Testimonial for Alyson Mancini CD(DONA), BA Birth/Newborn Photographer
My husband and I decided that hiring a doula would increase our chances of having the labor and delivery WE wanted… We’d heard horror stories about hospital staff (alongside some good, too), and traumatic birth stories that didn’t align with our vision of what we wanted for myself or our little girls beginning in this world.
I’d reached out to another doula who referred me to Alyson, and before our first meeting with Alyson was even over, my husband and I both knew she was the doula for us. The local healthcare system jerked us around the year leading up to the pregnancy that brought us our little girl, and I’d been filled with anxiety about navigating the hospital system and staff during such an important time in our lives. Not wanting to take the magic away from this experience as first time parents, we knew that having another pair of calm hands and eyes would best assist us during labor and delivery and help us to realize our goals and dreams. Alyson’s energy through the months we worked with her leading up to birth made us feel comforted and confident going into the hospital when the time came. Not only was she the warm, calming presence we were looking for, she provided so much invaluable experience, advice, and encouragement throughout.
While our story didn’t turn out as “planned,” Alyson helped us to make informed decisions at every unexpected turn in the road, provided so many resources in the last months of pregnancy, 36 hours of hands on support in the hospital while I labored and delivered, and gave us the most incredible gift of birth photos and a great birth experience that we will remember forever. And I’ll never forget her chanting “push your girl out” when I felt like I had nothing left in me. We are so thankful for Alyson and everything she has done for us, and 100% look forward to having her by our side for our next pregnancy.
-Lauren O
November 28, 2023
Alyson Mancini CD(DONA), BA Birth/Newborn Photographer
Inner Strength Birthing
Birth Fee: $1500
Postpartum Rate: $30
