Practice overview
In the 12 years I have been a birth worker, my doula bag has become quite small. I have learned through experience, the families I have supported and the providers I have been a team player with, that there are only a few items really needed to support your birth preferences. Knowledge in the physiology of hormones, movement, space, emotions and breath. Experience in medical interventions and helping you to have productive conversations with your providers when they are needed, skill in comfort measures and massage (my hands are so strong:), and authentic words of encouragement, praise, and affirmation. I am best fit for a person who is wanting no or low interventions (in or out of the hospital): a VBAC or a free birth. My goal is to empower you and your labor partner so you can both be present in the event and have your best birth experience possible.
Katie
September 30, 2022 at 11:38 am | Client reviewRya is just amazing. She told us with what to expect during OB visits and gave us tips to keep distracted during the early parts of labor. Once labor started and we had to make decisions about going with option 1 vs option 2, Rya advocated for us and explained the medical jargon in terms we could grasp. In the end it was a long labor but having Rya’s experience and energy with us made it so manageable. I needed Rya there to remind me what we as woman as capable of. My husband needed her for reassurance on how to help me and to supported him when he couldn’t bare to see me in so much discomfort. My 2nd pregnancy was a contrasting journey. Early on I was told my baby would be born with Down syndrome. There were SO many concerns that came up in my pregnancy and then everything shut down due to COVID, but Rya was there for us for all of it. My baby decided to come 3 weeks early and with all the expected medical concerns, I was not sure that I would get to hold my baby before she was taken to the NICU. Somehow, my delivery went smoothly, and my baby didn’t need additional support, but we were prepared to face a different scenario thanks to Rya. She guided us through the most monumental times of our lives. We were able to witness Rya in her element through a variety of obstacles. We are so honored that she was apart of our journey into parenthood.
Taylor
October 5, 2022 at 10:50 am | Client reviewFrom the moment we first spoke to Ryah we knew that she was the perfect fit as our Doula – she is incredibly warm, has such an extensive background, and food is one of her love languages! We had two prenatal appointments in which we discussed our birth preferences, learned stretches to do leading up to my due date, and practiced different techniques to try during early labor. She was also always available to reach via text or phone throughout my pregnancy.
Ryah was the most crucial person in helping my husband and I bring our baby earth side. She guided me through each contraction and continuously helped me stay centered and find my breath. She made suggestions of positions to try based on where the baby was to keep things progressing. She made sure my husband played an integral part in the experience and conveyed our birth preferences to the nursing staff. I ended up having an unmedicated birth, and I know this was only possible because she was there with me.
Once my baby was born, she helped him latch and stayed by my side to ensure that everything was okay. Since being home we’ve had a phone and in-person chat in which we processed my labor experience, and she made sure we were set up for the first few weeks postpartum. I am grateful that she is available throughout the 4th trimester! Aside from providing immeasurable support, she also took photos and video during labor which is the most special thing to look back on.
We are forever grateful to have found Ryah!