Testimonial for Ari Eisen
As a researcher by trade, I was familiar with the substantial body of evidence which suggested that hiring a doula might lead to better birth outcomes. I was less clear, however, about what kind of doula to hire. I knew that the chaos of childbirth seemed likely to undermine my decision-making abilities, and that I wanted someone who would help my husband and I understand the choices we could face in the moment.
Ari not only delivered on everything we thought to ask for, but also much that we hadn’t. Our prenatal sessions were thorough enough that my attitude about birth shifted from fearful avoidance to confident enthusiasm. They prepared us for decisions about medical interventions, but also for the embodied experience of childbirth, like positioning, breathing, and strategies for preventing tearing. Ari was unusually generous with her time: she routinely stayed late to answer my questions, and she was unfailingly prompt in her responses to texts.
My birth experience taught me that even the most conventional birth plans (I wanted an epidural & was open to a caesarian delivery), can leave a lot of room for the unexpected. I was glad to have Ari when, still miserably pregnant after my due date, she helped me understand the most evidence-based ways to encourage labor at home. When my water broke and I needed an induction, Ari reviewed my options with me to make sure I got the best possible birth. During delivery, her expertise even elicited praise from the medical team.
My goal for childbirth was simply to avoid trauma. What I got was something far beyond what I could have anticipated: a vaginal delivery, a healthy baby, and–miraculously–no tearing. During my recovery, my husband and I repeatedly agreed that hiring Ari was the best investment we made during pregnancy. I have no doubt her expertise made an enormous difference, and I recommend her with profound gratitude.
-Grace Kuipers
October 23, 2026
Ari Eisen
Hearth Doula Support
Birth Fee: $1700 to $2100
