I have worked with Aerkya since 2019 for 4 pregnancies and it wasn't until this last one that I realized that the reason we came to blows was totally my fault. There was no physical altercation and I can't even say that there was a heated verbal exchange because I did all of the verbal attacking and used all the inflammatory language. For my first pregnancy she was beyond helpful to my family. She was more than a doula and something like a therapist. She showed up for me not just physically but emotionally and I know I got on her nerves with as much as I called and texted her. She has NEVER said this but I'm sure I was a nag.
My second delivery in 2021 was much of the same but I'd lost my dad at the end of my pregnancy. I went into labor the day after his funeral and she literally held me while I dealt with every emotion known to man. My third delivery in 2023 was my easiest pregnancy and delivery and she was there every step of the way. My most recent delivery this year 2026 was rough. The pregnancy and the delivery were hard on me physically and emotionally and while Aerkya did her best to keep me focused on the main goal, I was not a walk in the park to deal with.
I have moved about 50 minutes away from where I lived with the first three deliveries and because I have had home deliveries I always wanted to make sure my birth team could get to me easily. I went into labor around 5 am in the morning but I didn't call her until maybe 8:30. Knowing with morning traffic it would be at least a hour almost 2 to reach me. I called her several times to see where she was knowing she was in traffic and hearing her driving and horns honking in the background. She stayed calm even though I was a real you know what. I cursed at her, I yelled at her, I told her that she should've just known that I was in labor. And if you get to know her, you know she can match your fire but she didn't. She remained calm and gentle with me and to this day I don't know why she didn't go off on me.
I didn't even call my midwife I just called Aerkya. I found out later that she called my midwife on her way to my house because she lives even farther away and it would be an even longer drive for her. I ended up delivering my baby that 2:27 that afternoon and I was happy but still dealing with other personal stuff so I was mean even after having a healthy baby with no complications. I yelled because Aerkya and the midwife were there. They did nothing wrong to me or my children.
Aerkya called and texted me, my husband, my mom, my sister and my best friend DAILY to check on me and the baby. They would tell me to reach out to her to just let her know we were ok but instead I called her, cursed and yelled at her and told her not to contact me or my family again. All she said was okay and if you experience her "okay", you'll learn that she basically told me she was done with me. I found out later on that she kept reaching out to my husband, sister and best friend to help them help me.
It took me about a month to feel something like myself again and I realized that I was mean to my entire family. I reached out to my midwife and Aerkya to apologize and make things right. I went back through texts and realized just how horrible I was to her. She still tried to be there for me. I have reached out countless times in the past month and haven't gotten a response and I deserve that. I wouldn't respond to me either.
Aerkya went above and beyond for me each pregnancy but I had unrealistic expectations of her this time around. Aerkya has a calm presence that you wouldn't even realize you need until it's there. She listens attentively and I never felt rushed with her. Even if she had decided not to show up for my delivery because I was nasty to her I could never replace or ignore how she showed up for me through other pregnancies and deliveries and through this one. I hope she will have me for any further pregnancies because I'm not working with anyone else but her.
— Rochelle T.
Though I was encouraged to write a review immediately following my baby’s birth, I wanted to take time to allow my emotions to settle. I am almost a year postpartum and can confidently state that I would not recommend this doula if you are planning for a spontaneous labor.
My estimated due date was in the middle of April. One of the questions I asked prior to choosing this doula was whether there was a back up doula readily available if needed and was told yes. So, by the time I was weeks past my due date, two things should have happened:
1. The back up doula should have been on call because it would mean I would go into labor any minute now.
2. As a first-time mom, I should have been physically checked in on the moment I even HINTED at feeling contractions.
Neither of those things occurred. In fact, the doula was less than 5 minutes away from me at the local hospital I ended up being rushed to in an ambulance. Instead of stopping by after being with her previous client, she went home due to a graduation she wanted to watch online. I wanted so badly to be strong like I was advised to be by this doula and my midwives, but I paid to have a doula who would be by my side and she was not. I later spoke with my midwives to understand what went wrong and they informed me that because I had a doula, they assumed the doula was with me and would tell them when it was time. So when they kept hearing from my husband and not my doula, they just assumed I was in early labor and that’s why they didn’t feel the pressure to tell me to come to the birth center. They were relying completely on my doula to relay to them when it was time. I am so so so so thankful to God that all is well. I am still shaken by the stories I come across where it went left for others. When we met at the hospital after the birth, she was not catering to me. Instead personal issues were raised like being fatigued and missing the graduation and there was very little focus on me and the baby.
I paid for postpartum visits that were never brought up or discussed and never done. I paid in full and did not receive any form of a refund. I did reach out to her personally and received an apology.
But, as a pregnant black woman, I was scared of the medical system and I invested in a doula to be there for me and she was not. Her services were not worth the investment and it has turned me away from ever getting a doula ever again.
So, where she may be good for a planned c-section birth, I would never recommend her for a spontaneous labor for a birth center birth.
— Sarah L.
I don't really know where to begin other than by saying that Aeryka is truly one of a kind. She is a gentle and intuitive soul and she helped us through an extremely tough journey. What we knew would be an emotional journey was made simple, easy and gentle with her by our side. Our little one made his entrance into the world earlier than we could've imagined but Aeryka didn't leave us. We looked forward to our daily FaceTime call with her even though she was trying to give us space to take it all in. That's one of the many things I love about her; she tries to give you space to adjust but still makes it easy for you to reach out to her. She never made me feel like I was bothering or annoying her with my questions during fertility or pregnancy. She just affirmed and answered. I could go on and on but I will keep it simple: Hire Aeryka!
— Chloe C.
I believe I was around 20 weeks or so when I found Aeryka's website. I'd miscarried 3 months prior to finding out I was pregnant again, so suffice to say, I was completely terrified of 'doing anything wrong' this time around. From the moment of our initial consultation, I finally felt a wave of peace for the first time. I didn't know much about doulas, I just knew I wanted/needed someone knowledgeable to be on this journey with me. Every random question or concern, I could count on Aeryka. Going into labor, I can honestly say I wasn't nervous at all knowing she would be beside me. She not only helped me birth my baby boy, but also a new me (the latter being more painful, in my opinion lol). Through Thick and Thin is the most apt name as she literally has been there for me, pre and postpartum, in so many ways. I'd do it all over again with her in a heartbeat.
— Lakesha R.
I could not recommend Through Thick and Thin Doula Services enough! Having Aeryka as our doula was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. She supported me and my husband as we nervously became first time parents. Her knowledge and expertise helped me through several pregnancy and postpartum complications. I don’t think I could have trusted another doula with my life(literally). She helped us to let go of the fear and lean into the joy. We are forever grateful!
— Alyce O.
I trusted Aeryka With my second child a totally different experience from my first. As a father I know most times we feel on the outside looking in but she made sure that I felt totally involved in the process from beginning to end. Aeryka has a real knack for making you feel comfortable, seen, and informed about every piece of the birthing process from start to the first couple days after the child is born. She still checks up on my little one to this day and it’s small things like that, that solidifies why Aeryka will deliver all my kids here after. 10/10
— Duane H.
Aeryka is nothing short of incredible! She was an absolute blessing during my pregnancy and birth journey. At 37 years old, delivering our third child after a 16 year age gap, felt both exciting and nerve-wracking, but Aeryka was there every step of the way.
Aeryka's ability to advocate for my husband and I was outstanding. She truly listened to our concerns, fears, and wishes, ensuring that our birth experience was tailored to our preferences. Her knowledge and support made us feel empowered and confident.
When things got a little rocky and we had to opt for a cesarean section, Aeryka's guidance and explanations were a lifeline. She helped us understand our options, easing our anxieties during a challenging moment. Her calm and reassuring presence made all the difference.
What sets Aeryka apart is her dedication to building a supportive community. She doesn't just provide care during pregnancy and birth; she creates a network of like-minded parents who can share experiences and offer support. This sense of community has been invaluable to us.
Aeryka, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there for us on this incredible journey. You are more than a doula; you are a true guardian angel. We are forever grateful for your unwavering support and guidance.
If you're searching for a doula who genuinely cares about your birth experience, look no further than Aeryka. She's simply the best!
Bernardo and Gussie
— Gussie H.
I can't begin to express how grateful I am for the incredible support and care I received from Doula Aeryka throughout my pregnancy and postpartum period. She truly was my guardian angel on this journey.
From the very first meeting, Aeryka's warm and compassionate nature put me at ease. She listened attentively to my concerns, hopes, and fears, providing not only emotional support but also invaluable guidance on prenatal health and preparation. Her knowledge and expertise were evident in every interaction, making me feel confident and informed.
During labor and delivery, Aeryka was an unwavering source of strength and comfort. Her presence alone was reassuring, and her calming words and encouragement were a lifeline during those intense moments. She advocated for my birthing preferences with care and respect, ensuring that my experience was as positive as possible.
But Aeryka's support didn't stop there. In the postpartum period, she continued to be a pillar of support. Her visits and check-ins were a source of comfort during the challenging early days of motherhood. She provided guidance on breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and self-care, ensuring I felt confident and empowered in my new role.
Aeryka's dedication to her clients is unparalleled. She goes above and beyond, always making herself available when needed, answering countless questions, and providing resources and referrals when necessary. Her passion for her work shines through in everything she does.
In Aeryka, I found not just a skilled and knowledgeable doula but also a compassionate and genuine friend. She played a pivotal role in making my pregnancy and postpartum journey a positive and empowering one. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking exceptional doula care. Aeryka, thank you for being the guiding light on this incredible journey!
— Shalon R.
