ALYSON THIEL DOULA
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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Services
    • Birth Support
    • Postpartum Support
    • Sibling Support
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Testimonials

I am so grateful for all of the families I have worked with over the years. Here are some words and images from some former clients.
Alyson's warmth and empathy were helpful and healing. She helped me process the news I needed a cesarean section.  Second, she advocated for me from the minute I checked in at the hospital. As a result, I could relax knowing she communicated my wishes to the healthcare professionals. As a result, I felt wonderfully taken care even when I became weak in the OR.
Alyson took several exceptional photos in the OR. She has an artist's eye and I'm thrilled my daughter's birth is captured so thoroughly and beautifully.
I would stress how proactive Alyson is throughout the entire hospital process. Along with being an exceptional advocate for my care, she played my favorite music and gave me a massage. She's authentic and creates an environment where the mom can be nurtured.
I appreciate how diligent Alyson is in making sure my postpartum needs are met. She took care of practical matters while also helping me work through the emotional challenges of my first few weeks as a new mother.

We got lucky with Alyson - she is kind and reserved which allowed us to feel safe and confident during our birth experience. It felt like it was just the two of us even when Alyson was there. My husband and I still had the experience we wanted to have together. Having an almost stranger (and now friend!) there did detract from the emotional experience of becoming a family. Alyson faded into the background and came forward for support at the appropriate times without needing to be asked. Once Alyson figured out what worked to get me through transition, she remained committed to keeping me in a flow.
Having a doula like Alyson left me feeling supported and accomplished in my birth experience. She was prepared to follow my birthing style and when it was clear that wasn’t working and I asked for assistance, she pulled out other tools that my husband and I couldn’t think of or hadn’t considered. It gave us such a satisfying experience!
-Beverly, Sam, and baby Hugh 
 
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Alyson is a warm and intuitive doula who takes initiative and will help in any way you need! She was an extra pair of hands, eyes, ears to help out with all things self-care and baby related! We really appreciated her can-do attitude and that she helped with whatever we needed, whether it be baby feeding troubleshooting tips, or amazing home-cooked meals :)
-Liz, Brady, and baby Daphne


Alyson was understanding, patient and respectful of my decisions and wishes. She helped me to bridge the gap of communication and advocacy between myself and medical staff and acted as my voice when I was not always able to articulate my needs.
Because I had specific plans for the birth of my baby, I had been planning also to rely on my heavily on my husband's support during this time. As many people know, things do not always follow our plans, specifically during childbirth. When things did not follow my plan, her presence and methods gave me courage and permission to allow for the unexpected and to let go of my ego and plans. It gave me more comfort know that when I was afraid of change, she helped me to be ok. I truly believe that is more valuable than conquering each item on my "checklist" and I feel stronger because of it.
I think that Alyson was extremely open and respectful of the entire process, from prenatal care to after birth. She brought with her presence that read that in the moment she was with me and my baby, I had absolutely no question that she was holding that space and focused 100% on us. She also was respectful of the family boundaries and knew when it was my husband's role and when to step in. I also think it was invaluable that she was conscious of language and ready to have a conversation about how to approach difficult topics and what not to say in certain situations.
She made my space comfortable, and used methods that were compatible with my style (tea, yoga, movement) and she made me laugh! I have a picture that she took of my baby after she was born that I can't help but laugh out loud every time I see it.
-Mikaila, Scott, and baby Rowan

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I am so incredibly grateful for the support I received from Alyson it is truly hard to capture it in words. Alyson's physical and emotional presence during the first few months postpartum helped me stay centered and grounded during a very challenging time. My baby was colic until 15 weeks and I don't know what I would have done without Alyson's guidance, support, and positive energy. Her supportive presence calmed and soothed me more than I would have thought.
I truly believe we were always meant to raise our children in a village and unfortunately in today's society we are often pressured to raise our children alone. Having a doula helped me create my own "village" where I was able to feel emotionally and physically supported by another woman. Alyson is calm, loving, and supportive. She always made sure I was emotionally and physically cared for so that I could better meet the needs of my baby. I truly believe all moms could benefit from having a doula by their side through birth and during the 4th trimester.
Alyson's positive energy and presence soothed me during the most challenging time of my life. It is because of her support that I was able to meet both my baby's needs as well as my own.
-Sheree, Jeremy, and baby Addison

Alyson Thiel

Serving families in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas

Email

alysonthieldoula@gmail.com

Phone

724-301-1574

Find me on Social Media

@alysonthieldoula