Chrissy Dougan

When I first met with my doula team, I felt an instant connection with Colleen. I felt so supported throughout my pregnancy and Colleen was always responsive, remembering my appointments and asking how they went. It always felt like she enjoyed chatting and keeping up, and she was also pregnant so we could relate! The morning I went into labor, Colleen was the doula on call, and she came around 6 am when my contractions were picking up. She set out some beautiful affirmations for me as I rocked on the ball, and she also suggested some snack ideas so I could get some food in. She remembered my birth plan and that I wanted to get to the hospital with a little bit more time than my last, and calmly used her expertise to notice cues that my labor was progressing and suggested that we head in. She supported me through contractions at the hospital with back pressure, affirmations, and encouragement. It was so helpful to just know someone else was there who knew my plan and desires and supported it all along the way so my husband could focus on my needs in the moment. When it was time for the baby to come, Colleen offered to take photos and let my mom step in and be right up front in the action. I’ll treasure the footage she got forever. I also appreciate that she supported after the birth for a few hours and helped refill my water, take photos, etc. Her follow up after was a bright spot in the postpartum period. Two years later I’ve moved away, and we still check in here and there and keep up with each other. I would absolutely recommend working with Colleen and the entire Northwest PA Doulas team.

- Madeline Barrett

I had a traumatic birth and unfortunately hip issues from being pregnant, and being a mom on top of that was extremely overwhelming. I reached out to Chrissy for help, and her and Maysun fit me in their schedule. I will be forever grateful for them, being a new parent is hard and having some help makes a world of difference. I wasn’t myself without sleep, and because of them, I was able to rest and recharge to be the best mom possible. I was also forgetting to eat and didn’t have time to clean, and they made sure I ate and helped around the house. Everyone who has had a baby should have this postpartum service!

- Lauren Demko

NWPA Doulas, led by the incredible owner Chrissy, provided an absolutely invaluable experience for my wife and I. From our very first interaction, Chrissy and her team were incredibly respectful, prompt, attentive, kind, and insightful. We began with childbirth education classes, which were instrumental in helping us craft a birth plan aligned with our wants and needs. We learned SO MUCH and it totally changed our view of labor and delivery in such a positive way. Prior to, I had so much anxiety and fear about birth but felt so informed and empowered after the classes. At the end of pregnancy, we faced an unexpected pre-eclampsia diagnosis that completely changed what our birth would look and feel like. Chrissy and Colleen, another wonderful doula on her team, were truly lifesavers. They helped us navigate the challenging news with grace and expertise. They were realistic with us about how labor and delivery would look and feel knowing certain interventions (like an induction) would be necessary due to pre-eclampsia. During the induction process and labor, Chrissy and Colleen served as an advocate for my wife and I during what was sometimes a stressful and anxiety ridden experience. Chrissy provided seemingly small but meaningful tasks like capturing incredible photos during delivery, packing up our room to move to the mother/baby floor and helping us with the first few attempts at early breastfeeding. After birth, Chrissy and Colleen were always only a text away when we needed advice, had a question or just needed to vent. They were both so instrumental in maintaining my emotional well-being the first few weeks after coming home from the hospital. We also used NWPA Doulas for postpartum overnight support. Chrissy would tend to the baby, meticulously clean bottles, help us with baby laundry, and so much more. Knowing that once a week we would get a full night's sleep during those early, demanding weeks with a newborn was an absolute game-changer. We cannot recommend NWPA Doulas enough. Their professionalism, compassion, and comprehensive support made an immense difference in our birthing and postpartum journey.

- Lauren Zieziula

Highly recommend taking Chrissy's Childbirth Education class! After finishing the class, I felt prepared for labor & empowered to advocate for my birth desires. When faced with the possibility of an early medical induction, I reached out to Chrissy who continued to offer education & support. With the tools I learned in class and her additional support, I was able to carry to full term & meet my birth goals. Even into postpartum, Chrissy continued to reach out and offer encouragement. So grateful for Chrissy & hope to be able to work with her again in the future!

- Aubrey Saunier

Super helpful after the baby was born! Would recommend their doula care to anyone!! 5-Stars

- Theodore Jones

After experiencing a difficult postpartum period with my first child, including an emergency C-section during the height of COVID, I was determined to have a more supported and peaceful experience the second time around. Ashley was exactly what I needed. She provided nine weeks of thoughtful, compassionate care after my second C-section—helping with everyday tasks, guiding me through breastfeeding and newborn care, and most importantly, making sure I was rested, nourished, and emotionally supported. Her kindness, intuition, and gentle encouragement gave me the confidence to trust myself again as a mom. Ashley's presence made it possible for me to truly enjoy this precious time before returning to work, and for that, I will always be grateful. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

- Sally Guzik

When I was pregnant I heard a girl talking about her amazing doula during a prenatal yoga class. After class I went up to her and asked her to explain why she hired a doula. She convinced me to at least start looking in to it. We met with Chrissy and I decided a doula was absolutely something I wanted for my pregnancy/birth. During that call she also convinced my husband that hiring them would be beneficial to not only me but him too. At the prenatal visit, Chrissy and Emmy had my husband and I discuss how the pregnancy was going and what we were excited/anxious/nervous about for the birth. We also created a birth plan with their expertise. At no point did I ever feel pressured into any decision about my birth from them. They truly just provide the facts and support whatever you choose. Emmy was the on call doula the day I gave birth to my son. She was AMAZING! She made sure my birth plan was followed and advocated for me when I didn’t know what to even ask for. (She also took photographs of the whole day that I will cherish forever!) After I had my son both Chrissy and Emmy would check up on me and provide even more support as I navigated postpartum. I loved our last visit with them where we rehashed my birth story. When I first heard about hiring a doulas I absolutely thought that was something only “boujee” people did. I did not fully understand how crucial their education and support would mean during my pregnancy and birth. If you’re on the fence, at least reach out and talk to them. I’m positive once you hear what they’re all about you’re going to want a doula!! I tell any pregnant woman that will listen to absolutely consider hiring a doula, specifically Chrissy and Emmy!

- Gabrielle Marghella

I chose to work with NWPA doulas for the birth of my second child and I am so glad that I did. My only regret is that I did not use a doula for my first pregnancy and birth! Throughout the process of meeting my doula team, planning for my birth, their on call support throughout the pregnancy, and the “big day”, I felt so accepted, cared for, and supported. It truly made such a difference to have people in my corner, where their sole purpose is to care about me and my wellbeing. They listened to my hopes and fears without judgement. They took the time to hear my story and really get to know me. They gave me educational resources and validation, so I could feel confident in the decisions I was making. When I went into labor I felt so at peace knowing I had an extra person in my corner. My husband was able to be such a better support person as well, now that he had the guidance from someone with more experience. Truly, my birth experience was completely changed for the better with the help of my doula. I attribute so much of my healing experience to her. I can’t wait to have another baby and hire NWPA doulas again! Chrissy is excellent and I have full confidence in her team. I would recommend them to anyone. If you are on the fence or considering hiring a doula- DO IT!

- Carla Vicentini

I’m so grateful to Chrissy and Ashley who helped me through anxiety while pregnant and made sure I had a positive birth experience that I won’t forget. If I didn’t have to go through it all again for 9 months, I’d easily do it again. I never felt alone and was never pressured. I was informed and had no issues with anyone making me feel like I had to do something I didn’t want to do. The highest compliment I can give these ladies is that I will see you for my next birth because it was that amazing. I am so glad we skipped the induction despite having all the people pushing me too. If it weren’t for them, I may have had an induction that could have been harder on me. Thank you a million and for holding my hand through this journey as complicated and hard as it was.

- Brittany B Lipscomb

We chose Northwest PA Doulas based on a recommendation from my OBGYN. We hired them for my 3rd pregnancy due to my desire to deliver in control of my body and emotions, as well as opting to go medication free this time. From the first conversation and meeting with Ashley and Chrissy, we felt validated and honored in our decisions as well as our previous experiences. Not once did we feel pushed to do one thing or another- aside from what we wanted and felt was best for us. Chrissy and Ashley are both very knowledgeable in the local hospitals and how they operate, the hurdles we might have faced with certain decisions, and were always prepared to help us advocate for our decisions and desires. When delivery time came for us, it was a rush and went as close to my birth plan as it possibly could all things considered. I know that having Ashley’s support helped to ease some worries and prepared me for my time in the hospital. Afterwards, having Ashley as postpartum support was a lifesaver. On nights where I felt overwhelmed or exhausted, Ashley came in like the saint she is and comforted our baby while we rested and recovered. All in all, Northwest PA Doulas is worth every cent as a first time or last time pregnancy/mom/ family. Out of all of the pregnancy and postpartum things we bought for ourselves and our baby, having a pregnancy and postpartum doula was the most rewarding of purchases.

- Alison Yates

We used Chrissy as both a birthing and postpartum doula. She provided the additional support my wife needed during 2 very different birthing experiences. Highly recommend.

- Aaron S

Chrissy was absolutely amazing as a post partum doula after the birth of our second baby. She helped our family in numerous ways and made the transition of adding another child to our family as seamless as possible. I’d recommend Chrissy to anyone and everyone!

- Megan Rahill

Chrissy was exceptionally helpful, mindful, and knowledgeable in helping us before the babies arrived! We utilized Northwest PA Doulas Grandparents Class and it was everything we were hoping for! Chrissy created a research-based program and was able to add and emphasize areas we wanted to focus on. We 100% recommend this course for anyone who wants their family to go through a course prior to growing your family.

- John N

Chrissy was extremely helpful as our postpartum doula. She was prompt and supportive to our family needs as we navigated my daughter's health issues. She also took our crazy dog in stride! I had complete trust leaving my newborn daughter with her when I needed to leave the home and would absolutely recommend and personally use Chrissy again as our doula if we have more children. - Erin Hart (client 2023)

- Matthew Hart

I had long and difficult labor: 52 hours and an unplanned c-section. In spite of this, I have fond memories of my daughter's birth, thanks to Chrissy's guidance and support. She helped me manage pain, and showed my husband how to help, too, which was empowering for both of us. When the time came to decide whether to have the c-section, Chrissy created an affirming space without judgement in a difficult time -- which made the decision a lot easier! And really quite beautiful. I was on the fence about hiring a doula. In the end, I decided to go with Northwest PA Doulas - and I'm so glad I did! They provided wonderful support to my husband and me before, after, and during my delivery.

- Jessica Frederick

Chrissy and her team were amazing during my entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. As a first-time mom, I had a lot of questions and uncertainties, and Chrissy was always just a text or phone call away to help me through it. And, she was also an invaluable resource for my husband to understand what was going on and give him support. 110% recommend hiring Northwest PA doulas :)

- Erika G. Musser

My husband and I would 100% recommend PA Northwest Doulas for your birthing, breastfeeding, and postpartum journey! We utilized the education classes and felt that the level of knowledge we gained helped us to have real expectations when going into labor. Chrissy helped us feel confident in voicing our needs and wishes during the process. My husband personally felt more prepared in his ability to support me, he had increased awareness of the different stages, and was just generally more focused and present. As a first time mom, it was really important for me to be prepared as much as I could be and Chrissy was able to do that for us. We were grateful for her calm nature and expertise; she makes you feel comfortable and welcomes all questions.

- Abby Mailliard

Couldn’t recommend more!! Chrissy was so sweet and I am so grateful that she was there when I gave birth to my surrogate baby! As a surrogate, I felt that Chrissy was so accommodating and truly gave me the support I was needing (and more!) as well educating the intended parents on what to expect. I highly recommend using a doula, and I recommend going through NWPA Doulas.

- Abby Travers

Chrissy helped my family out so much with preparing us for our first baby. She is very knowledgeable and gave my family more information than the hospital ever did. I will definitely be using more of her services if I ever conceive again. She's worth everything to us as a doula!

- Ashley Cramer

Chrissy was amazing and went above and beyond for me! Highly reccomend NWPA doulas!

- Quinn Iavarone

My husband and I hired Chrissy and Lauren as our postpartum doulas to support me through my C-section recovery and navigate life with a 19 month old and a new born. Originally, we wanted night time support but our newborn ended up being a great little sleeper so we switched them to daytime support. They cared for our newborn so I could still have one on one time with our toddler, cleaned bottles, played and helped with our toddler, did dishes, ran errands and accompanied me on outings. They also listened while I vented about the complications of motherhood and answered all my newborn questions. Their support, encouragement and knowledge made my postpartum experience so much easier and really enjoyable. I would highly recommend them and look forward to using them again.

- Lauren Uht

I wish there were words that could fully capture and express our appreciation and satisfaction with this service. I am beyond happy we went with this in home private service over any public or community provider. You may think you are educated or prepared to have a baby...but let me tell you... the information, knowledge, and experience that Chrissy has is unfathomable. She will meet you where you are at, as well expand or spend more time on topics as needed. She made me feel comfortable, confident, and prepared to move forward with my birth plan and eased so many anxieties I had about childbirth. The menu of options and customized plans of services provided is awesome, as well as the ease of scheduling and communication. She was always prompt to answer questions before and after birth. I highly recommend any service provided by Chrissy's company.

- Sarah Haines

We had a great experience with Chrissy! She was always there to answer any questions and reassure me I was making the right decisions for me and baby. It was a wonderful support system with Chrissy on our team :) we truly enjoyed working with her. She was willing to help even when we decided to hire a doula late in the pregnancy. Definitely would recommend using her services.

- Alexandria Iwanenko

I’ve had the privilege of having NWPA doulas support me through three births. After a difficult first birth, I knew I wanted an advocate to walk with me through my next pregnancy, labor, and delivery. However, I couldn’t have anticipated what a tremendous impact it would make to have the support of Chrissy and her team. I felt heard, empowered, and even peaceful throughout my next birth. It was such a healing experience from my first birth that I reached out to Chrissy immediately upon learning of my next two pregnancies so that I could get on her schedule ASAP. I’ve never once regretted the investment in myself and my babies. I can’t recommend Chrissy and her team at NWPA Doulas highly enough.

- Kayla Despenes

I cannot recommend NWPA Doulas highly enough! Chrissy and her team provide an exceptional support service for one of the most sacred life experiences - bringing a child into this world. The compassion, expertise, and remarkable support Chrissy upholds is bar none - because of her, I was able to genuinely learn, grow and feel empowered to transform through my experience of child birth and provide the most optimal first moments of life for my son. Those moments - pre- and post-birth - provided the foundation every child deserves coming into this world. The experience of Chrissy's doula services empowered me to transform my life beyond giving birth - I will be forever grateful for her and the NWPA doula team.

- Ashton Copeland

Chrissy was an absolute blessing to have in my 2nd and 3rd birth! After having a terrible birth experience with my first daughter and nothing going the way I planned or wanted, I wanted to assure my second and 3rd went as planned! I hired Chrissy as my doula for the 2nd and she was great with assisting in advocating for me when I couldn’t to stick to my birthing plan when doctors/midwives may have wanted to go against it! Having the extra hand in the room that was knowledgeable and an extra support on top of my boyfriend was so helpful to have! Whether it was helping me to switch laboring positions, getting ice/water, advocating for me, or even something simple as reminding me to breathe…she was there for it! I was able to deliver my 2nd and 3rd completely natural and pain med free and I believe 100% that it made it easier having her ❤️ HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Chrissy and northwest PA doulas, you will not be disappointed in the services!

- Britney Holben

Chrissy and her team are the best asset to your birth. Whether it’s classes to get you ready for baby, being there to advocate for you at birth, or post partum help. Chrissy is so knowledgeable and kind and I cannot imagine either of my births without her empowerment. A true gift in the birthing community.

- Emilie Dalton

The postpartum services they provide are wonderful. They provide assistance with housework, cooking, sibling and newborn care. Chrissy especially was so supportive and available always for any questions. I highly recommend her and her company.

- Rianna W

Chrissy was amazing with my kids. And anyone who knows my kids knows my oldest 3 are a handful and a half! As a postpartum doula, she washes my dishes, folded my laundry, picked up my living room, vacuumed and mopped, changed diapers, took the kids outside, whatever I needed that day. The first few days, all I wanted was to nap with my newborn. But slowly, gently, I stepped back into our routine. It was marvelous, and so worth the money. I would hands down hire her again if we ever require her services again ;)

- Carrie Ehrhart

If I could give 10 stars I would! My husband and I hired Chrissy for the childbirth class and she was AMAZING! This was a first and she made me feel so confident and prepared for childbirth! After delivering our sweet girl, the adjustment to being a mom and caring for a newborn was overwhelming! I reached out to Chrissy and she was such a great support! I can’t imagine what I would have done without her! She genuinely cares and is so passionate. 100% recommend her! You will be so grateful to have her in your corner through this crazy, wonderful, hard, beautiful journey!

- Kristen Hull

My husband and I are incredibly thankful for the support and confidence NWPA doulas gave us. We had to opportunity to work with Chrissy and Lauren throughout our experience. Having our first baby, we did not know what to expect. But Lauren and Chrissy were with us to keep us calm and help us prepare. Highly recommend to anyone expecting a baby. I don't know how people give birth without the support of a doula!

- Morgan Demyanovich

My husband and I welcomed our first baby in June 2022 and both of us feel that we wouldn't have been able to do so without the support of NWPA Doulas. Being our first child we wanted to make sure we had as much support as possible to welcome our child into the world the way we wanted, with an unmedicated birth. Chrissy was such a blessing to have as support throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, especially while trying to figure out motherhood. I cannot say enough good things about Chrissy, she loves what she does and she truly cares about every one of her clients. Forever grateful for Chrissy and her support and friendship!

- Holly Victorio

I hired Chrissy and her team the week I found out I was pregnant, and I’m glad I did!! I have a lot of anxiety and pregnancy only made that worse, so I knew I’d need extra support through pregnancy and labor. Chrissy went above and beyond to make me (and my husband) feel comfortable with her and to build trust prior to my delivery. I texted her almost weekly with questions, concerns, and sometimes just for some encouragement or reassurance. She always responded immediately and always made me feel better! I had extra testing throughout my pregnancy due to some risk factors and she walked me through each and every one one prior to my appointment so I knew what to expect, then helped me understand and navigate results. We also took the childbirth class with her and I’m SO glad we did. My husband protested, but come labor time he was a champ and had clearly learned a ton from Chrissy and was even quoting her throughout the whole process. If we ever were to have another, my first call after that positive test would 100% be to make sure we could get on the schedule with NWPA Doulas before they fill up!! I can’t give Chrissy enough praise for the amazing support she provides. Pregnancy and childbirth are hard and scary and she makes it less so, through each stage. She helped me find the joy in my difficult pregnancy, and also empowered me to feel strong and confident during labor. I truly can’t thank and recommend her enough to anyone who is pregnant!

- Kort ney

We welcomed our first child in Oct 2022 with the incredible support of NWPA Doulas. We don’t have family in the area and it was so important for us to feel supported through prenatal care, birth and the postpartum period- NWPA Doulas delivered exactly on that! I can’t imagine going through pregnancy without the support they provided!

- Rachel Herman

Having Chrissy as my doula was a great experience. The classes were educational and enjoyable along with the support through call or txts anytime I had questions or to talk after dr apts. She was exactly what I needed for my unmedicated labor and delivery and taught my husband everything he needed to know to be my main support. She truly loves what she does and becomes a great friend to have. I look forward to when I will need her services again 💕

- Colleen Fernandi

Having my first baby in 2020 was rough. So many restrictions, no classes, no outside support. Thankfully NWPA doulas adjusted with the times and were able to offer support virtually. We were able to take a birth class online and Chrissy was a great source of advice. I’d recommend them to everyone and I’m sure in person support is even more amazing.

- Tanha Klingensmith

Chrissy has been very kind and understanding with everything we spoke about. She understood my concerns and was empathetic to them. She was willing to travel for my homebirth and support my husband and me while our family grew and changed.

- Joann Misiaszek

With the one support person policy at our hospital due to COVID restrictions, my husband and I were not able to utilize their doula services for the delivery of our second child, but we did sign up for a Comfort Class with Chrissy. We enjoyed meeting with her in the privacy of our own home and discussing some of my anxieties leading up to our second baby after a very difficult labor with our first. Chrissy's advice and encouragement was helpful for me in preparing myself physically and emotionally for this second labor. I would highly recommend her services!

- Krista Burger

After having my second child in the midst of COVID, I did not have any help or support in home. I struggled for months with postpartum depression and anxiety, and the weight of daily household tasks and caring for my children became overwhelming. Chrissy entered our home and family at a time when I felt hopeless and lost. She provided so much help and brought joy into our home at a dark time. She is extremely knowledgeable at caring for children and was able to help me through different challenges with both my toddler and newborn. The extra support of a postpartum doula helped me overcome many fears and challenges. I was blessed by the loving support of Chrissy to help me through a difficult time. I would encourage any mom to consider a postpartum doula for in home support!

- KateLynne Ralston

Having the support of Ashley and Chrissy during labor, birth and then for post-partum care was absolutely essential to the great experience I had. I can't stress enough how supportive, professional, and informative they were. Ashley's support during labor was incredible and she was so hands-on. Giving me about a thousand drinks and working right along side the nurses and encouraging me to keep going when I really was ready for them to just "cut the baby out of me." Both her and Chrissy came the day after we got home from the hospital and gave us support with breastfeeding, diaper changing and then Chrissy took over for post-partum care. Knowing she was coming on a certain day was amazing in that both my husband and I could sleep while she just sat with the baby. She helped us with our first bath and provided so much information and support. I have never been so happy to see someone come through our door! We don't have family in the area that could help, so it was just so amazing. Throughout everything I was so impressed with their evidence- based information. Really what was so important for me is that they encouraged me to trust myself and my body's abilities. I really feel like we could not have done this without them! I could not recommend them enough. Do yourself this favor in preparing for labor and afterward!

- Betsy Goldman

Even though this was our second child, we knew that we wanted the support of a doula throughout our pregnancy and birth. From the first meeting, Chrissy and Ashley’s steady, gentle, compassionate support and professional expertise were truly life-giving. It built me up, and by extension my family, so much in the months leading up to the birth. The direct result was that I was in a really healthy space mentally. I felt empowered, supported, and safe knowing that there was a team behind me that would walk with me through whatever may come during the labor and postpartum periods. When it came time for the birth, things happened much quicker than we expected. We called Chrissy in the middle of the night and within a few short minutes she was able to quickly assess and advise based solely on the sound of my voice over the phone. She gave clear, concise directives that we were both able to follow despite being very much caught up in an intense labor. I can say confidently that if it hadn’t been for her support, we would have had an (unintentional!) unassisted home birth or our baby would have been born in the car on the way to the hospital. Thankfully, our baby girl was born safely with the support of EMTs in an ambulance, and Chrissy’s familiar, friendly face was the first one we saw when we arrived at the hospital!

- Lindsey Shilling

While pregnant with my third baby, I really wanted to find a sibling class for my older daughter and son. I was thrilled to learn that not only was there a sibling class offered through Northwest PA Doulas, but it was an in-home class! This was perfect for my family! Chrissy worked with our busy schedule and was really accommodating. She showed up with hands-on learning tools and really engaged my 8 year old daughter and 5 year old son. She covered all the important details that big brothers and sisters need to know in a fun way! They had a great time learning with her! And when little sister finally showed up, my older two were fully prepared and very excited! This class was a great experience for my children! I highly recommend it for any soon-to-be big brothers or sisters!

- Ashley Stack

I highly recommend Northwest PA Doulas to every mom, soon to be mom, I know! Chrissy helped me in so many ways. While in labor with my first son, the doctors at the hospital made me feel like I didn't have many choices with my first birth. I basically just listened to what they said and went with it. I hired a doula the second time around and it was a HUGE game changer. Just the support and knowledge alone made such a difference. Chrissy was quickly able to turn my anxiousness into bravery. She made me feel empowered and comforted during my birth. To have such a passionate person that is so devoted to you during your pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, is just so amazing.

- Shaunna Himelein

When I found out I was pregnant, I had no idea what a doula was, let alone that I would need one. Then you best friend, Mariah, told me she was becoming a doula and explained to me what that entailed. I knew then I needed her to be there with me through the whole process. Having her there for everything was amazing. She helped me through the pregnancy, false labor, the rough contractions during my active labor, bringing my beautiful son into this world, the first latch, and everything postpartum. She was also there to help my husband when he was unsure how to comfort me during labor. My plan was to have a home but with some complications I was rushed to the hospital to deliver my son. She was there for me and was so calm through all the commotion and help me stay as calm as I could be. Mariah was there for me and had an answer for any question weather it it about pregnancy, labor, postpartum, or breastfeeding, as she is a LLL leader. I would recommend her to anyone and I also plan on having her at my next birth (in a few years of course).

- Taylor Burkhardt