Testimonials

"You are a great teacher, I could tell you really care about the people in the class and have a passion for what you do. Thank you so much, you have helped us learn so much more than we knew for our first child." — S.J.

"I will forever love you for the way you enabled J. to be my support." — N.C.

"Andrea was a big help to both me and my husband; explaining things & making the process fun and exciting. More than that, she went through my very long labor with no complaint and was our partner through it all. She did a GREAT job and I highly recommend her! — T.M.

"We loved our doula so much she was the first one we called when we found out we were pregnant with number two!" — T.D.

"(Andrea) was very helpful as support for the husband, too. She explained the process and kept a positive environment." — M.A.

"Andrea's services were invaluable and she was extremely pleasant to work with." — T.S.

"Thanks for helping us to have a wonderful birth experience. We especially love the birth story — and have sent copies to many people." — H.C.

This birth experience was so wonderful and I have you to thank for getting me through it! Steve is now a true believer in the natural birth process and he was very impressed by all you did for me." — M.O.

"All of your suggestions and your calm demeanor truly allowed T. to relax and focus. Especially, we are grateful during transition to pushing — T. succeeded because of you!" — T. & T.S.

"I moved to Utah from Los Angeles when I was five months pregnant. I didn't know anyone, had no family nearby, and certainly didn't know what to expect for my first labor and delivery. So when my informative and fun childbirth instructor, Andrea Lythgoe, told me that she was a doula... my husband and I jumped at the chance of bringing her into our birthing experience. And are we happy that we did! Certainly, the birth didn't go according to plan. First there was the preeclampsia, then the inducing process, and then a labor that lasted for 52 hours! But Andrea was there every step of the way... every moment of the labor... encouraging me and reminding me that the end (and a beautiful baby) was near! She made what could have been a rather scary experience one that I fondly remember!" — T.M.

"Your involvement in A's birth meant a lot to me and the whole family. I don't think it would have gone as smoothly without you. In retrospect it was kind of scary that he was so early and sunny side up but I think your ability to make everything continue to flow was instrumental in my delivering the way I felt I needed to." — M.W.

"It is our pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Andrea Lythgoe. Andrea assisted with the birth of our son in the fall of 2003, and we recommend her wholeheartedly and without reservation."

"Before working with Andrea, my husband and I were uncertain of the exact role a doula played in labor and delivery. We conveyed this uncertainty to Andrea, who offered us a free consultation to answer any questions we had. My husband and I subsequently met with Andrea for over an hour—before even hiring her—during which time Andrea patiently, thoroughly, and candidly responded to each of our questions. From even this early meeting we were impressed with Andrea’s genuine personality and utmost professionalism."

"One of our primary concerns that Andrea addressed was the relationship between the husband or partner and the doula during the delivery process. While the idea of having a doula present appealed to us strongly because we wanted a natural and non-medicated birth, my husband and I wanted him to play an active part in the baby's delivery. Consequently, we were worried that my husband's role would be marginalized if we also relied upon a doula. Andrea assured us that her objective was to make the labor and delivery process less stressful for both parents, a goal that she most definitely achieved. Andrea served not only as a continual source of support and comfort to me but also provided my husband with a greater sense of reassurance throughout the labor process. In fact, we have no doubt that my husband was considerably less stressed and thus better able to focus more completely and effectively on my needs than if Andrea had not been present."

"The only other major worry my husband and I discussed at length prior to hiring Andrea was the overall cost of retaining a doula. Our commitment to having a natural birth ultimately convinced us that the cost would serve as an investment. This assessment proved to be absolutely true; my husband still tells people that Andrea's fee for service was "worth every penny," and we have every intention of utilizing a doula for the birth of our subsequent children."

"While our initial motivation for using a doula was our desire to have a non-medicated birth, Andrea would also be a tremendous asset for either women whose partners will be absent from the birth or even for those mothers who know they will use an epidural. Andrea is knowledgeable, kind, and compassionate, traits that serve her well in her elected profession. Her comforting skills are invaluable during labor and delivery, and it is worth reiterating that fathers will benefit almost as equally from Andrea's service. Expecting parents will find that even small aspects of Andrea's service, like the birth story Andrea prepares and her follow-up visit, reduce the amount of stress they encounter and make the overall birth experience more unique and special."

"Because we felt unable to articulate how truly pleased we were to work with Andrea, my husband and I offered to write this letter in hopes of sharing our wonderful experience with other prospective clients who are expecting and considering enlisting the help of a doula. While we have touched upon our particular concerns and outlined our experience, there are several other aspects that we simply cannot include in such brevity as a letter requires. However, we will end by saying that we have the utmost confidence that other couples will undoubtedly benefit from and their individual birth experiences will be uniquely touched if they use Andrea as a doula." — J.B. & C.G.

Text & photos copyright Andrea Lythgoe. All rights reserved