The positive and highly beneficial support of a Lubbock doula has been proven throughout the ages. From early times in history, we know that laboring women were typically supported by two women: her midwife/ caregiver, and a support woman who had most likely been through labor and delivery herself, who is now referred to as a Birth Doula (Doula is a Greek word that means "woman who serves.")
But the important role of a Birth Doula in a laboring woman's life was not left behind in history. Their positive role continues to shine through in the support that women in labor so desperately need, and deserve. Read on and see how other mothers, fathers, and babies in the Lubbock area have benefited from having a Birth by Design Labor Doula present throughout their labor and delivery period, and beyond!
Erin & Jeff
"Our prenatal visits with Ashli gave both my husband and me the confidence that we could achieve an unmedicated labor. I actually never feared labor and only felt excited -- I knew that with my husband and Ashli there with me, I could do it! She provided a wealth of information and was always available when I had questions outside of our prenatal visits. My husband was very involved in helping me prepare for labor and we both wanted the labor and delivery to be a special, private event for us as we welcomed our child into our lives. Several people asked us, thererefore, why we wanted a doula. In many ways, Ashli was as much a support to my husband as she was to me. Throughout labor, I always felt that my husband was my primary coach and support -- rather than replacing him or getting in the way of our special event, Ashli worked to encourage both of us and just seemed to know when to fade into the background so I could focus on myself or Jeff and when to be more present for me. My husband found that having Ashli there helped him be a better coach--despite all the books we read, Jeff found that he needed Ashli when the time came for me to actually have the baby. With her there, we were able to focus more on each other in the moment. When I went into labor very early on a Saturday morning, Ashli was only a phone call away. When we decided we were ready for her to come over to our house, she was there very quickly and then she went with us to the hospital when we felt it was time. She was ther for nearly all of my 15-hour labor, including the several very intense hours I spent in transition. Consistent with our birth plan, I did not receive any pain medication -- and I didn't even ask for it!"
Heather & Jason
"At 39 weeks, I was feeling prepared, calm, and very ready for our baby girl, Reagan Grace to join us. Through all education I'd gotten from books, classes, and our doula, Ashli, I did not fear giving birth at all, instead I was just excited and anxious for the day. The last couple of weeks of pregnancy, I experienced low fluid levels and had to go into the hospital for constant monitoring. Since I was already 2 cm dilated, we decided to try the natural inducement of stripping the membranes. An hour later, I was in early labor. I spent most of the first hours on the birth ball and I know that made a difference later on. By about 9:00 that evening, my contractions were getting more intense and I called Ashli, ready for extra help. ….By the time Ashli arrived, I was very focused on the labor and she jumped in with massaging my back, reminding me to relax, and watching me closely to see when another contraction was coming….. The birth ball made a difference I'm sure! I'm so glad Ashli was there taking tons of pictures as that was the last thing on our minds as our baby girl entered the world. They put her on my chest immediately and within minutes she was nursing away. What a magical experience! Jason cut her cord and helped give her her first bath while the doctors took care of me. So my advice to any pregant mother: invest in a doula if at all possible, ask every imaginable question, be as educated as possible, and don't be afraid to stand up to doctors and do what's best for you and your baby. If you are prepared and unafraid, it will make the experience wonderful!"
Chelsie & Patrick
coming soon!
Angel
coming soon!
Heather & Wesley
Ashli was an amazing asset for the birth of our second daughter here in Lubbock. Our first daughter was born without the help of a doula and was a 23 hour process where I struggled with painful back labor for much of the time. I had entered that process with the intention of not taking pain medication, but after increasing doses of pitocin and hours of difficult labor, I decided to get an epidural and my daughter was born only an hour later. I still felt a great sense of accomplishment with that labor, but wanted to try for something different with my second child. This is where Ashli was a great help. She provided me a wealth of information on why back labor often occurs and how I could prepare myself, through various exercises and pain management techniques, for a smoother delivery this time. Well, it worked!!! My labor with Lydia was so different - so much easier and with no back labor - that I ended up getting to the hospital only 27 minutes before Lydia was born!!! And I did it, of course, without any pain medication. Ashli was such a help to me and my husband in those first hours after having Lydia - since we did not have any family here in Lubbock - that I don't know what we would have done without her.
Emily & Dustin
I had a very positive experience with Ashli for the birth of my first child in November. I knew that I definitely wanted a natural birth, but was worried I would have inadequate support. From the first time I met Ashli, I could see that she has a true passion for birth and her work as a doula. She was readily available for both questions and encouragement prior to labor, but the real work came during labor! She stayed with me during early labor at home, and then continued to support me at the hospital when my labor was more established. I can't say enough how much her support meant to me as I moved through labor-when I hit transition (the rock bottom of labor) she was right in my face reminding me to breathe. It was exactly what I needed, and I had the non-medicated birth I wanted. Even more importantly, her support didn't end with birth. When I had a rocky start to breastfeeding, she was there to encourage me that it would get better, and eventually it did. What Ashli does as a doula is so vital that I can't imagine having another birth without one. She is genuinely dedicated to the wellbeing of her mothers and babies; I can't recommend her highly enough.
Brenda & Dale
Ashli attended my December '07 home birth. It is hard to find an adjective strong enough to describe the support she provided. Since I had planned a home birth...pain medication was not an option. Ashli was by my side through the whole labor and delivery process. While my mid wife and her assistants were busy delivering my son...Ashli was right by my side reminding me to breathe and encouraging me through the whole delivery (it's amazing what you forget when you have a 9 lb child making his way out of your body...lol ). This was not my first pregnancy...but it was my first vaginal birth...I credit Ashli greatly for a successful VBAC. I look back on the birth of my son as a wonderfully spiritual, healthy, positive and empowering experience...very different from the medicated, hospital run labor that ended in a c-section 9 years ago. Thank You Ashli!!!!
Megan & Kevin
Ashli was such a wonderful blessing in helping my husband and I have the birth experience we hoped and planned for our first son. She was available to answer questions any time, and on the day of delivery was an essential part of keeping me calm and relaxed. Having someone that is so experienced in birth and has so many tips and tricks to help cope gave me and my husband the confidence to have a completely unmedicated birth. We highly recommend Ashli!
Check back soon for updated pictures and testimonies!