Testimonials
Doing what I love best. Photo credit Dreama Camphuysen Photography
Joanna Bialet
I knew Alli was the doula for me and my husband when we first met her! Alli just oozes compassion and care. She immediately put me at ease with her down-to-earth personality. Every time we met for our prenatal appointments I felt like my super smart girlfriend was just coming over to hang out and educate me. She is very knowledgable about unmedicated births. Alli came over to my house when I went into labor before I went to the hospital. She did lower back counter pressure that helped my back labor. She fixed little snacks and grabbed last minute things for me as my husband and I scrambled to the car when contractions were 2-3 mins apart. She has an amazing way of bringing calm to a room. At the hospital, she used essential oils to help with nausea, held my hand and prayed with me while I screamed, and took the most beautiful pictures as we welcomed our sweet baby girl to this world and became a family of three. Alli loves what she does and it shows in her every action as a doula. I am so thankful she was there to share in our special day!
Posted 2/3/2016
Sarah Martin
We were so fortunate to have Alli as our doula! Right off the bat she felt like an old friend, and both my husband and I immediately felt at ease and knew she would be a great help. We met with her a few times before the labor, and discussed my birth plans, things to discuss with the doctor, decisions I would need to make, and just an honest opinion of those first few days where everything is a blur. She was very knowledgeable on all things labor and delivery related, and I was able to talk through my wishes and concerns and make the right decisions for me, and felt confident when discussing my decisions with my doctor.
In the days coming up to the delivery, my husband would joke that Alli was more there for him than me, as he was a bit nervous on how to handle the unmedicated labor. But knowing Alli would be there put us both at ease. During the delivery, Alli's upbeat personality made it feel like a friend in the labor room, and she kept us all energized and motivated throughout the delivery. She encouraged me to move positions, walk around, get in the shower, all things I know I wouldn't have had the energy or motivation to do myself. All of her encouragement helped in allowing me to labor for 18 hours without an epideral!
Both my husband and I were very pleased with Alli and would recommend her as a doula to anyone! She will immediately feel like a trusted friend in this very important time in your life!
Posted 10/20/2015
Leah Lannie
For the birth of my third child I decided that I wanted to have an unmedicated birth. I had done some research and knew that I needed to hire a doula. I wanted someone to support my labor choices and to help me with natural ways of handling labor pains. I went to DoulaMatch looking and began to email and call doulas to start the interview process. I read Alli's testimonials and decided to call her. I knew once I spoke to her that our personalitites just clicked so we set up and interview in person. We went on to discover that we were long lost friends from 15 years before and it must have been fate that brought us back together this way.
Alli allowed us in her home so that we could see different birthing positions to help with pain. Our kids played while we did which was nice. Once labor began she was ready and there for me. She was able to keep me laughing thru contractions and was right next to me as we walked the halls. When contractions picked up she was there for me and helped my husband assist as well. This birth was the most involved and connected my husband has ever been out of all my births and Alli is part of the reason he could. When nausea set in she brought essential oils and without prompting she was right there putting it on me. She was a constant presence and I will forever be grateful that I found her. I am so glad she was the one to help support me thru my first natural birth. Her positive spirit is amazing and she helped keep my attitude up during my labor. She will be my choice for my next birth as well.
SN: I love that my son was her 30th birth on the 30th of the month. Fate.
Posted 7/8/2015
Janya Mosby
Alli was our doula for the birth of our first child, she was knowledgable and supportive. She also was a wonderful teacher and advocate in the delivery room. She gave my husband suggestions on how to support me. Our first birth experience was calm, positive and smooth. Alli was also present postpartum. She offered guidance for nursing and taking care of our newborn.
Posted 6/19/2015
Lauren Herr
Ali is simply amazing! She was our doula for our son's birth (first baby). I was hesitant about how the interaction would be between my husband and a doula, because I wasn't sure how involved my husband would be during the birth. Ali was able to read the situation throughout my 64 hour labor and become more or less involved as the situation needed - like when I was being pushed to be induced / moved towards a c-section, something Ali knew I desperately wanted to avoid. She was able to provide supportive/ knowledgable advice and help us understand all the lingo being used. She also sat with me through two all nighters and walked many miles through the hospital halls! Her presence during my unexpected long labor truly helped me make it through and stick to my birth plan.
During the actual pushing / birth - Ali again came through and cheered me along exactly when I needed extra energy and advice. Her personality is so warm, positive and encouraging! In addition to her support, Ali is also an awesome photographer and captured the first moments of my son's life, which I will treasure forever. When I showed one of the pictures to a friend, she said "That picture alone is worth hiring your doula"
A few days after the birth, my son was slow to regain his birth weight, and I left the doctor's office in tears. I called Ali and she came over to help me with my latch and listen to me cry and provide reassurance, and then she baked lactation cookies for me in my kitchen. As I sat on my couch with my newborn, full of hormones and new mom nerves, she baked cookies for me and cleaned my kitchen!!
I honestly can't say enough positive words about Ali. You won't retreat choosing her as your doula!
Posted 6/14/2015
Theresa Latourelle
From the time we got pregnant, I knew I wanted to have a natural delivery. We planned to deliver with the midwives at VCU, but we wanted some additional support since we would be encouraged to labor at home for awhile. It was import to me that we found someone that we could be completely comfortable around. From the time we first met Alli, we were amazingly comfortable. During our prenatal visits, Alli helped to calm any worries we had about delivery, reviewed laboring positions, and had great suggestions for how to get our home ready to labor there. Alli checked in with me via text regularly as my due date approached and was always positive and encouraging!
Finally, the big night came! When my water broke at 3AM, we texted Alli to let her know and she replied right away! A few hours later as my contractions were getting more intense, we texted Alli to let her know we were at the point where we needed some backup and she came right away and quickly, calmly and quietly assessed the situation. She helped me work through a few contractions and suggested it might be time to call the midwives again. Alli helped me work through contractions while my husband put the last few things in the car. At the hospital, Alli worked seamlessly with the midwife, nurse, and my husband. She was by my side throughout the whole process and brought several tools that helped me.
When the big moment came, Alli was able capture the moment! I will always treasure the photos of us meeting our son for the first time. Without Alli, we wouldn’t have them because everyone was focused on their role helping the two of us. From the first meeting until after delivery, Alli was an amazing, calm support to myself and my husband. She supported all my desires and helped meet my needs in ways I didn’t even realize I would need help. Alli was a huge part of helping me have the successful natural delivery I hoped for and I can’t imagine the experience without her!
Posted 3/26/2015
Erin Reilly Mason
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about getting a Doula, even more so when I saw how much it cost (I though for only one day or less of work too!). Let me just say, this was one of the best investments that my husband and I ever made! I had extreme anxiety due to a previous birth where my child ended up dying. Ali was there for me every step of the way though out this pregnancy, encouraging texts any time of the day/night and she even came with me to a therapy appointment. When I went into labor she was there right away. During my labor the doctors did something funny and caused my babies heart rate to rise, something that my husband and I wouldn’t have even noticed if it were not for her. Who knows what would have happened if Alli wasn’t there to fix the problem! We love Alli and we know you will too!
Posted 1/18/2015
Kirsty Smith Weinberg
As a surrogate for a couple out of state, and worried to labor with twins alone, I decided to seek the support of a doula. Alli was recommended through a few mutual friends, and I instantly felt very at ease and comfortable with her from our first meeting. Throughout the journey, she was great at keeping in touch and answering questions and concerns I had, and was just there to listen if that is what I needed. I went into labor 4 weeks early with the twins, and Alli was there for me for the very fast and intense labor every step of the way. Although the twins had a mind of their own in coming into this world as fast as they did, Alli went above and beyond my expectations with her help and support. She was not only there supporting me as I birthed the twins naturally and drug free, she kept in touch with the twins' parents to ensure they were kept updated with every detail. They felt as close to being a part of the delivery as they could be while trying to rush into town thanks to Alli. I cannot say enough things about how wonderful Alli was, as she was more than just a doula, as she made me feel like I had a true best friend right beside me during one of the most amazing experiences ever, and one that will never be forgotten.
Posted 12/22/2014
Janelle Lehman
When searching for a Doula, where do you begin? We recieved different reccommendations but how do you know which is the right one for you?! Finally after a shot in the dark the first person I called was booked over the time I was due, but she highly recommended Alli! So I called Alli and booked an interview! Thus started our friendship! I was very favorably impressed on my first meeting with Alli so we scheduled another interview when my husband could be along! We decided why look any farther....we both liked Alli! She was very helpful with questions throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. When I was in town for Midwife appointments at St. Francis we often would meet for lunch and discuss things! When I did go into labor, Alli was the first one I contacted! She walked us through the 26 hours of labor before going to the hospital and when we arrived at 3am she was there waiting for us! Our baby boy wasn't born until 7pm but Alli was there coaching us through and explaining things when we had questions! After our son was born she drove the 45 minutes to our house for a two week post partum visit! Not only did we have a great doula but I also gained a good friend! Our son will be two in January and still our friendship continues with texting and occasional meetings at Olive Garden! And yes, when I need another doula, Alli will be the one I will call!
Posted 10/20/2014
Janelle Lehman
When searching for a Doula, where do you begin? We recieved different reccommendations but how do you know which is the right one for you?! Finally after a shot in the dark the first person I called was booked over the time I was due, but she highly recommended Alli! So I called Alli and booked an interview! Thus started our friendship! I was very favorably impressed on my first meeting with Alli so we scheduled another interview when my husband could be along! We decided why look any farther....we both liked Alli! She was very helpful with questions throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. When I was in town for Midwife appointments at St. Francis we often would meet for lunch and discuss things! When I did go into labor, Alli was the first one I contacted! She walked us through the 26 hours of labor before going to the hospital and when we arrived at 3am she was there waiting for us! Our baby boy wasn't born until 7pm but Alli was there coaching us through and explaining things when we had questions! After our son was born she drove the 45 minutes to our house for a two week post partum visit! Not only did we have a great doula but I also gained a good friend! Our son will be two in January and still our friendship continues with texting and occasional meetings at Olive Garden! And yes, when I need another doula, Alli will be the one I will call!
Posted 10/19/2014
Lindsay Farrar
My husband and I had not hired a doula until fairly late in the game. We kept hearing more and more about doulas and their services in our Bradley Method class, so we decided we needed to hire one. We interviewed 3 doulas and Alli was clearly and instantly it for us....she has an energy about her that makes you feel comfortable; she's funny, conscientious, and observant. Alli was always available for calls and text messages, especially in the last few days of pregnancy. I've described her as my softer, calming presence during labor. My husband was good for applying pressure as I requested, and Alli's touch was softer....I SO appreciated having the balance of the two! My labor was quick, we got our natural birth, and Alli respectfully excused herself so that we could bond with our new son, but her work didn't end there - she continued to be available for postpartum calls and texts. I am so glad we had Alli through this process. She gave us peace of mind and was an advocate and source of knowledge without the power dynamic you see in most professional-client relationships. THANK YOU ALLI!
Posted 7/28/2014
Ashley Hewlett
We, my husband and I, highly recommend Alli! Since we got pregnant, I wanted a doula, but my husband was not on board. After starting our natural birth class and many conversations, he agreed. To this day, he recommends doulas to the husbands! He explains to them that he was by my side the entire time, but it was nice to have an additional person to ask questions and ensure he was doing everything he could to make sure his wife was okay.
From the moment we met Alli, we immediately clicked. Her personality is outgoing but she also brings a calming presence when you need it. We met a couple of times before I went into labor and hung out, which I think was very important. On "D Day", I felt so comfortable around her.
The night I went into labor, she was the first person I contacted. My husband would ask, "Have you talked to Alli?" or "Have you checked in with Alli?" I knew that not only could I trust her, but my husband could as well. When my contractions began, they were coming fast, faster than what they teach you in birthing class. Alli talked me through the process and suggested when I should call the hospital. I am glad I had her to consult before I called the hospital. After I talked to the doctor, she advised I head right to the hospital. I texted Alli and she said she would meet us there. When we got there, she had already talked to the nurses and discussed our room arrangements. She even knew one of my nurses which was comforting.
Labor was not easy, but she was by my side the entire time, often times explaining things that were occurring that no one else was explaining to me. Between rubbing my back with tennis balls, helping me to the bathroom, assisting me while I vomited (eww), and praising me during the times I really need it, I couldn't image Alli not being a part of the process. The best part was her meeting our daughter because she played a role in our beautiful miracle getting here.
Posted 7/25/2014
Sarah Lile
Alli was amazing! She was with me the entire day that I gave birth to my daughter. At home, she helped me relax and breathe through my contractions. She helped me get ready when it was time to go to the hospital. When I hit active labor, she was by my side the whole time, massaging my back and my hips, encouraging me, and even holding one of my legs while I pushed. When Charlotte came out, we all cried! I could not have done it without Alli.
Posted 7/16/2014
Liz Emmons
As newbie parents I was shy about having someone else seeing me at my best and worst. Yet, Alli's presence was the most comforting part of the birth. From massages, hip squeezes, heating pads, yoga balls, shower spraying, to endless walking laps, Ally was with us. Her coaching was jovial and witty in the beginning stages of birth, then she became firm without being overbearing when my contractions were strong. Towards the end of labor the doctors wanted me to take drugs to speed up my delivery. Alli made sure we knew our options and helped us ask the right questions so we could discuss what to do. My husband recalls those LONG hours by saying "how could we have done this without her?". I didn't realize, until it was over, just how much Alli did for us. She took care of me, but also my husband by making him laugh to settle his nerves, taking over hip squeezes so he could hold my hand, and getting him food so he wouldn't pass out come push time, like we joked he might. In the last hours Alli was doing squat lunges with me to help position our baby. She'd cheer me on for one more squat, which meant one more for her. When it came time to push Alli almost had to catch our son as our doctor had not arrived. You know you have made the right decision to hire a doula when your husband wants to take part in the delivery, cut the cord, and change the first diaper. I remember the nurses asking Alli if she had done this before and were suprised to find out she had only done a handful at the time. They were impressed with her training, quick decision making, and hands on apporach. Thus, if we have another child a doula will be a non-negotiable, and Alli will be it. Even though our doula services ended at St. Mary's, our frienship did not. Alli continues to come visit us. On June 6, 2013 not only our son, but Alli became part of our family.
Posted 7/10/2014
Miranda Gill
I had the privilege of having Alli at the birth of my daughter, Adalynn. Having Alli as a doula was a wonderful experience. She was able to help me through my rough contractions and delivery with no meds!! Alli was exactly what I needed; keeping the room lighthearted and coaching me through the pain. I received leg rubs, back rubs, and so much more! So grateful to have had such an awesome doula and friend there for such an important part of my life! Thank you, Alli!!!!
Posted 7/5/2014
Sherri Geiger
Ali was knowledgable, calming and supportive. We chose to use a doula a week before we delivered and Ali put us at ease during a very stressfull time. My husband appreciated how she was there for both of us and made a natural child birth a reality. Knowing we were not alone to navigate the journey to meet our son was priceless. I highly recommend Ali to assist in making the birthing process easier and an experience you will always cherish.
Posted 7/3/2014
diallo kadiatou
When I met Alli for the first time she seemed very personable and jovial. She was very friendly and made me feel at ease. On May 23, 2012 at 10:45pm we arrived at the hospital. I called Alli prior to leaving the house and we agreed upon her meeting us at the hospital. When we arrived at the hospitall I was in a lot of pain ! I told the nurse that I wanted the epidural. The nurse prepared an IV and told me she will give me the epidural once the IV was done and I this point I was crying. Then Alli walked in, she came to my bedside and started to comfort me telling me that it was going to be ok. She asked to roll on me my side and she robbed my lower back over and over. The doctor came in and checked my cervix, I was 7cm, this was around 11:30pm. I was in excruciating pain and all of the sudden, I felt nausea and I threw up. Alli was holding my head while I threw up and rubbing my back. At around 12:15am the IV was done and I was finally given the epidural! However, only my right side was numb after the epidural and I could still feel the contractions on my left lower back. When I told the nurse, her response was "that happens sometimes" Alli again, rolled me on my left side and robbed my lower back then in a matter of 20mins or so I could not feel anything! The fabulous epidural was in full effect....lol !! At 12:45am the doctor checked my cervix again and I was 10cm. They started to prep for the delivery. At 1:15am I started to push, Alli was holding my hand and helping with the pushes and breathing. At 1:49am my baby girl came into the world and it was the happiest day of my life!!!! Alli stayed until the baby was cleaned up, we took some photos then she left. A week later she came to the house to visit us. Alli is not only a good doula. She is a genuine caring person and LOVES being a doula. I am glad to have met her and to have shared my experience with her. I promise if you chose Alli you won't regret it because she Is awesome !!!!
Posted 7/2/2014
Briana Asbach
Alli was our doula for our second child. Our first child, I labored in the hospital without a doula and it was a very hard experience. The second labor, with Alli as my doula, was a very redeeming experience. It was very helpful to meet with her before the birth and discuss what type of support I wanted. She also was able to give me stretches and encouragement during pregnancy that was helpful. Then, when I was in labor she was my first phone call and was able to tell that I was ready to go to the hospital by the sound of my breathing over the phone. She was right, I called my midwife and met Alli at the hospital. Alli wheeled me down the hall while my husband parked the car and when we got to the room she was there all the way supporting me and my husband. She encouraged me to change positions to move the labor along, was breathing with me and most importantly used pressure and touch to decrease pain making the contractions manageable. I was 8 cm dilated and fully efaced when we got to the hospital at 5:30 in the morning and she labored with me until I was ready for them to break my water so labor could progress at 9:00am - she encouraged me and gave relief to my husband throughout my frustration with slow progression and fear of the final phase of labor. Because of how calming presence I was able to release those fears and shortly after they broke my water my child was born at 9:30am - completely naturally. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Alli. I wish I still lived in Richmond for the birth of our third child because I would be using Alli again. I will never labor without a doula, ever again. The experience was night and day. Alli made a HUGE difference. Thank you!!!
Posted 7/16/2013
Brei Stevenson
I don't even know where to begin. Alli was so important to my entire birth process in such a unique way. I always knew that I would want a doula, mostly for my husband, because I wanted an unmedicated birth. I met with her and just knew she was perfect. Super bubbly attitude and a sense of humor that matched my own. It was important to me that it felt like a life long friend was guiding me, and that's absolutely what we got from her. We met once or twice before I had Brooke and she was just a fun person to talk to and made me feel very comfortable. My little lady was almost 2 weeks late, and Alli was right there the whole time either giving me quick calls, facebooking and just generaly checking in. When my water broke and there were signs of meconium, my hopes of a birth center birth were gone, but she called me and rested my fears, told me I could still have the birth I wanted for Brooke.
My labor was a little on the quick side (11-12 hours from water breaking to delivery). When we called her to come over, I had no idea I was 30 mins away from needing to go to the hospital. She was game face the moment she hit our doorway. She made me a rice sock, warmed it up and put it on my back (I had back labor) and talked me through every up and down. When we got to the hospital she was my biggest advocate. She had me in the bed with a birthing ball, in the shower, out of the shower, back in the shower. I even stood in front of her completely naked saying how tired I was and how unsure I felt. But she locked eyes with me and never waivered in my abilities. During transition she made me lay on my side (i hated it) to give me somewhat of a rest, and it did. She held a leg while I pushed Brooke out and kept me focused. Her voice in close proximity was just what I needed so many times. She stayed with me till I was moved to my room, and she was one of the firsts who got to hold Brooke. Alli is a life long friend now. You won't regret hiring her!
Posted 6/11/2013
Kellee Moll
Reflecting on my experience with Alli as my doula, I can honestly say that I feel like I gained a sister and cheerleader. There wasn’t any time that I felt alone. She always made me feel like I was her top priority, even with four of her own children! My emotions ran high as I began my most recent pregnancy, my fourth, with extreme caution. The last two had ended in the second trimester quickly and unexpectedly with miscarriage. Luckily, this time I had Alli on my team to cheer me on. Any question or concern I had, was always greeted with enthusiasm and warm responses. With that encouragement, she helped me to successfully deliver my son. From the moment that I arrived at the hospital, she was there already waiting for me. Alli had brought with her an arsenal of supplies ranging from an eye mask to block out unnecessary light, to a doula book listing ALL of the positions to try when labor is intense….and believe me, I think we tried them ALL! Not once did she complain that my labor was very, well, laboring. She helped to maintain the spirit of the room when I was beyond tired and done. Recently, I visited the hospital I gave birth in for my six week post-docs apt. and had a rush of, “I think I could do that again!” If you knew me at all, you would know how huge that statement is considering I was almost ready to tie my tubes I was so miserable. I give Alli a two-thumbs-up, standing ovation, triple back-flip referral for making me feel like a queen and turning a possible scary experience into something beautiful and repeatable. Thank you, Alli!
Posted 8/11/2012
Mae Breakall
Getting to have Alli assist in my birth experience was a surprise pleasure! My doula was out of town during most of my labor and Alli was kind enough to fill in for her. She provided great support for me by phone while I labored at home, and when we met in person at the hospital I was so thankful to have her calm and encouraging demeanor to help get me through what proved to be a long long day. Along the way Alli helped me talk through all the decisions I had to make, and kept me laughing even through contractions. She supported and encouraged me in the choices I made and comforted me when I was in pain or discouraged. It's easy to see that for Alli being a doula-being part of a mama's journey and a child's entrance-is truly a calling. She puts her heart into this service and because of that, she will always be a special part of our birth story!Posted 8/10/2012