Being pregnant for the first time, completely shocked and surprised, I was very overwhelmed by how many decisions there were when it came to the birth. Having Tara’s presence, and the resources she provided, before the birth made Jay and I completely comfortable and prepared for the birth of our son. When the time finally came her voice and massage was able to calm my body and allow me to relax between contractions. With her knowledge of the birthing process she was able to advise us at the point we needed to make the move to the hospital. With her help I was able to have the most enjoyable birth and have it all as I had anticipated, I know I would not have been able to have the same experience without her by our side.
Nicky
Although complications during my first delivery necessitated an epidural, I was hopeful that my second baby could be born without the use of medication. As a nurse, I felt that I was well educated with the medical aspect of birth but I was eager to see how Tara could help me cope with the pain during labour. Tara used counterpressure, water therapy and vocalization to help me distract my mind from the pain. This allowed me to find a rhythm through each contraction which enabled my body to do what it needed to do. Her calming presence and constant encouragement helped me believe I could make it through each contraction, even when it felt impossible, and reassured me that what I was feeling and doing was exactly what I needed to do. Without her, I don't know that I could have made it without medication.
Tannis
As a first time mom I was looking for any and all ways of making my birth as natural and comfortable as possible to help me deal with my anxiety around labor and delivery. From early in my pregnancy Tara helped to ease my fears by providing me with research and literature that focused on childbirth as a normal, natural, beautiful process rather then a medical issue or ailment as many resources seem to present it. As my pregnancy continued she was always able to answer my questions and help build my self-confidence that my body, mind and spirit would rise to the occasion. I felt so at peace, calm, and informed that when my labor began 4 weeks early I managed to do the majority of my laboring at home, by myself in the peace and serenity of an early spring morning. By remembering Tara's advice to find my rhythm during labor I was able to remain at home until I was ready for the actual delivery. Tara met my husband and I at the hospital where I was immediately rushed into delivery as the baby was crowing and ready to be born. At this point my and my husband's anxiety did begin to rise a bit as we were not expecting the process to be so quick but Tara reassured as that my body was efficient and knew what it was doing and through massage, visualization, and breathing helped me through my very quick birth.
Although my birth went very smoothly, my first few weeks in motherhood were very rough. My daughter, being so small, needed to eat every 2 hours around the clock, my husband was in his busy time at work, and I was suffering from postpartum depression. Having Tara around to help with cleaning, fixing light meals, and giving me a break to get some much needed sleep really helped me through the first few months and was an invaluable service. I have recommended Tara's services to many of my pregnant friends and will continue to encourage pregnant women to consider having a doula present at their birth.
Jessica
I'll always be grateful for Tara's support at the birth of my third child, Charley. She knew just what to offer be it a cold cloth, massage, water, or a prayer. As I was going through labor I didn't know what I wanted, but Tara knew just what might make me feel more at ease. She took walks with me and helped me change into more comfortable positions. She respected my choices and gave good advice when I didn't know what to do. Her presence helped me relax. She encouraged me through the pain and gave me positive feedback when I needed to know how labor was going. She reminded me I had given birth before and could do it again. The time Tara spent with me allowed my husband to take breaks to check on our other children. She enjoyed with us a new little life coming into the world and I'm so thankful she was there. I'll forever treasure our friendship that all started through this pregnancy and birthing experience!
Jana
Tara's presence before, during, and after the birth of my third son made an incredible difference. Having had two less than ideal births, I was anxious about the prospect of the same type of delivery. My desire was to have the most natural birth possible. Tara was able to dispel many of the fears I had before the birth by making me aware of the options I had. The information and encouragement she gave, and her ability to help me pinpoint the root of my fears gave me a great deal of confidence. During the delivery, Tara was very supportive of every decision I made and worked well with my obstetrician. She was there to comfort and encourage when needed and she had the wisdom to fade into the background when not needed. I will never forget how she soothed me by wiping my face with a cool washcloth during the hardest contractions. Because she was there to tend to my needs, my husband was able to relax and actually enjoy the miracle of birth. After the birth, Tara provided me with all the support I needed by allowing me to call when I had questions or concerns or just big news to share. Best of all, because I was able to deliver naturally, my recovery time was very quick. Out of the three births I have experienced, Tara's presence made the last the most natural - and by far - the most peaceful.
Karen
When I became pregnant with my second son, Tara told me she would be happy to assist me in the birthing process, as she was a doula. I was hesitant to accept her help at first, but decided to, and discovered that her presence was paramount. She seemed to be very connected to the whole experience, as if she knew exactly what to do or not to do, when to talk, and what was helpful. I was elated to give birth without the use of any pain medication. I can honestly say my labor was an experience I look back on with wonderful thoughts. It was painful, but Tara's help made it a positive experience for me and my husband.
Dianna
My husband and I were scheduled to deliver our fourth child in a hospital; just as the other three of our children had been delivered. I was apprehensive due to the lack of control over my own decisions I had in the normal medical system. After meeting with Tara, learning what a doula was all about (through her information and my own research), I enlisted her support. She outlined many of my labor and delivery options, and she quickly soothed my fears, regaining my confidence in my body's naturally created ability. It turns out we had the opportunity to birth at an alternative birthing center with the assistance of a midwife. With my husband and Tara by my side, we water birthed our second son (fourth child) into the world, drug free! Tara was a wonderful addition to our experience. She enabled my husband and I to labor intimately while supporting me both emotionally and physically when needed. She is gifted with the perfect timing for encouragements and gentle massage, as well as other laboring techniques. We have not completely decided if we are finished having children, but, if we decide to have another, we will definitely be asking for Tara's presence at that birth, too!!!
Beverly
While I was pregnant with Landon, I did hear about the services that a doula would provide for my husband and I throughout my pregancy, labour/delivery and post-pregnancy. But I wasn't exactly sure if I really wanted to look into that possibility. That was before I met Tara... I met Tara at a mom's group event that I joined while I was pregnant. After speaking with Tara for a short time, she inspired me to do some research on having a doula. My husband of course was a little reluctant, but after meeting with Tara, he too was interested in having her as our doula. I am so very grateful to Tara for providing us with her vast knowledge in childbirth. She was always ready to answer any questions we had as well as provide us with some studies to read so we felt confident in our choices for labour and delivery. We were so glad to have Tara present during the labour and birth of our little Landon. She was so nurturing, supportive and encouraging during labour that I really felt like I could keep going. She was great at making sure that my needs were being met based on our conversations prior to labour. She also was great at trying new ideas to help me cope with the pain based on my reactions to the pain. I will most definitely be interested in having Tara with us again for the birth of our second child.
Rosanna
