July 7th my sweet Maggie was brought into this world after 7 hours of labor. Maggie is my third blessing and my quickest and easiest labor, my first unmedicated. I will forever be grateful for the help from my amazing doula Nellie Hensley-Ahrens.

Being able to birth how I wanted with the support from Nellie and my husband made this experience unforgettable. I think that all women should have access to doulas for their babies, because the knowledge and support you get from these women is truly life changing. 

-Sabrina S. Third-time mom, Mountain City, TN

“We used the postpartum package with High Country Doulas and it was one of the reasons I was able to successfully breastfeed. Allison and her team offered support and smart insight during a difficult time in the first few months. With their help, we were able to figure it out!

They were patient and kind during an exhausting period and helped walk me through skills like swaddling, soothing, sterilizing bottle, etc. It was nice to have someone slowly re-explain and demonstrate all of these things once you are out of the hospital. I highly recommend their services to first-time parents—it was the extra boost we needed. “

-Lily Hennessy, a first-time mom

“Allison and Lis were the perfect team to support me during my VBAC. Choosing a VBAC at a non-supportive hospital required a lot of emotional support and encouragement, and Allison and Lis gave me that and so much more.

They helped me create a plan of action for birth and troubleshoot potential setbacks or problems that could arise during labor. They listened to my concerns and allowed me to work through and process residual feelings from my first birth.

Lis was with us during labor and drove through a literal ice storm to make it to our home. Her calm demeanor was exactly what I needed to relax, think, and make it through challenging back labor. She supported me in my decisions and captured the moment my son was born perfectly! I was able to achieve a VBAC and I am so thankful for both Allison and Lis for being a part of my incredible birth experience!”

- Bethany B. Boone, NC

“Just knowing I (& my husband) would have someone who was specifically trained & experienced in this area in the room with us was a huge stress reliever for me. In my specific case, I have scoliosis corrective surgery, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to use an epidural. Having Nellie (who ended up being my doula) there helped me stay in the right headspace once contractions got intense & when I struggled to push my son out in the final stage.

While my doula could not give consent for me, I found it extremely reassuring to have her there to help me evaluate recommended courses of action by my medical team. While my awesome Midwife & nurses provided the actual interventions, I consider Nellie’s presence & counsel as an essential part of the care which ultimately saved my life after a massive hemorrhage.

I was initially skeptical about hiring a labor doula, but now would 100% recommend them for anyone needing any level of support in their birthing journey.”

Etta’s husband writes: “Our doulas were very attentive & accommodating. They met our needs as they arose. I would definitely recommend them for others seeking a doula.”

-Etta R. Johnson City, TN

"Chelsey was extremely professional (& punctual!) in preparing/encapsulating the placenta after my birth. I had absolutely no concerns once she arrived & got to work. She was very knowledgeable, personable, & meticulous. In fact, I have referenced the packet of instructions & resources she gave me multiple times throughout my postpartum process. She was also wonderful with my follow-up questions once I reached the 6 week mark and was ready to start using the tincture. I believe the placenta capsules made a night & day difference for me in my postpartum this time compared to my first postpartum without them. I know this may not work for everyone, but I would 100% recommend this process & doula for others interested in this service.”

Etta R. - 2nd time parent

“Having Chelsey with us through our son’s birth was such a blessing. She walked us through so many helpful coping strategies and never stopped being there with us. She was such a comfort to my husband as well when he wasn’t sure how to help me, she guided him and made the experience a lot less stressful for him.

It was important for me to have an unmedicated birth and I have no doubt the doctors would have pressured me into a C-section if she wasn’t there helping me make informed decisions and trusting my body. I was able to make it through 27 hours of back labor and 3 hours of pushing with her and my husband’s support.

I thought I would feel uneasy having someone I didn’t know very well in the room with us in such an emotional situation. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Chelsey made us feel at ease, laugh, and felt so cared for. After our rainbow baby boy was here it was hard to let her go! She had become such a special person to us by the end of our journey.”

Madison Idell - Greeneville, TN

Dear High Country Doulas,

“I wanted to thank you not only for the information on paced bottle feeding, but the guidance you provided when you visited us. We have been using the techniques for soothing and sleeping. Our son sleeps well at night, waking 2-3 times for feedings. It was so helpful to have you come and share knowledge with us, and I appreciated someone caring about my wellbeing as well as our son’s.”

Maggie - 1st time parent

"We had a fantastic experience with the High Country Doulas, utilizing many of their services and working with all of their doulas: labor support, breastfeeding and postpartum classes, and daytime and overnight services.

Without family in the area, we really benefitted from all of this help and knowledge in order to best care for our first child. We had an unexpected long stay in the hospital, followed by breastfeeding pain, followed by the sleepless nights that accompany every newborn, and other questions that popped up as we moved forward with our little one (questions about digestion, sleeping, etc.).

I would recommend any of their doulas, who provided excellent support of all kinds (physical, emotional, etc.) and even are willing to answer questions that pop up off-duty. This is an excellent and trustworthy organization that will help you transition to various stages of parenthood. I can’t recommend them enough."

Katie Montalbano — New parent

"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

“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

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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