Real Stories From Families Who Felt the Difference
Placenta Encapsulation & more
After experiencing awful PPD/A with my first born, I knew I would want to do something different with our next baby. A friend mentioned placenta encapsulation to me--I immediately knew it was worth trying after reading all the amazing benefits. I was assigned Chelsey for the encapsulation. She texted birth affirmations, answered any and every question I had, and was just all around a great support to have before and after birth.
"After experiencing awful PPD/A with my first born, I knew I would want to do something different with our next baby. A friend mentioned placenta encapsulation to me--I immediately knew it was worth trying after reading all the amazing benefits. I was assigned Chelsey for the encapsulation. She texted birth affirmations, answered any and every question I had, and was just all around a great support to have before and after birth. Once we were released from the hospital and Chelsey arrived at our house, it felt like I knew her forever. Her calm demeanor is contagious, she referred an IBLC after watching my baby nurse, and she answered my questions without judgement. It was so nice to experience postpartum. If I could change anything about this, it would only be to pay the extra money to have her there as my doula in the hospital. She is an amazing person and was made to do this job. 10/10-- seriously."
Mallory Marsh - 2nd time parent
VBACs, Dads-to-be and Doulas….
"Don’t be like me, dads to be, I was skeptical about using a doula, but they don’t take your place, they help with ideas for comfort for your laboring wife and how you can help. Our doulas were so nice, and were accessible all the time."
Timothy Trimble - Moravian Falls Dad
“How do I describe our experience with our doula? Absolutely amazing! Don’t be like me, dads to be, I was skeptical about using a doula, but they don’t take your place, they help with ideas for comfort for your laboring wife and how you can help. Our doulas were so nice, and were accessible all the time. They helped me as well as my wife prepare for the big moment. My wife was attempting a VBAC, and thanks to High Country Doulas, she was able to have it.”
—Timothy Trimble - Moravian Falls Dad
Transitions to parenthood with your doula…
“My postpartum visits with High Country Doulas were VITAL for our transition into parenthood and setting me up for a smoother postpartum recovery. Our doula Allison was flexible with scheduling and helped us begin to adjust right from the start. She helped us troubleshoot sleeping, feeding and the setup of our home to accommodate the needs of our growing family. The resources provided during our visit and the support between visits boosted our confidence and assuaged our concerns. The empathy, knowledge and expertise of the High Country Doulas is such an asset to the parents of the High Country! I would recommend EVERY parent book visits with this talented team no matter if this is your first or your fourth child!”
Placenta Encapsulation art!
“My postpartum visits with High Country Doulas were VITAL for our transition into parenthood and setting me up for a smoother postpartum recovery. Our doula Allison was flexible with scheduling and helped us begin to adjust right from the start. She helped us troubleshoot sleeping, feeding and the setup of our home to accommodate the needs of our growing family. The resources provided during our visit and the support between visits boosted our confidence and assuaged our concerns. The empathy, knowledge and expertise of the High Country Doulas is such an asset to the parents of the High Country! I would recommend EVERY parent book visits with this talented team no matter if this is your first or your fourth child!”
—Ashley W. 1st time mom
Birth Center Birth
“Allison was exactly what I needed during and after labor. She arrived at the birth center and immediately got hands on to help with pain management (I had an unmedicated birth). She was looking out for my every need and allowed me to focus in on delivery and nothing else.”
—Brita T. - 1st time mom
“Allison was exactly what I needed during and after labor. She arrived at the birth center and immediately got hands on to help with pain management (I had an unmedicated birth). She was looking out for my every need and allowed me to focus in on delivery and nothing else.
By no fault of Allison’s, we did have a rocky time after delivery and she stayed right by my side to navigate it all. I would have hated to go through that experience without her. I would never want to deliver a baby without her!”
—Brita T. - 1st time mom
Postpartum...through that first year.
“They certainly made the anxious, early days after coming home from the hospital calm, smooth, and more joyful with their helping hands, emotional support, and willingness to support us in any way we needed.”
—Joe Water - 1st time dad
“My wife and I used High Country Doulas immediately after the birth of our son and continue to use them for occasional backup support. They certainly made the anxious, early days after coming home from the hospital calm, smooth, and more joyful with their helping hands, emotional support, and willingness to support us in any way we needed. They certainly made us better and saner parents in the first weeks and months after our son's birth.”
—Joe Waters - 1st time dad
Marisa F.
“She was a calm and supportive presence and had the perfect amount of involvement-she was never overbearing and let us really be in the moment to enjoy the whole experience.”
—Marisa F. - 1st time mom
“We had April as our doula and she was more than what we could have asked for. As first-timers my husband and I didn’t really know what to expect out of the whole process. I had a very long labor and Allison and April were very helpful via text during it. They were checking in and giving advise on my situation and when the time finally came for April to come to the birth center, we were so happy to have her. She was a calm and supportive presence and had the perfect amount of involvement-she was never overbearing and let us really be in the moment to enjoy the whole experience. She spoke up for me and made sure my desires were being heard and met. She knew exactly how to help me during my contractions and advised me on different ways to labor. She was very encouraging, always made sure I was hydrated, and was just a really great support system. We would highly recommend April and high country doulas. We don’t know what we would have done without her!!”
—Marisa F. — 1st time mom
Newton family
“Stacey was there for my birth. I honestly feel like if it wasn't for her advocating for me, i wouldn't have gotten the natural birth I wanted to have. It was really nice to have someone assist with labor. I think it also put my husband at ease knowing he had support as well. Allison was very knowledgeable and helped me when I was struggling with breastfeeding among countless other questions. Having the support whenever we needed it truly made a difference. I can't thank you both enough!”
—Stephanie B. — first-time mom
“Stacey was there for my birth. I honestly feel like if it wasn't for her advocating for me, i wouldn't have gotten the natural birth I wanted to have. It was really nice to have someone assist with labor. I think it also put my husband at ease knowing he had support as well. Allison was very knowledgeable and helped me when I was struggling with breastfeeding among countless other questions. Having the support whenever we needed it truly made a difference. I can't thank you both enough!”
—Stephanie Burdette - Newton mom
“Allison and Stacey were amazing! Any time my wife or I had questions, they were more than happy to help and were very quick to respond. Stacey was incredible during labor and delivery. From helping my wife and I stick to the birthing plan to the really good photos that we otherwise never would have gotten, she was with us every step of the way. Would definitely recommend High Country Doulas to any expecting parents.”
—Shane Burdette - Newton dad
Support We Could Count On at Any Hour
“Having a doula was such an amazing experience. They were there for me throughout my pregnancy answering any questions or concerns that came up, no matter what time of day. They talked me and my husband through every stage and step of labor, helping us ease our worries.”
M.P. — 1st time parent
“Having a doula was such an amazing experience. They were there for me throughout my pregnancy answering any questions or concerns that came up, no matter what time of day. They talked me and my husband through every stage and step of labor, helping us ease our worries. They were there to physically hold me up at times when I could not do it alone during labor. They helped support mine and Evan’s wishes and goals for labor. I could not have asked for a more encouraging team to help in our birth experience!."
M.P. — 1st time parent
Tasha & Brandon
“I could recommend High Country Doulas for every aspect surrounding birth, labor and postpartum. Even if you just take classes, they are so helpful—informative and interactive. I gained knowledge to make more informed decisions and be able to have the birth experience I’ve always wanted.”
Tasha — 1st time parent
“I could recommend High Country Doulas for every aspect surrounding birth, labor and postpartum. Even if you just take classes, they are so helpful—informative and interactive. I gained knowledge to make more informed decisions and be able to have the birth experience I’ve always wanted. Chelsey and Allison were my doula team and I’ll be forever grateful for them! Chelsey was with me during labor providing emotional and physical support. The comfort measures she provided played a key role in being able to have an unmedicated birth. It was amazing and transformative. I will always hire a labor doula and you’ll be glad you did too!
I would also highly recommend them for placenta encapsulation (amazing benefits!), belly binding, and postpartum support. I honestly wish I would’ve have hired them for a couple of overnight stays.
No matter what, I promise you won’t regret hiring them for any of their services!”
Tasha — 1st time parent
Getting Prepared
“The infant feeding class also helped us feel more confident. We haven't been able to even try breastfeeding yet, so I've been pumping exclusively. Hearing Chelsey talk about how magical the colostrum and milk is has motivated me to keep at it, no matter how limited my supply is.”
Sybil Smith
“The postpartum class was super helpful! I felt prepared for either a vaginal or C-section recovery. We had to relocate and recover in a new place and we spent the most time in the NICU with our son. I was able to bring all the right things that made that awkward healing process as comfortable as could be in that public bathroom.
Labor went so quickly, we didn't get to use any of the comfort measures, but it was helpful in that my partner and I went into labor feeling fully prepared.
The infant feeding class also helped us feel more confident. We haven't been able to even try breastfeeding yet, so I've been pumping exclusively. Hearing Chelsey talk about how magical the colostrum and milk is has motivated me to keep at it, no matter how limited my supply is.”
Sybil Smith
A Long Way From Home
“During labor, having Chavah present was everything. We were so far from home - it was deeply meaningful to have a familiar face there, especially knowing that she could stay with me while my husband went with our son to the NICU. I didn't want Dylan to be alone, and I didn't want to be alone either. Her reassuring and calm presence eased that fear immediately.”
Sybil Smith
“Having both doulas check in on me during the hardest parts of pregnancy was the most touching support and helped me feel like I wasn't alone. It was daunting going into labor, not knowing if my son would make it, but both Chelsey and Chavah were so positive and kind and encouraging, helping me stay focused on being present and as positive as possible.
During labor, having Chavah present was everything. We were so far from home - it was deeply meaningful to have a familiar face there, especially knowing that she could stay with me while my husband went with our son to the NICU. I didn't want Dylan to be alone, and I didn't want to be alone either. Her reassuring and calm presence eased that fear immediately.!”
Sybil Smith
Childbirth Education
“Chelsey was amazing! We learned so much, and honestly had so much fun. I didn’t expect to get such quality time with my husband, but we did and it was such a refreshing break from the daily grind. I feel so much more prepared for whatever kind of birth I end up having- and I am SO glad Chelsey is my doula!”
2nd Time parent
“Chelsey was amazing! We learned so much, and honestly had so much fun. I didn’t expect to get such quality time with my husband, but we did and it was such a refreshing break from the daily grind. I feel so much more prepared for whatever kind of birth I end up having- and I am SO glad Chelsey is my doula!”
2nd Time Parent
Sarah Welsh
“What I found most helpful was my doula’s ability to connect with me in a friendly, familiar, supportive, intimate way. I felt like I was being supported by a lifelong friend even though the hospital was our first meeting. I will always remember the love shown to me through massage, essential oils, unwavering attention and care, beautiful conversation. The eye contact and direction was especially meaningful when it was transition and pushing time.”
Sarah Welch — 2nd time parent
“What I found most helpful was my doula’s ability to connect with me in a friendly, familiar, supportive, intimate way. I felt like I was being supported by a lifelong friend even though the hospital was our first meeting. I will always remember the love shown to me through massage, essential oils, unwavering attention and care, beautiful conversation. The eye contact and direction was especially meaningful when it was transition and pushing time.”
Sarah Welch— 2nd time parent
Lindsay
“High Country Doulas’ placenta encapsulation made all the difference in my postpartum stage! The benefits were wonderful. I definitely recommend them to anyone!”
Lindsay - Second-time mom
“High Country Doulas’ placenta encapsulation made all the difference in my postpartum stage! The benefits were wonderful. I definitely recommend them to anyone!”
- Lindsay, second-time mom
Kelly and Jonathan
“Working with Allison at HCD was invaluable! She equipped us with so much useful information that we used during our birth. She also shared warmth and built our confidence in the birth process and went out of her way to make us feel supported. I would highly recommend HCD to anyone considering! It was such a great decision for our family and helped us have the birth we hoped for.”
Kelly & Jonathan — 2nd time parents
“Class with Allison at HCD was invaluable! She equipped us with so much useful information that we used during our birth. She also shared warmth and built our confidence in the birth process and went out of her way to make us feel supported. I would highly recommend HCD to anyone considering! It was such a great decision for our family and helped us have the birth we hoped for.”
Kelly & Jonathan — 2nd time parents
Christina & Bryson
“Chelsey was amazing! She kept everything very clean and prepared the placenta quickly! I also loved that she was also my labor doula so I was able to talk to her about the birth and take time to process while she was there.”
Christina & Bryson — 2nd time parents
“Chelsey was amazing! She kept everything very clean and prepared the placenta quickly! I also loved that she was also my labor doula so I was able to talk to her about the birth and take time to process while she was there.”
“I have experienced birth with and without a doula, and what a difference having a doula made for my birthing experience! I was at ease and empowered throughout the birth. My husband was able to be more present and engaged with me through every contraction. Our doula was there for support and encouragement physically, mentally, & emotionally through the entire process including prenatal and postpartum!”
Christina & Bryson — 2nd time parents
Meredith & Brandon
“Chelsey and Rachel respected, supported, and thoroughly helped me prepare for my unmedicated, natural birth. Rachel was our birth doula and she encouraged me to follow my instincts with different positions and breath. Her and my husband never left my side during our 13-hour labor.
Chelsey spent time with me, one-on-one, to help with breastfeeding. We can’t wait for both Chelsey and Rachel to be there for our future babies!”
Meredith L. - Johnson City
“Chelsey taught a private class for my husband and I and prepared us for the low-intervention, unmedicated birth we planned. We learned many breathing techniques specific for contractions, different positions to help open my pelvic floor, and the importance of staying calm and “open” for a positive birth!
Being able to have 24/7 support from our Doulas Chelsey and Rachel was huge! I never felt bashful to ask questions and they both supported the birth plan my husband and I prepared for.
Chelsey and Rachel respected, supported, and thoroughly helped me prepare for my unmedicated, natural birth. Rachel was our birth doula and she encouraged me to follow my instincts with different positions and breath. Her and my husband never left my side during our 13-hour labor.
Chelsey spent time with me, one-on-one, to help with breastfeeding. We can’t wait for both Chelsey and Rachel to be there for our future babies!”
Meredith L. - Johnson City
Lena B.
“We could not have made it through the first few months of twins without Chelsey, Madelyn, and Rachel! They were amazing and constantly gave us tips to make twin parenthood more manageable. While we were hesitant to have outside help, it only took a couple nights for us to feel completely at ease with HCD handling both babies overnight while we got a good night’s rest. The nights they were here became our favorite nights of the week! :)”
Lena B. - second-time mom of twins
“We could not have made it through the first few months of twins without Chelsey, Madelyn, and Rachel! They were amazing and constantly gave us tips to make twin parenthood more manageable. While we were hesitant to have outside help, it only took a couple nights for us to feel completely at ease with High Country Doulas handling both babies overnight while we got a good night’s rest. The nights they were here became our favorite nights of the week! :)”
- Lena B., second-time mom of twins
Kylie & Andrew
“My husband and I contracted with HCD just before the pandemic, knowing that we’d need labor support and education, but not knowing just how much we’d need it. Chelsey’s classes were informative and fun, even when we ended up having to have some virtually.
During labor, Rachel was such a calming presence to both myself and my husband. We were not allowed more than one support person in the room so she was a vital part of the process. She helped with physical comfort as well as talking through processes to remind us of what was happening.
Chelsey’s postpartum care was even more helpful than I had anticipated. Every birthing person needs a labor doula and a postpartum doula.”
Kylie Green - Kingsport
Erin McGuire
“When things took a turn and we had to go for the c-section delivery, she kept me positive and excited to have my baby either way! She was a delight to spend time with in between the contractions and tense moments, and she was very supportive to me and my husband during the rough patches that labor brings with it. I can say even though it was a long laborious process, I actually enjoyed my 36 hours of induced labor since our doula was there to help us through it. Our doula also helped my husband stay in the game and keep his calm throughout the process as well.”
Erin McGuire - first-time mom
“Our doula was amazing. She was so attentive and super informative. I was struggling to make decisions about what to do and how to proceed while my induction was taking longer than I expected and she kept encouraging me to keep going, which is what I needed so I didn’t feel like I was just giving up. When things took a turn and we had to go for the c-section delivery, she kept me positive and excited to have my baby either way! She was a delight to spend time with in between the contractions and tense moments, and she was very supportive to me and my husband during the rough patches that labor brings with it. I can say even though it was a long laborious process, I actually enjoyed my 36 hours of induced labor since our doula was there to help us through it. Our doula also helped my husband stay in the game and keep his calm throughout the process as well. And thank goodness she was there because my mom had locked herself out of our house and my husband had to leave to help her back in so I would’ve been alone if he’d have left and we didn’t have our doula.”
“She was there to help get me and baby going with the initial breast feeding which was a success, she checked in with us constantly if she wasn’t there with us at the hospital, and she had so many helpful pointers and knowledge to share about so many things related to birth and parenting. I believe she enhanced our relationships with our nurses throughout our 5 day stay at the hospital as well. I would recommend High Country Doulas for anyone and everyone having babies!”
-Erin Mc. - first-time mom