Testimonial for Alanna Cotton
We were able to get to know Alanna a bit in the months before Luisa's birth, and she was a calming, knowledgeable presence throughout, even though our sessions were filled with useful activities. She got us excited about how we could try and tweak the birth room to promote Natalie's (my partner) comfort and the accompanying oxytocin. In a sense, she helped transform the experience away from any fear or dread we may have harbored, and towards joy and anticipation.
During the birth itself, Alanna was legendary. To this day, neither Natalie nor I understand how she was able to remain so strong and calm throughout the long, grueling process. Even without sleep, she never wavered or allowed any of the stress to impact how she held herself.
What is really hard to describe is how great a teammate she was. During the lengthy build-up to active labor, we were able to work in sync for hours at a time, without misunderstandings, awkwardness or negative tension. We followed Natalie's lead as she lead us through a variety of positions--many of which Alanna had prepared us for during the sessions beforehand--and despite the friction I felt with the rushed tone of Swedish (owned now by Providence) we were able to remain focused on Natalie's needs. In a situation that is that charged, it seems so easy for misunderstandings or chaffing over roles or just physically getting in each other's way to happen and become a part of that experience. I cherish being able to have a memory of the birth of our only child that didn't include any of that, and instead, is centered on Natalie, Alanna and I working together seamlessly despite the constraints and pressures we felt.
Since the birth it's been wonderful to get to spend time conversing with Alanna about our early parenting concerns, and to continue to spend time with someone we now admire.
-Ari Robin McKenna
February 13, 2023
Alanna Cotton
Imperfect Mama Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1900
Postpartum Rate: $50 to $55
