Ashley Cutchen

Birth & Postpartum Doula
Waxahachie, Texas
5 years of experience
5.0
About me

When my husband and I first found out we were expecting, I started researching birth like a madwoman - determined to leave no stone unturned! I wanted to be prepared, but most of all, I was afraid. I was terrified of the unknown and all the horror stories I had seen on TV and heard from other women. As I educated myself, I became fascinated with birth and the amazing way God has created women's bodies to bring life into the world. My anxieties were soothed; birth didn’t have to be scary and miserable! It can be purposeful and empowering! I was able to experience doula support firsthand as a first-time mom, and the difference it made to have someone who knows birth and what was normal, to hold my hand and apply counterpressure to my aching back, and to encourage and support my husband as well was huge. Shortly after my first birth experience, I started the processs to become a doula myself. During my certification, I was able to aid in several different labors. It was a blessing to be able to learn with these mamas during such a beautiful and intimate part of their lives. Now, I am blessed to walk with women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum pretty consistently, and I can say that there is absolutely nothing like watching women achieve their birth goals together with their husbands. That moment of disbelief, triumph, and sweet relief when baby is born and they realize it is over and they DID IT! I find myself praising God all the more after each experience!

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Education (2014)

Certification and training

Doulaversity (2021)

Credentials
CLD
Specialties
Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Grief and Loss High-Risk Pregnancy Infant Care Labor Doula Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care
Languages

English

Service introduction

During pregnancy, I offer: help finding a supportive provider and birthing space resources to connect with prenatal specialists (Webster certified chiropractors, massage therapists, etc.) access to my doula lending library 24/7 communication for any questions, concerns, or needs you may have prenatal visit(s) where we will get to know one another, practice for labor, and create a birth plan, so you and your husband can have the BEST BIRTH possible As you labor and birth your sweet baby into this world, I: make sure you and your husband are fed, hydrated, emotionally and physically supported, prayed for, and more provide a goody bag for energy for mom and dad during labor and birth access to an ELLE Labor TENS unit suggest positions to help baby navigate his or her way through the birth canal based on baby's station in the pelvis help with pain management techniques such as counterpressure, hip squeezes, relaxation, etc. can take photos or video your labor and birth take notes and send you a birth story Postpartum, I: can help you to process your birth experience can assist with meals, run errands, or even help you catch a few Zs encourage and assist you in your new journey of parenting a newborn bring some kind of food item for nourishment as well as a personalized birth story keepsake for you to enjoy

Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
14
5.0

We took birthing classes with Ashley and just welcomed our baby, and we can honestly say the information she provided was incredibly helpful during labor and delivery. The techniques, explanations, and guidance she shared truly helped us get through the process with more confidence. She was especially great at teaching my husband practical ways to support me and how to advocate for me during labor, which made a huge difference. On top of that, she is very personable, easy to communicate with, and wonderful to work with. We would highly recommend her services to anyone preparing for birth.

- Sarah Fujimura

5.0

Ashley was absolutely amazing. As first-time parents, my wife and I were nervous and trying to learn everything we could, and her classes seriously gave us so much peace of mind. She explains everything in such a comforting, down-to-earth way and her knowledge about birth and what to expect is on another level. But it wasn’t until the actual day of our daughter’s birth that we realized just how valuable having her really was. From early labor to active labor, everything she taught us helped so much, and having her right there at the birthing center made the whole experience smoother and less overwhelming. We genuinely can’t imagine doing this without her. Ashley is a MUST. Trust me if you’re on the fence, you will not regret having her by your side. PSA: she also makes the most delicious cookie cake for yall to enjoy after you and your family are back home (;

- Salvador Castaneda

5.0

We love Ashley! She was so helpful and so supportive to us. Her birth class is amazing and allowed us to feel actually prepared for everything ahead. We feel prepared birth, choosing what is right for us, baby, and everything after birth. We would definitely recommend her to anyone. As a first time mom everything is new, so it's a lot to learn. This was so helpful and encouraging! 🤍

- Madison Clasemann

5.0

My husband and I took all four of Ashley’s birth classes and we are SO happy with all that we have learned! Taking her bundle course was one of the best decisions we made during our pregnancy journey. Ashley was also able to come to our home making it easier on our schedules and a much more personal experience. Ashley is incredibly passionate about educating and empowering women, and it absolutely shows in every part of her teaching. She created such a welcoming, comfortable space where we could ask questions, learn at our own pace, and really understand all of our options for birth. Her knowledge is exceptional, but what stood out most was the heart she brings to the work. She genuinely wants every woman to feel informed, confident, and prepared for what’s to come—whether it’s understanding the stages of labor, exploring pain management options, comfort measures, or learning how to advocate for your birth preferences. We ended each class feeling confident and much more aware of the choices we have as parents. These classes were beyond helpful! If you’re looking for education that is compassionate, evidence based, and delivered by someone who truly cares, I 100% recommend taking classes with Ashley at Hands and Heart Birth Services!

- Holly Richardson

5.0

Me and my husband did birth, infant care and breastfeeding basics classes with Ashley. We are very grateful to Ashley since majority of what we have learned was very much necessary. One thing that I would encourage other expecting couples is to take a dula with them to where ever they are giving birth. We wish we did, our hospital experiences was absolutely awful. While my husband was there and supported me through dificult labor we wish we had someone else who could help us push back on the hospital stuff to do the right things for me and the baby. The hospital had me dilated to 10 for 9 hours and everything ended in emergency c-section. We didn't know how many things went wrong until my baby was born and we were home from the hospital. I never thought a hospital horror story would happen to me and yet it did. Please people get educated and have some good support with you; especially if you are a first time parent.

- Ielyzaveta Gladka

5.0

HIRE ASHLEY! I felt so supported throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and beyond! She is a wealth of knowledge and I so appreciated the small and private classes where we could be comfortable and ask all the questions. My birth went very differently than I anticipated, and had I not been armed with the knowledge she gave us it would have been a very different, very scary experience. Instead I felt empowered and knew how to cope when things escalated way quicker than anticipated for a first time mom. Because my labor was so unexpectedly fast, she stuck around at the hospital for a while helping teach my husband how to feed our baby a bottle 15 minutes after he was born because his sugars were low. I had her help with some nesting tasks a few weeks before the arrival of our little one as well, and let me tell you- the freezer meals she prepped for us are worth their weight in gold. If you are on the fence about having a doula, don't be. Just hire Ashley. Your life will be better for it. ❤️

- Anna Cutchen

5.0

Ashley is the birth GEM of Ellis county! Her class prevented so much potential trauma from a super fast, unexpected, unmedicated birth. She shares the peace of Christ in all she does and her information is sooo valuable.

- Kasey Mendoza

5.0

Ashley was such a wonderful doula for me. I am so glad I chose to work with her and have her as part of my pregnancy and labor with my firstborn. If I have more, I'd definitely want her again! She made me feel very heard, supported and informed. During things that felt overwhelming, such as medical decisions or insurance, she went the extra mile for me with explanations and finding tricky information for me. I felt a warmth and confidence in my pregnancy journey with her that my obgyn did not provide. Whenever I had questions or concerns, she was there for me. Even during an early labor scare when I was traveling in another state, she kept in contact with me and found hospital options and walked me through what I could do. During my labor and delivery, she helped me through pain and anxiety and gave me courage. She thought of questions my husband and I were too tired to think of, yet made sure I was the one who ultimately made decisions. I highly recommend Ashley to anyone who wants a reliable, caring, genuinely lovely person with a plethora of knowledge by their side.

- Athena Welsh

5.0

I was able to attend a personal in home refresher class on birth and pain management during labor And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. I would highly recommend taking any of Ashley’s classes because not only does she give you lots of details, she takes time to answer all your questions and really makes it very personal for you. She is evidence based so it’s not just an opinion and she tailors everything to your needs. I feel much more prepared to help my sister during her labor in a couple weeks now that I attended her class. Her true passion and love of birth, moms and babies really shines through her encouragement and teaching.

- Rebecca Cano

5.0

Ashely was incredibly knowledgeable about the birthing process. Backed up with many facts and I feel so much more confident in what to expect and how to advocate for myself.

- amanda montanez

5.0

Ashley has been my doula for my last two births and it’s been incredible. She is kind, caring, takes initiative and does exactly what I request. Her care for me, my baby and the rest of my family is the best. She is a prayer warrior and confident. I couldn’t ask for a better support person during my most vulnerable times.

- Hannah Lise Hasty

5.0

As first-time parents, we had a great experience taking birth classes with Ashley. She is easy to listen to, approachable, and makes you feel comfortable. She provides all the information you need. Ashley will also be our doula, and we’re excited to have her by our side for this special moment.

- Thaís Miller

5.0

I was so thankful to find an affordable and local doula immediately. Although I gave birth in Dallas, it was important to me to have someone nearby if I needed them to come to the house - not to mention the local recommendations I received were very helpful too! Ashley is a very loving person. I felt very cared for and myself or my husband knew we could get in touch for anything we needed. It was like having a familiar friend at my birth which was very comforting. We were trying positioning the moment she got to the house until the epidural. Constant reminders to stay nourished and reminders of what my original preferences were. I was unsure of what use I would have for Ashley when I received my epidural. Looking back, so much! It was a relief for me to have my husband finally go get something to eat after hours of labor and she could hang with me and my husband know I would be safe. I was actually worried she would not make it in time for me to begin pushing, of course she did make it! The raw photos taken of my birth alone were worth everything. When complications arose, Ashley remained until the dust was settled. The support for my husband and our baby was huge relief to me as I was helpless. My postpartum visit was wonderful as I got to process some of my birth with her and she graciously helped my husband make dinner for us that evening. I don’t know what birth is without a doula!

- Alicia H

5.0

Having my pregnancy and birthing experience with Ashley made me so thankful I chose to get a doula for my first pregnancy. I had a lot of stress and worries throughout my pregnancy and she helped put my mind at ease so many times. Ashley was extremely prompt, calming, caring, and I felt like I was in very good hands with her. She went above and beyond what I could have expected with a doula, including helping give me advice, resources, and checking in regularly with me when I had a scare that I might be going into labor early while out of the state. I found her easy to talk to and there was no awkwardness at any time. She helped advocate for me at the hospital and gave me useful, effective ways to deal with my pain. Whenever she arrived or was on the phone with me I would feel more confident and peaceful. I'd recommend her to anyone looking for a caring, hard working, knowledgeable doula!

- Athena Welsh

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