Allison is an amazing person and educated doula. I first met her, three weeks before the birth of my first child. My husband and I connected with her immediately. She really listened to my thoughts and wishes for a natural childbirth and helped me structure a birth plan I was comfortable with. During my labor, she was very supportive and attentive. I felt like she was there just for me. She never let my confidence waiver. She also helped my husband be the best support person he could be. He was more at ease knowing there was someone who could show him how to help – he was truly involved. Despite all efforts I ended up with a very long labor and a cesarean. Emotionally that would have been a very hard thing for me, but because of Allison’s insight, I was comfortable with the decisions we needed to make. With my second pregnancy, I knew it was going to be a bit of an uphill battle to have a VBAC, but I was determined to do all I could to make it happen. Allison was by my side throughout. She practiced hypnobirthing techniques with me and was my advocate to a doctor who wanted me to have another cesarean. We were successful! Truly, I owe my natural childbirth experience to Allison. She has been a gift in my life and I am so thankful.

-Joanne K., Derry, NH

So how do you thank someone for being your strength? For holding your hand and making sure you know that you are strong and can do it, even when you feel like you can't and just want to give up. For knowing exactly the right place to touch to relieve the pain. For saying the perfect thing at the perfect time to give the best possible reassurance. For being the oasis in the desert so that the water flows and nourishes exactly when it is needed. For having the balance to juggle the emotions that run wild, not saying too little or too much. For being a rock and a pillar to lean on when it is needed the most. For knowing the right time to let it be and the right time to speak up. For loving and caring and being one of the most important people at the birth. Well, I don't know the right words to thank you for all of those things, but here goes...*Thank you, Jaime!* You can never know what it meant to have you here.

-Kara M., Manchester, NH

What made the birth of our daughter different from those of our sons was, in a word, Jaime. While every birth is miraculous and unique in its own right, Jaime's knowledge, grace, and uncanny sense of timing helped my wife realize her goal of a natural, drug-free delivery. Not only did Jaime deftly guide my wife and me through a long and difficult process, she knew at each phase of the ten-hour labor exactly what was required.
Furthermore, so effective was her communication with both delivering mother, husband, doctor, and nurses that she quickly established trust and confidence in all parties, thus facilitating a safe, comfortable, and intimate environment. Jaime helped my wife and I not only better understand the medical and physiological dimensions of the birth process, but also to experience it in all its joyful mystery and beauty.

-Thomas S. Concord, NH

Jaime was amazing. She listened to my whole story and helped me work through my fears. She never made me feel judged or pushed any one birth philosophy. She just listened and helped me clarify my own position while calming some of my nervousness.
When I finally went into labor at 41 weeks and a day, it was the middle of the night. As soon as Jaime got there, there was a stunning difference in my experience of the contractions. With Jaime's help I was able to relax through much of active labor. She was incredibly resourceful, sensitive, and flexible. She knew when something was working or wasn't working before I had to tell her. She knew when to step back and let my husband take over and when to step in with a suggestion. When the contractions overwhelmed me she talked me through and kept me going and, maybe more important, kept my labor going by making sure I changed positions. Because of Jaime, I was able to have a beautiful, natural childbirth with much less pain and fear than I thought possible. I can't even imagine this birth without her. I'm happy, relieved, and proud of what we achieved, and I will always be incredibly grateful to Jaime.

-Catherine W., Concord, NH

Our family has not been blessed just once but twice with the presence of Allison at the birth of our children! At the beginning of her career as a Doula, I was expecting my second child, Janie. Allison promptly offered her knowledge and guidance to our family. She had my trust immediatley. I just knew she would be a stabilizing force for us. During both pregnancies she made herself available 24 hours a day for worried phone calls, LOTS of answers and even more........ gentle wisdom. Allison would pop in and out of my day assessing my progress and lending her special sense of humor to push me forward! The real trial for Allison was to be supportive of my labor terms. Characteristically, I was a tough customer. Uncooperative and really cranky, even I didn't faze her! She was truly the calm we needed in the storm. Allison came prepared to comfort and assist. She was our true partner and advocate, making sure that we experienced this miracle just how we intended. We are eternally grateful for the time she gave us, the support she lended and the friendship she continues to extend! I hope she knows how precious her gifts are and that without words she IS and will always be a part of the family!

With Love, Robin & Bob St. Pierre and Family

"It is without dispute, during the pregnancy and birthing process, a mother and father’s primary concern begins with the child’s well-being. As a husband, I speak from experience. During this journey an added concern should and will be the health and emotional contentment your wife/partner receives during this process. If you agree, the primary parental focus is the child’s well being, then I can emphatically state that focus begins with taking care of Mom physically and emotionally.
During my wife Sherry’s first pregnancy, we were blessed to meet Mrs. Kelly Collins. Kelly, a mom herself, offered great insight into our journey that neither my wife nor I could draw on. Kelly spoke our language, she kept us informed of our options, managed family dynamics, and most importantly, ensured physical and emotional balance for my wife.
On Thanksgiving Day 2005, while her husband Jim was packing their family up to go away for the holiday, Kelly was in a hospital helping me manage my wife’s well being and witnessed the birth of our first son. She would board a plane 1 hour and 40 minutes later to go spend time with her family. Even though the clock pressed Kelly, she was there putting personal tasks aside to support our family.
From once a stranger to close friends, Kelly’s worth is immeasurable. So immeasurable we hired her again for our second pregnancy where she held a of set 4lb. twins and is now a part of lives forever.
In closing, for the wellbeing of your wife/partner and child, reach out and experience the kind act of your local Doula............and if you can get Kelly, all the better.


Martin J. Elmer -Husband to Sherry and Father of three"