What People Are Saying

Ever since I can remember, the idea of giving birth made me uneasy. In fact it terrorized me so much that I thought strongly about not having children at all. When I chose to get pregnant, I knew I'd need some strong support for labor, so I searched for a doula. To me, a doula should be a strong yet calming, even-keeled presence ready to bridge the gaps between the medical team, the nursing staff, and me as the patient. It's not an easy task, but Autumn was able to make it seem effortless.

Autumn patiently worked with me prior to delivery. As a first time mom, I had endless questions and she was a friend and resource to me during this time. We weighed pros and cons about my doctor's opinions after medical appointments. When the big day arrived, my induction escalated quickly and before I knew it, I was in active labor. My nurse didn't support my choice to forego the epidural and was an unwelcome emotional barrier that Autumn seamlessly helped me overcome in the midst of enduring painful contractions.

A few hours later, my daughter was caught underneath my pelvic bone and Autumn helped guide me through intense pushing to get her safely delivered. In an instant, I not only had a daughter, but I had had the birth I imagined. No epidural, no C section, no giving in to medical staff with differing opinions about how to bring my child into this world. I felt on top of the world. Weeks later, as I reflect back on my delivery, it means the world to me that I was able to have the birth that I wanted, and that I planned for with the help of Autumn. Her knowledgeable involvement, steady guidance, and friendship meant the world to me as I experienced my birth journey and I'll never forget how helpful she was for me and my husband during labor. It's a debt I'll never be able to repay and I'm forever grateful for Autumn's help.

— Marisa B.

When my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our first baby, we began to discuss the ways we envisioned and hoped for our birth experience. One of the first things we decided on was hiring our doula, Autumn, as we knew the importance of having an advocate for us on this journey. Autumn was available for all questions/concerns leading up to the big day; we discussed our birth plan and expectations, she gave me recommendations on books to read in preparation, she provided exercises to help strengthen certain areas of weakness in my body, and she checked in with every midwifery appointment offering constant encouragement as our baby grew. Every text, phone call and meet up with Autumn gave me confidence going into labor and delivery. My goal was to labor at home as long as possible, and when Autumn arrived at our house to assist it was great to have her knowledge and wisdom as we timed contractions, labored in different positions and made the decision of when it was appropriate to go to the hospital. One of the biggest benefits to having Autumn present during the labor and delivery was that my husband could solely focus on being my partner and encourager. Autumn has an established relationship with the midwives at Womencare Midwifery and it gave us confidence that they had our best interest in mind and together we had an amazing team by our side. Autumn coached both my husband and I during the whole process and provided comfort and support both for our mental states and my physical state. Once our baby boy arrived, Autumn’s role as our doula and support person did not end; she provided postpartum care assistance including an in home visit and answering lots of phone calls and texts with our new parent questions/concerns. We could not have been so confident and knowledgeable going into our first birth without the help of our doula, Autumn, and we are beyond grateful that she is part of our story of welcoming our little one to the world.

— Zoe O.

Highly recommended! My wife and I hired Autumn as our doula early in our pregnancy. We knew having her as an advocate during my wife’s pregnancy and labor would be invaluable. As a busy husband I knew that I would want my wife to have an educated and experienced go to resource for all of her questions and concerns and I didn’t want Google to be where she turned. I knew that Autumn would be a wonderful source of knowledge and encouragement and I’m happy to say that I was right. Autumn was incredible during the labor process. Starting at home very early on Sunday morning, laboring at home for a few hours, and then helping us make the decision on when to leave for the hospital, the timing was perfect. While at the hospital, Autumn proved to be an excellent coach making sure we all stayed calm and informed. I turned to her multiple times with my “what should I do now” face and each time she provided excellent direction. It just wouldn’t have been the same without her. I know we will use her again when the time comes.

— Kevin (New dad and first time father)

As a mom of one sweet little girl, I knew I wanted fitness to be a part of my journey with my second pregnancy. I was thrilled to be able to work with Autumn who is a certified BirthFit coach. I started working with Autumn in my first trimester and found the weekly workouts to be challenging in that they pushed me to work harder, but in a safe and fun way. She helped correct my form, provided me with functional movements that I can use throughout my pregnancy and gave me tips on how to scale future workouts that would accommodate my growing belly. I feel empowered and more knowledgeable after working with Autumn. I am excited to continue my fitness journey as I move into my second trimester with twins!!

— Leanne T.

Autumn attended the births of my second and third children (both unmedicated). My experience with Autumn vastly differed from my first birth (attended by a different doula). From our initial meeting and beyond, it was like getting to know a friend rather than arranging a transaction for services.  She was wonderful in many aspects of birth – from getting my husband onboard with using a doula again, to recommending an amazing acupuncture provider, and (of course) the support she provided for the big event! She was a calm and steady presence throughout the stages of labor and had the innate ability to provide the physical support when I needed it and quiet observation when I didn’t. If I could have 10 more babies I would - and I’d want Autumn there for all of them

— Anna C.

Autumn Weiss is truly a goddess doula. Calm, supportive, patient, and a wealth of birthing knowledge, she was more valuable to me than any birthing book or physician. For some, the birth experience is traumatic. However, with her presence and coaching, the birth of our son was intentional and powerful. A positive memory. Not only did she care for me through labor, delivery, and postpartum, she nurtured the budding bond between mother and baby at each and every moment. I became a mother before her eyes and I am so thankful that she was there. She is more than a doula. More than a friend. She delivered our precious baby into this world with her own loving, warm hands.

Through my pregnancy and postpartum, Autumn was available by phone or text at any time of day and for any question. She knew just what to say when I was stressed and worried about the journey ahead. She gave me physical strengthening exercises that helped prepare my body and pelvic floor for the most challenging workout of my life. My husband and I, with Autumn, thought out birth plan aspects and prioritized mental and physical health and strength. When the time came to deliver, our birth plan changed and she was ready and flexible.

As we waited through labor, she peacefully braided my hair. Nothing else could have calmed my racing heart, but her gentle hands working through my hair. I felt as though she was giving me her calm focus and feminine strength. We laughed and joked. We had moments of quiet. I thought of the generations of mothers and grandmothers that had experienced this moment of anticipation before meeting their unborn child. As the contractions intensified, Autumn encouraged me to stay mindful and breathe into each contraction. She directed my husband to apply reassuring pressure to points on my lower back and to hold me in various relaxing positions. She knew what questions to ask the medical staff and when to communicate firmly.

My midwife gave us a moment to consider who might catch our son. I asked her if Autumn could have the privilege. The level of trust and respect that we laid upon a non-family member at this major life event shows how highly we think of Autumn and her skill-level. Without hesitancy, she caught our son and became a part of our family forever.

Once our son was placed into my arms, Autumn caught beautiful candid photos between my husband and I looking upon our newborn. These photos are priceless to us. She was the first to encourage our son to begin breastfeeding. My son and I truly had time to bond and I thank Autumn.

— Hayes S.