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

“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

“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

"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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“Our doula was most helpful during the birth as she aided in pain management. She also provided vital information and resources prior to and after the birth of our daughter.”

“Our doula was a saving grace during labor. She offered massage during contractions and suggested positional changes to help manage pain. I truly feel that I do not know how I would have managed without her. She was available prior to the birth to answer questions, especially as I navigated the last week of pregnancy and experienced Braxton-Hicks and intermittent contractions. She also provided invaluable information after the birth regarding breastfeeding, sleep schedules, baby comfort techniques, and postpartum emotions.”

“High Country Doulas provided us with invaluable information and hands-on help prior to, during, and after the birth of our daughter. During labor, I struggled with feeling out of control and unable to cope. Our doula, Allison, was a saving grace as she offered massage during contractions and suggested positional changes to help manage pain. I truly feel that I do not know how I would have managed without her. She was also a great resource after the birth for help with breastfeeding, sleep schedules, baby comfort techniques, and postpartum emotions. We have seen major improvements in our newborn's behavior and schedule after receiving advice from Allison. Thankfully, we now know how to calm our crying baby and put her down for sleep! Our doula has made a world of difference in our lives as new parents.”

- Sara, first time mom

“We highly recommend Allison & High Country Doulas! We can't say enough good things about them. We gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and they supported us before, during and after the birth. Having an birth advocate helped us in so many ways. You can ask them anything, anytime which was very helpful us, especially once my wife started going into labor. They are very kind, professional and knowledgable. If you're thinking about getting a Doula we promise you won't regret it.”

- Matt, first time dad

“ Our doula provided amazing hands on coaching for me and my husband and was a huge wealth of knowledge. My husband said it was awesome, like having a general manger there and that we would always have a doula for subsequent births. She brought a sense of calm and reassurance to the whole process.”

“Having the doula there to provide tips and ensure a good first feed, and having an appointment the day after birth with lactation consultants established a good latch. Being given information on what is normal vs what is not , knowing that sore nipples don't last and engorgement becomes less frequent once milk supply regulates. This kept me from worrying or wanting to give up or try bottles”

-Kara

“My doula, Hannah was absolutely amazing. Jeremy, my mom and I have said multiple times that things would have gone remarkably different if it weren’t for her. She was the calm and voice of truth in the midst of the battle going on inside me. Every part of me wanted to give up, my hopes for a birth center birth, but she consistently spoke truth. ‘You are doing great! You got this. Breathe.’

Just really, really grateful for her. I can’t recommend having a doula enough.”

Brittany A. - Boone

“My doula, Allison is absolutely amazing! She is so warm and loving and I felt absolutely comfortable welcoming her to our home and for the birth of our son. Throughout my pregnancy I had continuous support from her, any question or concern I had I knew I could count on her. I had no idea my labor would end up so fast! Allison made it while I was pushing, she put her arms around me while I was in the birth pool which gave me a positive reassurance I needed. She is so loving and definitely helped keep me relaxed even after baby was born. No matter if this is your first or your sixth baby I highly recommend High Country Doulas.”

-Tamatha - mother of three

“Kaitlyn helped me so much during my birth. She was so supportive and kind. I am so grateful that she was able to help me. She was at the hospital within the hour and always answered my texts within a reasonable time.”

– Tatum M., First-time mom

"I made a last-minute decision to hire a doula and my husband and I are so glad we did. Our doula helped me stay calm and was knowledgeable about techniques to manage the pain of contractions and to speed labor along. My husband was thankful that he could step out and take a break without feeling guilty because he knew I was in good hands with [our doula]. She also followed up with us several times during the postpartum period to make sure we were doing okay. We highly recommend High Country Doulas. If you're on the fence---go for it!"

– Ginna E, First-time mom

"High Country Doulas proved to be an excellent resource to turn to when approaching the many unknown situations we would encounter during our first pregnancy. The classes were very informative and conversational and their experience was clear and helpful from the initial meeting through postpartum. I am glad we made the decision to work with them and continue to be thankful for their help."

– Tim S, First-time dad