We planned a homebirth for our second child.  Along with a midwife, we knew we also wanted a doula to assist us.  After 17 days past the due date we felt we could no longer wait for baby to arrive on her own, and so we were off to the hospital to be induced.  Making this change to our birth plan was not easy for us, and with this change we, admittedly, were not sure what role a doula would play in a hospital setting.

As it turned out, we were so thankful that Liz was with us.  She was a good moral support and a great advocate for my care.  She had a watchful eye on the nursing staff to make sure they were respecting our wishes and following our birth plan.  She ensured the nurses weren’t too aggressive with the pitocin.  While waiting we talked, listened to music, and played cards.  She helped to keep me distracted from the seemingly endless wait.  Jim was also really glad to have another person there.

When I finally began to get strong contractions, which were painful, I began to contemplate an epidural.  But really wanting to have a natural childbirth, Liz was encouraging, and gently reminded me that I could do this without medication.  After only 30 minutes of pushing our baby girl was born.

    Joanne and Jim Glover, owners of Glover Perennials, Cutchogue, NY

"We are so grateful to Liz for her guidance with the birth of our first child.  It would have been entirely different experience had she not been there as a source of constant comfort and knowledge. 

When a nurse told us that our labor/delivery just "doesn't happen like this at this hospital" we knew that without Liz's help we likely would have been urged to have a Cesarean. 

We felt so encouraged and taken care of with Liz as our doula and hope she can share in our second birthing experience one day"

- Sarah and Mike Sirico, owners of Fitness Advantage and the Peconic Sign Company, Southold NY

The very first family photo. Anthea, Paul Aulis and Landis!

My son Connor made this a few years ago. He’s so sweet.