Anna Lickley

10/23/2024

Elan is exceptional, I highly reccomend her services. During pregnancy, her guidance and instruction helped me feel empowered to explore the birthing experience in a way that placed me and my baby at the center. She helped me advocate for my wishes and provided consistent support. Elan served as an absolutely integral part of my birthing team. She communicated softly and directly, and knew when to instruct and when to guide. She was actively involved and made me feel safe and cared for. I will definitely hire her again.

Nina Albrecht

10/20/2024

Oh my gosh, I don't even know where to start....I am literally shouting from the rooftop that you need to have Elan by your side throughout your pregnancy and birth whether you are a first-time mama or have gone through birth before! Elan's personality is like being enveloped in a warm hug and she is such a genuine human that being around her gives you a sense of calm when talking about your pregnancy and your hopes for what you want for your birth plan and story. She listened to what we wanted for our birth, asked lots of in-depth questions, and never once made us feel judged for our wants and desires for the birth plan. When I went into labor, Elan stayed on the phone with us and talked me through my contractions until she got to our house, and for the following 12 hours, she stayed by my side the entire time, helping me through contractions, applying counter pressure and at different points, gently directing my husband in how to best help me. When I was not having contractions, it was like hanging out with one of our really good friends. We swapped stories about our families, talked, walked the neighborhood, and laughed. Elan truly made the entire experience of laboring at home, a joy. When it was time to go to the hospital, Elan helped my husband set our car up so it was comfortable, and when we got to the hospital, she continued helping me through contractions and was fully hands-on when it was time to push. She took the most incredible photos right after the birth that my husband and I absolutely cherish and also wrote a very detailed birth timeline. My labor and birth was such a phenomenal and positive experience, I am forever grateful for Elan. Had we had not had her, I truly think the outcome and experience would have been much different. My husband and I cannot recommend her enough!!!!!!!

Natalie

10/15/2024

Even though all doulas were booked this past summer and Elan was taking a break from being a doula to spend the summer with her kids, Elan was exceptionally kind to make an exception and offer doula support when noone else was available. After a traumatic birth experience with my first son eight years prior, Elan guidance helped make this birth experience remarkably easy, being a 42 year old VBAC, Elan was not shy to support me in all the ways possible. My son's birth was quick wild-ride and Elan helped guide me through breathing, working with the delivery nurses, and everyone loves her which makes it everything easier. Post birth, I didn't produce enough milk, and Elan helped me find immediate donor milk from new moms, and I new I could trust this source coming from Elans approval. If I had enough time I wish I had worked with a Lactation expert earlier to help increasing chances of successful breastfeeding especially since I was not able to breastfeed with my older son. I followed what works for most people, latching baby every two hours...but I needed to do more. Travel to Idaho falls from Victor during these few precious post birth days was not easy and driving to idaho falls on a hot summer day for a weight check in my circumastance made things difficult. Elan was there to offer support and kindness. She gave confident advice and her guidance was crucial. Any pregnant woman working with Elan are in great hands and should feel at ease with her skillful guidance.

Miriam

10/1/2024

My husband and I are both so thankful to Elan for her support during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We had a traumatic birth with my first and were hoping for a better experience with my second pregnancy. When we discovered we were having twins, I became extremely anxious about how to prepare and what delivery would look like, as I was very scared of having a repeat experience. Through Elan's help, I was able to go into the delivery with a plan I was excited about. Her presence during birth struck the perfect tone of providing warm support while also offering informative education along the way so I felt in control and a part of what was going on. I initially wasn't sure if my husband would like having a doula there, but her presence was so empowering to both of us. She helped both my husband and I feel calm and comforted, and we were able to have the redemptive experience we had hoped so deeply for. Plus, she took photos that I will forever treasure! I will also note that I was initially hesitant to use a doula because I didn't feel a low-intervention home birth was right for me and I didn't want a doula to judge me for getting an epidural, supplementing with formula, etc. Elan totally supported decisions when we made them, while offering tips and education along the way so I was informed, and I didn't feel judged at all. She is the coolest woman and I'm so deeply grateful that she was a part of our birth and that I got to know her in general! I will recommend her to absolutely everyone I can! 

Jennifer H

5/13/2024

We so loved our experience with Elan. She is such a comforting soul. During prenatal visits she really helped me determine what I was looking for in a birth while also being open to the unexpected. I had also been attempting to do HypnoBabies and once in labor, upon Élan's arrival, I quickly found more comfort and empowerment in her gentle words and touches. She was pivotal in keeping my mind and body open. My husband was very impressed and grateful for her as well. She was very sweet and open to my older kids and made our whole birth experience one of love, empowerment and gratitude. 

Mariah Eddy

5/10/2024

I want to shout it from the rooftops how amazing Elán is. If I have my next kid in Idaho falls I can’t imagine not having her by my side. My birth was extremely quick and if it weren’t for Elan’s doula experience, awareness of the situation and attention to detail we would not have made it to the hospital. While at home there wasn’t a single contraction where she was not there offering counter pressure, she made the atmosphere so calm and happy that I look back on the challenge of labor with great fondness. She even made sure the back seat of my car was cleared out and comfy with a blanket so that I was comfortable on the way to the hospital. She made sure to notify the rest of the birth team before we made it so everyone was ready for me. She advocated for my desires to the nursing team. She helped me listen to my body during transition and pushing. While it was an intense experience I was never once afraid. I don’t know  if I would be able to say the same if Elán hadn’t been there for us every step of the way.

Breanna Call

5/9/2024

Elan was an amazing doula. This was my third delivery but my first time with the support of a doula, which made a big difference. I felt supported every minute of labor, which was a relief. Elan is also incredibly educated in childbirth and was able to give me pros and cons and resources about concerns or questions I had during my delivery. When it came to labor, she was also very intuitive. She knew several techniques and positions that aided in the birth and were helpful to my comfort as well. I also appreciated her following up with me postpartum in person and several times via text. I would recommend Elan to anyone and would use her again.

Joslyn H

5/6/2024

I met Elan early on in my pregnancy and knew that I needed to have her as my doula. My husband didn't see the point of hiring a doula but I knew I wanted a different experience than my last births and I felt strongly that I needed her in this birth. I hired her because I was not eligible to have a home birth with a certified midwife. I still wanted to have an all natural and unmedicated birth, but it had to be in the hospital, I knew Elan could help me in the hospital to be strong and not cave to possible interventions. Elan was everything I wanted in a doula and so much more. The information that she knew about differing hospitals and providers was so helpful in a lot of my decision making. She taught me many things I didn't know and also worked with both me and my husband on useful things to do during pregnancy (like spinning babies) and things he could do for me during labor, like counter pressure. She was there to answer questions that I had, and she was so helpful the day I actually went into labor. She offered to help me labor at home but I just wanted her at the hospital. She met us at the hospital and was my help and saving grace as I went through transition and the ring of fire. I wanted to scream out high pitched and loud at the end but she was next to me, calmly reminding me to keep my voice low and to breathe to help my body open and progress. She was there to remind me that I could do it. I can't even describe how much her support helped me during this time. She is 10 out of 10 worth it! I would hire her again if we have another baby.  She was not only helpful for me, but for my husband. After the birth, he told her that that was 150 times better than last time. If you are desiring a unmedicated and all natural birth, or even just a better birth, I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a doula, and if Elan is in your area, I HIGHLY recommend her. Her support helped me be successful in my birthing desires. 

Jamie Link

1/27/2024

When my wife Hannah and I were expecting our firstborn, we were woefully unprepared. It wasn't until early in the third trimester that it really hit us--we had no idea what to expect for our son's birth, how to prepare, or how to make sure my wife's birth preferences would be respected. So we made a snap decision to hire a doula to help us with the process.

We found Elan through Doulamatch and are so glad we hired her. Even though we were only a couple of months out from our due date, Elan was able to get us up to speed. She walked us through the process, pointed us to a wealth of helpful resources, and made sure we felt ready for the big day. As a first-time father who wanted to support my wife the best I could, I was especially appreciative of how Elan encouraged me to be an effective birth partner and shared materials that would help me do so.

When Hannah went into labor, (10 days before the expected due date!) we felt ready. We had bags packed, a birth plan prepped, and a much clearer picture of what the labor process would look like. Elan was with us every step of the way, providing support while also documenting Hannah's labor story. She helped us decide when the time was right to go to the hospital and stayed with us until our boy was born. She even showed Hannah how to help our son latch and breastfeed during the first golden hour after birth.

Thanks to Elan's expert help, we both felt empowered and equipped to handle everything the labor process threw at us and as a result, Hannah had an amazing first birthing experience--and completely unmedicated! We feel like we know enough now that we could handle any future childbirths on our own--but we'll probably still hire Elan. She was an invaluable part of our birth team and her services are well worth it!

Kathryn

11/2/2023

Elan helped to give me the perfect birth experience I had dreamed of. She had the best knowledge and tools to help me successfully have an unmedicated labor which was my goal. I was grateful for our meetings and contact throughout my pregnancy to answer any questions or concerns I was experiencing. I had a rough Post Partem and she was there for me and kept in contact with my husband to help support and get me feeling better. Elan was the perfect Doula for me! 

Natalia

10/25/2023

Being a first time mom I didn't know how to navigate the up and downs of labor/delivery and decided I wanted a doula to help provide knowledge, support and encouragement throughout the process. My husband wasn't entirely convinced we needed one but upon meeting Elan, we were both on board! Her warmth and expertise was evident from the very first moment we met her. When our original birth plan took a detour due to medical reasons, she not only provided me with lots of support during my induction but also helped my husband navigate the whole experience.  She stayed with us the entire time and was integral throughout my labor. On top of that, the medical staff had nothing but praise for her after our delivery. I don't think the whole thing would have gone as smoothly without her there and I highly recommend her services to any parents looking for a doula! 

Joanna

7/22/2023

Words cannot express how grateful I am for Elan. When I got pregnant, I knew right away I wanted a doula. I knew what my ideal birth looked like and the type of support I would need in hopes of achieving it. I actually had a hard time finding a doula in my area. Someone connected me with Elan and looking back, I know it was meant to be. From the day I met her, Elan's warmth and expertise was exactly what I was looking for. I felt so comfortable in her presence. During my pregnancy, Elan supported me and my husband by providing childbirth education and emotional support. She was always there to answer any questions or help ease my anxiety/concerns about birth. During my labor, Elan was a constant source of support, love, and knowledge to me and more-so to my husband. My husband was always supportive in hiring a doula and now raves about the importance of having one! I'm thankful for Elan's approach in empowering birth partners and not taking their place. I am so grateful that my husband felt supported and fully immersed in my birthing experience. They are memories I will cherish forever and I could not imagine my birth without Elan.

Juliet

6/20/2023

I am a first time mom who has never been on the patient-side of healthcare before pregnancy. I very quickly learned that the standard of prenatal, labor and delivery care, as well as what insurance companies offer, were not going to lead me to my dream birth experience. I knew I needed a doula at my hospital birth as my desire was to have a natural, physiological birth without any absolutely necessary interventions. Élan was my key to the magical and transformative experience that I ultimately had in birthing my son. After our very first phone consult, I said to my husband "wow, she is exactly what I need. She is the perfect mix of confidence, assertiveness, and warmth." Élan provided home visits to us, attended my 36 week appointment and guided me through with education and informed, evidence-based support. She labored with me at home, waters broke after transition and I arrived at the hospital at 10cm and ready to push. I pushed for an hour and a half. No interventions, no tears. Healthy baby in my arms. When I have flashbacks to the whole experience, I hear Élan's voice in the background repeating, "You can." 

Ashley

6/12/2023

Elan was a wonderful asset during the birthing process. I had a HBAC and I don't think I could have pulled off my dream birth without her! Her knowledge and experience was invaluable. She, my midwife, my midwife's assistant, and my birthing partner all worked together to support me! I am so grateful. I couldn't have chosen a better team!

Katherine Wilson

4/25/2023

I can't say enough good things about working with Elan. First off, I was very unsure that my husband and I needed a doula present at our first birth experience, but after my husband read the book The Birth Partner, he convinced me to look into it. From the moment I talked to Elan, I felt an instant friendship. We started working with Elan when I was at 38 weeks and I got to know her quickly and feel completely comfortable with her in that time. She gave us so much attention in those short weeks and was always so responsive to my questions as labor was approaching. And my oh my was labor long! I was in labor for 48 hours and kept Elan in the loop during early labor. She gave my husband great tips to help me manage pain and then came to our house at 3am when it became more intense. It felt like she knew exactly how to help my labor progress and keep my husband calm at the same time. We had a physiologic natural birth at a birthing center and I don't know if I could have had a natural birth without her support. She stayed with us for such a long time during active labor and didn't show that she was tired at all. I am so grateful for the birth experience we had because of her support. And her postpartum help was fantastic! I felt very taken care of and had so many resources to turn to for help because of Elan. My husband tells everyone now to hire a doula because of how amazing our experience was. They are worth it! Thank you for everything Elan!

Emily Dow

4/24/2023

If you are looking for a knowledgeable, kind, and supportive doula Elan is a great fit for you! Elan helped me to have a natural/physiologic birth as a first-time mom and played a huge role in my positive birth experience. She helped me to prepare for labor with quality information and equipped my spouse with great strategies to support me through labor and delivery. I was so grateful to have a doula I could trust throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I highly recommend her services!

Elise Olson

2/22/2023

Having Elan as my Doula was amazing! She was such a help through all of it, from helping me remember to breathe, to making sure I was eating and drinking and walking with me for what felt like miles to try to encourage my contractions to become consistent. She was actually my backup Doula with my first pregnancy and ended up being the one at my sons birth and she was so amazing that I had to have her for my second pregnancy! She will forever be a very special part of both of my deliveries.

Faith Nielsen

10/20/2022

I hired Elan during my second pregnancy. I knew I wanted a doula present at my hospital birth since I was shooting for a physiological (unmedicated) birth this time. Elan was recommended to me by my OB/GYN, Doctor Margaret Huggins. I can't say enough good things about Elan and the support she was to me! She answered all my questions via text & call, and during our visits. I experienced prodromal labor for several weeks before the birth, and Elan was extremely helpful while I navigated this. She answered my phone calls night or day and even spent a night in the hospital with my husband and me when we thought I was going into labor. When the time finally came and active labor was really starting, she walked us through what to do and told us when to leave for the hospital. It was 3 AM when she met us at the hospital to deliver our baby. I truly don't know how my birth would have gone without Elan. She was a crucial piece in telling us when to leave for the hospital, and she helped me through intense contractions as we drove. Elan was my mouthpiece when the nurses kept asking me questions. I felt confident and as calm as possible during my birth because Elan was comforting me, guiding my husband in what to do, and advocating for me in the hospital. When our baby was born, Elan massaged my feet with oils, congratulated us, took pictures, and kept notes! I will definitely be hiring her again. She even visited with me after the birth to check on my whole family and bring me nutrient-dense food. Elan is the type of person that just intuitively knows how to help and does it. She has a calm presence. My favorite things Elan did for me were counter pressure during labor, answering my many questions no matter the time of day, writing down our birth story, and offering happy, calm, confident support during birth. I now view her as a dear and trusted friend. If you can't tell... I absolutely love her and am so grateful she was part of my birth team! 

Rachel

4/24/2022

Elan is incredible! My spouse and I were incredibly blessed to have her as part of our pregnancy, labor, birth, and post partum journey. She not only took care of myself, but also my husband during a very long labor.  I don't think she ever left my side. She also helped me to process my birth experience, and has helped me to navigate some breastfeeding challenges.  We are newer to Idaho Falls, and her knowledge of local resources was and still is a huge help to us. I would definitely recommend her and would hire her again without hesitation. 

Audrey

10/23/2021

After a hard first birth experience, I knew I wanted to have a doula in the room the next time I delivered. I am so grateful I found Elan. She was an essential member of our birth team - before, during, and after. Elan is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about birth. She took time to learn my birth preferences and then educated me on what I could do to work toward a positive birth experience. Most importantly, she helped me find the confidence to advocate for myself. 

From the second she got to the hospital, Elan jumped into action and worked so hard alongside me and my husband throughout labor and delivery. She was calm, attentive, and confident - exactly what we needed. I had the birth of my dreams and I couldn't have done it without her! 

Emmie Prince

7/30/2020

Having Élan at my birth was the absolute best thing that could have happened. Throughout my prenatal appointments, and preparing for the birth, she was respectful, attentive, and gave me so much personalized attention. I felt 100% prepared for my birth. When it came time for me to deliver, she made herself available to us as soon as we needed her. I loved how she included my husband and supported us together. She taught him how to apply counter pressure, how to massage the places I needed, and when we went to the hospital she was with me the entire time offering words of encouragement and support through my labor. I never doubted that she cared about me- it was like having my mom or my sister there. It was a beautiful birth, and I can’t imagine having my baby without her. I would move back to Idaho for my next pregnancy just so Élan could be there for me! I’m doing my best here, but if I’m being honest words truly cannot express how much love I feel for this woman and how grateful I am to her. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of an amazing doula.

Rebecca

1/8/2020

Before the birth of my first child, several friends recommended getting a doula, but I thought that a doula would be redundant with my midwife. But despite wanting a natural birth, I was induced, shocked by the pain, and ended up with an epidural. For my second, I wanted to do it differently. Elan was recommended by my midwife, and my husband and I were both instantly comfortable around her; there was no question that she would be the perfect doula for us. In our first meeting, Elan suggested self hypnosis for childbirth. That and working with Elan completely changed my orientation towards childbirth. By my due date, I was looking forward to the birth with excitement. We anticipated that I would need to be induced at 42 weeks, since I had been with my first, and Elan met with me and my midwife to decide on a plan and contingencies. It was so nice to have someone experienced there who knew what questions to ask. I was induced at 42 weeks, and Elan was amazing through the whole birth. She was hands on, using massage and other tools to keep me comfortable. Even better, she guided my husband with suggestions for ways that he could help me so that we were able to share the birth experience together, facilitated by Elan. She was great at suggesting positions and asking if I wanted to use my hypnoscripts, but was also supportive when I had strong feelings about positions or activities. She also knew about hidden tools in the delivery room (when I wanted to labor on my side, she dug out a peanut ball to support that, something we wouldn't have otherwise known about). I was able to have the natural birth of my dreams, even with my 10 lbs, 6 oz baby! I still, 3 months later, daydream about the experience. It was truly the most empowering experience of my life, and I could not have done it without Elan's knowledge and support. She is an exceptional human, and I feel so lucky to have had her help us in this important moment for our family.

Mindy Tinker

1/3/2020

Elan is so very incredible, not only as a doula but she's an amazing person as well. She has helped me through both of my vaginal deliveries after having two ceserean deliveries. She never hesitates to answer a phone call or text. While she was with family and out of cell service, she gave me phone numbers for most of her family so that I would be able to reach her. For the second birth she helped us with, she spent the night on my couch helping me through every contraction starting at 3am. Elan helped me though contractions with counter pressure and encouragement and never leaving my side during or after delivery. Even during a particular difficult part of labor, she told me to have faith. I really appreciate her for all she's done for me, my husband and my babies. 

Tiffany Bossert

5/6/2019

Elan is hands down AMAZING! 

This beautiful, wonderful woman helped bring my little boy into the world with grace, love, and care. She was very well organized and disciplined, even during our hiring process.

She spent an entire 18 hours with my husband and myself while preparing to go into labor (as I was induced), the start of labor, and until my son had latched in our first attempts to breast feed. During the entire process, she helped find specific ways to soothe, breath, and encourage me. She never left my side and always spoke with confidence and care.

She supported not only myself, but my husband. She helped him keep his composure as he watched his wife go through some of the worst pain imaginable. She gave him words of encouragement and helped him coach me through the birthing process.

Her dedication to us, our child, and her joy of bringing new lives into this world made my birthing experience as pleasent as it could have been. Should I ever be blessed with another child, I wouldnt want any one else besides her on my support team. She is absolutely wonderful!

Meagan Portmann

4/16/2019

I knew Elan to be a professional doula developing relationships with all providers in the area. My husband and I both felt confident in hiring her to support us.

This was my 3rd birth and I hoped for it to be unmedicated. Elan amd I spent hours talking about mine and my husband’s needs in the birth. 

Finally, the day came for spontaneous labor. I had a long early labor stage, which she came to assist me into positions to encourage baby to position more comfortably for me. I decided to have her go home for a while as I knew I still had a long wait ahead and just wanted to be home with my husband for the early labor stage.

After another day of early labor, I suddenly transitioned. My husband rushed me to the hospital and called Elan on the way. She met us in the Labor and Delivery room shortly after we arrived. She was constantly aware of my needs, and reminded me how to work with my body and the contractions so that I could stay focused and confident in my birth plan. 

At one point, my husband needed to step out of the room to go use the restroom. He was able to leave me to have a human moment knowing I was well suported by Elan. While he was gone, I suddenly had the urge to push. That moment was so valuble to me in having Elan there. Had I been alone in that moment, the initial feeling of concern I had would have stuck with me and only would have caused tension and pain for me, but since I had Elan there, she kept me in my positive labor brain and I knew I could do this. She also made sure staff found my husband tight away so he could be there ASAP.

After 5 hours of being admitted into the hospital, I gave birth to my baby girl, exactly the way I had hoped to give birth.

Its been almost 6 months since she was born and I still find myself daydreaming of that day, which always brings me joy. 

Thanks for helping me make this happen, Elan!

Jaidyn Erickson

1/30/2018

Elan was the perfect doula for our home birth. She was so in tune with mine and my husbands needs and took such good care of us. She was always calm and was an easy source to tap into when I needed to relax and regr myself. She was supportive of all my requests and was always attentive and peaceful. I would recommend her to anyone, she was absolutely wonderful.

Kendall Erickson

9/12/2017

I'll admit I didn't want my wife to hire a doula for the birth of our 3rd child. Money was tight, and it wasn't something I saw as being necessary. My attitude on that has changed now. Elan was a calming presence from the first time we met her, and made my wife feel like she had made the right decision to have our baby without induction or epidural. When the time came to have the baby, I was impressed how Elan handled everything. She knew the doctor personally, and the doctor allowed her to carry out many things in my wife's birth plan such as having the lights down low, so she could relax. She was very nice to the nurses, but also aware of the birth plan, making sure that I would ask the right questions so that nothing happened that would deviate from the birth plan. She would make sure Chelsi was comfortable and "in the zone" with her hypnobabies techniques, and then she would have me help her squeeze her hips and do things like that, to help with labor. I was also impressed that Elan asked the doctor if Chelsi could labor in non-traditional positions, and she was able to. I think this was more comfortable for my wife, and it was a neat experience. I enjoyed being a "part of the action" during delivery, with our first two children I was usually sitting in the corner of the room, on my phone or computer. But this was a totally different experience for me, getting to actually take part in the delivery, as Elan would coach me. All in all, a very special experience for me, and I appreciated everything Elan did that night for us. The birth plan was very important to Chelsi, and it was carried out about as well as it could have been. I would highly recommend Elan - especially to you skeptical dads who don't want to pay for a doula. Worth every penny and more!

Kendall Erickson

Chelsi Erickson

9/12/2017

My situation was a little different, in that I live 2 hours away from my doctor, my hospital of choice, and Elan. She was willing to work with me and came to several of my prenatal appointments since home visits would have been tricky. She still came to my home for 2 postnatal visits though! That's such a sensitive but often overlooked time for moms. I'm so glad she was willing to make the long drive to get to me. I needed and loved those visits.

My daughter's birth started as a very exciting one. We arrived at the hospital in an ambulance after my water broke in the doctor's office. I didn't have my birth plan or my hospital bag! Both were packed away in my car across town. Thankfully, Elan, who went ahead to make sure the hospital was ready for me, had a copy of my birth plan on her phone. She made sure the lights were dim and that it was peaceful and quiet in the delivery room, so I could relax and focus on my hypnosis. (I DID have my headphones. Thank goodness!)

Elan was such a calming presence for me. She had to be exhausted, since she spent a very long time squatting behind me to do the hip-squeeze while while I was on the birthing ball, and in every other position I labored in. It's kind of a blur at this point! (That hip-squeeze is like magic, by the way. Sometimes I couldn't even feel the contractions at all!)

She guided my husband when he wasn't quite sure what to do to help. It made the experience that much more special for us. This was our third baby, but our first that wasn't a scheduled induction. It was a new experience for both of us, and we felt like first-timers in a lot of ways. He got to be involved in a way that he never had been before. It was so great. After it was all said and done he told me he was "team doula!"

Elan is wondeful, and I fully plan on calling her again when we add another baby to our family. After this amazing experience, I'm honestly excited to do it again!

Jocelyn Walters

4/21/2017

My husband and I decided we wanted to use a doula after having switched to an OB for prenatal care (previously had worked with CNMs), and Elan came highly recommended to us. We both appreciated her calm and friendly demeanor as well as the wealth of knowledge she offered- we both got a lot out of our prenatal visits as it had been five years since the birth of our last child. Knowing Elan would be there at the birth took a lot of pressure off of my husband which was a huge benefit we didn't have with the births of our older two children.

When I went into labor unexpectedly at 38 weeks, Elan's backup doula helped us for the first part of our 36 hour labor until she herself arrived. After that, we were lucky enough to have them working together trying everything they could to help me progress my labor when I was having a very difficult time. I felt incredibly supported and  Elan kept me informed about all of my options. Even though things weren't going as I thought they would it made a world of difference in helping me not feel defeated when I decided on interventions that weren't in my original birth plan.  By the time the baby was born, my husband and I felt very bonded to our team and we wished we had had a doula with our previous births. Even though this birth was much more stressful in terms of how long it was and different challenges we faced, it was a truly amazing experience that I would not trade for anything. Elan was really excellent at  keeping me and the rest of my support team focused where it needed to be througout the labor. She was absolutely dedicated to making sure I was satisfied with how the birth experience as a whole turned out and we are so very grateful for that. Highly highly recommend Elan to any families interested in a doula for their birth-if we decide to have another baby we will definitely be giving her a call :)

Rachel Allred

11/6/2016

I have known Elan for 17 years and was thrilled to finally get to have her as my doula when I gave birth to my first baby a few months ago.  She was such an important part of the team for first-time parents.  She was warm, supportive, and someone with whom you can be safe and vulnerable.  Elan is great about supporting a mom's birth desires and not pushing any agenda of her own.  I had planned to give birth without medication.  She encouraged and supported both when I wanted to pick up the pace of labor and when I needed to lay down and rest.  She was a great support to my husband: he was able to help me better because she was there to guide him.  There were some rough moments and she was able to let him know what was normal and support him when he struggled to watch me in pain.  He was glad she was there with us.  Elan will be supportive of your birth--however it goes.  After a long, difficult labor I received an epidural.  I worried she would be disappointed, but she trusted my decision and my knowledge of my strength without question.  Elan continued to provide needed help and support to us both through birth and the baby's first breastfeeding.  I'm so grateful that she was there with, and for, us that day.

Chelsea Hiland

9/26/2016

My experience with Elan has been incredible. She has a very calm demeanor and is a very sincere woman who was able to support me in ways I needed that I hadn't even voiced. She is very intuitive when it comes to finding how to best help those she works with and was able to get me through my crazy birth in ways that best helped me personally. She made sure that I had the support I needed and knows how important support is for every stage of birth and the stages a woman experiences after birth, at home are. She's a very compassionate person and knows the importance of helping someone feel validated with whatever concerns they have. My experience with her has been healing in many ways. She knows the importance of having a great birth experience, no matter the method the mother takes in having her child. I would recommend her to anyone who wants an awesome doula!

Rebecca Robison

6/2/2016

My husband and I loved having a doula. Elan was so good at helping us both feel ready for our baby and have the natural delievery we wanted. She provided positive affermations for me to listen to, rubbed my feet, listened when I was just wanting to "have the baby" and was a text away during those moment I thought our son might come.

She provided peace and assurance and helped direct my husband to what I needed as I labored.

My favorite things about having a doula has been the abundance of knowledge and love she gave to our family. I can't imagaine any other way to deliver a baby! My husband now tells everyone he knows to get a doula. It is so worth it!

Samantha Hanny

5/26/2016

With my first birth in 2010, I had an epidural and my daughter was 5 weeks premature. For my second baby, I wanted an unmedicated natural birth and to go full term. I am so blessed to have had Elan as my doula! Right away she was hands on and helping me through contractions. It was like she was reading my mind and she gave me the exact comfort measures that I needed right when I needed them. She helped me to relax and I felt very safe and comfortable with her. Elan helped me to feel like I was in control through the worst of the contractions. A lot of people said that I was very calm during labor and that I must have a high pain tolerance, but I would disagree with that. I truly believe that if it were not for Elan and my husband helping me through, and with meditation and prayer, I would have not had the unmedicated, natural birth that I had planned. I am so pleased with my birth experience with Elan and I will definitely be calling her if there are any more babies in my future!

Heidi Gillmore

1/10/2016

Elan was an incredible support during pregnancy, labor and post partum. She has a gentle, calm and caring nature and presence which was essential to me during labor. I had the goal of a natural home birth and Elan helped me get there. She had lots of tricks which helped to get labor going and helped to ease the process as well. She was always by my side reassuring and calming me. I was well taken care of during labor and after by Elan! Having Elan as part of my birth team was the best because of her support and comfort. She was absolutely essential. I highly recommend Elan!

Jessica Peterson

1/6/2016

My husband and I weren't sure at first about hirign a doula so we decided to interview EVERY single doula in our area to see if we could find the perfect fit.  Elan struck my husband and I with her calm, and sweet nature from that very first interview.  We decided to hire her, (espcially for her hypno-babies training) and never looked back.  Every prenatal appointment was PERFECT!  She respected my decisions, and supported choices I was making that seemed very controversal to the rest of my family.  (I have a more natural and holistic approach.)  I texted, emailed, and facebooked her often with questions and concerns, that she was always quick to respond to.  She lent me books, and helped me find the reseach sources I craved.  When my son decided to start coming in the middle of the night, Elan was there in thirty minutes.  She quickly and calmly helped me through each pressure wave until it was time to go to the birthing center.  She went with us in our car so she could sit with me in the back seat and apply pressure to my lower back through each pressure wave.  She helped soothe my nerves, and calm my voice.tone, and breathing so I could focus on getting through each wave.  Once we arrived at the birth center she continued to help me in this manner, and also stroked my hair, walked me through all my peace cues, and helped emotionally and phsycologically get through every hard spot.  I honestly cannot say enough to express how truly grateful I am for her.  Even my husband told me that hireing a doula was the best money we spent on the entire birth experience!  She is a true gem, and I will treasure my expeirience with her forever.  If you're not sure about hireing a doula, PLEASE CALL ELAN!  We would hire her again in a heartbeat!

Megan Donnelly

6/30/2015

This was my first baby and I really wanted a natural childbirth. Within the first few minutes of meeting Elan I knew I wanted her to be my doula. She was very warm and professional. I immediately felt comfortable around her. My husband and I had taken a Bradley class together as part of our birth preperation. Even though my husband was very educated and an amazing support throughout my labor having A doula was key to my success at having a natural childbirth. My mom and husband were part of the birth team. I had a very fast and intense labor and Élan kept everyone working together and helped me breath through each contraction and stay focused. I had a wonderful birth experience. I don't think I could have had such a great labor without her. She was great support prenatally, during labor and after I had my baby. I will definatley use her services again for my next baby.

Janell Bettinger Greenwood

4/22/2015

Elan was amazing. She listened to the vision we wanted for our birth; she worked hard to help us get there; her support throughout the birthing time was amazing; it was 27 1/2 hours, and she was there for every minute after we called her. Highly recommend her as a doula; she has a maturity to her, and she has taken the time to certify in her field which sets her apart from many.

Ashley Coombs

2/18/2015

Elan was my doula for my 3rd bith, 1st unmedicated. It was one of the best decisions I've made! I knew i wanted to try a natural birth, so I started going to a Midwife at Rosemark Women's Center and really liked her, but the fact that she may not be there for sure made me nervous. Also not knowing how long she could be there with me to have constant help was not sitting well with me.  I contacted Elan and we began almost immeditaly with the 1st of the 3 home visits she makes. She has a very calm, relaxing, and gentle way about her that helped put me at ease. When I was 8 days over due and the whole world was making me feel like something was wrong with me or the baby, she kept me grounded and trusting in my body with comforting texts or calls. When we decided to break my water to get the birth going, she was right there, being 20 weeks pregnant herself! She massaged my feet, shoulders, and made sure I was comfortable during early stages of labor. She helped my husband know how to help me which was HUGE. Farther into labor both her and my husband did counter pressure on my hips which practically made my contractions go away! Amazing. It was a beautiful birth and I couldn't have done it without her. She even wrote my birth story and gave it to me a couple weeks later; looking very professional and detailed! I love Elan and would recommend her and use her again!

Shannon Hansen

11/20/2013

Elan was a perfect match for me and my family! She met with me and we discussed my birth plan. She was extremely supportive and made an extra effort to come back and visit with me around my husbands school and work schedule; she wanted to talk with him and see how we interact with each other. While she was here with my husband and I she discussed her plans on helping with pain management and showed my husband a few tricks to help relieve pressure, keep me calm and help me relax during labor.

I started labor at 3:30am. My husband text Elan around 5:00 in the morning and told her that I was having contractions 3-5 apart but didn't feel like I "needed" her yet but we wiuld let her know if things changed. (We wanted to give her a heads up.) she said she would come over around 9:00am. Sadly my contractions slowed/stopped and told her not to come. She came anyways. She shared a few tricks with me on how to get th contracts started again. Luckily they worked and by 11:30am I was in active labor. Elan worked side by side with my husband to create a peaceful and calm setting to allow me to relax. She used imagery, message, essential oils. Elan has a clam and soothing voice that brought me comfort and peace. She was supportive of my birth plan and supportive during labor. After my delivery she stayed until she knew everything was ok. I had a few small complications which Elan was calm and collected and knew what to do and how to handle the situation.

Her postpartum visit was amazing. She really took care of me and my family. Made my toddler lunch and did dishes. She has checked in on me a few times following my labor. I can't say enough kind words about her! I would have her attend all my births from here on out if possible!

Nicole Woffinden

11/19/2013

I highly recommend Elan as a doula. Her knowledge, care, and consistency helped me throughout a difficult pregnancy, and during our birth experience which, despite taking a few unexpected turns, ended up being a beautiful experience for everyone involved. I attribute much of that to Elan's help in keeping me calm, relaxed, and focused. If you are looking for a competent doula who puts you and your baby's needs first, Elan is the one!