Working with Alison was a wonderful experience. From the beginning moments of telling her about my pregnancy through to the post natal experience, she showed her strong intuitive skills, used her sense of humor and was able to guide us through this wondrous process. Alison was especially helpful at offering clarity around my choices in labor and especially a strong supporter when I felt pressure from my team of doctors to take the epidural. Alison reminded me that I had a choice and that freed me to make the right decision for me. Alison was also adept at councelling my husband and I throughout our pre labor experience around the myriad of changes, emotions, wonders and fear that having a child brought up for us. She always provided a safe environment for us that was healing, engaging and fun. Alison used her intuition to guide us in working together as a couple and was able to read exactly what we needed individually and together. Alison used her own weatlth of knowledge from various areas in her life to support us and remind us of the constant flow that occurs in labor and in child rearing. This helped me to trust in the process; something I am not always great at! Her kindness and ability to be present and focused was an immense help to me in the delivery room. From talking a family member away from the delivery room, to navigating doctors, to coaching my husband to helping me and giving me space when needed was amazing. I happily and whole heartedly recommend Alsion to work with as a birthing partner and aly on the birth journey.
— Megan Dunlop
Alison provided wonderful comfort and support before and during the birth of our baby. She visited with us before the birth, providing her knowlege of the birthing process, as well as helpful tips to practice and use during labor. She was available to us anytime in the few weeks before our baby was born, and was genuinely concerned and interested in how I was feeling physically and emotionally. She works by listening to your thoughts and concerns, and using this as a starting point for discussion and support. During the labor she was calm and gentle, yet able to firmly refocus me to work through each contraction. She felt wonderfully connected with my husband, baby and I during postpartum visits. I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a doula who is sensitive, responsive to your specific needs and wishes to participate in the whole birthing process -- before, during and after labor!
— Anna Mathew
I hired Alison based on a quick call and visit to the hospital the day I was bringing my little girl home…Maya is my first and was 4 weeks premature so I felt especially “unready”…Alison was so warm on the phone that I knew upon meeting her I would love her…and I did…I hired her on the spot and she literally came home with me, Maya and my husband from the hospital…she helped my husband set up the house and Maya’s room as we were not prepared…she is wonderful with the baby…so warm, loving and nurturing…I would recommend her a thousand times over!
— Rbecca Carotenuto
I used Alison as a postpartum doula after the birth of my second child, and she offers such a lovely presence. One thing I love about her is how much she clearly loves what she does - she seemed truly honored to be invited into the space of our new family, and brought a calm, gentle spirit to our home. She made sure I was fed and resting; she played with and read to our preschooler; she helped do laundry and dishes so that I could focus on my baby and my recovery (I had a surgical birth). She has an opera background so she also brings a lovely singing voice to the table :) Before this birth I didn't really understand how valuable postpartum doula care is - I do now! Since I was a second-time mom, I didn't need any help with basic infant care/soothing techniques, but her presence itself is soothing and my baby liked her - I am guessing she'd have a lot to offer in those areas as well. I definitely recommend giving her a call if you are looking for postpartum help. (And I can imagine she'd be a great presence during labor as well as a birth doula! One stop shopping!)
— Stephanie Verges
What can I say? Alison was a wonderful! I already knew that she would be a great fit for our home birth during our brief phone interview when I heard how soothing her voice was, and how confident she sounded. When I finally met her in person, she had an incredibly warm, calming, and gentle spirit, which is what I knew I would need to help me get through labor! She also helped us to stay focused and positive about my birth during our prenatal visits, through various creative exercises!
When Alison arrived at our home the night my daughter was born, she stepped right into her role without hesitation. Her presence was automatically calming, though I was almost out of transition and just about to hit pushing phase! She did a couple of "Double Hip Squeezes" and knew exactly where to place her hands to give me temporary, but instant relief!
Finally, I am proud to say that when my baby girl decided that it was time to come before my midwife could get there, Alison stepped up and caught her as I knelt to push her out! Though this wasn't the plan (or what doulas are expected to do) she did not hesitate or even make her fears about having to assist with the birth obvious to me at all! As a result, I had a fast, safe, and smooth birth, with her making sure that baby girl was okay before my midwife finally arrived. She truly did an amazing job! She was even kind enough to write my baby girl's birth story which I will treasure forever, and look forward to reading to her one day!
If you are looking for a doula who is positive, knowledgeable, and gentle, she is definitely the way to go!
— Melanie L. Brown
I met Alison in our birth class when she was observing for her training. I immediately loved her and thought she should be my doula and I was right! I love her warmth, sincerity and intuition. I wanted someone who was calming, easy to be around, open, and gentle. And I completely trusted her.
We planned a homebirth and my shy dog loved her. That was important. When we ended up at the hospital she was great there as well. It was my first child so I did not know what I really wanted from Alison. I told her that I felt I could handle myself and would know what to do. I did not want excessive coaching. She took this well and let me lead but she was always right there and knew what I needed.
I absolutely want her with me next time!
— Julie Brundage
