Birthing Embrace

We were there for a recent baby box event. My husband and I both really enjoyed all the presentations and info we received there. Thank you very much!

Having Anastasia as part of my doula team, especially while I laboured at home, made a world of difference to both myself and my husband. It really helped to have a constant reassurance that what I was going through was normal and expected. I am happy to have had people in the delivery room who were on my side and dedicated to keeping me comfortable, hydrated, informed, and cared for. I would highly recommend Birthing Embrace!

I chose Ana as my doula because her calm and kind disposition put me at ease right away. My partner and I didn't have a specific birth plan but I was far away from my immediate family and closest friends and was looking for some extra support. Ana provided me with all the information I needed to make informed decisions and encouraged me to explore what I was capable of. Since I came to her late in my pregnancy, I had already been working with obstetricians and they recommended I be induced at 39 weeks because I was over 40. Ana was with us every step of the way and answered all my questions. When I finally began having strong contractions after being induced, she came to our apartment and ended up sleeping on the floor beside our bed and coaching me through so that we didn't go to the hospital too early. The next day we did go and I was seven and a half centimetres dilated and was admitted right away. Ana ran a bath for me and she and my husband took turns sitting with me for several hours. She provided a great deal of support to me and my husband throughout the entire process including four hours of pushing! When I first became pregnant, I thought that I just wanted a healthy baby and that it didn't matter how he or she came into the world and since I was 41 with my first, I was told that there was a higher chance that I would have a c-section. In the end, I took it step by step and when Ana and my husband said I could do it, I started believing them. I had 34 hours of labour and delivered vaginally with no epidural and we now have the most beautiful baby boy. I'm not sure I would have believed in myself enough to do that if I hadn't had Ana's support. Her service is amazing and she completely invests all of herself into giving her clients the most positive birth experience possible. I was told a lot of different things about being pregnant at my age but Ana knew that I was healthy and strong and had faith that I could have a natural birth. Hiring her was the best thing I did for myself and our baby during my pregnancy. I would recommend Ana with all my heart to any mother-to-be.

I had the birth of my dreams, and it is so largely attributed to Ana! She is so attentive, caring and passionate about birth. Extremely knowledgeable, but doesn't push her own agenda on you - she will listen to all your concerns/requests and accommodate wonderfully. My husband and I both agree that things would have turned out very differently had we not had Ana with us. We would highly recommend her regardless of what kind of birth you are planning - her support is invaluable!

From the first moment of meeting Ana, I knew I was in good hands. She is very kind, knowledgeable and puts you at ease right away. I found her late in my pregnancy, and was seeking knowledgeable support in my natural hospital birth. She put my fears at ease and helped me to find the strength in voice to put forward what I wanted in my birth to my doctor and in my birth plan at the hospital.

From the beginning I knew I wanted as natural a birth as possible and to stay at home as long as possible, but I needed knowledgeable support to help me in this to keep my environment calm and to be my voice if I lose it in the midst of my first birth.

She was all this and more, throughout my birth from the time she arrived her calm presence added to the atmosphere of my birth. She was an anchor when needed and helped me to let go into each wave. When my fears took hold, she brought me back and helped me find my strength again. She was seamless in her help and support of my support as well.

In the hospital, where I was most afraid she never left my side and held my hand in the entire delivery. If I was lost I needed only look into her eyes and see her strength and belief in my abilities to keep moving forward.

My birth experience would not have been the same without her.

Her aftercare has been wonderful as well, in making sure my lil one and I are well supported and that our needs are met, she has many resources and knowledge about everything I’ve learned and faced so far as a first time mom.

If I were to have another child, Ana would be the first person I would contact to be there as my support.

I began by looking for support and left with a sister.