for pushing, she communicated with the healthcare team to ensure that they were aware of my preference and that they installed the squat bar before the pushing started. I could focus on the labor without getting distracted thanks to Ari's attention and good judgment.

I could not have gone through the whole birthing experience without Ari's help and I would confidently recommend Ari to anyone looking to work with a doula.

Sabine Jamal

5/29/2024

I worked with Ari during my first pregnancy and highly recommend their services. We met with Ari 3 times prior to delivery of our baby boy, in addition to a virtual meeting prior to contract signing as well as unlimited support via text/email. Each of the prenatal meetings had their own focus. We were never rushed, Ari came to our house which took away a layer of stress especially later in my pregnancy when I was at apointments a lot due to pregnancy-related complications. I found the discussions and help surrounding my birth plan particualrly helpful. As someone not orgininally from the US, navigating the healthcare system here whilst pregnant was a challenge and having Ari's knowledge and help on how to construct a birth plan was invaluable. 

Ari was very flexible with the kind of support they could provide during my labor. I was induced at 37 weeks and Ari was able to make this work even though they had other clients, we never felt like we were not important or our son's birth was not a priority for Ari. During labor itself, we opted to have Ari come and go and provide virtual support which was great and really helped my wife and I. When it came to delviery, Ari was at the hospital ready to help us with positioning, physical support, emotional support, and advocating for me and my son. Ari was an invaluable part of my care team (along with my wife and mom). Their support was essential especially as we didn't have the best expeirence with our attending (shout out to our wonderful nurse who worked with Ari to advocate for having the doctor out of the room as much as possible!!). 

We also worked with Ari for some postpartum shifts which I would highly recommend. It was lovely to "close the loop" and have them see our new family at home but also the support they provided (walking our dog, talking through the birth etc.) was absolutely fantastic. 

I highly recommend Ari to anyone looking to work with a doula! 

Sara L

5/3/2024

I was nervous about the physical aspects of birth and nervous about a hospital pushing me into something i don't know i can refuse. Ari helped me come to terms with the physical aspects and prepped me for what the hospital interactions might be like. Ari was unavailable for a few days around my due date and she arranged a backup doula to cover those days. I was able to meet and "vibe" check with that doula beforehand as well. Ari was with me during my birth and was such a soothing force for me. She helped my partner to some hugging positions thru contractions and pushing, so i got to feel my partners arms around me and supporting me thru labor. She helped me witha few positions utilizing the birth bar and the head nurse mentioned she had not seen these positions before and they were helpful. I also really appreciated the collaboration between Ari and my hospital labor team as well. I had a successful birth and Ari will always be in my heart for that. Ari also has done a few post partum sessions for me and its been really helpful to the household. I think anyone would be in great hands with Ari.

Julianna Burt

1/23/2024

Ari is a wonderful doula. My husband and I worked with Ari during my pregnancy and our hospital birthing experience. Ari was consistently a fantastic partner and coach to both of us. We felt understood, cared for, and supported. From listening to our goals, offering resources, and even providing a reassuring massage, Ari was a source of relief. We also appreciated that she was very knowledgeable but at no point told us what to do or passed judgments on our intentions for pregnancy and delivery. 

Ari is both calming and confident – the perfect energy to help me deliver our child. I strongly recommend them to any birthing parent or partner!

Jennifer

6/28/2023

I chose Ari to be part of my birth team and doula for my first pregnancy, after feeling an immediate connection and comaptability from the initial inquiry call. Ari is very attentive, compassionate, and dependable. She made me feel very comfortable through our sessions together pre-birth and was very thorough with helping me prepare for the birth.

I felt that all my fears, concerns, desires, and preferences were heard and respected, leaving me quite assured that when the time came, Ari would know how best to help me through the process and be my advocate to mediate others. And that is exactly how it went. She helped communicate my preferences to the hospital team, provide me with ques and assuring words through the trials of labor, and relieved me of worrying about both little and big details of the process and just focus on my body and baby. 

Though the birth didn't stick to my preferences to a "T", it was all-in-all a positive experience and I do not have any regrets about the birth. And I certainly do not have any regrets about having Ari as my doula - would highly recommend her! 

Jacqueline Durazo

6/14/2023

Ari was truly an incredible advocate and guide during my second birth experience. I didn't realize my first one was kind of traumatic, but it explains a lot of anxiety I had over this second pregnancy. I felt like a lot of cards were stacked against me between an international move with a toddler, being new to the area, and unemployed (personally wanted employment). My emotions were all over the place and Ari helped focus me and my husband on what to study and how to practice for the birth. She helped us feel prepared when there was so much we didn't have control over in our lives. I went from feeling really despondent at 35 weeks pregnant, truly like it was a lost cause to feel empowered in the upcoming birth, to feeling totally ready to face it with peace and excitement (and of course nerves). She was happy to be as hands-on as needed, when my husband needed a rest from supporting me, which was wonderful. And when the day came, we even had a brief 30 minutes of rest just before moving to pushing that I never would have imagined possible, because I learned how to listen to my body thanks to Ari. I realize a lot of work and credit goes to my husband as well, but both of us are certain it's entirely because of Ari that we felt motivated and focused in our efforts to practice for the birth I wanted. We are so grateful and can't recommend Ari and her services enough. We love her! Stop reading reviews of doulas and book Ari today!

Nic Coffman

4/25/2023

Let's see if I can express in under 2000 characters how invaluable Ari was to my delivery team. Ari not only helped me acheive my birthing dream, but she also helped me understand what I wanted in ways I wouldn't have known. Ari was more than an advocate and guide, she was my bridge to resources, spiritual guru, lactation consultant, cheerleader, coach, therapist, guide, friend, and confidente. Here are some specific examples of ways Ari directly helped my situation. 

1. Spirituality was my first goal. Ari touched all five sense with soft lighting, spiritual music serenading, scents of the forest looming, advocating for food, and offering continuous massage throughout labor. What blew my mind though was her work with my placenta - my baby's name means tree/forest - Ari not only enlightened me that the placenta is shaped like a tree, but she imprinted it for me while I was having skin to skin with my daughter and then held it for me in her own freezer until I was released from the hospital! If that's not going above and beyond, I don't know what is!

2. Within the first few days of giving birth, I had a clog on one breast. I was part of a lactation support group, so I went there first. They suggested warm water, which I tried and failed. A lactation consultant then suggested a cold compress and/or ice, results of which yielded zero drops. The pain was getting worse when Ari called me to ask how I was doing - I whined to her about the pain I was in and she suggested something WAY outside the box. I have two words. It worked!

3. I called the postpartum hotline after a few days of sleep deprivation and frustration made me crazy. They were too gentle. I needed something more personal. I hung up and called Ari. She asked if the baby was safe first and then asked where my dog was. She ordered me to go hug my dog and I broke into a total cathartic puddle of tears. It was exactly what I needed. 

Ari was exactly what I needed.

Jennifer Fong

1/24/2023

I am so blessed and grateful that the universe brought Ari into my life.

I’d asked the stars for a birthworker who was comfortable supporting queer POC families, and familiar with grief or acute perinatal depression because I was struggling with the recent death of my father. Ari’s sweet yet strong presence provided me with the brave space I needed to complete this part of my life’s work.

As my doula, Ari brought compassion, calm and courage to my journey of pregnancy, birth and loss. When I felt pressured by my doctor to get an early induction, Ari listened to my concerns, provided me with research I hadn’t known about (not even in my 6-week birthing class), and validated my feelings. It is thanks to Ari that I felt more complete in my body, confident in my decisions, and trust in my instincts.

I had the most positive birth experience and I couldn’t have done it without Ari’s support. Through her, I learned about the structure and significance of my pelvic floor (again, which I learned nothing about in birth class!) and she guided me in relaxing that part of my body.

In the delivery room, Ari helped me soften between contractions, conserve and refocus my energy, and give birth with ease and grace. Holding Ari’s hand as I brought my baby into this world made me feel grounded and magical.

Ari went above and beyond any doula I’ve heard of. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be by my side as I experienced one of my life’s most important events. I think any birthing person would be lucky to have her by their side!