"Dear Alyssa,

I wanted to write and thank you again for being my doula.  I didn't know what to expect going into our relationship.  At our first meeting, it was clear how you were sincerely interested in my story.  I appreciated how you listened and supported me from the very beginning.  Your easy-going friendly nature eased any concerns I had about us connecting with each other.  In addition, I was grateful how you reached out to Doug, encouraging whatever level of participation he desired.

Throughout my pregnancy, you did so much for me:  attending my birthing classes, providing information, resources, and moral support, and going shopping with me.  Your calls to just 'check-in' were so thoughtful and reassuring.  I came to rely on you, and it helped knowing I always had your help!

Your gift as a coach became even more apparent during Kian's birth.  I had an amazing team, of which, you played a central role.  Throughout my labor, I heard your encouraging voice and felt your comforting touch.  After we forgot our camera, you stepped in, unplanned, and did a wonderful job of capturing those precious moments.  I would have been so disappointed not having such records and your taking them allowed us to be fully in the moment. ...

Since the birth, I've been amazed by our generous support in this equally important time.  ... You've celebrated with us as friends, and you are still there for us when we need you.

Alyssa, you have such deep commitment for what you do.  You give so much of yourself.  It all springs from your deep well of love and joy.  I am so thankful for all you've one for myself, Kian, and Doug, who is also grateful. ... Many blessings to you and your family!" 

We were blessed to have Alyssa present at the birth of our son Maxwell. Alyssa met with us several times in the months leading up to his birth, so by the time labor came, she was already a trusted friend. She was very supportive of our birth plan, striking a perfect balance between offering information and suggestions as we thought about what we wanted, and encouraging us to trust our instincts and desires for the birth. Alyssa met us at the hospital soon after we got there and stayed with us for the next 16 hours until Max arrived. She provided exactly what we needed during that long day, whether it was back massage, reminders about breathing, or simply refilling the water glass again and again. She also took lots of wonderful photos for us, which was truly a gift as we were of course focused on other things! Labor and birth would have been a much different experience without Alyssa there--her presence definitely changed it for the better. We were able to welcome Maxwell into the world without pain medication. This was our goal, and Alyssa was very supportive of that, though we also felt that if we had decided to go with medication, she would have supported our choice and never made us feel apologetic or guilty. We highly recommend Alyssa and would have her with us again in a heartbeat!