Katherine

7/26/2023

I worked with Adelaine for the birth of my second child in 2022.  I could not have been happier with the experience!  She felt like the completely nonpartisan, nonjudgemental mother figure I needed at the time.  I especially appreciate her taking time to play with our toddler while I was in labor.  Overall, she made me feel capable, at ease, and cared for.  I recommend her highly.

Kirsten

8/27/2019

Adelaine was a wonderful doula! She is so knowledgable and just a great person to have in your corner. Her experience is vast and that shows at every turn. During pregnancy she helped me navigate an unforseen blood clot, a transverse baby, and delivering while on blood thinners. During delivery Adelaine empowered me have the natural unmedicated birth that I wanted by instilling confidence in me, helping me with pain management and advocating my desires to the medical professionals on staff at my birth. My husband really appreciated the way she firmly advocated for us at the hospital and was always thinking ahead of what I would need on the day of delivery. We feel so fortunate to have found her!! The birth of my baby girl wouldn't have been the same without Adelaine. 

maria serrano

1/16/2018

I don't think I can express in words how grateful we were to have Adelaine as our doula a year ago. She was supportive and knowledgeable. When I went into labor 2 weeks before my due date, I called my OB-GYN and was told to wait until my contractions were strong and regular. My contractions were very strong but sporadic. I knew I was in labor and not progressing to the normal stages of labor. I called Adelaine and she came to my house in Holly Springs. After seeing how and where my contractions were, she saw that I wasn't advancing because the baby was pushing against my pelvis instead of the birth canal. She guided me through few different positions to help move the baby into the birth canal.  Not long afterwards, my water broke.  Then things got a little hectic.  As soon as the water broke, I had the urge to push. Adelaine calmly helped us get in the car and drove behind us to the hospital. Once we got to the hospital, my husband had to leave the car running at the entrance to rush me inside. My baby was born about 15-20 min after we arrived. With all the commotion, she made sure what I wanted on my birth plan was addressed. Adelaine was so calm during all this and stayed with us through the whole process. At some point, she even parked my husband's car. Adelaine was an amazing doula. She was assertive when needed but also calm and very supportive.

Jailyn Moreland

10/15/2017

With Adelaine's support, my husband and I were confident we could handle whatever came our way during and after labor. She was there for us as soon as we called and instumental in making sure we were comfortable and in control throughout our birth experience. I felt certain then and certain now that we tried every trick in the book to have the birth experience we'd hoped for, so much so that when our options were exhausted I was completely content with the last thing we'd planned for. I will also swear that Adelaine's physical support and accupressure were as good, if not better, than the epidural for me. I hesitate to make that claim for everyone, but it was particularly important to me to go without and Adelaine did everything she could to make that happen. We're a happy and healthy family with wonderful memories of our birth experience - however far from the plan it was - and I am grateful to Adelaine for that. I hope she has a long and happy practice as a doula.

surrenderflow fo'reals

5/14/2017

Adelaine was our doula for our son’s birth (who is our first and planning on only child). We also chose to take private childbirth education and newborn care classes with her in our home. Adelaine, who is also training to be a midwife, is a wealth of knowledge and resources and is well connected within the birthing community. She is clearly passionate about educating, preparing, and supporting other women and their partners to have the best, most empowering birth experience possible. After much preparation and planning, the birth of our son did not go as planned from the start and we had to be transferred from the birth center to the hospital. Thanks to Adelaine (and my midwife and husband), I was able to get through a long, difficult labor and birth at the hospital with no interventions! Having a trusted, experienced woman such as Adelaine guide me through laborland was absolutely essential in helping me make that happen. We are so grateful to have had her by our sides!

Elizabeth Lindsay

1/3/2017

After speaking with some other doulas, my husband and I chose Adelaine to be our doula for my first birth. When Adelaine came to our house, I found her very calming and easy to talk to. She was able to answer all of our questions with confidance and quickly followed up with other resources to help us in the weeks leading up to the birth.

I was very naieve about the birthing processes before attending classes at WakeMed. I am already very scared of needles and once the instructor of the class told us exactly how epidurals work I made the decision to have an unmedicated birth. Adelaine was super helpful througout the whole thing and because of her I never once questioned my decision nor even thought to ask for an epidural as I thought I might.

Adelaine got to our house at 6:30 am the morning I went into labor and stayed with us at home until we went to the hospital. She showed my husband how to push on my hips to manage the pain from the contractions and helped him by pushing on my knees as well. I was very unsure of a lot of things througout my labor but Adelaine helped me think through everything while making sure that all decisions made were my own. Once we got to the hospital, she consistantly offered me water/ laboraide so that I could keep my energy up and she talked me through what pushing was like before it happened because I like to have an idea of things before they happen. Once our son was born she stayed busy taking pictures of our new family of three. Without her we would not have any pictures of the first moments of our son's life.

My husband is very money consious and was very doubtful that a doula would be helpful and only agreed to hire a doula because I insisted that I wanted one. After my birth he told some of our friends who were thinking of hiring a doula that hiring Adelaine was the best money he had ever spent and he was so thankful that she had been there to support us.

Katie Benedetto Jones

12/20/2016

Adelaine is amazing!! :) I highly recommend her. I picked Adelaine because I knew I’d need emotional support through the birth, and I loved how calm and accepting Adelaine was when I mentioned all of my fears. I knew she’d be an amazing doula for me, and she was!

This was my first baby, and I had a pretty intense, fast birth that brought up deep emotional fears - that I wasn’t strong enough, good enough, or that I would get abandoned in one way or another.

What I needed most during the birth was encouragement that I could do it, acceptance and feeling like others were there with me. Adelaine was totally incredible with this. She was completely there for me, while at the same time following my lead in a way that kept me fully in my own power.

During contractions, I found that moaning was the thing that helped me with the pain the most. So Adelaine and my husband moaned along with me!!! It was exactly what I wanted and needed, like some kind of spiritual ritual - through each contraction, for hours. It felt so wonderfully connecting and validating, especially when I had to keep my eyes closed to focus, to know that they were there with me, in it with me, totally accepting me. They even moaned louder when I asked.
:) And then, aside from all the emotional support, she was there for all the practical things I needed too, that helped make it a great experience. I felt so accepted and supported. I wasn't sure the smooth, natural birth I'd dreamed of could be a reality for me - with Adelaine's help, it was!!

Adelaine was such a great match for me - she just got me. My husband and I are so, so grateful for her. This birth wasn't just something I just got through - thanks to her support, it was a deeply healing, very positive experience for me. I will cherish the memory of that birth, and how supported I felt, for the rest of my life. I highly recommend Adelaine!

Jenna Lynn Staples

12/20/2016

Adelaine was an incredible resource, support and companion for my prenatal and labor experience, I could not imagine having such a smooth birth without her! She was available for any concerns I had beforehand and gave my husband and I a very helpful in home session to help prepare us. On the day of my labor she provided lots of hands-on assistance and helped me to labor as long as I could at home, which was my goal. She is a calm, positive and knowledgeable person and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

Jodi Harrell

12/20/2016

The decision to hire a doula is a very personal one. At first, I was nervous as to whether I would feel comfortable having a "stranger" assist me in the birth of my first baby. Adelaine and I share similar ideas about birth and I trusted my intuition when hiring her. I would encourage anyone reading this to do the same.

For me, pregnancy brought forth a lot of intense emotions. At times, I felt very isolated and unsure of myself. Adelaine was an incredible support during this time. Her in-depth knowledge of birth as well as her own wisdom as a mother was very reassuring. I didn't realize how much I would lean on her before I even went into labor!

When I did go into labor, I felt very comfortable having her with me. Although I had a very normal pregnancy, birth was long and physically challenging, 38 hours in total! Adelaine was integral to my positive birth experience. She offered different positions and props, and encouraged me to move and try new positions even when I was scared to do so. She used massage, pressure point therapy, and essential oils for pain management and was very encouraging. Because of the relationship we had built during the previous months, she knew just what to say, and she was able to provide support that the nurses, midwives, and even my husband could not. Eventually, because of the length of my labor, I was transferred to the hospital. I knew she had to be tired, neither she nor my husband had eaten or slept much, but she offered to stay the entire time. After getting settled in at the hospital, we sent her home to rest, only to call her back to the hospital a few hours later when I was ready to push. She rushed back over and helped us welcome our daughter into this world. She cheered me on as I pushed and took pictures once my daughter arrived, which are completely priceless to me and my husband. I can't imagine birthing my baby without her!

Maria None

3/25/2016

Adelaine was my birth assistant at my home birth 4 months ago and I can't say enough great things about her.

Both my midwives were delayed, due to another home birth, so Adelaine arrived first. I had never met her before but immediately her demeanor and energy put me at ease. She talked me and my husband through things and just had this overwhelming calmness about her. I felt safe in her care.

Then the time came for her to work her magic. During a contraction, she asked if she could apply counter pressure and I willingly accepted. She took almost all of the pain away! I was in disbelief. I wish she had been there for my first home birth.

I highly recommend Adelaine to anyone about to have a child. She would be a welcomed asset to your birth!

Angie Capps

3/15/2016

Adelaine was a constant support for me before, during, and after birth.  She really cares; I knew I could call her anytime if I had a concern, and she would follow up with me with information, links, articles, etc.  She was so willing to help and would offer specific help after listening to my needs.

During the birth she had the confidence and strength I needed in having someone by my side.

Adelaine's support was more than just birth, but very wholistic; she really cares how you are- all aspects, and is wiling to listen to any concerns even if they are the broader scope of mothering (not just the birth).  After the birth she brought over a fabulous meal- just another way it shows she really does care.

But not only that, she is highly qualified and knowledgable.  She is interested in the latest research and eager to share it.

I would highly recommend her!

Rebecca Kooistra

4/30/2015

After interviewing several potential doulas, Adelaine stuck out as the one. She has a true passion for women, birth and believes in women's own internal wisdom to guide them through birth. She is extremely easy to talk to and I immediately felt at ease. She also offers many years of doula work as well as a calming presence. I was nervous about hiring a doula initially not only because of the cost but also because I was unsure if I wanted  "stranger" involved in birth. Needless to say, I am glad we decided to hire her! By the time the birth rolled around, I definitely did not feel like she was a stranger.

Adelaine met with my partner and I several times before the birth. We had some pre-birth complications and she helped us stay positive and focused as well as come up with alternate plans should I not be able to have a vaginal delivery. Thankfully, I was able to have a vaginal birth. The morning of the birth, Adelaine arrived when my contractionss were every 4-6 minutes, lasting about 45-50seconds. She immediately recognized that I was breathing too high and holding my energy higher up in my chest. She helped me direct my breath and energy down into my pelvis. We got to the birth center when I was 7cm! She rode in the car with us and helped me labor and squeezed my hips the whole car ride (25 minutes!). Honestly, I don't know  if I would have made it to the birth center without her help in the car. At the birth center, she continued to give labor support as I moved from the tub to the bed to the toilet...and when our sweet baby girl finally arrived, she ensured breastfeeding and skin to skin was established. She also took pictures, which during the time, I had completley forgotten about! My partner and I cherish them now.

She brings a wealth of exerpience, skills and love of birth and labor. My partner and I were so grateful for her and felt so reassured before, during and after the labor that she was there.

Heather Dahm

4/19/2015

Adelaine responded immediately to my inquiry with a very warm phone message, upfront pricing and an openness to get together and just talk to see if we'd be a good fit. My husband and I both took to her immediately and hired her for the birth of our first child. Adelaine is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about her work, but works very humbly as a guide through this incredible journey without judgement or pressure to let the experience unfold as it should for you. My birth story: My water broke at 5AM, Adelaine came to our house at 11:30AM because contractions were heating up and we wanted to stay at home as long as possible. Upon arrival, Adelaine immediately helped me and my husband feel significantly more comfortable with what was happening, began helping me through the contractions to make them more productive with vocal sounds, movement and pressure points within my pelvic area helping the baby move through the birth canal. She gently suggested that we could move to the birth center when we were ready because she was confident that I was in active labor. Thirty minutes later when we arrived at the birth center, now 2:45PM I was 7cm dilated and having frequent and intense contractions. After about an hour and a half of work I was dilated to 10cm and began pushing, after 30 minutes and expert guidance from her all along I had the most beautiful, healthy baby girl in my arms. The midwife was very impressed with how my labor progressed given it was my first child, she was also very impressed with Adelaine and rightfully so as I genuinely feel that having her for my delivery made everything from the communication with my husband to my confidence in giving birth naturally an enormous success and I will be forever grateful for her services. In addition to this incredible birth experience, Adelaine also offered emotional guidance and resources throughout my pregnancy. My husband and I both highly recommend Adelaine!

Anna Child

1/23/2015

I chose Adelaine as my doula as she is highly experienced, passionate about childbirth and the transition to motherhood and calming. I could not have made a better choice -- I very much believe that having Adelaine as my doula was one of the biggest reasons that I had the birth I wanted. This was my first baby and I had a long labor (about 25 hours). Adelaine was with me for most of it, spending about 12 hours with me at my house laboring at home with me and then continuing to provide me with support when I went in to the Birth Center. She provided some structure to my time laboring, got me out of the house to do helpful activities like walking, focused me, gave me confidence that I could do it, and provided me with different options when my contractions followed an irregular pattern. She also helped to ensure that I didn't go into the Birth Center until I was in active labor and ready to be there by helping me understand where I was at in the process and what I needed to do to help amp the labor up.

I remember one reviewer commented that Adelaine reminded her of an older sister, and I couldn't agree more. She is very calming and provides you with confidence. Adelaine also provided strong support before and after the birth of my baby, meeting with myself and my partner, as well as my mom, who was also with me during my labor. Anything that was important to me, she took note of and made a very conscious effort to work towards with me.

If you are considering having a doula, I would highly recommend Adelaine. The price of a doula may seem like a lot, but for the amount of time, energy and effort Adelaine puts in, she actually warrants much more. She truly will help you to have the birth experience that you want, which in my mind is absolutely priceless. She is also an invaluable resource for issues on breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and many other motherhood areas.

Anu Chaudhary

3/22/2013

lAdelaine is a beautiful, calm and composed lady, and absolutely excellent at her job as a doula. We liked being in her presence, especially the calmness she exhibits. Knowing that she welcomed all her kids as home births definitely made us have a natural confidence in her skills and will power, and she lived every bit upto that confidence (and beyond)! Very reachable, accommodating, responsive, knowledgeable and resourceful. My husband was out of town when I went into labor and we can't thank her enough for being my support throughout! On top of that, the BEAUTIFUL pics she clicked to capture the birth - wow! they seem to "speak"! Some of them are simply magical ... the "raw" feel of our precious child makes him even more precious and adorable! Adelaine is so good at the care she provides that she will always be a close, beautiful and inseparable part of our baby's birth experience!

Debbie Donohue

1/18/2013

I highly recommend Adelaine as a doula. Adelaine is a very knowledgeable and an effective doula. Adelaine helped me the most during labor; she has a magic touch that is soft and soothing when needed, and firm and strong when needed (i.e., as counter-pressure to relieve the pain from contractions). Adelaine helped me manage the pain during labor, offered solutions that made my labor more efficient, and offered solutions that I would have never known to do! I had a wonderful birthing experience and a great portion of this is because Adelaine was part of my birthing team.

Ava Gordon

8/28/2012

Adelaine was a wonderful doula. As this was our first baby, my husband and I wanted to have someone who knew a lot about the birthing process and would make us feel at ease. At the hospital, Adelaine was there every step of the way, helping us through the decision making process and explaining things along the way. I felt very confident in her knowledge-she always knew what to do, wasn't afraid to speak up for our choices and I felt very safe with her. Just having her hold my hand through contractions and give me "Laborade" made the birth more manageable. I really don't think I could have done it without her. I mainly picked Adelaine as our doula because she reminded me of my older sister-strong, caring, and positive. I knew those were the qualities that I wanted in the person who would guide me through such a challenging and rewarding experience.

Adelaine was also supportive before and after the birth. We met with her on several occasions before giving birth, discussing our birthing plan, fears, concerns, and questions. She provided us with reading materials, dvds, and websites. Her insight was invaluable. I could also call or email her at any time. She was always available when I needed to ask a question or voice a concern. Furthermore, after the birth, she came and visited again, giving us tips on breastfeeding and general care. You can't ask for better guidance. Adelaine truly was a total gift, from beginning to end. We are still in touch today, and I plan on staying in touch with her as she played such a critical part in the birth of our child. Thank you Adelaine!

Annie Rasmussen

8/9/2012

The birth of my second son was really fast and really intense. I am so glad that Adelaine was there with me! Her demeanor was calm and perfectly comforting, and her eyes sparkled and danced through each contraction. I felt that I was in the presence of a true friend, someone I could trust in my time of vulnerability. Adelaine was my angel, heaven-sent.

Adelaine was warm and perfectly accepting of what I needed to do to bring that child into the world. We slow danced through contractions; she rubbed and moved my hips as I leaned over a birthing ball; best of all, she pressed my hips from both sides through much of labor. She was tireless, constant, gentle and strong.

Adelaine has wonderful intuition, knowing when and how to help and when to give a birthing mother some space. At one point in the midst of the long process of pushing (2 hours out of my 4 hour labor) she sensed that I needed extra emotional assistance. She was able to help me talk about some serious fears, and very soon thereafter my beautiful son was born.

As I worked through the stages of afterbirth, at a point when I couldn't hold him myself, Adelaine was careful to hold my son close to me so that we could see one another and not be separated. I knew that he was in good hands. Adelaine is a woman that I instinctively trust, and she has proven to deserve that trust in every way.