Debra Thomas Birth & Postpartum Doula in Oak Ridge North, TX

Debbie is simply amazing. She has a warm heart and such great energy. She's passionate in what she does and it shows. I can not say enough great things about her.

— Monica Marron

Debbie was exactly who I would’ve hoped for in any birth. I had some different arrangements in my birth experience from what I had expected and Debbie showed up for it 100%, regardless of the changes. She stayed with me through many hours postpartum and I could not imagine how different this experience would have been without her there. She had such expertise and great advice to offer to make me more comfortable and ways to guide my support person to better ease my discomfort! I’m so grateful she was part of my birth team and would absolutely request her to come back again for the next one.

— Ashley

I TRULY can’t say enough good things about Debbie!!!! She was such a blessing even before labor began — always there to answer my endless questions, offer reassurance, & make me feel so prepared and supported leading up to birth. She was truly my rock through such a long and intense labor.. calm, compassionate, & SO encouraging every step of the way. She made me feel empowered and cared for, and she supported both me and my husband with such grace. What started as a professional relationship has turned into a sweet friendship, & I’m forever grateful for her heart and the peace she brought into our birth experience!!!!! If you’re looking for someone who will be your biggest cheerleader, advocate, and comfort through it all, DEBBIE IS THE ONE!!

— Madi Frugé

Working with Debbie made me feel so comfortable before, during and after birth! She truly felt like your friend. It was amazing having her talk me through my birth, encouraging me and praying over me. Before having my daughter she helped me prepare my mind and my body for giving birth. She also talked me through some of my struggles after baby was here! I could not recommend her enough! We will absolutely use her again for any future babies! Kailey S.

— Kailey Southard

Debbie was such a pleasure to work with! We went in to have our sweet baby unexpectedly and I wasn’t sure if I was going be able to keep my placenta because we didn’t have time to prepare. I contacted Debbie and she was so sweet and assured me not to worry that she would be there to take care of it! I went in for my Csection and my husband assured me she came and was super sweet and handled everything! Thank you again Debbie we appreciate you and working with you was amazing! You are the only Dula I’d ever recommend to any family! Thank you again for being there for us! You are the absolute best!

— Angela Casillas - Mendoza

From the very first day I met Debbie, she inspired peace in me, and it felt as if I had known her forever. We are eternally grateful for the incredible support she gave us throughout the pregnancy, always with an answer to my questions and a calm reassurance. During labor, she never let me give up, standing by my side every step of the way, transmitting confidence and security when I needed it the most. Thanks to her dedication and care, I was able to achieve my long-desired VBAC. We will always carry deep gratitude for her presence in this journey and for making such a meaningful difference in one of the most important moments of our lives.

— Rosa Orlaineta

I recently had the honor of being at a birth alongside Debbie, and wow—she is truly a gift to the families she serves. We were there for 32 hours, and the way she loved and supported this family never wavered. She prayed over them with such gentleness, was so hands-on with massage and positioning, and explained each step of the process in a way that gave the family confidence and peace. Debbie was a constant positive influence in the birth space. When plans shifted, she calmly helped the family stay informed and continue advocating for what mattered most to them. Watching her in action was an honor…not only as someone witnessing her care, but also as a fellow doula learning from her example. I would wholeheartedly recommend Debbie to any family looking for a knowledgeable, loving, and peaceful doula. She carries such a gift, and it was a privilege to see her pour it out so beautifully.

— Alexandria Davis

Debbie was my birth angel. I’ve told her that many times. Last summer when I found out we were expecting our 3rd, I discovered Debbie via a mom’s FB group. I told her I had had 2 prior c-sections and my goal was a VBA2C. She was my supporter, confidant, sister-in-Christ, and an incredible source of labor and birth knowledge during the entire course of my pregnancy . I had plans to birth at a birth center with Debbie by my side. I have very bad hyperemesis in my pregnancies and they only get worse with each succeeding one. I ended up having an emergency C-section when I delivered which wasn’t what I had intended but let me tell you that Debbie came to my side on that Friday when I learned that I had Preeclampsia. She sat with my husband and I and prayed, comforted me, and was always a listening ear. Jesus knew I needed her. Even when I was so sick after my surgery and throwing up all night, she stayed with me well past midnight and held my baby boy. Any mommy would be blessed to have Debbie. She is a gem. I would have babies again and again to have Debbie

— Amanda Meyer

Debbie is the BEST!!! Absolutely thrilled to have had her as my doula for my second birth. As someone who was attempting a VBAC, my support team was very important to me. Debbie surpassed all my expectations, and actually helped me naturally induce labor as well! She is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and supportive. I never felt like a burden under her care. She listened and advocated for what I wanted, while encouraging me to try different positions in labor to help baby travel through the birth canal. Both my husband and I were extremely comfortable with her and calmed by her. She is very down to earth and I couldn’t recommend her enough!!!

— Lauren Anderson

I can’t say enough good things about Debbie. From the very beginning of my pregnancy, she was there-answering all my questions, calming my nerves, and helping me build a birth plan that made me feel truly informed and in control. But what made her support so special was how she stood by me when things didn’t go according to plan. Facing one of my biggest fears: an induction with medication, she became a steady, empowering presence. Her encouragement, strength, and calm guidance carried me through some of the hardest moments. She didn’t just support me emotionally and physically, she also captured our journey with beautiful photos and footage that we’ll treasure forever. She has a true gift, and her presence will always be a part of our family’s story. Simply put, she’s amazing.

— Holly Talcott

I honestly don’t know how I would’ve made it through pregnancy, labor, and those early postpartum days without Debbie. From the very beginning, she was more than just a doula—she became a real friend. She was by my side every step of the way, always showing up with encouragement, wisdom, and so much heart. What meant the most to me is that she wasn’t just doing a job. Debbie genuinely cares. She took the time to really get to know me and my husband, to understand what we needed, and to make sure we felt supported—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. She prayed with us, which brought so much peace and comfort, especially in the moments when things felt uncertain. I’ll always cherish that. During labor and delivery, things got a little chaotic at times, but Debbie was my calm in the storm. She kept me grounded and focused when I started to feel overwhelmed. I really don’t think I could’ve done it without her. Having Debbie by our side was one of the best decisions we made. She’s truly gifted at what she does, and it’s clear her heart is in it 100%. I can’t recommend her enough—she’s the kind of person you want in your corner during one of life’s biggest moments.

— Brooke Kuritz

Debbie is incredible. I can’t imagine going through my unmedicated hospital birth without her. She supported me so well the entire time during my labor. She helped me try various positions, provided counter pressure relief (and even gave my husband a break from counter pressure too). She provided me with constant words of encouragement, reminding me to stay in control and relax my body and breathing through each contraction. She got along well with the staff, advocated for me and made sure I was aware of everything going ok throughout my labor. She stayed postpartum and helped with the first latch and the next one too since I was having trouble still. She checked up on me and came for a postpartum home visit and helped me again with breastfeeding and answering other questions about newborn things. She is so kind and compassionate and really cares about her clients. I am forever thankful for her.

— Kennedy

Debbie was amazing! We had her as a night nanny for our newborn - she was wonderful! In a time I was recovering from a lot, she was such a tremendous help to our family, not only caring for our little one but also just being there as support! Couldn’t recommend her enough! :)

— Natasha Shah

There truly aren’t enough words to express how grateful we are for our experience with Debbie and Guiding Hands. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to have an unmedicated birth—and I also knew I couldn’t do it alone. Having Debbie by my side made all the difference! Her support, education, and knowledge throughout my pregnancy were invaluable. She equipped me with the confidence and tools I needed, and when labor arrived, she was an essential part of helping me achieve the birth I had dreamed of. She walked me through the entire process of pregnancy and labor, and prepared me for what to expect at the hospital, all the things a traditional OB just doesn’t have time for in a quick office visit. Her calming presence and steady guidance gave me and my husband the strength to bring our son into the world safely and peacefully. Having her there during such an intimate and transformative time in our lives is something I will never forget. We are forever grateful to have had her as part of our journey and cannot recommend her enough to any growing family. We will definitely be calling her again when it’s time for baby number two!

— Catron O'Dell

Debbie was amazing! She really helped me and my husband throughout my labor and delivery. She was so encouraging every time I wanted to give up. She gave great advice every step of the way so that I felt empowered and in control and not like birth was happening to me. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula in the north Houston area!

— Jennifer Howard

Working with Debbie was a beautiful experience. She is so relational, intentional and knowledgeable. I loved how we addressed my fears straight on and how she challenged me to find what they were rooted in. I was then able to face them and work through them before labor came about. Debbie has a calm, but matter of fact presence that instills confidence when opportunities for doubt creep in. I felt so supported and cared for during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. You can tell that her clients are more than a job, but a passion and personal.

— Anna Pakizer

My husband and I recently welcomed our first baby. After finding out I was pregnant, we decided to seek additional resources and information about pregnancy, labor, and birth. We crossed paths with Debbie at Guiding Hands Birth Services and I’m so thankful we did. To say she was available, supportive, and helpful throughout this special journey is an understatement. Her presence during my pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum period has provided us so much peace. We are so thankful for her services and would recommend her to family and loved ones. ❤️

— Brianna Diaz

I can't say enough good things about Debbie. She was everything we hoped for in a nanny and more. She was very professional, always on time and the entire family looked forward to arrival in the evenings. We hired Debbie to help with our second son, who was born premature and spent time in the NICU. I was really anxious about leaving him in the care of anyone else, until Debbie. From the very first night she was so calm, loving, and reassuring, I had absolutely no reservations about turning the monitor off and getting some desperately needed sleep. Our son was so comfortable and happy with her it gave me absolute peace of mind. Debbie diligently logged feeding details into the app that she recommended so every morning when I woke up, I'd know exactly how much he ate/when, diaper information, and any notes she had overnight which was so great. I continued to use the app throughout the day so that she'd know how and when he'd eaten as well. She would even keep an eye on his feedings in the app on her days off. She was always willing to answer any questions or concerns I had between visits. In the mornings she'd slip out quietly and I'd wake up to clean bottles and a peacefully sleeping baby. The best possible way to wake up with a newborn. Debbie recognized and helped me navigate an undiagnosed milk protein allergy that our little guy has. She helped me explore the formula options that were available and helped me choose the right one for us. Despite this being my second baby, she taught me tips and tricks about feeding, burping, and soothing that I never learned with my first. By the time she left she'd gotten our son into a great routine that we were able to maintain after she left. She was so sweet and kind to our 5 year old and our dog who both found their way into the baby's room many times during her stays. I'm beyond grateful for the support and guidance Debbie provided over her weeks with us. She started as a nanny but truly left as a friend. It takes a village and I'm so thankful that she's part of ours.

— Meagan LeMasters

Debbie was beyond valuable. She provided so much care, kindness, information, support, and so much more. Her presence was calming and comforting from the beginning as she helped us develop our birth plan. She has a wealth of knowledge that has come with her many years of experience, but also from her wisdom and passion for mothers/ families and their newborns.

During labor her presence was immensely helpful and comforting. She guided me through the hours of pain and helped get me through the mental blocks as well. At the hospital she advocated for me and it was helpful to be able to focus on her voice and guidance amidst all the hospital staff and opinions.

Post- delivery she continued to provide help and her postpartum services were also stellar. She was flexible with her time and wanted to be of the most help. She offered assistance with breastfeeding, sleep schedule, general baby care, maternal wellness, and provided encouragement through the sleepless nights and challenging days.

We would definitely hire Debbie again, not only for her skills and knowledge but because she genuinely cares for the people she serves. We were beyond blessed to have her with us.

— Catherine Yee

I just had my second baby about two and half weeks ago and my experience with Mrs. Debbie was amazing. She was there when I had questions and did an awesome job putting my placenta pills together! I feel great and I do have to say that my second pregnancy was less stressful than my first. Thank you Mrs. Debbie!

— Catalina Buck