Balanced Birth Doula Agency 337 Buckwalter Place Blvd, Bluffton, SC 29910

"Goodness where do I start? After struggling with the route taken of the birth of our first child my husband and I decided we wanted to be more informed and prepared for our second birth. After meeting with Alex we decided to move forward with the full labor package. We spent a lot of time with Alex discussing a variety of decisions and perfecting our birth plan(s). Our hope was for a VBAC. Alex served as my sounding board as I traveled through some tough appts. She provided support as I traveled past my due date. though this labor had some complications, Alex provided support and reassurance through each progression and decision. I was able to have a successful vbac much attributed to alexs’ birth plan recommendations, supportive and guided decision making as well as reassurance and support during labor. Bringing our daughter into this world was dually a healing and empowering experience. We hope to have the pleasure of working with Alex again!"

"Balanced Birth Doula Agency (BBDA) and Alex was the best decision I could have made for myself and the birth of my daughter. She helped with random what if questions during pregnancy, our birth plan and now with postpartum. She was on this pregnancy journey just as my husband and I were and I truly felt it, every high or low moment she was there. If after dr appointments I was unsure of something mentioned she was there to explain or comfort me. As a first time mom, you can only read or ask around for “what to expect” so much. Prior to 35 weeks everything was going as normal, however at 35 weeks, I was rushed to the hospital due to high BP so I called Alex worried and not sure what to do and she was right by my side. At 38 weeks when my water broke at 4:15 am who was there, Alex from BBDA. She is definitely more than just a doula, she gave me the calm feeling that I didn’t know I needed during my pregnancy and labor and took away all unknown fears from my husband and I. I was blown away after she not only showed up while laboring at home, she then spent another 12 hours at the hospital with my husband and I until I delivered our baby girl. Her husband was also a huge help, he kept my husband calm and even told a few dad jokes during my labor pains that I also didn’t know I needed. Postpartum I was also having trouble with having the baby latch, she sent Emma, another doula with BBDA, to my home 7 days PP and she was amazing and very knowledgeable. Alex with BBDA exceeded my expectations in more ways that I could have ever imagined so I’d say if you “think” you need support (mental, physical and emotional) call Balanced Birth Doula Agency because they will be with you every step of the way like they were with me. Thank you Balanced Birth Doula Agency and Alex!!! XOXO Mom, Dad and Baby Wise"

"Working with our Balanced Birth Doula, Emma, was an absolute Godsend. For my first birth we felt confused and out of control with the interventions and rules we had to follow versus what was simply a hospital regulation. This time around, I knew I wanted to feel peace and in control with my labor--and that's exactly what working with Emma gave me! We opted for the inexpensive day-of package since I'd already given birth before (if I didn't know about the stages of labor, birth plans, etc I would highly recommend upgrading to receive that education!) Our first meeting in our home with Emma truly put me at ease for what to expect going into labor naturally and when to drive to the hospital and what to expect when I arrived there. Once in the room, Emma was in tune with my needs always helping me when I needed it (even sometimes when I forgot to ask!) She gave me counterpressure to alleviate my back labor pains, chewy ice constantly, and most importantly, helped me to find positions in which the natural pains of labor were lessened. It was the little things, like placing a sheet over the medicine ball for cleanliness, that made me feel 100% in capable and caring hands. When I wasn't sure whether to get an epidural or not, she encouraged me to weigh my options and make the decision I was most comfortable with. When my water hadn't broken she gently recommended I try going to the bathroom (and it did!) When the contractions ramped up in the end (and throughout labor), Emma diligently and patiently walked me through breathing, encouraging me, and reminding me that our sweet baby was on the way! My husband and I agree this was THE best investment we could've made for my pregnancy--after all, I'll only be giving birth a couple times in my life, might as well have a fantastic experience. My pain was assuaged by my doula, Emma's, constant care and attention to my needs. In the end, she assisted my pushing efforts and took so many beautiful photos that I'd wished I had had for my first born. Moments with my husband, baby, and I that I will never forget!"