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Birth

Stories

Birth is a sacred celebration; it's a story unlike any other that remains in the women's memory and shapes the baby for a lifetime. Read some of our client experiences.

Alyssa Kaplan supporting a past client at a home birth. Alyssa had the honor to support this family with their first baby girl and also their second. 

 "On March 5, I had my first true contractions at 3:30 in the morning, and by 5:30am, the contractions were about 5-7 minutes apart. We called Alyssa, and she came to our home, helped me and my family into the car so we could depart for the hospital. Upon our arrival, she followed me into the examining room, where we found that I was 7 cm dilated, and 90% effaced. My water broke, and we knew the baby was coming! I was transferred to the labor & delivery room and for several hours, I worked.

With Alyssa's assistance, I got through each contraction one breath at a time. When the baby got lodged in my pelvis I wanted an epidural, Alyssa recentered me. She reminded me of our plan and told me to stick with it just one more hour. She recommended the pelvic lift which we learned about in our prenatal class, and we all agreed on to give it a try. My partner came behind me and lifting my stomach during contractions. This technique maneuvered the baby and made me a full 10cm within minutes. I began pushing shortly after and within the hour, Mila Lynne was born!

If it were not for Alyssa we would not have had a sound, uncomplicated, healthy and natural birth. We owe so much to Alyssa for a beautiful birthday that we will never forget. I encourage you to make the same choice!" - Evelyn Medina

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Heather was my doula for a second time for the birth of my son in Dec of 2014. I was planning my second vba2c, this time in a hospital with a OBGYN. She offered her support early on in my pregnancy and always kept in touch with me. She answered questions, gave suggestions, supported my decisions even if they went slightly off course. 

During the labor and delivery, she met me at the hospital after having to leave date night with her husband, just to be with me because she knew I needed her. Heather has this aura about her, no matter how much pain I was in or how scared/worried I was, she knew exactly what to do/say and how to do/say it. The moment I saw her walk in to the triage lobby, I gave her a huge hug because her presence just meant the world to me. 

Heather stayed by my side the entire time. Even when I took some time to rest, she was there. When I made the decision to get an epidural (which was against my original plan) she took a few minutes to help me make sure it was what I really wanted, but she never made me feel like it was a bad choice and she was still just as supportive as she would be regardless. She was with me the entire time I labored, even when everyone else left. If I needed something as simple as a sip of water, she was there, if I needed something as big as physical support to help get through the pain of contractions (despite the epidural), she was there. 

I am blessed to have had her as a doula for both of my vba2c births. It is hard to find someone you can really "click" with, especially when it comes to pregnancy and birth support, but I don't believe I would have found that with anyone else. We love you and appreciate you so much, Heather! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. 

-Marilyn DeLeon

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"Our experience with Alyssa was really outstanding. She not only educated my husband and I and acted as pillar of support during labor & delivery, but she also cultivated a friendship with us that we truly cherish.

My husband was skeptical about hiring a doula, since he had never heard of the role before and thought it was kind of a scam job seeing as both his parents are physicians. After our experience with Alyssa, he holds a strong stance that every birth, ESPECIALLY hospital births, should be supported by a doula.

I wanted a natural birth, and I got it thanks to her support. But honestly, I agree with my husband, that Alyssa would have been an integral role in our experience at the hospital even if I had planned to have an epidural or C-section.

She really helped us navigate through our entire experience and we are forever grateful."    - Lisa Rosen

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Best Doula Ever. Period. Heather was recommended to me by a good friend who knew her through the Central Florida Birth Network. I met with her and instantly knew she was exactly what we wanted. Because I was unable to have a homebirth as I wanted (I was pregnant with twins), Heather made every accomodation necessary for me to have the best birth I could at the Hospital. She impressed my OB so much, that he actually let her in the OR with my Husband, so she was able to assist with making sure my wishes were carried out immediately after the babies were born. (She also took some great pics!) Also, she successfully convinced the charge nurse and attending pediatrician to allow donor milk to be brought in for one of my babies who had aspirated a little fluid and needed some time in the nursery. She knew I was adamantly against formula and MADE IT HAPPEN. I was so lucky to have her, and will definitely be using her for my next baby!! - Damares G. Claude

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Alyssa was a wonderful doula and I would highly recommend her to anyone. I learned more about pregnancy and childbirth than from my doctors or any class and books. She was an excellent support for us and extremely valuable. She provided music, aromatherapy and a lot of encouragement during labor. Baby Nicolas was born naturally as I wanted. I could not have done it without her.  My son is 6 weeks now, and i have been able to exclusively nurse my son because of great labor and education that i received from her. Alyssa is organized, proactive, understanding, calming and efficient. Thank You Alyssa!   - Karen Rincon

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Words can't even begin to explain how amazing Alyssa is. My husband is deployed and we knew wouldn't be able to make it home in time for the birth of our first child. I googled doulas in Winter Park and came across Alyssa. From our first encounter I knew this was going to work. Two weeks later little to our knowledge my son would be delivered 5 weeks early. I texted Alyssa at 1130 at night and she was there within the hour. Not only did she come prepared with massage, music, oils, but with a comforting presence. Alyssa showed up with a presence and ease about herself and took control making me, my mom and husband (who was via Skype) at ease and ready to get this done. I highly recommend Alyssa to anyone who wants an amazing experience, natural birth and knowledge. You're in great hands from start to finish. My husband and I both can agree this was an amazing experience. Alyssa went above and beyond what I could have imagined and plan to keep her number handy for the next time around.   -Lindsay Blood

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