When I became pregnant with my first child, I had no idea about the process involved with giving birth. I am so happy that Abby was by my side, literally and figuratively, to assist and provide information to me about the cycle of pregnancy. Since each birth and labor story is unique and different, Abby tailored her services to help provide the best care to my child and me. 

Through helping me develop a birth plan, she made me feel empowered as a first time mother. Abby gave me inspiring articles to read, guided me through breathing and focusing exercises, and was a listening ear when I needed a sounding board. When my due date came and passed (I delivered 10 days past my due date), Abby was there to calm my nerves. She led me through breathing, stretching, relaxing and visualization techniques, which helped me tremendously.

Once it was go time and labor started, Abby was with me in the labor and delivery room. The support and encouragement she provided allowed me to sustain my way through several hours of intense labor pains. 
Her after birth resources were essential to helping me navigate my way through breastfeeding. She gave me contact information for local lactation groups and made herself available when I was struggling with breastfeeding. 

I would highly recommend the use of Abyssinia Birth Services. The care, comfort, and knowledge that Abby provides are unique and essential in the birthing process. 

I feel so grateful to have had you as our doula for our second child.

At first I wasn't even going to have a doula, but then I realized that I wanted some professional support during the labor and birth process, and I'm so glad that I got you.

From the beginning you were so personable and open, and a great listener. You balance this with your professionalism which communicated that you take your work very seriously.

You so clearly know that a pregnant, laboring, and post-partum mother is often very sensitive.

I really appreciated that you said to call or text you with questions anytime, because it helped me feel comfortable reaching out to you several times to ask you questions and to get emotional and moral support.

I liked that when I asked you pregnancy and birth-related questions, you shared your knowledge and ALSO you directed me to resources such as books or articles that provided further information, if I wanted to read them. You were so supportive of my questions and choices all along.

While I was in early labor and then active labor, we talked several times and you helped me assess my progress based on what I shared with you. When I was ready to have you with us during labor, you came right away and integrated smoothly into the process.

I really appreciated how you supported my mom and Jesse as well as me. One thing that was great was that you were massaging/pushing my hip while I was on my side and having intense contractions. You seemed to just know that would be helpful. At one point you reminded me of a birth preference after I had been talking with a care provider, which was so helpful. It was also wonderful to have you there after Noa was born to help us start breastfeeding, and to share in the exhilaration that I felt after the birth.

You are positive and compassionate and those are fantastic qualities in a doula.

Thank you again!

I didn’t use a doula for my first pregnancy. It wasn’t really on my radar.

But for my second child, I wanted a VBAC and I was focused on everything possible to have a successful one. It was actually my husband who encouraged me to look into a doula and supported me to explore the option. So when I coincidentally met Abby at a holiday party during my third trimester, I appreciated her warmth, relaxed vibe, and her passion for what she did. I decided it was fate and hired her. It was a good thing because I went into labor early, and Abby was ready to support me first via text and phone to talk me through everything from what it was I was experiencing, including suggestions to get through the contractions, etc. 

Once she was physically present for labor, her peaceful, strong, and calming presence helped me get through a very long labor at home. If it wasn’t for her, I would have probably been at the hospital sooner. She stayed with me 16+ hours and was prepared with a wonderful back-up doula to take over. She came back after her rest and saw me through the rest of the successful VBAC!

Her mix of techniques including massage, visualization, breathing, helped me focus and get through labor, and partnered with me to do what worked.

Abby was truly an advocate for me at the hospital overall, and especially during a critical point when Pitocin was strongly suggested by the doctor to move labor along -- something I didn’t want to do.

Abby stepped in and suggested several other non-invasive options, and with her help I felt empowered to make my own decision. I was able to accelerate labor without Pitocin.

Abby helped me own my birthing process, and helped me realize that as an expectant mom I had more of a voice than I thought.

Abby truly has a special gift for this line of work, and I recommend her to anyone who wants a strong, loving, and informed doula to support their birth! 

- Esther B.