Teryn Phillips-Thomas

10/21/2026

Words cannot explain what Ariella did for our family. We called her during an emergency induction about 12 hours in, assuming all hope was lost and that the birth plan would just fly out the window. Between pushy medical staff and contractions that kept getting harder, we felt like we were losing control. She jumped right in, asking us the most important questions, telling us what was real and what was imagined, and showing us how to be our own advocates. My daughter-in-law was a first-time mom determined to have an unmedicated birth, and Pitocin contractions are relentless. Ariella talked us through it moment by moment, showing us how to move, how to breathe, and how to press into every contraction. Her calm never wavered, even when the pain was at its hardest. She gave my daughter-in-law the one thing no one else could: the belief that she was strong enough to do this. Watching her find her power is something our family will carry forever. Ariella, we are forever grateful.

Emily

5/29/2026

I loved working with Ariella. As a single mom by choice, I knew I would want someone to be able to advocate for me and help me navigate birth in a hospital. There are so many decisions to make and avenues to consider; Ariella meticulously guided me through all of it by crafting an airtight birth plan with me. She provided ample knowledge, but she let me lead the way in decision-making. 

Ariella also provided essential physical support for me. During the most challenging part of my labor, I leaned my back against her as I sat on a birth ball between contractions. She always seemed to know what I needed and had lots of tools at her disposal. She also brought a bunch of electric tea lights, a speaker, and dimmed the lights in the room for a more peaceful labor.

As for her persona, Ariella is warm, kind, calm, and passionate. I felt truly seen and cared for every moment of my birth journey with her. My birth was joyful and empowering, and I thank her for helping make that a reality.