Testimonials & Baby Gallery
She seemingly effortlessly is able to intergrate her knowledge to normalize the experience for first timers.
I worked with Alaska McFadden for the first time at the beginning of her career as a doula at a long, intense home birth. Alaska was amazing. She had skills and instincts that can take a long time to develop and show up in a new doula. She was able to balance the needs and desires of the laboring woman with the families, and the health concerns of a long, exhausting labor. Alaska brought compassion and enthusiasm when appropriate, lightness and optimism when needed, and always professionalism. Her "bag of tricks" seemed endless for whatever the occasion deemed necassary. Most recently she was the doula with a family that needed to transfer to the hospital. Again, Alaska had the skills and ability to adapt to the hospital enviroment for a satisfying experience for the woman and her family. Alaska knows a lot of coping mechanisms and can help find what works best for each individual, and has an understanding of the health care side of labor, birth and post partum period. She seemingly effortlessly is able to intergrate her knowledge to normalize the experience for first timers.
My business partner and I have since recommended Alaska to a number of our clients and many hired her. We are looking forward to more birth experiences with Alaska!
Carol Bues DNP, LM, CNM, WHNP Midwifery Care NYC
Whenever anybody asks me about my deliveries my first response is I could have never done it without Alaska and everyone needs an Alaska.
I was lucky enough to have Alaska as my Doula for both of my girls births. When I look back on my experience I could never have imagined it without Alaska. She was there every step of the way preparing me for my births. Helping me through my anxiety and nervousness about jumping into the unknown. When it came time to deliver my girls she was there holding my hand and guiding me in the most gentle and securing way. I had to be induced with both of my girls. I labored for 36 hours with my first and six hours with my second. With both of my births my doctor and hospital team were eager to give me medical intervention but with the help of Alaska‘s guidance and calming nature with the medical team I was able to deliver both of my girls without any intervention. For sure without Alaska my first baby would’ve had to be delivered by C-section and with my second I would’ve gotten an epidural. Alaska was able to give me the births that I wanted and prepared so hard for. Whenever anybody asks me about my deliveries my first response is I could have never done it without Alaska and everyone needs an Alaska. I can never thank her enough for giving me the confidence and willingness to bring my girls into this world as peacefully as possible. She gave me the two greatest gifts in the world.
Alaska was both an advocate and a collaborator. She taught my husband how to support me and made him a huge part of my birth, which was important to me. Toward the end, when I started to doubt myself, she moved me right through it. She is a magical spirit and a brilliant teacher.
If you have the opportunity to work with Alaska, you absolutely should. Working with her was the best decision we made in preparing for birth. I had an unmedicated birth in a hospital. It was wild, primal and like nothing I had ever experienced. Alaska was there for all of it, 100% present and supportive, guiding me through it, supporting me physically with touch, squeezes, massage, and changing positions, and teaching me new positions, ways of breathing, vocalizing, moving, and thinking. She recreated the environment, from the lights to the sounds to the smells. She created calm, rhythm, strength, confidence and so many other things crucial to an empowering birth. She made me feel liberated, cared for, and safe.
Alaska was both an advocate and a collaborator. She taught my husband how to support me and made him a huge part of my birth, which was important to me. Toward the end, when I started to doubt myself, she moved me right through it. She is a magical spirit and a brilliant teacher.
Alaska and her partner Brittany provided incredible pre- and post- birth support. In preparation, they took the time to learn about me and to teach me key concepts to use during birth. Their postpartum support was above and beyond anything I expected or realized I would need. They were available 24/7 and helped me through postpartum and breastfeeding struggles. Having their support during such a vulnerable time made a huge difference.
My birth was an incredible experience and I have no doubt it was thanks in large part to Alaska. I am grateful beyond words.
My husband would like to add that he went into birth planning uncertain of whether we needed a doula. After experiencing birth, he agrees that working with Alaska was the best decision we made and says that if we have a second child, Alaska will be our first phone call. She is a magical force and just the person he didn’t know we absolutely needed in the room.
More than a doula, we found a friend, someone we could trust every step of the way.
I was 27 weeks pregnant when Alaska joined our birth journey on our first pregnancy. I had already changed care provider twice and finally decided to do a home birth which seemed more ethical and respectful to our family. In order to get ready for this beautiful experience, we wanted to hire a doula and meeting Alaska made me understand how important choosing the right provider and careteam means in such a unique moment of life. From the moment we met her until now, she's always been here to support us both emotionaly and by teaching us evidence based facts about pregnancy, labor, postpartum, lactation and so much more. More than a doula, we found a friend, someone we could trust every step of the way.
You being with us today, and both your and Brittany’s care and support and guidance has made our birth experience an absolute dream, and we are forever in your debt. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts”
”Sitting in the most quiet and peaceful space in what is ordinarily a sterile and stuffy unfamiliar room, watching them both sleep together for the first time, I am in the most thankful state for absolutely everything under the sun right now - but today and these last several weeks working with you were so incredibly instrumental in nurturing this opportunity for us to experience this joy in such a profound manner. You being with us today, and both your and Brittany’s care and support and guidance has made our birth experience an absolute dream, and we are forever in your debt. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts”
Several weeks later it still feels like a "pinch me" experience. My wife's birth was the most incredible event I have ever had the privilege of being a part of - and there is no small amount of credit that is owed to our invaluable doula team in Brittany and Alaska. They were shepherds in the process leading up to birth in both our discussed philosophical approach, but also in the very practical realities that come with planning the inevitable big day. Whether it was strategizing for our birth preferences, meaningfully listening to our concerns, communicating their advocacy for the health and safety of Mom and Baby, or simply assuring us that come time, they were going to be there for us - to help us bear this miraculous and yet unpredictable life event. As council. As advocates. As compassionate and thoughtful caregivers.
I am truly blown away by Alaska & Brittany - I could not imagine going through pregnancy and birth without their incredible support.
I knew from the beginning of my pregnancy I would be hiring a doula, but when it came time to find one, I kept interviewing and interviewing and no one felt like the right fit until I talked to Alaska. It was an immediate feeling of "HELL YES this is the Doula for me". We could not have been more delighted when Alaska introduced us to Brittany as well - they are a dream team. As we prepared for our birth together as a team, Alaska & Brittany were amazing resources. They are both incredibly supportive from providing help with decision making, to just holding space for the massive amount of emotions that come up during pregnancy, and in thinking about your birth.
When I went into labor a few days after my due date, Alaska & Brittany were the first people we texted (sorry Mom!). Brittany was a calming and supportive presence throughout my many, many hours of laboring at home. Once we did finally get to the hospital, there were so many decisions to be made about what to do based on what was happening. Brittany was by my side as we talked through all the options. Not only was she an incredibly knowledgable source, but she made sure I was feeling comfortable with all the decisions I made. After many hours of labor and pushing I had moments of losing faith in my own strength, Brittany made me believe in myself again. I birthed a very big, healthy baby boy and I am not sure in what world I could have gotten through any of that without Brittany. She made sure we got a good latch before leaving which was an enormous relief to me. After the birth Brittany came over to help me work through everything that happened and all the HUGE emotions that birth brings about, her complete non-judgement & ability to gracefully hold space for all those big emotions was a gift I will never ever forget.
I am truly blown away by Alaska & Brittany - I could not imagine going through pregnancy and birth without their incredible support.
We went into birth feeling prepared and knowledgeable, and even though my birth wasn’t exactly what we’d envisioned, we came away empowered by our incredible and sacred experience. We embarked on our parenting journey feeling confident and supported.
We are so grateful for Alaska and Brittany’s guidance as our family grew from two to three. They were incredibly supportive throughout my pregnancy and had a wealth of knowledge when answering all of our first-time-parent questions.
Our birth plan changed over time, and Alaska and Brittany were always available to talk us through the benefits and risks of each choice, which helped us feel confident in our decisions. During my labor, Alaska was a source of strength and a calming energy in the delivery room. I don’t think I could’ve had an unmedicated birth without her support and suspect there would’ve been even more medical intervention.
We went into birth feeling prepared and knowledgeable, and even though my birth wasn’t exactly what we’d envisioned, we came away empowered by our incredible and sacred experience. We embarked on our parenting journey feeling confident and supported.
We highly recommend working with Alaska and Brittany, and we look forward to partnering with them again for baby number two!
We are so happy that they were part of bringing Euphemia into the world. We think anyone would be lucky to work with them.
We highly recommend Chorion. Alaska and Brittany are both wonderful people and the educational programming that they offered leading up to the birth of our daughter Euphemia was invaluable. What really sets them apart is the depth of knowledge and experience that they bring to the process. Their guidance really helped make me and my partner more confident in our decision-making during crucial moments. They were also highly responsive to our questions and concerns at all hours (we hope they take long vacations!). We are so happy that they were part of bringing Euphemia into the world. We think anyone would be lucky to work with them.
My husband regularly says he couldn't have gotten through labor without Alaska…
This was my first pregnancy and birth, and I am SO glad we worked with Alaska to bring our baby girl into the world. A few things that really stood out to me as a first time mom were 1) the amount of time she spent with me and my husband. We really felt like we had her full support for anything we needed throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum 2) the resources and educational tools she provided really felt above and beyond what we expected from a doula, and we found her classes incredibly informative especially on lactation 3) her focus on community was special, and we loved meeting other soon to be parents at her group meetups 4) how much she quarterbacked communication with my midwife during labor, my husband in particular found that incredibly helpful, so he could be present with me 5) her deep knowledge and birth intuition was invaluable for me at hour 10 of labor when she thought my baby might be a little stuck, Alaska gave me the tough love I needed to go through several contractions in different spinning babies poses, which made a HUGE difference and helped my labor progress while reducing the intensity
Beyond these four things, Alaska is just an awesome person and someone whose energy and motivation really helped push me through labor. My husband regularly says he couldn't have gotten through labor without Alaska who helped reassure him everything was "normal" allowing him to relax and experience the birth more fully with me. In postpartum Alaska checked on me multiple times a day and helped prepare me for breast feeding in a way that really set me and my baby up for success. I'd recommend Alaska to anyone, and if I have another baby, she will absolutely be on my birth team!!
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their digital presence was just as critical during labor.
After a difficult post-labor recovery with my first child, I knew I needed a doula for my second. The Chorion Birth team, from the start, were professional, knowledgeable and helpful at each phase: pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Most important, they provide both emotional and informed support along the way. My hospital still had strict Covid regulations when I gave birth, so only my husband was allowed in the room, but both Brittany and Alaska were available and on-call digitally, and their digital presence was just as critical during labor.
My only regret is not realizing I needed a doula sooner -- higher them at the beginning of your journey!
Alaska and Brittany have gone above and beyond to support our family. Even weeks after the birth, they have checked-in and been extremely responsive to all the new questions we've faced as first time parents. The prep sessions we had before the birth gave us all the tools we needed heading into the big day, and we have just been so grateful for their support. They are extremely quick to respond, and have always been available when we needed them. Alaska attended our birth and offered hands-on support both directly and indirectly through advising my partner on how best to physically support me. It was very very comforting to have her there -- things felt more 'in control' after she arrived and I knew she'd be my advocate if any issues came up. My only regret is not realizing I needed a doula sooner -- higher them at the beginning of your journey!
I can't imagine our birth experience without her, and we're so grateful for the guidance and support she provided in this all-important moment of our lives.
Alaska and Brittany were absolutely invaluable to our pregnancy, labor, and delivery experiences. They were so friendly, knowledgeable, and fun during our meetings, and we knew right off the bat that they would be an excellent team to help us navigate the arrival of our first child. They always had very helpful answers to our questions, and whenever we sent them a message, at least one of them would always respond within minutes. Alaska worked with us the day our son was born, and she was amazing. Her calm, confident presence helped me and my husband cope through the most challenging contractions, and she came prepared with everything we could possibly need from start to finish -- snacks, drinks, massage tools, and essential oils, to name a few. I can't imagine our birth experience without her, and we're so grateful for the guidance and support she provided in this all-important moment of our lives.
We hired Alaska at the beginning of my pregnancy, and it was the best decision we made.
We hired Alaska at the beginning of my pregnancy, and it was the best decision we made. Throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum Alaska has been our number one go to for providing information and amazing referrals for everything I’ve needed. Alaska also supported me while I navigated through choosing, re-choosing, changing, and ultimately going back to my original care provider. I had chosen a traditional OB GYN practice but was slowly coming to the realization that wasn’t what I wanted. I told Alaska what I was after and what I felt were my limitations. She swung into action and helped provide resource after resource of how I could change care. However, at that time I decided to stay with my current provider. Alaska was unphased and fully supportive even though she had spent lots extra time and phone calls to support a provider change. Weeks later, I decided that I did in fact want to change care. Again, unphased, Alaska provided me with more resources, and I did change care teams! I was so excited about my decision to birth at home and could not have made the last-minute switch to a phenomenal midwife without Alaska’s help. Ultimately though, I had to be induced at a hospital when I was 37 weeks, switching back to my original care. Alaska went above and beyond to ensure my birth was a positive and empowering experience including sticking with me for 43 hours straight. I had never imagined I would need to be induced and had no idea what it would entail. Alaska explained everything I would encounter for the induction and helped me navigate the entire experience. While my birth didn’t go as planned it was completely rad- largely in part to Alaska’s energy and her efforts. While I did not have the unmedicated intervention free birth I had hoped for I was able to deliver vaginally and have an amazing experience. She made my birth fun and memorable. I will of course never forget that day and never forget the role Alaska played. Alaska was also the tie breaker in choosing our baby’s name!
Alaska was one thousand percent there for me the whole time…
she made my labor and delivery experience not only tolerable, but overall pretty darn cozy and magical.
Alaska was the best support a lady could ask for-- both over the course of my pregnancy and for the big day. As a single mom, it was REALLY important for me to find basically the world's most awesome doula.
As an über type-A planner, I hired Alaska as soon as I hit 12 weeks. Once we started our relationship, she went above and beyond our set appointments-- answering every single question I had for TWENTY SEVEN weeks. She always replied pretty much instantaneously to my questions, and pointed me to extensive resources, etc. when appropriate.For me, where Alaska shone even more (and I'm happy crying as I write this) was during my labor & delivery. Due to COVID + some unfortunate events the night of my birth, none of my hoped-for support people (family or designated friend) were able to be there for me. I literally found out one hour after my water broke that I had zero family or friends who could accompany me to or be with me in the hospital. This would have made for a seriously lonely & scary experience, BUT... Alaska was one thousand percent there for me the whole time. She came over to my apartment so I didn't have to start this journey alone. She kept me chill in throughout check-in and triage. Most importantly, she made my labor and delivery experience not only tolerable, but overall pretty darn cozy and magical.
To top it all off, I few days after I got home, Alaska presented me with a beautifully written (and hilarious accurate!) essay about her experience of my birth story <again, insert happy crying>. That will be such a memory to share with my little one when she's ready!
B.B.
I am so thankful to have had both Alaska and Brittany’s support during all stages in welcoming our daughter into this world.
By July of 2020, it had become that my pregnancy, labor and early postpartum months would occur in the shadow of the Covid pandemic. Alaska and Brittany provided the support, empathy, advice, and listening ear we needed to make it through. They had resources and tricks at their fingertips for every curveball that came our way--from unexpected third trimester aches and pains (a dislodged rib!) to a slow labor (31.5 hours!) to breastfeeding challenges (latch difficulties). Their Spinning Babies training helped get my baby into proper position for labor, and, on the day-of, Brittany accompanied us to the hospital. She was keenly attentive to my mood changes, fears and pains as my contractions progressed; she had snacks and a heat pad, kind words and jokes--everything I could need. She also communicated professionally but firmly with the hospital care team, making sure my husband and I got that “magic hour” of skin-to-skin when our daughter was first born, and that we were visited by a lactation consultant within hours following delivery. Brittany made herself available in the days thereafter for in-person postpartum help. My husband, newborn daughter and I are so thankful to have had her and Alaska’s support.
As a birthing partner, Alaska and Brittany provided me with so many resources to support my partner and guide me on my journey to fatherhood. On the day of labor, Brittany provided a calming and reassuring atmosphere and remembered the smallest and most important details so that I could focus all of my physical and emotional energy on supporting my partner. I am so thankful to have had both Alaska and Brittany’s support during all stages in welcoming our daughter into this world.
C.C>
We are forever grateful for Alaska's presence in the bizarre and very wonderful birth of our son.
Virtual Support during hospital ban on visitors
My partner and I knew Alaska was going to be our doula the moment we met her. Her mixture of evidence-based knowledge and just enough "woo woo" made for the perfect combo for us. Luckily we were able to have two visits with her prior to labor where she imparted so much invaluable knowledge on us that was utilized in the weeks leading up to and also during the labor/birth process.
When our birth preferences went out the window with the banning of any support person during birth due to COVID 19 - her role actually escalated in importance to us. Labor progressed pretty quickly and also included an early stop to the hospital for an IV due to dehydration. I wanted to stay home with my partner as long as possible, which led to quite an intense labor in our apartment alone. Alaska was in constant contact with my partner - all the while it felt to me that he was constantly in contact with me and 100% present (thanks to her style of support). She provided him with guidance, tips, and calming energy to help him support me up until finally going to the hospital to give birth. Even at the hospital she gave him the crucial tip to call me prior to my going upstairs so that he was on the line when I got up to labor and delivery (as I was in no place to make phone calls). Alaska also provided wonderful post-partum follow-up, with great advice that helped us with so many aspects of breastfeeding and generally caring for a newborn.
We are forever grateful for Alaska's presence in the bizarre and very wonderful birth of our son.
I & E.
She made what could have been a painful and scary day a bit more magical.
From the moment we met Alaska, we loved her supportive, practical and no-nonsense vibe - and her sense of humor. This year was a weird time to be pregnant - the pandemic really put a wrench into everyone's plans - so it was even more important than ever to partner with someone so knowledgeable and supportive. Throughout our pregnancy, Alaska was there with the info we needed - before we knew we needed it. For birth, I unfortunately had to be induced - and it was Alaska's wealth of pain management techniques that really got me the through it - and allowed me to delay an epidural as long as I had hoped. She made what could have been a painful and scary day a bit more magical - with soothing music, dim lights, and candles sprinkled around the room. And for our postpartum visit, Alaska surprised me with a super special and thoughtful baby gift: a hand embroidered onesie for my little one with the words "i'm just being honest" - the catchphrase for all of the women in my family. I highly recommend partnering with Alaska - she was so supportive of us the entire way through the pregnancy, and I'm so thankful to have had her be part of my birth experience.
I truly can't imagine what my experience would have looked like without her.
Alaska was truly wonderful! She is incredibly passionate, knowledgable, committed, and open-minded when it comes to labor and birth. I had a clear vision of the labor that I wanted and Alaska helped me get there with her wellspring of resources and encouragement. Despite my labor lasting over 35 hours, she was available any time of day to answer questions and pop on a call when I needed a pep talk. At the hospital, she came prepared with everything that I could have imagined - she even whipped a fan out during the pushing phase because I was sweating! Alaska gave my partner direction so he could help me through the contractions and pushing and together they were a power team. I truly can't imagine what my experience would have looked like without her.
T.W.R.
She was exactly what we needed, but hadn't realized it yet.
My husband and I were still looking for a doula late into our pregnancy journey. We wanted someone strong, capable and respectful to our preferences. One chat with Alaska and we felt a great vibe from her - she was more than what we were looking for, she was exactly what we needed, but hadn't realized it yet.
This was my first time giving birth, and I could not imagine going through all of the unknown options without the expertise and experience Alaska has provided for us. Her unwavering support was invaluable throughout the whole process - from our prenatal visits (I went into labor early, the same evening of our 2nd meeting), through navigating the hospital environment so that we were able to advocate for ourselves in triage protocols, on the preferred wireless monitoring equipment, to the choices in labor induction, for an epidural-free and natural birthing experience. With Alaska, we were confident to make informed decisions with the nurses, PAs and doctor during the entire delivery. All of this while she kept an environment of low-lighting, free movement, lavender aroma therapy, hydration for me, as well as food breaks and naps for my husband. All of this led to a desirable recovery for me in the days postpartum, with Alaska visiting one more time to help me, yet again with my baby's b/f latch and drop off her delicious, nutritious congee and bone broth soup.
If labor were an orchestra, Alaska was the emotional conductor and we were all just following her tempo and calm voice.
We highly recommend her to anyone who would listen to our birth story. Alaska is passionate at what she does, fully capable with a wealth of knowledge and resources, and a great attitude throughout it all. We wish her so much success, because she truly was our champion when we needed her the most.
Forever Grateful
We decided to look for a doula really late in the game. I had a chat with Alaska on Wednesday and loved her energy. Being that I was just 5 days away from my due date, I was anxious to have a prenatal visit asap. Alaska was very accommodating and she agreed to the visit the very next day in the morning. During the visit, my husband and I learned a great deal about childbirth and what to expect postpartum.
I ended up going into labor that very same day, few hours after our visit. Alaska came to the hospital promptly and spent with us more than 24 hours, supporting us through the entire labor process and beyond. Even though we literally met her just hours before labor started, having Alaska with us during the birth made all the difference in the world. Not only did she help me with her relaxation techniques, timely hydration etc., she also helped us make informed decisions and communicate the same to nurses and doctors. Thinking about it now, I don't know how would we make it without her help. Alaska is caring, passionate, fully dedicated, hard working and knowledgeable, and we wouldn't hesitate for a second to hire her again.
Forever grateful,
I.G.
We can't recommend her enough!
Alaska was an incredible doula! Having her along on our journey allowed us to have the birth experience we wanted. She was a great ally is helping navigate the complicated world of maternal healthcare, and knew a lot about how different hospitals and providers operate. During the actual labor and birth, Alaska was a comforting and steady presence, and with her support I was able to cope naturally with the birth experience. I felt empowered by Alaska and by the birth experience because she supported me in feeling like I had agency and strength! We appreciated her deeply, had a great experience. We can't recommend her enough!
M.S.
She was helpful, compassionate and knowledgable.
“First of all, there is no one on planet earth who makes a better bone broth (very helpful post-partum). Second of all my birth was a truly insane one: we intended for it to be in a birthing center au naturale and instead I ended up in the ICU and during every twist and turn we had the support and unfailing energy of Alaska. She had all the potions, suggestions for positions and is definitely someone you can poo yourself in front of :) For a doula at the beginning of her career -- we were her first birth -- she was helpful, compassionate and knowledgable. Under such challenging circumstances she kept it together and we appreciate her for all her help. Since the birth she's stayed in touch and made sure we were readjusting and healing.”
M.B.
Alaska wasn’t just helpful, she was essential
Alaska is a wonderful doula. We highly recommend her.
Our son was born at home. Throughout my labor Alaska made sure I was nourished. She helped me progress through labor by encouraging me to change positions when one became stagnant. When the intensity was too much she was compassionate and understanding and made it ok to just be, for a while.
There were complications after our son was born and we had to be hospitalized. Alaska tenaciously made sure the hospital brought supplies to help me collect colostrum so our baby wouldn’t miss a beat with breastfeeding. We largely credit Alaska for our breastfeeding success.
During the postpartum care she helped us process the events of our son’s birth, fed us, validated our childbirth decisions and made us laugh.
When referring to our son’s homebirth my husband says, “Alaska wasn’t just helpful, she was essential.” And I couldn’t agree more. We hope she can support you through your own childbirth experience.
Unwavering Support
Alaska was an amazing support system from the time we met her during my pregnancy through to postpartum. What stands out the most about Alaska is her confidence , clarity in communication and her unwavering support to stand by you regardless of what birth plan you choose— she instantly puts you at ease and makes it easy to trust her. During my pregnancy, Alaska answered every question that we had and sent us a lot of useful resources and tips that helped me prepare well for the delivery. During the delivery, she was there the moment we felt we needed her during my induction and she came well-equipped with tea lights, incenses etc that instantly created a relaxed environment in a rather tiny drab looking hospital room! Through the labor process, she helped me through each step by patiently going through the exercise routines we had planned to do, tirelessly helping me maneuver through a small room (and countless wires that I was hooked to!) and also helping me remained focus through intense contractions. She was also able to step up and take on a larger role whenever the situation demanded (eg when the baby suddenly dropped and my doctor wasn’t available, Alaska took on a more prominent role and took control of the situation. She was particularly sensitive to ensuring that both my husband and I were at ease and aware of what’s going on and was calm through the entire period). Post delivery, she was in touch regularly (beyond the one post partum meeting that we had) to check on us and to address anything we had on our minds. Also, can’t forget to mention the amazing bone broth that she makes and how generously she brought some over for me whenever we met. We really had a wonderful experience with Alaska as our doula and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to any friend or family member.
S.S.K
I am forever grateful for Alaska’s presence during my labor and delivery.
“Although I had always envisioned a peaceful home birth with the guidance of a midwife, never had I considered hiring a doula. It was only after much prodding by my midwives (shout out to MCNYC) that I began my search for a doula at 36 weeks. I was looking for a newly trained doula on a grad school budget. After meeting Alaska at our prenatal session, I knew I’d be in good company on my birthing day. She even brought over bone broth crafted by her loving hands despite having to travel long distances to my home. She listened to my birthing expectations and went over my birth plan so she could advocate for me in case of a hospital transfer. When labor finally began, all I wanted was to labor alone. As someone who is rather private, I preferred not to be watched while I gradually lost control of my bodily functions. My entire mindset shifted as pressure waves intensified and increased in frequency. Alaska helped me through the toughest contractions as she corrected my breathing, helped me change positions, and gave me much needed counter-pressure. She provided me with the strength to continue laboring in the comfort of my home. While the relief of an epidural frequently swept across my mind, Alaska remained supportive of my innermost desire to welcome my child at home. She had brought over a Mary Poppins’ bag full of supplies ranging from honey sticks to Arnica gel which felt amazing. I even had a chance to labor in candlelight on top of a cloud of pillows though I was feeling the least bit romantic. I am forever grateful for Alaska’s presence during my labor and delivery that I now consider doulas an indispensable part of childbirth, especially for first-time parents. I needed someone tougher to fight my inner demons during labor and I couldn’t have asked for someone more patient and resourceful. I have absolutely no reservations in recommending Alaska and I know that she will go on to transform the lives of many families to come.”
-C.H.
Our experience with Alaska was amazing…
Our experience with Alaska was amazing. When we signed up with her, we thought we would be her first birth but true to what I would learn about her, she ended up getting 5 under her belt before we went forward. She is extremely dedicated to this. My pregnancy was not easy. In my third trimester I ended up getting a series of pulmonary embolisms which but me in the hospital multiple times. We had hard decisions to make and were told to be ready to go in for am emergency C section at any time. Alaska was amazing through the process, being an emotional sounding board and a wealth of knowledge which she gathered from her circle of other doulas. It was with her help that I feel I was able to make it to 39 weeks where I was induced. The labor itself was long as well. 36 hours with 30 hours of active labor. Alaska was there the entire time. She set the tone and kept the space quiet and free of distraction. I was on very high levels of Pitocin and she helped me through the process. With the long time in the hospital with the induced labor, she had different drinks with calories in them which kept me going. If she hadn't, I am sure I would have been a C section. I didn't want an epidural and when it came down to the most trying moments, when I said I didn't think i could do it, it was Alaska that kept me on track. I ended up having a epidural free-birth which is what I wanted. Alaska had a positive relationship with the doctors and nurses at NYP Lower Manhattan and made the experience relaxed, even when I was not. She handled my husband and my sister with care and diffused tension from any situations. I can't recommend her enough. I consider her a friend and integral to my birthing experience. -T.M.
We can't recommend Alaska enough.
I was in labor with my son (my first) for over 70 hours. Alaska's coaching, support and voice kept me going through each contraction and push until he was delivered. My husband and I are so thankful to have Alaska guide us and help us navigate the hospital system, as we were originally a home-birth. We are so thankful to have found Alaska and to have her be part of such an intimate experience in our lives. We can't recommend Alaska enough.
Very knowledgeable, fun, and super supportive.
I'm so thankful for having Alaska be my doula for my birth. It was my first birth and I think that if she were not there, I would have had to have interventions to induce labor, which I was trying to avoid. My water broke and my birth was not progressing very fast at all. She helped my labor get started by putting me on the Miles Circuit, enough so that my doctor gave me more time to progress. She helped me keep as close to my birth plan as possible.
In prep for the birth, she gave us a lot of good resources. Alaska was very knowledgeable, fun, and super supportive. She made me feel comfortable laboring and I was so glad she was there to get me as well as my husband through it.
Alaska was great!
L.S.
She is smart, kind, and intuitive.
When I first met Alaska she automatically reminded me of home. She's very charismatic and in tune with the world around her. I wouldn't ask for anyone else if I was to ever have another child. I went into labor very early in the morning and she was there to give me advice and 4 hours later when my water broke she came to take me to the hospital. We ended up meeting halfway because I really wanted to get to the hospital as fast as possible and she was able to meet me halfway which I felt was very convenient cuz I didn't want to take her out of her way but she made sure that she could be there for me. Alaska was very aware of my preferences and made sure staff at the hospital listened to my birth plan. She is smart, kind, and intuitive. She helped me stay comfortable and feel safe, while giving me a tranquil birth of my baby boy. Because of Alaska I would recommend a doula to my family and friends; with Alaska it was an educational and very fun experience giving birth to my son she was always there for me every step of the way. Overall I had a great experience having a natural birth with her by my side with my boyfriend. She even gave him great advice and suggestions and I would like to say that he feels that she did a great job and at first he wasn't so sure about a doula because he thought it was the same as a midwife but Alaska answered all his questions, explain the difference of a doula and a midwife to him, and made him very comfortable with the idea of her being by my side to help him in ways that he wouldn't know how to properly go about. I wish Alaska the best and I hope the guys reading this gives her the praise and adoration she deserves.
L.M.
Alaska was fantastic!
Alaska was fantastic!
I didn’t know just how much I was going to need her.
Really calming & really knowledgeable, she made the world of difference!
I would happily recommend her to anyone.
P.L.
Alaska was an invaluable part of our birth team.
Alaska was an invaluable part of our birth team. She was there for us before, during and after our sons birth. I was so happy we chose to have a doula when the going got tough during labor. We had a less than cooperative OB and a surprise induction due to high blood pressure. It was wonderful to have her there to take time with to gather our thoughts and to game plan to have the best birth experience possible despite the obstacles. Alaska made herself available throughout my entire pregnancy and clearly communicated how we should proceed when it was go time. She was instrumental in facilitating an almost immediate nursing experience as we chose to delay measuring and weighing for one hour after his birth. I credit her with why my nursing experience is going so well. Not only is Alaska knowledgeable about all things childbirth and nursing, she's cool to hang with which is great since labor can take a while!!
K.F.