Words from those who I have supported:
My husband and I had Allison as our doula for the births our children. She helped us navigate the healthcare systems in both Scotland and the United States. During the births, Allison made sure that I understood what was happening, that I had choices, and helped teach me how to advocate for myself. With her guidance, we were able to ask questions and make informed decisions prior to, during, and after the births of our children. She has given us years of support even after our birth journeys together. She is calm, professional, knowledgeable, and able to navigate different systems. Learning to advocate for our family in two different healthcare systems has been such an important skill that we learned from Allison and continue to benefit from. We highly recommend her! Tiffany C
I wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU – you are THE BEST DOULA I could ever have asked for, well beyond my expectations. Your motherly caring instincts were shining through and your strong fellow female power made me feel so safe and protected in such a vulnerable time. I’m so lucky I had you as my doula to help me at the birth of my baby boy. I would have never had the birth of my dreams without you. You will forever be part of this amazing achievement and I am so honoured to have shared my birth with you! Caroline R
Happy Doula week to the most amazing doula out there Allison Tate. You are simply an angel and you have done so much for my family. We appreciate and love you so much!! Words can’t express how grateful we are for the support and encouragement thru our entire birth process. You will always hold a special place in our hearts! Ashley H
When my husband and I first discussed getting a doula, we were both skeptical. However, we thought that it would be necessary since he was away a lot for work, and it would be possible that the baby would come before he could get back. I was worried that a doula might somehow take away from this very private moment between us. Although we were both unsure, I started researching and interviewing doulas. I met and interviewed many doulas, and as soon as I met Allison, I knew that she would be perfect. Leading up to the birth, she was very supportive and knowledgeable. As a first time mother-to-be, I was apprehensive. I knew that I wanted a birth without much intervention, but I was unsure of my ability to do that. From the beginning, Allison was very positive and encouraging. On the evening when I went into the labor room, I was nervous and scared. The midwife was loud, quick, and rough—I couldn’t relax and felt very tense. As soon as Allison entered the room, the dynamic COMPLETELY changed. She turned the medical room into a peaceful place by bringing lighting and shells (I had told her that I loved collecting shells as a little girl, and the ocean calmed me). She was calming and gentle, but she also was confident in me, strong and well-respected by the midwives. Allison helped awaken my courage and strength. She was supportive in all the ways my husband and I needed her to be. In a situation as personal as birth, Allison found the right balance with support that allowed my husband and I to still experience this very private moment. She fitted into the moment perfectly. After our daughter was born, I had complications. She was given to my husband, and Allison stood by me to offer support, as well as to ensure that I understood what was happening. When I left the room, she stayed with my husband and the baby to help them. When we look back on our birth experience, my husband and I both agree that hiring Allison was one of the best decisions we’ve made. There isn’t enough I could write or say to do justice or express how perfectly she fills her role as a doula. I am forever grateful that she was with us and helped us bring our daughter into the world peacefully. Lucy F
