Testimonial for Alyson Mancini CD(DONA), BA Birth/Newborn Photographer
It was a joyous time for both my husband and I when we received the confirmation of our growing baby through ultrasound. I knew immediately that this being my second child, that I wanted a completely all natural drug and pain med free birth. With my husband there was great hesitation and a lack of understanding why I had made this choice for not only myself but for our baby. I asked my mother-in-law about a “doula” because I read on the ole so great Google that one was recommended along with a midwife instead of a regular OB/GYN. She quickly recommended Alyson Mancini, knowing her and her field and through Henrico Doctors Hospital. As soon as we met, there was a warming gentleness about her. As the face-to-face meetings came and went she stayed connected through my prenatal appointments asking questions and keeping her updated as possible. When it came down to “the day," she was quick to answer my call. She didn’t skip a beat, she stood strong to my birth plan and didn’t bend or budge. Through contractions she kept me goal focused. She made me feel so comfortable with the entire process. I remember hesitating with movements that felt right and sounds haha because of what I thought the nurse, midwife and my husband would think. She reassured me to ”Do this, do that, do whatever feels right to you. Listen to your body and feel what your baby needs”. Alyson stayed beside me the whole time, even being wheeled into the maternity wing. Alyson came to our home after a few days to see how we were both handling the new changes, gave me a gift of “Mothers Milk” tea, her homemade lactation cookies, a flash drive with all our birth photos amongst other thoughtful items. To this very day, almost 9 months later, she’s still a very dear friend. I am a proud supporter of a birth doula and would highly recommend her. She’s great at what she does and was so comfortable and friendly to work with. We love her.
-Heather O'Steen
December 29, 2016
Alyson Mancini CD(DONA), BA Birth/Newborn Photographer
Inner Strength Birthing
Birth Fee: $1300
Postpartum Rate: $30
