"it truly made us feel at such ease having her in our corner"It has been a little over 2 months now since the birth of our daughter Cecelia Jean. As a first time mom there are so many unkowns and an overwhelming amount of "friendly" unsolicited advice. That being said, our decision to have a doula present for the birth was without a doubt the one of the best decisions we made. I can not fully express how amazing and empowered our doulas made us feel. They were excellent from the get go about explaining their role and making us feel assured in the life changing event that we were going to experience. Our original plan was a home birth but things changed and we ended up having to go to the hospital. Our doula was there to make us feel confident and communicate our options and explain things to us so that even though we were anxious and sleep deprived we were able to make sound and confident decisions. She was such a pleasure and a comfort to share that time with, it truly made us feel at such ease having her in our corner. Thank you again for your time and sacrifice we feel incredibly blessed that you were there for us!
"I felt safe with her"Being that this was my first pregnancy, I knew I wanted a doula to help me and my husband through a home birth. We the team and I instantly knew that they were the right people for the job. I felt right at home and heard with both of them and knew they'd be perfect for helping us during birth. I had a very long labor that started at home. Our doula was there as soon as I needed her to be. Throughout the next 24 hours, she was there with me, encouraging me, making suggestions and telling me what to expect to come next. She was like a lighthouse. When my labor stalled, she encouraged me to to get things moving by making good suggestions to bring about more intense contractions. I felt safe with her.
Ultimately, after 48 hours of labor with very little progress and an inability to keep food down, we transferred to the hospital. I was heartbroken that we couldn't finish the birth at home, but wanted a rest and a break from the pain. Our doula was so helpful in that transition to the hospital. While my midwife prepared the transfer, our doula spoke to me about what to expect. She was very familiar with Northwest Hospital and made it sound like such a safe haven - and it was. Once I was there I had an epidural and told to sleep for several hours. Tiffany went back to our house to get a few hours of much needed rest herself. Later the next day, it was finally time to push. She was so encouraging, holding a mirror, taking pictures and coaching me on pushing. Her energy helped me push my little boy out in just two hours. I was thrilled! It was a rocky birth, as my waters had broken early and there was meconium in the waters. They had to take him away and suction his nose and mouth. She kept talking to me, letting me know what they were doing and how he was doing. It was exactly what I needed to stay calm and wait for him. He turned out perfectly! I would definitely recommend hiring The Puget Sound Doulas-AH 
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When things don't go as you had hoped...
Having the support of both doulas at my labor and delivery was an incredible experience I will never forget. When we hired them, we instantly connected with both and knew they would be a great fit for us. During this time she also referred us to her partner Jen for a private postpartum/newborn class. Jen was not only knowledgable but very personable. 11 days past my estimated due date my water broke late at night and I immediately called Tiffany. At first we thought things might progress slowly but I called her back a short time later to tell her I was on my way to the hospital and I would keep her updated. A short time after arriving to the hospital my body went into transition at 1cm and began pushing without my control. We called Tiffany to let her know "it was on" and that we needed her help. I was overwhelmed and completely lost myself during this time. Tiffany calmly talked me through my options and was a huge advocate for me in getting the relief I needed. One of the things I appreciated the most during this time is that she just knew I was suffering and supported my need for medication. She went to bat for me! Once I was able to get an epidural labor slowly progressed and gave me the rest I needed. Tiffany stayed with us and called Jen in to help support in case she needed to leave to attend another birth. Tiffany and Jen were there with me every step of the way during my long labor, supporting, encouraging and cheering me on. They lovingly helped me find the strength deep within myself to bring my daughter into the world after a very long labor. Jen was right by my side to guide me and my baby towards a successful breastfeeding relationship that began just minutes after she was born. Words could never describe the love I felt the day we welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world. To have both Jen and Tiffany holding space for me during the birth of my daughter meant everything to us. So much love for these incredible women!
- AR "experienced, compassionate, present, genuine"The birth of my first child was challenging and despite having a doula, I felt that she wasn't as supportive as I would have hoped. So after becoming pregnant with my second, I knew I wanted an experienced doula who could provide support and suggestions in any circumstance. A friend recommended Tiffany and little did I know that I would end up with two amazing doulas! Jen and Tiffany were both exactly what I was looking for... experienced, compassionate, present, genuine, and absolutley delightful to talk with. I never really felt nervous about the upcoming birth because in my mind, I had a dream team of support. When I went past my due date and was feeling discouraged, Jen called me to talk through my feelings and offer her encouragement. She was so compassionate and helped me stay positive. Then when my water broke 4 days later, Tiffany was very responsive and quickly met us at the hospital when things ramped up quickly. Throughout my labor, Tiffany was right there with me, a comforting voice in my ear, guiding me through each contraction and each stage. She was like having a GPS of my labor, telling me what to look for next, what to expect, and where to turn. She had one helpful suggestion after another... at one point in between difficult transition contractions, Tiffany suggested that I try to feel my baby's head. I reached down, skeptical that I would feel anything, but I did! I felt her head and with it, my confidence soared! A few contractions later, I felt her move down even further and it was time to push! Tiffany was again a calm voice in my ear, helping me to direct my energy in to pushing. 20 minutes later, my daughter was born! I honestly feel like I had the perfect birth... it was exactly what I wanted and Tiffany was a big part of helping me acheive that. Tiffany and Jen make a fantastic team and are truly gifted at what they do!
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She was the calm to my stormFrom the moment that my husband and I met them, we knew they were the doulas we wanted there with us to welcome our baby into the world. They always listened to understand us. Our doula had this way about her that is difficult to put into words. It is very clear that this is her calling and she was meant to do it. Not only is she calm and collected but her humor is refreshing. When my labor began, she kept in close contact. She even knew exactly when to come be with me, without my even having to ask. I remember my doula looking me in the eyes several times and giving me the reassurance and confidence needed to keep going while I labored. She was the calm to my storm. When baby girl decided she wanted to make a swift arrival at our home - which was totally unplanned, she helped us make the best choices for our family. She guided and navigated us through the overwhelming and unknown. I will be forever grateful for PSDs, and we are beyond happy that we had her there. If/when there is ever another addition to our family, our doula is the one I will call without a doubt.
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From a Fathers Perspective...
Using Puget Sound Doulas was the best decision we made during the pregnancy process. My wife and I couldn't imagine going through the birth without her.
We hired Puget Sound Doulas because we felt extremely comfortable with both doulas. They both have calm and caring demeanors. They were respectful of our desires and wanted us to have the best birth experience possible. We also liked that they are a team and we got to meet with both of them before the birth. That way, we wouldn't have a doula we'd never met before if ours had another birth to attend. My wife had a long labor, but having our doula by our side made it a positive experience. When she arrived, her calm presence put my wife and I at ease. She gave us guidance, reassurance and was able to help my wife relax. We planned on a natural birth, but my wife decided to get an epidural 24 hours into labor. She was disappointed that she wouldn't have an un-medicated birth, but she was able to talk through her feelings with her. After that, my wife knew that she had made the best decision for herself. After 42 hours of labor, our doctor informed us that my wife would need a c-section. We were scared, but she took the time to explain every step that would occur before, during and after the c-section. This was invaluable and ensured that there were no surprises. She came into the operating room and helped me to comfort my wife. She did this in a non-intrusive way, so we felt supported but didn't feel like she was in the way of my wife and I experiencing the birth together. She guided my wife through nursing and stayed at the hospital until we felt comfortable enough for her to go. She also took amazing pictures for us throughout the process. Words can't express how much we appreciated and enjoyed having Jen present during the birth of our son. There is no way we would ever go through a birth without Puget Sound Doulas! - J & K A |
When your second pregnancy throws you a curve ball....
My partner and I went almost six months into the pregnancy before deciding that a doula was going to be necessary. While I had had one successful home delivery, it had been five years earlier, and everything about this second pregnancy was completely different and new. After helping with a neighbor's birth at home a three months before my own due date, I realized that my previous experience was not going to be enough to support me on this path. I needed the help of an experienced and reliable doula.
After the birth experience with my neighbor, I interviewed several doulas. Our midwives at Pacific Natural Birth had given us a list of When Jen answered the telephone the day I called Puget Sound Doulas, I actually knew from the sound of her voice that she was the doula I wanted. When she spoke to me, I shared with her all of our worries and concerns about the pregnancy and upcoming delivery. I had a complication early in the pregnancy that had left me fearful of successfully having the birth experience I really wanted both for me, my partner, and our baby. Jen was beautiful over the phone, full of encouragement, support, and nurturing intuition. An experienced and supportive doula is a most worthy investment and I did not understand that principle until talking and meeting with Jen and Tiffany. I still remember that day talking to her while resting on my bed and the lightness I felt after we spoke.
When Jen and Tiffany came to our home to meet us, we were already just 2 months away from our due date. I had not realized that there would be two doulas and I was unsure which one to be more attached to.
Tiffany came with a deep strength and steadiness that made me fee safe and grounded. Jen possesses a warmth and love that simply emanates out of her -an embrace of loving energy straight from the heart. Both were mothers who had birthed their children. I had no idea which amazing woman I would have wanted at the birth. Both were fierce, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I decided to let the Universe decide which doula would be present.
When labor started it was 3am on Sunday. We waited until 7am to make sure it was indeed labor before calling for the birth tub and our doula support. It was Jen who answered and came over.
Jen's presence immediately put me at ease, but the surges had been coming with nausea and vomiting and this was increasing as labor was progressing. I threw up after each wave, in the bedroom, in the toilet, in the sink, in the bathtub, in the kitchen sink, sometimes into a towel. It was intense. I had no time to recover in between the contractions. We had some struggles with the birth tub, and realized that the tub was not going to be an option.
I had to find another birth plan, but survival became my birth plan. I paced, I cried, I reached out for Jen and found her always there, always steady, always calm, always breathing. She reminded me when the transition was happening (since I had forgotten everything about birthing at this point) and kept me always calm and grounded. I asked her to help me, maybe even pleaded with her, and at the very end as the baby was crowning and emerging, I found my head in her lap. She became my mother in those moments, which I did not realize I needed. The entire time I had tried to convince myself I could do it alone, but Jen's presence along with the amazing expertise and wisdom of my midwives, and the deep love of my partner, was the support I truly needed in having such a beautiful birth. That evening, Tiffany came to help take away the tub, and I felt doubly blessed that both women were able to be with me during the delicate hours after the baby was born. Tiffany brought love and care just after the baby was born and I appreciated her visit more than words can describe. The follow up visits with Jen were my lifeline to postpartum care.
I truly don't know what I would have done without these women every minute of our meetings and togetherness. I am grateful grateful grateful for the healing and love in the work they do.
- JS
After the birth experience with my neighbor, I interviewed several doulas. Our midwives at Pacific Natural Birth had given us a list of When Jen answered the telephone the day I called Puget Sound Doulas, I actually knew from the sound of her voice that she was the doula I wanted. When she spoke to me, I shared with her all of our worries and concerns about the pregnancy and upcoming delivery. I had a complication early in the pregnancy that had left me fearful of successfully having the birth experience I really wanted both for me, my partner, and our baby. Jen was beautiful over the phone, full of encouragement, support, and nurturing intuition. An experienced and supportive doula is a most worthy investment and I did not understand that principle until talking and meeting with Jen and Tiffany. I still remember that day talking to her while resting on my bed and the lightness I felt after we spoke.
When Jen and Tiffany came to our home to meet us, we were already just 2 months away from our due date. I had not realized that there would be two doulas and I was unsure which one to be more attached to.
Tiffany came with a deep strength and steadiness that made me fee safe and grounded. Jen possesses a warmth and love that simply emanates out of her -an embrace of loving energy straight from the heart. Both were mothers who had birthed their children. I had no idea which amazing woman I would have wanted at the birth. Both were fierce, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I decided to let the Universe decide which doula would be present.
When labor started it was 3am on Sunday. We waited until 7am to make sure it was indeed labor before calling for the birth tub and our doula support. It was Jen who answered and came over.
Jen's presence immediately put me at ease, but the surges had been coming with nausea and vomiting and this was increasing as labor was progressing. I threw up after each wave, in the bedroom, in the toilet, in the sink, in the bathtub, in the kitchen sink, sometimes into a towel. It was intense. I had no time to recover in between the contractions. We had some struggles with the birth tub, and realized that the tub was not going to be an option.
I had to find another birth plan, but survival became my birth plan. I paced, I cried, I reached out for Jen and found her always there, always steady, always calm, always breathing. She reminded me when the transition was happening (since I had forgotten everything about birthing at this point) and kept me always calm and grounded. I asked her to help me, maybe even pleaded with her, and at the very end as the baby was crowning and emerging, I found my head in her lap. She became my mother in those moments, which I did not realize I needed. The entire time I had tried to convince myself I could do it alone, but Jen's presence along with the amazing expertise and wisdom of my midwives, and the deep love of my partner, was the support I truly needed in having such a beautiful birth. That evening, Tiffany came to help take away the tub, and I felt doubly blessed that both women were able to be with me during the delicate hours after the baby was born. Tiffany brought love and care just after the baby was born and I appreciated her visit more than words can describe. The follow up visits with Jen were my lifeline to postpartum care.
I truly don't know what I would have done without these women every minute of our meetings and togetherness. I am grateful grateful grateful for the healing and love in the work they do.
- JS
"We felt very supported throughout the entire process"My husband and I met with Tiffany and Jen after getting a recommendation for Tiffany from a friend. Even our first "get-to-know-you" meeting was helpful as Tiffany and Jen offered suggestions and answers to questions that we had. Tiffany and Jen offered a lot of support and suggestions for coping with an induction, which came as a surprise late in pregnancy. When the induction process began, Jen was on call and offered lots of support via text and phone, as I was still in early labor. She was diligent about checking in with us. My latent labor continued for a couple days, so that by the time I went into active labor, Tiffany was the doula on call. Their communication and being able to reach both of them was seamless. During labor, Tiffany was supportive and encouraging as my labor and pushing progressed fairly quickly. I was most impressed with Tiffany and Jen's genuine concern for us as a family, especially in the post-partum period. We had a visit with Tiffany about 4 days after the baby was born and Jen called a week later to check-in on us as well. We felt very supported throughout the entire process, and I would whole heartedly recommend Puget Sound Doulas!
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When a planned out of hospital birth transfers...I chose to work with Tiffany and Jen because they were supportive to each other as a team, I trusted and felt comfortable with them from the moment that I met them, and because they were responsive when I was in great need of finding a doula for my first birth.
Jen was the doula who attended my birth and did my prenatal and postnatal follow-up. Additionally, Tiffany helped with advice and support, even providing things like a breast pump that I could borrow, along the way. Fortunately, even though the birth of my first child did not go as planned, Jen was there with me from early labor, to transition, pushing, and delivery. I never could have anticipated the events that unfolded during birth, but I was so happy that I had planned for someone like Jen to be there with me! She was a true friend who even took pictures for me, that no one else in my family was able to get, during the birth and delivery. I will always be thankful for the support that I received through Jen and Tiffany. -KH |
Supporting a Single Mother
"My relationship with the father fizzled and I found myself going through this birth process alone. I did a lot of research online and in books however I realized I really needed a support person looking out for me before going into labor and in the delivery room. Tiffany came to me as a reference from another friend doula who lived and worked out of state. Tiffany is very personable and I like that she has a sizable mixed family. She was really open to my unique situation and very supportive of my wishes. I never could have fathomed the support a doula provides without having gone through this process with Tiffany. In fact the birth father ended up being in the delivery room with me along with my twin sister and I still can't imagine going thru this process without a doula. She advocated for me with the other midwives and answered questions I wasn't able to even ask. She explained the process every step of the way and was extremely informative and level headed. Originally I didn't want my delivery recorded in any way however Tiffany asked if I minded if she took some pictures. I assumed these were for her website and not for me so I consented. After the process was finished she sent me the collection of pictures and I was amazed at how appreciative I was for having them afterwards! The whole process was a bit of a blur including who was helping me when and seeing the documented proof helped me to piece events together and also helped me experience everything again. Not only is she a great doula but she's a really good photographer. The pictures were artistic and professional and I am so grateful to have them. I would definitely use Tiffany again and my sister agreed and said she would hire Tiffany for her birth!" - DD
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Supporting a Birth Center Birth
"Tiffany was an encouragement, support and strong tower during our labor and delivery. From the moment my water broke – at eight o’clock in the evening – she was available throughout the night giving advice, instruction, and peace of mind as my body was beginning the labor process. Because of her vast knowledge and experience she was able to instruct us on labor positions that would work with my body rather than against it. As a teacher and encourager for my husband, she would coach him on how to best assist me through each stage of labor.
Upon my request, she arrived at our home in the early morning hours. Her presence brought my husband and me peace of mind because she reassured us each new sensation was normal. We arrived at the birth center around 8am, at which point I was well into active labor. In the early afternoon, the labor took a difficult turn. My cervix swelled during the pushing stage and the baby was unable to progress down the birth canal. I had to spend the next 3 hours lying on a bed trying to relax and keep my body from pushing when everything in me wanted to push. Tiffany strength, consistency, and patience got me through the most painful hours of labor. Her eyes never left mine. Even though there is no break in the contractions, she kept me calm, present, alert and breathing. When my son arrived at 7:40pm, there was sheer relief and celebration. Because of Tiffany’s support, strength, encouragement and determination we were able to walk through one of the most difficult and life giving experiences as a family. We will never forget your loving care! And, the pictures she took of the birth– we will cherish for a lifetime!!! Thank you!" - DB |
Supporting a Father Who Experienced Birth Trauma With The Birth of Their First Baby
"We hired Tiffany for our second pregnancy and birth experience, and as a Dad, I'm really glad we did. Tiffany did a great job of helping us to feel relaxed and connected and positive, even though we had a very difficult first birth. The decision to hire Tiffany was easy. She made it clear from the beginning that her focus was on the finish line, a happy and healthy birth, and not dogma. She also emphasized the role of the Dad , and a belief that her job is to help the Dad help the Mom. Now that the birth is finished and all are happy and healthy, i've thought about some of the most important things Tiffany did to make our birth successful:
* Behind the scenes advocacy. We didn't even realize until after the birth that Tiffany had been working with the nurses at our hospital to allow us to do things our way, to get services faster and to get answers. Tiffany is knowledgeable enough to know what to ask for and tactful enough to ask without causing a distraction.
* Prenatal support. Tiffany did a great job helping my wife to get her head into a positive space, visualize success and generally get ready for the birth.
* Calming wisdom. At a couple of points in the process we got tense and nervous. Tiffany recognized when our mood was shifting and did some great, and often very subtle things to help us chill out and stay positive. That meant a lot.
* Helping the helper. Without even realizing it, Tiffany definitely helped me be a better birth partner. She did a great job of pointing me to the things I could do, helping me make decisions and making sure I had the food/sleep/water/oxygen I needed to stay in the game.
*One last point: my wife is very Type A. She knows how she wants things to go and will do a lot to make sure that vision actually happens. Tiffany was a great match for her, mostly because she knew how to flex so that my wife could feel listened to, but turn her attention to what really mattered. That turned out to be really important." BG
* Behind the scenes advocacy. We didn't even realize until after the birth that Tiffany had been working with the nurses at our hospital to allow us to do things our way, to get services faster and to get answers. Tiffany is knowledgeable enough to know what to ask for and tactful enough to ask without causing a distraction.
* Prenatal support. Tiffany did a great job helping my wife to get her head into a positive space, visualize success and generally get ready for the birth.
* Calming wisdom. At a couple of points in the process we got tense and nervous. Tiffany recognized when our mood was shifting and did some great, and often very subtle things to help us chill out and stay positive. That meant a lot.
* Helping the helper. Without even realizing it, Tiffany definitely helped me be a better birth partner. She did a great job of pointing me to the things I could do, helping me make decisions and making sure I had the food/sleep/water/oxygen I needed to stay in the game.
*One last point: my wife is very Type A. She knows how she wants things to go and will do a lot to make sure that vision actually happens. Tiffany was a great match for her, mostly because she knew how to flex so that my wife could feel listened to, but turn her attention to what really mattered. That turned out to be really important." BG
Supporting an Unplanned Emergency Csec
"Tiffany and my son were the only two “perfect” parts of my birth “wishlist.” My birth experience was far from smooth due to clashes between Western medical practices and more holistic prenatal and labor practices. My labor lasted 72 hours – with little sleep for my husband, Tiffany or myself. Tiffany was available through the whole span.My OB wanted to schedule an induction. We did not want an induction. Tiffany supported us by coming to our home for a extra meeting and discussed with us various natural labor inducers and strategized ways for avoiding a medically induced labor. Tiffany answered every little concern I had as my labor progressed.Each time we spoke with her, her voice was always very kind and gentle, and this brought us great comfort.Tiffany came to our home as I moved into active labor. She coached me through contractions while guiding my husband through readying the car for our trip to the hospital. At the hospital, with my labor progress stalled and at one point regressing, there was a lot of confusion and conflicts (between me, my OB, my husband, and the OB surgeon). Tiffany expertly and gracefully navigated the sensitive waters to gather all the important information and provided as much support as possible to me. She made sure I was never alone and asked clarifying questions to ensure mine and our baby’s best interest was protected.While I did end up with an emergency c-section (not a decision that any of us were given time to discuss or make), Tiffany supported my husband and me until the very end. After my return home from the hospital, Tiffany checked in within 24 hours. She laid in bed with me and comforted me as I grieved for the birth that wasn’t. More importantly, she taught me how to care for my son .Tiffany continues to support our whole family emotionally even three weeks after our son’s birth. I’m so grateful for her services, research, advice and now – most importantly – friendship." - JC
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Supporting a Planned Medicated Birth
Dad:
"My wife and I don't have any family in the area, so we needed someone to help us prepare for our first child. Being a pretty typical guy, I just went along for the ride and left it up to my wife to find someone that she was comfortable with. She wanted someone who wasn't going to push an agenda or philosophy and would work with us to develop a plan. Tiffany was a perfect match for both of us. When we first met her she listened to what we wanted, and gave us the information we needed. She helped both of us during labor and birth - I can't imagine how it would have been without her there. After coming home, she helped us find breastfeeding support. I can't recommend her highly enough - She made a great experience even better!" - BH Mom: "I feel like I got really lucky to have Tiffany as my doula. I appreciated that she didn't have her own agenda as to whether my birth was going to be medicated, unmedicated, at a hospital, or at home. She let me have the experience that I wanted and supported me tremendously. During labor she seemed to instinctively know the right thing to say at the right time and it really helped me to focus and not panic. After James was born she was an invaluable wealth of knowledge and resources. I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding at first and she hooked me up with a milk donor and called up a breastpump company and I had a pump that day. She also is readily available for any questions that I have had either by phone, email, or Facebook. I can't say enough great things about her." - AH |
Supporting a Home Birth after 2 Prior C-Sections
"My husband and I met Tiffany in my 36Th week of my third pregnancy, she was referred to us by my midwife. Usually I have a hard time talking to people but Tiffany was so easy to talk to she made me feel very comfortable. When she walked in my bedroom during my labor at home I immediately felt at ease just knowing she was there she is very kind, gentle and soft spoken. For me the struggle with this birth was that I was trying for a home birth after 2 c-sections, she gave me the courage and strength to believe in myself just with her presents and kind words. Thanks for being there Tiffany, thanks for everything. My husband and I will never forget you and the rest of the team of great people that where at our house that beautiful morning." -RG
Supporting a VBAC
"I had a negative experience with the hospital birth of my first child five years ago, which ended in an unnecessary c-section. I had an instant connection with Tiffany. We decided to hire her because of her extensive knowledge and her experience with VBACs, home birth and hospital birth. I had planned on having a home birth, but a week before my due date began having painful prodromal labor which lasted for two weeks. Tiffany came to my house multiple times to check on me. She kept in constant communication with me, and offered advice on how to deal with the pain. After two weeks of prodromal labor, my water broke, but I still did not go into active labor. My midwife advised me to go to transfer to the hospital for my birth. I was scared, and heartbroken that the dream I had for this birth was not going to happen. Tiffany was amazing during this time. I did not want to give up on a completely natural birth, but Tiffany saw the clock was ticking and kept me focused on my ultimate goal, which was a vaginal birth. She laid out my options for me, translating the doctor speak into a language that my husband and I understood. She also helped me let go of the dream I had for the birth, and let go of the fear I had due to my previous birth. Once I did that, and decided to have an epidural and a little pitocin, my labor progressed fairly quickly. Tiffany did not leave our side once, and kept both my husband and I calm and focused on our goal. When I was having difficulty finding the strength to push, Tiffany was right by my side encouraging me, and I was able to give birth to my 9lb 11.5oz little boy vaginally. It was not the birth I had dreamed of, but it was just as empowering, exhilarating and joyful as I had dreamed. Without Tiffany's help, I do not think I would have had such an amazing birth in the hospital. " - EW
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Supporting Families with Past Birth Trauma
"After a birth experience with our first child that really wasn't all we had hoped for, we decided to hire a doula for our second birth. We knew right away she was the person for us-calm, reassuring, knowledgeable and flexible. My hope was to have an unmedicated birth, but given my intense back labor the first time, I knew I was going to need some strong support in place, and Tiffany was just that! During our labor, she supported my husband as he applied pressure to my hips to counter the back labor. She made sure I stayed hydrated, suggested position changes (most of which I turned down, standing and leaning over the bed seemed to work best for me). She never insisted that I do what she recommended, she always allowed me to make the decisions about what felt best. Her verbal encouragement and cool washcloths to my neck were a lifesaver during my intense 4 hour labor. When it came time to push, I started in a position where I wasn't making much progress, so Tiffany suggested that I move to my side. I REALLY didn't want to, but I'm glad that I listened to her because as soon as I moved, baby Delilah decided to arrive much more quickly! There really is something to be said about having a support person there who has a large "bag of tricks" and is able to recognize what the physical signs are telling you about how the labor is progressing. I don't hesitate at all in recommending Tiffany!" - CA
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Supporting a Home VBAC
"My labor came on fast and hard, and I was already well into active labor when I called the doula I had expected to use. Unfortunately, she was at another birth and said she would send a back-up. I was too far into labor to care, although normally this would have been pretty upsetting. I wasn’t even sure I wanted a doula because I didn’t want someone who was essentially a stranger to be a part of my private homebirth (which was also a VBAC).
When Tiffany walked in, I was already in very intense labor and she immediately jumped in. She was the only one supporting me for a while, as my husband was busy with our four year old and the midwives had not yet arrived. She was amazing. Incredibly gentle, but firm in her suggestions. I don’t know how she survived all my hollering directly into her ears. My labor was an extremely intense eight hours (starting at 1 am) with no breaks between contractions. She was on-call the entire time and did not get a moment’s rest. I could not have done it without her and would absolutely recommend her to anyone. She is very gifted at supporting a birthing woman, meeting them exactly where they are and helping them have the birth experience they were meant to have. I am so glad she was a part of my home VBAC." JC
When Tiffany walked in, I was already in very intense labor and she immediately jumped in. She was the only one supporting me for a while, as my husband was busy with our four year old and the midwives had not yet arrived. She was amazing. Incredibly gentle, but firm in her suggestions. I don’t know how she survived all my hollering directly into her ears. My labor was an extremely intense eight hours (starting at 1 am) with no breaks between contractions. She was on-call the entire time and did not get a moment’s rest. I could not have done it without her and would absolutely recommend her to anyone. She is very gifted at supporting a birthing woman, meeting them exactly where they are and helping them have the birth experience they were meant to have. I am so glad she was a part of my home VBAC." JC
Supporting a Precipitous Birth
"We wanted to hire a doula in order to give us some peace of mind and a primary point of contact in the face of an overwhelming amount of information and opinions about childbirth. Although we felt like we were doing our part in reading books and taking a birth class, we were worried that when it came time for labor, it would be difficult to remember all the coping techniques or to be able to make informed decisions in case labor was complicated. We were hoping to have a natural childbirth if possible but were lacking in confidence to do this on our own in a hospital setting. Our first impression of Tiffany was that she was very knowledgeable and respectful of our wishes. It also became quickly apparent that she was always easily accessible and responded to our questions very promptly. When labor started, Tiffany was in close touch by phone until it was time for her to join us. We had a relatively fast birth which really raised our anxiety but Tiffany was a very calming presence and an effective coach especially during the most difficult times. She was also a great advocate for comfort measures that the hospital staff did not readily offer. She maintained a great balance of standing back to allow us a sense of control but intervening as needed or as requested in a soothing and straightforward manner. We were able to have a natural childbirth and felt really positive about the overall experience. Tiffany was also great about taking pictures along the way and giving us some much needed support with breastfeeding." - BB
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Supporting a Birth Center Transfer
"We chose Tiffany as our doula because of her confidence, kindness and peace that we could sense when we met her. Also, Tiffany attended our friends’ birth, and they loved her. We were not disappointed! My labor & delivery was not the unmedicated, birth-center birth we had planned on having. Instead, I had prodromal & back labor, so I decided to go to the hospital and have an epidural. Tiffany gave me the information and support that I needed to make a compassionate decision for myself. My labor started on a Tuesday afternoon and our baby was born on Thursday evening. Tiffany was with us all along our route to having our baby—from our home to the birth center to our midwives’ office to the hospital. She was there. Her presence was never overpowering, but gave my husband and me a sense of security in a situation that might have otherwise felt frightening. Even though my birth story wasn’t what I had planned or dreamed about, there are two important elements to my story that stand out and make it beautiful to me: 1) An incredible team who was with me from start to finish (my husband, Tiffany, and my midwife), and 2) Those first, precious, bonding moments when my baby boy was on my chest. I have a photo of this that makes me cry or smile every time I see it. The focus is on my baby lying on my chest as I look at him, and Tiffany is in the background next to me, smiling as she watches us. I wish that every woman could have this kind of a birth story, in which she is lovingly cared for as she brings a new life into the world. Birthing a child is a sacred experience, and I am thankful to have had Tiffany as a part of mine." - HE
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Supporting a Medical Induction
"I knew that I wanted a doula long before I even became pregnant. I envisioned my doula advocating for me as the patient, guiding and assisting me during labor, and helping my husband feel useful and involved during the birth. Tiffany was the first and only doula we interviewed. It was apparent during our initial interview with Tiffany that she was not only very passionate about her work, but that she was professional, approachable, committed, and had a significant amount of knowledge and experience as both a doula and a mother.
From the beginning, we were so impressed with Tiffany's level of commitment to us and to her work. Once my labor began, she was with us from beginning to end. She arrived at the hospital and was immediately able to connect with us and the medical staff in a very personal and professional way. She provided me and my husband with direction when needed (i.e what positions to try, when a bath may be helpful, breathing techniques, etc), helping us to work as a team during the entire birthing process.
Tiffany lead me through labor and delivery with nothing but motivation, encouragement, and support. She helped me to make some very difficult decisions during labor. It was wonderful to have someone, not a part of the medical staff, that could provide me with honest, non-judgemental advice. I truly believe that it was this open and honest communication that helped me to make decisions and feel empowered during my birth. Twenty-four hours later, and with Tiffany and my husband by my side, I had the most perfect, peaceful and beautiful birth. I thank Tiffany for all of her prenatal and postnatal love and support. I would recommend Tiffany to anyone and everyone. Our experience with Tiffany convinced me even more that having a doula is an essential part of the birthing process. " - AW
From the beginning, we were so impressed with Tiffany's level of commitment to us and to her work. Once my labor began, she was with us from beginning to end. She arrived at the hospital and was immediately able to connect with us and the medical staff in a very personal and professional way. She provided me and my husband with direction when needed (i.e what positions to try, when a bath may be helpful, breathing techniques, etc), helping us to work as a team during the entire birthing process.
Tiffany lead me through labor and delivery with nothing but motivation, encouragement, and support. She helped me to make some very difficult decisions during labor. It was wonderful to have someone, not a part of the medical staff, that could provide me with honest, non-judgemental advice. I truly believe that it was this open and honest communication that helped me to make decisions and feel empowered during my birth. Twenty-four hours later, and with Tiffany and my husband by my side, I had the most perfect, peaceful and beautiful birth. I thank Tiffany for all of her prenatal and postnatal love and support. I would recommend Tiffany to anyone and everyone. Our experience with Tiffany convinced me even more that having a doula is an essential part of the birthing process. " - AW
Supporting a Father During Unmedicated Birth
"As a first time father hiring a Doula was the best thing I could have done for me and my wife. We took the prerequisite birthing classes read a bunch of books... but the services Tiffany provided are what really helped us get through and more importantly get what we wanted out of the birth process/experience. Tiffany has the most calming and reassuring demeanor. Her presence alone makes everything feel alright. My wife's water broke at 3am and we didn't go to the Hospital until 7 pm. Throughout that time my wife talked with Tiffany on a routine basis. Every time my wife got off the phone with her she was reassured and a little less stressed. It meant a lot to be able to speak with someone who had "done this before". I could remind my wife of what we learned in classes, read... but there is something to be said about EXPERIENCE. Once we got to the hospital things progressed very quickly. We arrived at triage at 7:30 pm and the baby was born at 9:00 pm. During that 1.5 hours Tiffany was able to literally finish my wife's sentences. She new exactly what was happening, why it was happening and what we could do to comfort my wife. I thought I would be scared during the delivery process but watching Tiffany interact with my wife helped calm and reassure me. A Doula is not just for the mother. In different ways I found her just as valuable as my wife did. It is very tough to watch your wife suffer through labor and have literally no idea what she is feeling or how painful it is. Tiffany helped me cope with that just as much as she helped my wife deliver our beautiful baby girl with no intervention." - JF
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Supporting Unmedicated Hospital Birth
"Our experience having Tiffany be a part of our first child's birth was amazing. With both of our families on the east coast, we were looking for someone who could ease our first-baby fears about labor, delivery, bringing baby home, etc. Tiffany was the answer to those questions and more! At our pre-labor appointment she came armed with info about birthplans and really helped us narrow our focus to what we wanted from the labor/birth experience. She recommended the birth classes we ended up attending and was a resource well beyond the labor and delivery portion of our experience.
Calm, cool and armed with experience, I am certain that it was working with Tiffany that enabled me to delivery my baby without any interventions. We delivered at Evergreen Hospital and the midwife raved after our delivery about much she enjoyed working with Tiffany-she assured us that we had found a very special person in Tiffany-something that we whole-heartedly agreed with. After coming home from the hospital, Tiffany made herself available based on our schedule for our post-partum appointment and it was with her help that we gave our son his first bath while she gave pointers and took photos for us. I can't say enough good things about Tiffany and her presence at our son's birth. We feel so blessed to have worked with her and I certainly have her on speed dial when we're ready for baby #2." - ER |
Supporting a 43 Hour Labor/Shoulder Dystocia
From the first day I met Tiffany, I was so impressed with her vast knowledge about pregnancy/chidbirth. She ALWAYS made herself available to me, night and day, and never made me feel as though any question I had was unimportant. My labor started at around 4am and we were off to the hospital by 10. Tiffany had another client who went into labor that morning, so she wasn't able to come be with me right away. She sent her back-up Doula, Kate (who was equally as amazing and helped me immensley through the first 26 hours of med-free labor) until she could come be with us. Tiffany periodically checked on us and checked in with Kate even though she wasn't there with us. When she arrived to take over for Kate I had just got my epidural and was much less stressed than earlier. Throughout the next 17 hours, Tiffany was a breath of fresh air and so encouraging. Looking back, I don't know how I would have coped without her calm demeanor, willingness to ask the doctors questions and be my voice when I was too exhausted/in pain to speak up for myself, and simply be at my side when I needed her. When it came time to push, she suggested different positions/props that I could use and if there was a dip in the baby's heart rate or something else we needed to attend to right away she was right there, also letting my partner know what he could do to help. When I felt as though I couldn't do it anymore and the medicine had worn off, her encouraging words gave me the extra strength I needed to push. As my beautiful baby boy made his way into the world, Tiffany was a heaven-sent presence in the delivery room. I am forever grateful to have met her and have a great love and respect for her. I would definitely like to have her at my next birth and feel confident that anyone who gets the chance to meet her and/or have her as their Doula will be equally as impressed." -AS
Doula-ing The Doula
It’s taken me a long time to write this, because I feel like I can’t properly articulate how amazing Tiffany is. As a doula for 12+ years myself, I had much professional admiration for tiffany as a doula and since having her at my birth I have much personal love and respect for her as well.
I had prodromal labour for almost 3 weeks before I actually gave birth and Tiffany helped keep me sane throughout it. When real labour started I was already out of it and exhausted, furthermore I had sprained ligaments and horrific back labour on top of the normal contractions, so I don’t have much memory of my labour.
What I do remember is Tiffany. I remember locking eyes with her many times and that was the only thing that kept me from spinning out of control. I remember her stroking my head and every time I didn’t want to do something and would say “I can’t do that” she would tell me “You said that before and you did everything else you couldn’t do.” She sat behind me and held me up while I was pushing (My mom says “your doula was white-knuckled on the edge of the bed to support you!”)
Long story short, even though I’m a doula with years of experience and over 200 births, I couldn’t have handled my own without Tiffany! My husband and I will be forever grateful.
~Mali Munch Hawthorne
I had prodromal labour for almost 3 weeks before I actually gave birth and Tiffany helped keep me sane throughout it. When real labour started I was already out of it and exhausted, furthermore I had sprained ligaments and horrific back labour on top of the normal contractions, so I don’t have much memory of my labour.
What I do remember is Tiffany. I remember locking eyes with her many times and that was the only thing that kept me from spinning out of control. I remember her stroking my head and every time I didn’t want to do something and would say “I can’t do that” she would tell me “You said that before and you did everything else you couldn’t do.” She sat behind me and held me up while I was pushing (My mom says “your doula was white-knuckled on the edge of the bed to support you!”)
Long story short, even though I’m a doula with years of experience and over 200 births, I couldn’t have handled my own without Tiffany! My husband and I will be forever grateful.
~Mali Munch Hawthorne
Seattle Birth Doula support for home births, water births, hospital births, birth center births, VBAC births in Seattle, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, Snohomish, Bellevue and surrounding areas. Additional services include Placenta Encapsulation in Seattle, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Everett, Edmonds, Snohomish, Bellevue, and surrounding areas and excellent local resources for Childbirth Education Classes, Maternity, Birth, & Newborn Photography, and more. Learn about the difference home birth Midwifery care during pregnancy and birth can make with Seattle Midwives.
