The Atlanta Doulas — Local services in Atlanta

This might be a good fit for someone looking for informational birth support by text message, but If you're looking for a doula who is going to provide emotional support, be proactive in their communication, and be there for you in person when you need them, you may be disappointed.

I had a great experience working with them until it came time for my labor and delivery. I ended up having to get an induction on short notice, which I did inform Stephanie of ahead of time. I was in a lot of pain for the first 24 hours at the hospital, and feeling really stressed and afraid, because the doctors told me that there was a chance that there could be something seriously wrong with my baby (hence the induction). Unfortunately, the only support I received from my doula during that time was text messages to my partner (technically I received the text messages as well, but I was in no shape to be reading messages on my phone). Stephanie never offered to talk to me on the phone, do a video call, come and see me in person, or have any kind of communication outside of text messages, which was really disappointing because of my prenatal appointments I voiced how important it was to me to have her by my side in person. My partner did mention to her that I was continually asking for her to come to the hospital, but her response was that she doesn't normally come until active labor. At that point I caved, and went ahead and got the epidural, which made it so I could finally get a little sleep. That's when Stephanie chose to come into the hospital for a few minutes, realized that there wasn't much she could do for me now that I was knocked out, and left. By the time I was ready to start pushing, I had completely lost faith in my doula, and decided to go through the delivery without her, and I'm glad I did, since I had a great midwife to support me through that time.

After all of that, at my postpartum follow up, Stephanie told me she has some resources for online postpartum exercises that might help me out, but she never sent them to me, I messaged her to check in, and never heard back. Several weeks after my baby was born, I was still feeling disappointed by my experience, so I sent Stephanie and Melissa an email explaining everything I just listed above, it's been over a week and I didn't get any response at all.

The Atlanta doulas might be a good fit for some people, but I found the lack of communication at the most crucial times to be really detrimental in my...

Hiring Stefanie and Melissa is the biggest regret I have from my pregnancy. We found out at my 39 week appointment that my baby had moved into a breech position, so I ended up needing a C-section. I immediately texted Stefanie and Melissa to let them know, and they were so accommodating in that moment. Stephanie told me she would come see me in the hospital during my stay postpartum and let me know she would love to do an overnight once we were home since I would not need them during my son’s birth. My husband was very proactive about communicating with them while we were in the hospital but they never showed up to see us during the three days we were there. Unfortunately, once we got home, they never came to relive us for an overnight visit either. I emailed them to follow up and to express how dissapointed I was with the experience and their lack of initiative to follow through on the promises they made, and they basically gaslit me and told me they didn’t say they would visit us in the hospital. After sharing a screenshot of Stephanie saying, “i can come by either later on friday once you’re in postpartum or later in the weekend to check in, help with feeding, whatever you’re needing. and then once you’re settled at home i’d love to do an overnight for yall to help you get a solid nights sleep,” they just dismissed me and put the blame on me. As a new mom, going through my postpartum journey I was hoping these women would take care of me and take initiative to proactively deliver on their word while I was in my most vulnerable state. Instead, I was gaslit while I was sleep deprived and experiencing the rollercoaster of emotions that comes along with being postpartum. What I wanted out of this experience was care and support from a team of compassionate and knowledgeable women, but what I got was heartache and emotional distress from women who took advantage of the situation and were flippant, dismissive, exploitative, and a huge...

My husband and I hired Stefanie to help us navigate the birth process of our first born. We both participated in a lengthy natural childbirth class, but we still felt we wanted additional support deciding to give birth at a local hospital. I am thankful we hired Stefanie as our Doula for the additional knowledge and support- she was a blessing from start to finish. We met with her twice prior to us going into labor. She was sp knowledgeable and helpful with our (numerous) questions pertaining to the whole process- and she was so encouraging and patient with leading up to the big day! She is prompt and dilligent with communication as well. ( I got a tad anxious nearing my 42 week mark as my OB practice pushes for induction at that time) She continued to remind me of my options and facts of induction not to mention she helped me feel at ease. We ended up needing cervical ripening agents and were admitted to the hospital earlier than desired. Stephanie really was an angel at that time- She came to the hospital three times within a 24 hour period! She maintained a professional demeanor at all times even while called at 3 am on the 3rd day. I ended up delivering my daughter without an epidural or pain medication. Exactly what I wanted! Stefanie was an angel by my side and I felt empowered and reassured with her there. During the labor process- she was so professional and knowledgable with various birth positions and pain relief. My husband is thankful she was there also to be with me allowing him to sneak out for food and fresh air, ect. Last- but certainly not least- I'm so grateful she was able to take pictures of the first moments of the birth of our daughter! I treasure the picture of my husband cutting her cord. And the candid picture of pure joy on my face holding her. The services she provides are truly priceless! Stephanie is a gentle spirit and she certainly has found...