Bailey Grandis

9/25/2024

Shortly after I found out I was pregnant, I knew that I was interested in a natural birth. I knew to be able to accomplish this goal, that preparation and mindset we're going to be a huge part of my success, which is why finding a doula became a top priority. After one phone call with Haley, my husband and I knew that she was the perfect extension of us. She was warm, kind, and funny and we knew her presence was what we needed during my pregnancy but also at the hospital with us. We also found comfort with her experience as a registered nurse, she helped us interpret any hospital or medical lingo we came across this entire pregnancy. She was there for me and all of my questions throughout my entire pregnancy, but during the last trimester when things got harder and more uncomfortable, Haley was never an alarmist. After all of our check-ins, she made sure to tell me what an amazing job I was doing and that everything is going just as planned. When I went into labor, Haley was calm, cool, and collected. Her presence truly let my husband and I focus on each other and not have to worry about other things like when to go to the hospital, calling the midwives, and wondering what to do next. She was our guide. She was in lockstep with our midwifery team at the hospital, I felt so cared for while listening to her guiding voice throughout active labor. A week after our daughter was born we spent some time in the NICU. Haley checked in on us, and supported us in our unexpected beginning to my postpartum chapter. Getting a doula was the best decision we made at the beginning of our pregnancy and I'm so glad we had Haley as part of our team. 

Lindsay

9/8/2024

Answering texts about Braxton Hicks, chatting in our living room about birth preferences at 36 weeks, coming to the house while in labor, handing me sour patch kids before pushing for a sugar boost, holding my foot while pushing — these are some of the amazing tangible things Haley did for me during my birthing journey but I think the non tangible elements she brings might have been even more impactful. Haley brings a calming presence. She brings her years of experience from many births but makes yours feel so special. She won’t make decisions for you or pressure you, but rather she gives you the confidence to ask questions and makes you feel empowered to advocate for yourself.  I am so happy that Haley was my doula and I will work with her again if I get the chance!

Sara

4/6/2024

As a first time mom, Haley was EXACTLY what my husband and I needed in our delivery room and most importantly- the moments leading up to the hospital. Her knowledge, demeanor, and experience provided my husband and I the support we longed for. Her support allowed me to calmly labor at home as I long as I wanted, and once we transitioned to the hospital- the support we needed for a calm hospital room. Her presence alone with her knowledge and calmness helped me mentally prepare for labor. Her actions and words in the labor room helped me stay relaxed, well fed, and feeling supported for the arrival of our sweet girl- a gift beyond words. Since delivery we have talked non stop about the wonderful supports a doula in general can give, but more specifcally the praises of Haley!

Claire and Mason

4/1/2024

We worked with A Brighter Birth for our birth class and doula support for my wife’s first delivery. We originally were booked with another doula but due to her being sick we had a string of alternate doulas come through to support Claire. Haley Lawler came in after a couple of other doulas for the final and most intense stretch of the delivery.

Haley was precisely the person we needed to provide non-judgemental support for Claire through her choice to get an epidural and dealing with protracted pushing over four hours. Claire needed multiple intervensions from the attending OB, including a vacuum assist. Haley was a consistent source of reassurance and a core care team member as circumstances moved further from Claire's birth preferences.

Haley also provided a postpartum visit that was deeply meaningful. Her grace, knowledge, and caring manner completely changed our understanding of Claire’s birth experience for the better. Haley's perspective gave us new insight and corrected a false understanding we had about the birth. In her visit she helped our healing by reducing tension and dissapointment in our home after an adverse birth experience.

Beyond the perspective she brought, her advice and counsel on practical matters was immediately helpful and has us on a path to tackle minor difficulties with breastfeeding and sleep.

In summary, Haley is a treasure and clearly is deeply committed to the work of being a doula. I would recommend her to anyone in Richmond as their doula.

Katie Lawler

3/21/2024

Haley as a Doula for the birth of our second born was a major blessing.  We did not have a doula for my first born and there was a notable difference.

Haley was able to handle the extra little things that we would not of thought of, or would have gone to the wayside. It allowed my husband to stay in the room and focus on me and the baby better.

My son came faster then expected! With that, Haley was able to help guide me through a natural birth, even though that was not my birth plan.  She helped me get into different positions, and had calming communication through the process.  She also did lots of little things such as massages and cooling washcloths that grounded me and helped me through the mental and physical hurdles of unplanned natural birth. 

Once my son was born I had a few questions for the nurses, she was able to ask the right things and clarify.  We were also starving, so she ran out to get us food so my husband did not need to leave!  10 out of 10 reccomend having her at your birth!

Carissa

2/24/2024

Hiring Haley as my doula was the best decision I made during my pregnancies! Without her, it would have been "the blind leading the blind" when the time came to birth my babies. She somehow knew exactly what I needed during labor (whether that was counter pressure, position changes, hand massaging, verbal encouragement, relaxation advice) and I largely attribute my success in  natural, uncomplicated birthing to her help :) She is such a blessing to me and my family of 5. Thank you!!

Leigh Anne Jenvey

2/22/2024

We are so grateful that Haley was our doula for our second son's birth. After using a wonderful doula for our first labor and delivery, we were loud and proud doula supporters. But as time inched closer to our second delivery, we found ourselves dragging our feet on if we "needed" a doula again. Yes, yes we did "need" another doula! Haley stepped in and we are so grateful we had her on our team. While I progressed through labor quickly, my pushing phase lasted for hours. Haley provided much needed encouragement and physical support for me, and she offered emotional support and physical relief for my husband. We often tell those considering a doula that a doula is just as impactful for the birth partner as they are for the person actually giving birth. Haley is gentle, supportive, and extremely knowledgeable - she will be a perfect addition to your birthing team. 

Meagan Cinder

2/21/2024

My first birth I was very scared and felt like I had no clue what to ask or do even after taking multiple birth classes. I ended up having a C-section with my first baby because of complications. So I started looking into a doula when I was pregnant with my second, I wanted to try for vbac. I truly believe I was able to have a vbac because of Haley! She encouraged me, helped me so much to push myself and not be afraid. I still wanted an epidural but wanted to wait longer to get it so I wouldnt stop progressing. Haley was there to help me when I needed it and when my husband needed a break. She knew what positions I needed to try, answer any questions I had, was very encouraging and a very calming presence throughout the whole birth! I was able to have a vbac and had a very healthy baby girl. My husband and I were both SO grateful for Haley and wouldn't of been able to do it without her! 

Brittany Ford

2/2/2024

Working with Haley for the birth of our third baby is something I will never forget! We were unsure about hiring a doula and could not be more grateful we did. Haley was the steady and calming presence we needed for our fast and furious birth. Throughout our pregnancy and even after our birth we felt seen, known, and supported by Haley. She is wise, incredibly intuitive, very knowledgable of labor techniques, and all around a lovely person to be with. She knew just how to empower me when things picked up fast and I began to feel incapable and afraid. I will also never forget the relief I had when she put peppermint oil on my pillow. There was such tender care in even the smallest details. My husband and I are so grateful Haley was the one that stood beside us as our sweet boy entered the world and love that she is part of or community in Richmond!

Carissa

2/2/2024

Haley has been there for me, my husband, and my last 2 children in both their deliveries. And it already puts me at ease knowing she will be there for this coming delivery in May.

Haley was a great educator before, during, and after birth; an advocate for my husband and I in the hospital; an incredible teammate to have making sure either her or my husband were supporting me as best they could with positioning, counter pressure, massage, hydration, comfort; as well as a great coach with evidence based positions/circuits to help get baby into best position.

Haley made sacrifices, like being with me multiple days for a delivery, to ensure we were safe and cared for.

We LOVE Haley and cannot recommend her evidence based and compassionate care enough!!!!