Birth Doula Support

“I can't decide whether Elise's help was most valuable during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or postpartum. I can't imagine any part without her. So thankful we didn't have to choose! Her support during pregnancy meant so much. I called her after one doctor's visit and she asked how I was doing, and I shared the facts and figures from the OB. She listened and then said, "But how are you doing?" She wanted to hear the full picture, not just the quick check in I was used to from my OB's office.

I went past my due date and then was admitted to labor and delivery straight from my 40.5 week appt. Being able to talk to Elise as we navigated that quick check in and the unknowns ahead was invaluable. We thought we were in for the long haul of an induction, but my body kicked things into gear after a membrane sweep and a foley bulb. We called her in the middle of the night, and she listened to one of my contractions and said, "I'm on my way." Some of the best words I've ever heard!

I know Elise cozied up the room when she got there from things my husband told me, but honestly I don't remember! What I do remember is her warm and calming presence, her encouragement of my husband and me as we were in the thick of tough contractions, her suggestions of different positions to try, her amazing counter pressure, and her face right next to mine, whispering soft words, as I wondered how I could get through another push.

We had a lot of wonderful family help in the first couple weeks postpartum, but one of my favorite memories from that time is Elise coming over and sitting on the bed with us as we processed our son's birth and pestered her with questions about taking care of this infant.

In short, you'll want Elise to be your friend in the first 5 minutes you spend with her, and all the time after that you'll just be wondering how you got so lucky to have her along during such a monumental part of your journey.”

“I am not sure how I would have made it through labor with out Elise. Even before labor she was so helpful between meetings at our house where she prepared us for what was to come to my many texts during several nights of false labor. She was so supportive and eased my worries. I remember wanting a doula because I have trust issues with hospitals due to my dad dying from malpractice over 10 years ago. I knew that I would being putting too much stress on my husband to make sure I was being taken care of since we both had no idea what to expect. It was so helpful to be able to look to her and hear things were okay. Before I got the epidural I was in a lot of pain with back labor. I probably killed Elise's hands because she gave constant counter pressure which was the only thing that eased the pain. I remember my husband and my mom taking turns trying to do the same thing and they could never find the right placement or pressure. She has a magical way of making you feel instantly comfortable with her too. We will definitely be hiring her again for baby number 2 in the future!”

“I used Elise for both my births and she will be at any future birth! Elise is kind, warm, knowledgable, level-headed, and STRONG. This woman double hip squeezed me so much through my second birth that I don't know how she was able to move her arms the next day. When it comes to patience, Elise has it in spades. I went 11 days past my due date with both of my babies and Elise kept me sane each of those 11 days. She was my first call when I had any concerns, and she would counsel me with evidence-based information while also supporting any gut instincts I may have had. I have and will continue to recommend Elise to anyone looking for an amazing doula.”

“This was my second birth with Elise as my doula and she was as indispensable this time as she was when I was a first time mom. Elise is a calming, radiant, authentic human with a wealth of knowledge about birth and healthcare in Richmond. Elise provided essential support throughout my pregnancy, beginning with the day I found out I was pregnant. She recommended an AMAZING OB and always knew the right questions to ask and issues to raise as a navigated my first AMA pregnancy. Elise's advocacy for me during my induction was a big part of my birth being as calm, exciting, and lighthearted as birthing an enormous baby as an old and exhausted mom can possible be. She supported all my choices and helped me make sure I was informed every step of the way. My husband is also one of Elise's biggest fans, and I know her being at my birth took pressure off him and helped him know what to do and let him enjoy our child's birth. My whole family loves Elise! You should definitely hire her.”

“Elise and I had an unconventional first meeting as she was our backup doula and we first met when I was already in labor with my first son. Thankfully my husband and I immediately loved her and she helped guide us through a difficult labor and delivery of our sweet Calvin. We also found out we had the same alma mater, Go Dawgs! Fast forward 3 years and I knew as soon as I got pregnant again that I needed Elise by my side. As most second labors do, things were a little different. I went into labor on my own at 40.6, but because of some low fluid levels ended up at the hospital in early labor sooner than I would have liked. Elise knew my anxiety was high and never hesitated in coming to support us early. Labor progressed a little slowly due to all the distractions but Elise knew how to keep things moving. She went out of her way to set the mood of the room while also encouraging me to do the "tough stuff" and bring on baby. She kept telling me once I progressed that things would happen quickly, but after pushing for nearly 4 hours with my first I didn't believe her. Much to my surprise she ended up being right and after a few hours our sweet Sonny was in my arms. Following labor I had some significant bleeding and she supported me the entire time. Overall, the entire experience was so beautiful and everything I imagined it to be. While this chapter of my life is likely over, if I had to do it again 100% Elise would be there.”