My husband and I wholeheartedly believe that we would not have had the birth experience we had without Liz’s incredible support and expertise. Much to our delight, the hospital where I delivered had just begun allowing doulas to attend births for the first time since COVID-19 prompted hospital restrictions. We had planned for Liz to be with us while I labored at home during early labor and then to connect with her virtually once we arrived at the hospital. While my husband felt empowered in his role thanks to Liz’s teaching during our prenatal visits, he and I recognize that the presence of an additional support person at the hospital, especially one with Liz’s level of passion and knowledge, was absolutely crucial. 

After laboring at home for a full 24 hours, Liz helped us make the decision to go to the hospital when it seemed that I was moving into active labor. She had encouraged us to stick to our plan to labor at home as long as possible, which ultimately allowed me to rest, eat nourishing meals, and enjoy the comforts of home as labor intensified. Thanks to this guidance, I arrived at the hospital feeling confident and strong. 

Our experience in labor and delivery over the next 15 hours was a positive one, though we did encounter a care provider who was unsupportive and unprofessional in many ways. Despite having read our birth plan and made aware of our wishes to have a natural, unmedicated birth, she did not approach decisions throughout my labor in a way that was caring or collaborative. Though my labor was progressing, albeit slowly, and the baby’s vitals were stable, this particular provider threatened unnecessary interventions, making me feel like the birth we wanted was not going to be possible. After one particularly defeating interaction with this provider, Liz convened a private conversation with my husband and me to summarize the options that were presented to us, reassure us that interventions were not needed at the moment, and offer suggestions for how we could keep moving things along as a team. As a long-time athlete and teacher, I am a huge fan of teamwork. Never in my life have I felt the power of working as a team so strongly as I did during those final hours of labor. Liz was profoundly present and vigilant, advocating for us every step of the way while cheering me on and offering constant encouragement to my husband. Ultimately, we welcomed our sweet boy into the world without any of the threatened medical interventions. Our hearts were and still are overflowing with gratitude for Liz’s unwavering support and guidance. 

/ valeri /

We feel so fortunate to have found Elizabeth as our doula. We felt an immediate connection with her during our initial meeting (hard to do, especially over zoom!) which was important especially for someone supporting you in such an emotionally raw and intimate process. We felt confident that she could provide what we were looking for in both the emotional/physical support as well as expertise in navigating a low-intervention hospital birth of our first child. In our prenatal visits Elizabeth took the time to understand our preferences and inner-workings as a couple so that she could support us in a way that matched us. We also discussed and affirmed things we learned during an online birth class which helped build on our confidence going into the birth. I was faced with a few decisions during the final weeks which she was there to support and talk through with me, building upon our trust and connection. She truly exceeded all of our expectations when the big day came, working in perfect harmony with my husband. She worked with the nurses to help me move around in different positions and provided counter pressure and affirmations during contractions which at that point was a relief for my husband who had been at it for hours. My labor progressing so quickly worked in our favor as there were limited opportunities for interventions - but I still felt so much better that Elizabeth was there with us through this process and felt so comfortable with her during one of the most vulnerable and intimate acts of life. I cried when she had to leave! After the birth she visited us at home with some delicious soup and I also purchased one of her beautiful homemade sitz bath herb blends. Elizabeth has a true gift as a doula, providing the love, support and guidance couples need during the wonder that is childbirth! We are so happy to have met her and now consider her a member of the family.

/ cristina & tyler /

The birth of our baby boy was the most exhilarating and profound experience of my life. This would not have been the case without the care, support and empowerment provided by Liz. As first time parents, we felt it was important to learn as much as possible about pregnancy, birth and early child care. Working with Liz opened our minds up to a world of information that completely altered the entire journey. What began as a project to seek information and education quickly transformed itself into a deep understanding that pregnancy and birth are a journey for the mother, the baby and the father. Liz showed us that this journey would be painful and difficult but that the joy and euphoria would outweigh any obstacle that presented itself along the path to finally meeting our little baby.

As a husband, I wanted to support my wife as much as possible and make the entire experience comfortable and easy for her. Liz was instrumental in training me to do precisely that. The insights she shared enabled me to support my wife in a way that truly enhanced her experience as an expecting mother and my own as a terrified father. Liz possesses a special quality that filled the room regardless of whether we were meeting virtually or in person. Her calm temperament and caring demeanor immediately put us at ease and allowed us to learn many wonderful things in a positive and empowered state of mind. We got to the point after several wonderful interactions with Liz where my wife and I knew precisely what we wanted out of the pregnancy and birth while empowering us to adapt to changing circumstances in a prepared and confident manner. She helped us feel like we were in control and that we were more than capable of making decisions that would be of most benefit to my wife and our baby. In addition, Liz was instrumental in connecting us with other professionals in the field, specifically with a lactation consultant and an acupuncturist, that provided us with additional support and care. These professionals all enhanced our experience and Liz was central to making those connections possible. This is evidence that her work is a calling for her, something she is committed to and loves dearly. This is not merely a business for her and that was always evident in how she spoke to us and how she conducted herself throughout the entire journey.

The day finally arrived when my wife went into labor! Instead of freaking out, we immediately entered into action mode and started implementing all of the strategies and insights Liz shared with us. My amazing wife endured a 44 hour long labor and delivery. We are so grateful that Liz encouraged us to move through early labor at home. We ate good, nutritious meals, took a few very necessary naps in our own bed, watched some movies and went on a walk. Had we not received help from Liz, we would have not felt the level of confidence we did to do all of that on our own. Despite painful contractions, we both agree that it was a wonderful and highly cathartic day and something we will never forget. We most likely would have gone straight to the hospital as soon as my wife’s contractions started to intensify and missed out on that amazing and intense experience. 

Liz joined us at home for the final hours of early labor and into the beginning of active labor. As a husband who loves his wife, seeing her go through those moments of immeasurable pain was difficult. Liz was a shining light that helped me stay strong for my wife. She was supportive when she had to be, forceful when most necessary and distant when the moment called for it. Her performance at our home was spectacular. I never once felt like she was in the way. And this was no different when we finally continued on our journey at the hospital. Most of the staff were supportive and tender with us, although there was one midwife who made several threats that were not in line at all with my wife’s birth plan. Liz was instrumental in helping us navigate some tense and unsettling situations. In one instance, she very casually suggested we go to the bathroom for a team meeting. Her calm nature and helpful suggestions resulted in completely avoiding the suggested interventions and empowered her to undergo the rest of the process without interventions or any medication, something my wife truly wanted to achieve.

We could not have done this without Liz and her amazing support. Her powerful education led us to welcoming our beautiful little boy to the world. I am so proud of my wife. Her strength, discipline, persistence and grace allowed her to bring our son to the world 100% naturally. This would not have been the case without Liz and everything that she taught us along with her masterful support. I would not have been as empowered as I was to support my wife every step of the way. One of the most encouraging lessons we learned from Liz was that pain was undoubtedly going to be a part of the journey, but that all of that pain would diminish significantly to the joy, excitement and love we would feel as new parents, particularly my wife. This moment was realized the instant our baby was placed on my wife’s chest. Our tears of joy and relief were accompanied with tears of love and gratitude for everything that Liz did for us and our beloved baby.

/ adrian, father and husband /

Having a baby in the age of COVID-19 was an adventure, to say the least. Just when I secured Elizabeth as my doula, my hospital announced they would limit laboring women to just one partner. My husband and I had both suffered trauma with the birth of our first child. We strongly feel that as a minority, I was treated less humanely during my first birth and faced microaggressions from our care providers.

The thought of birthing without a doula physically present was daunting. I had hired Elizabeth for her specialty in trauma and because of her unique understanding of social justice as it applied to laboring women. I understood that despite switching to a different medical practice, I could not control which care providers would be assigned to me at the hospital. The only thing I could control was having a doula present who could speak up for me if I was in too much pain to do so myself.

My OB/GYN assured me that Elizabeth could be present virtually. Both Elizabeth and my OB/GYN had already utilized virtual doula support during the COVID-19 pandemic and reported positive experiences. This provided me with some assurance. However, being limited to one in-person birth partner given my documented history of trauma, still felt like a very real loss to me, one of many I experienced during this pandemic.

Elizabeth understood this, and helped me to develop a sense of control. She provided my husband and me with valuable resources, such as her toolkit for labor. She helped me to create a comprehensive birth plan. She validated my emotions surrounding my first birth.

My second birth ended up moving very quickly. My husband and I did not even have the time to contact Elizabeth virtually at the hospital. Despite this, Elizabeth provided us with support leading up to the birth. The morning I went into labor, she determined that my contractions were coming frequently enough that we should head to the hospital. Before I left, she helped me to take some deep breaths and set an intention that I would have a positive, empowered birth. She emphasized that I need not internalize any negativity associated with a difficult care provider, should I encounter one.

My husband and I had a completely different and positive birth this second time around. The nurse assigned to us was spectacular, and we both felt more in control as we used Elizabeth’s breathing techniques. Although I did encounter one dismissive care provider, I did not let that interaction set the tone for my empowered birth.

I’m so very thankful we found Elizabeth. She provided the perfect balance of empathy, knowledge and positive energy. Her resources are top notch.

In the age of COVID-19, where healthcare protocols are rapidly changing, Elizabeth’s experience and evidence-based resources, are essential to providing assurance and peace of mind. I cannot recommend Elizabeth more highly.

/ Nuri /

Before meeting with Elizabeth, my only word to describe how I felt about soon giving birth to my first baby was “terrified”. I had been through an emotionally difficult and stressful pregnancy, and being told I was not a candidate for an epidural paralyzed me with fear. I was scared of the unknown, the pain that so many mothers talk about, and taking care of a fragile newborn right after. I decided one day that I owe it to myself and my baby to invest in us and learn how to embrace my own upcoming labor and delivery experience. 

Elizabeth taught me countless ways to get through painful contractions, as well as teaching my mom (my main support person) how to best support me during them. The weeks leading up to my birth, I grew more passionate about learning about natural childbirth and how to embrace the sensations. Elizabeth also instilled in me the power and importance of informed consent in the hospital setting. She offered me continued emotional support in times of self doubt, as well as support for my family and I after birth. I will forever be grateful for the experience I had during my first childbirth, and I owe so much of the empowerment and knowledge that I gained to Elizabeth’s help. It would not have been the same without her!

/  Amelia  /

Elizabeth helped me feel in control during labor and gave me the assistance I needed to achieve the birth experience I had hoped for.  Her use of comfort measures was seamless and completely in tune with what I needed, often without me having to even think about or say what that was.  I felt incredibly supported during pregnancy and labor and I will always be grateful for her presence at my daughter’s birth. 

/  Kristen  /

Elizabeth has a passion for birth work that is thorough and genuine and deeply felt by those around her.  Her excitement and willingness to be completely present for her clients - whether it is with resources or a listening ear or techniques for working through whatever is happening at the moment - make her an incredible support during pregnancy, labor, and birth.  Her heart is as warm and open as her contagious laugh and her gifts are an asset to the birth community.

/ Brittany McCollum, CCE, CD, Blossoming Bellies Birth /

Elizabeth was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end! Her demeanor, energy, voice and physical touch techniques were just what we needed! She was so friendly, approachable, caring and attentive during all the stages we went through together. I was preparing for birth using Hypnobabies, and she was happy to learn the key terminology and support mechanisms to help me, which was going above and beyond. We really appreciated her tips, practicing counter-pressure moves and talking through key birth plan topics during our prenatal visits. During birth, we started at the Birth Center and had to transfer to the hospital, and she was so helpful in being our voice, helping us gently question suggested interventions, and provided continuous support through my long birthing. For our postpartum visit, she was so sweet to bring us homemade soup and talk through the birth, reflect and share how it went. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Elizabeth, regardless of the kind of birth you want for yourself. If you are planning a natural, unmedicated birth like we did, you'll especially be glad to have her! An extra support person is vital to help the mama and her main support person.

/  Tatiana  /

I immediately felt like Elizabeth was someone I could connect with.  Once I contacted her she was easy to communicate with, very calm, responsive and easy going.  Elizabeth has a calm about her that helped my husband and I so much during pregnancy, the birth process and our postpartum care.  My husband was hesitant to hire a doula, but upon meeting Elizabeth he realized that she provided a calmness and knowledge that we both needed.  

Towards the last few weeks of my pregnancy I became extremely anxious and exhausted.  The baby had dropped and I would go into prodromal labor nearly every afternoon and nothing came out of it.  Elizabeth checked in daily to make sure I was okay and gave me resources to help calm me (acupuncture, herbs, etc.).  She calmed me by telling me that her experience has been that when babies take awhile like this they often come quickly once labor begins.  I had no idea how wise Elizabeth was until the night I went into labor.  

When I finally went into labor, things moved very quickly.  Once I realized it was the real deal, we had about 3 hours before baby boy was born.  My husband and I had planned to meet Elizabeth at the birth center I was working with.  However, we quickly realized that baby boy had other plans and wanted to arrive rather quickly.  Elizabeth rushed to our car in the middle of the Philadelphia streets as I sat in the front seat trying to figure out how to deliver this baby safely. She immediately came in and calmed me down. I was anxious about pushing, but also felt like I couldn’t stop by body from pushing.  She reminded me to breath and gave me permission to push if I needed to.  She reminded me that everything was going to be okay.  She explained to my husband that we would not make it to the birth center and told him to go to the nearest hospital.  She helped him navigate the hospital all while helping me remain calm.  Once in the hospital she made sure I had a voice, even though I hadn’t planned to deliver in a hospital setting.  She took the moments between contractions to ask me what I wanted to make sure I got a birth that I would feel good about.  When the OB told me to get on my back to push, Elizabeth helped remind me that I could also choose a different position, all while being respectful of the practicing OB.  This made me feel so empowered and in charge of my birth, even though it was not what I had planned.  A few minutes after arriving at the hospital I delivered a healthy, beautiful baby boy.  Elizabeth stayed with us for a few hours after the birth and made sure we were doing okay.  

After the birth, Elizabeth made sure all was going well.  She brought us homemade soup and checked in to see what other resources she could help us with.  My husband and I would not have been able to make it through the birth of our baby with empowerment and calmness without Elizabeth.  She is extremely wise and has an incredible ability to think clearly during the stresses of labor.  

/  hannah  /

I met Elizabeth last year through a mutual client. At the home visit, she struck me as very poised, pleasant, and deeply focused. When she was called to the birth, the mom had been having a difficult time getting through early labor. Elizabeth very instinctively assisted her with comfort measures and positional changes to get her over the hump. She stayed with her through the night and never gave up on her. She remained patient, present, and intentional. She made such an impression in that process that I invited her to join my practice’s network of Doulas. There are many gifted Doulas in our city but Elizabeth is among a select group of Doulas that I truly trust and value to be part of the birth team. 

/ Asasiya Muhammad, CPM, Inner Circle Midwifery /

Elizabeth was warm, kind, and supportive from the beginning. I was so grateful to have her as a resource during my pregnancy and as I had more questions as the due date got closer. I had planned a birth center delivery, but ended up having to transfer to a hospital during active labor. Elizabeth was an incredible support for me during really difficult contractions, and I know that she was a grounding, reassuring presence for my partner and sister, especially during a stressful transfer. My baby was born healthy (and 2 weeks late!). Elizabeth was such an important part of my baby’s birth and preparing for birth – thank you so much!

/ Susannah /

Heading into top surgery (gender affirmation chest surgery), I was feeling very apprehensive about my post-op recovery process.  A friend of mine who had given birth earlier in the year recommended I reach out to a postpartum doula, since the types of care needed overlap a lot (helping prepare food, do laundry, bathing, etc).  I immediately thought of reaching out to Elizabeth, and I'm so glad I did.  Her patience, kindness, and expertise were a huge factor in my recovery.  I recommend anyone getting gender affirmation surgeries to reach out to her for support or for recommendations.  Trans-affirming healthcare can be difficult to find in Philly, but between her support and that of Einstein Hospital's PRIDE Clinic, I was able to access the care I needed and have a smooth recovery.

/ post-op doula client / 

Elizabeth was extremely helpful, competent, and so dedicated. She was available to help me even when my husband fell asleep. We were so grateful for her calming presence.

/ Amanda, Homebirth client /

Elizabeth is an incredibly compassionate person, who I am blessed to have as a doula peer. I am always confident referring clients to her, and using her as my back up doula. The way that she shows up in the world is healing for all those around her - and she gives the best hugs in Philadelphia.

/ Jenna Brown, doula, Love Over Fear Wellness /