Hi! My name is Alyssa Weichert. I have 2 kids, Aubrey 3 and Chazden, 4 months. With Aubrey, I was left with a very traumatic birth experience. Ashley wasn't my doula for my first but she was my L&D nurse. When things went south after I had Aubrey, Ashley was the only person answering my questions, trying to explain what was happening, helping my husband understand what was going on and keeping me calm when I came to. She really went above and beyond for me so when I heard she was starting her own doula business I knew I had to have her support for my second pregnancy. Some people might think, "If you have an OB why do you need a doula?" I was asked this many times during my pregnancy. I guess because its not as common in the US. What I try to get people to understand is a doula is there for extra support, to be your advocate, to help you not just physically but mentally prepare for labor, to get you through the labor you have envisioned since the day you found out you were pregnant. Even after birth they are there to provide info and assist with any postpartum needs. I was so blessed to have Ashley during my second pregnancy, whenever I had a question or concern she was always there to answer every crazy question I had and she was amazing at putting my mind at ease when I was stressing out. To me, this was very important and helped me keep calm throughout my pregnancy. I felt like with my first pregnancy I wasn't taken serious by a lot of people and I didn't want to feel that way with my second. Ashley was one of few who made me feel valid and not like I was overreacting about the little things. Even if she knew I was, she didn't let me see that. I know I can be quite dramatic.
The weekly visits!!!! Ashley and I met twice a week to do prenatal stretches, controlled breathing, massages if I needed them, and caught up on what was new with my pregnancy. I was always thankful for the stretching, and breathing in preparation for labor but after actually giving birth, I was beyond grateful for all of the work that went into getting my body ready. Not only did I push 2 times and baby was out but I was able to go to a 7 or an 8 without any meds, learning how to breath through the contractions really helped me stay in control and get through the pain. I 100% know I would not have been able to do this without Ashley teaching me how and being by my side, coaching me through the contractions. I also didn't tear as much as I did with my first baby. (TMI sorry). I knew I was in good hands with Ashley. She is so smart and amazing at what she does. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her, you won't regret having her as your doula.