
Birth Stories
Every birth is a unique and transformative journey—one filled with strength, emotion, and the deep power of bringing new life into the world. At In Joy Birth, we are honored to be part of so many beautiful birth stories, supporting families through empowering, evidence-based, and compassionate care.

Real Experiences, Unforgettable Moments
The experiences shared here are testaments to the resilience of birthing parents, the importance of support, and the magic of welcoming a new baby into the world. Each story reflects the different paths birth can take—from hospital births to home births, unmedicated deliveries to planned cesareans—and how having a dedicated doula by your side can make all the difference.
Read Our Clients’ Birth Stories Below
We invite you to read these heartfelt stories from families who have walked this path before you. Whether you're preparing for your own birth or simply looking for inspiration, these stories remind us that every birth matters, every choice is valid, and every family deserves to feel supported and empowered.
Lindsay B.
Words can't even begin to explain how amazing Alyssa is. My husband was deployed, and we knew he wouldn’t make it home in time for the birth of our first child. I searched for doulas in Winter Park and came across Alyssa. From our very first encounter, I knew this was going to be the perfect fit.
Just two weeks later, and five weeks early, my son decided to make his arrival! At 11:30 p.m., I texted Alyssa, and she was there within the hour. Not only did she come fully prepared with massage, music, and essential oils, but she also brought a calming and comforting presence.
Alyssa arrived with confidence and ease, taking control of the situation and putting me, my mom, and my husband (who was on Skype) completely at ease. She made us feel ready, prepared, and supported through every moment.
I highly recommend Alyssa to anyone who wants an amazing birth experience, a natural birth, and expert knowledge. You're in great hands from start to finish.
My husband and I both agree that this was an incredible experience, and Alyssa went above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I plan to keep her number handy for the next time around!
Karen R.
Alyssa was a wonderful doula, and I would highly recommend her to anyone. I learned more about pregnancy and childbirth from her than I did from my doctors, classes, or books. She was an excellent support for us and an invaluable part of our birth experience.
During labor, she provided music, aromatherapy, and endless encouragement. Thanks to her support, baby Nicolas was born naturally, just as I had hoped. I truly could not have done it without her.
Now, at six weeks old, my son is exclusively breastfed—a journey that was made possible because of the great labor support and education I received from Alyssa.
Alyssa is organized, proactive, understanding, calming, and efficient.
Thank you, Alyssa!
Damares C.
Heather was recommended to me by a good friend who knew her through the Central Florida Birth Network. I met with her and instantly knew she was exactly what we wanted.
Because I was unable to have a home birth as I had planned (I was pregnant with twins), Heather made every accommodation necessary to ensure I had the best birth experience possible at the hospital. She impressed my OB so much that he actually let her into the OR with my husband, allowing her to assist in making sure my wishes were carried out immediately after the babies were born. (She also took some great pictures!)
Heather also successfully convinced the charge nurse and attending pediatrician to allow donor milk for one of my babies, who had aspirated some fluid and needed time in the nursery. She knew I was adamantly against formula and MADE IT HAPPEN.
I was so lucky to have her, and I will definitely be using her for my next baby!
Lisa R.
Our experience with Alyssa was truly outstanding. She not only educated my husband and me and acted as a pillar of support during labor & delivery, but she also cultivated a friendship with us that we truly cherish.
My husband was skeptical about hiring a doula since he had never heard of the role before and thought it was some kind of scam—especially because both of his parents are physicians. However, after our experience with Alyssa, he now firmly believes that every birth, ESPECIALLY hospital births, should be supported by a doula.
I wanted a natural birth, and I got it thanks to her support. But honestly, I agree with my husband—Alyssa would have been an integral part of our experience at the hospital even if I had planned to have an epidural or C-section.
She truly helped us navigate our entire birth experience, and we are forever grateful.
Marilyn D.
Heather was my doula for a second time for the birth of my son in December 2014. I was planning my second VBA2C, this time in a hospital with an OBGYN. She offered her support early on in my pregnancy and always kept in touch with me. She answered questions, gave suggestions, and supported my decisions—even when they went slightly off course.
During labor and delivery, she met me at the hospital, leaving date night with her husband just to be with me because she knew I needed her. Heather has this aura about her—no matter how much pain I was in or how scared/worried I felt, she knew exactly what to say and do. The moment I saw her walk into the triage lobby, I gave her a huge hug because her presence meant the world to me.
Heather stayed by my side the entire time. Even when I took some time to rest, she was there. When I made the decision to get an epidural (which was against my original plan), she took a few minutes to help me make sure it was what I really wanted—but she never made me feel like it was a bad choice. She remained just as supportive as she would have been otherwise.
She was with me throughout my entire labor, even when everyone else left. If I needed something as simple as a sip of water, she was there. If I needed physical support to help me get through the pain of contractions (despite the epidural), she was there.
I feel blessed to have had her as my doula for both of my VBA2C births. It is hard to find someone you truly "click" with, especially when it comes to pregnancy and birth support, but I don’t believe I would have found that with anyone else.
We love and appreciate you so much, Heather! I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
Evelyn M.
On March 5, I had my first true contractions at 3:30 in the morning, and by 5:30 a.m., the contractions were about 5-7 minutes apart. We called Alyssa, and she came to our home, helped me and my family into the car, and we departed for the hospital.
Upon our arrival, she followed me into the examining room, where we found that I was 7 cm dilated and 90% effaced. My water broke, and we knew the baby was coming! I was transferred to the labor & delivery room, and for several hours, I worked.
With Alyssa’s assistance, I got through each contraction one breath at a time. When the baby became lodged in my pelvis, I wanted an epidural. Alyssa recentered me, reminding me of our plan and encouraging me to stick with it for just one more hour. She recommended the pelvic lift, a technique we learned in our prenatal class, and we all agreed to give it a try.
My partner came behind me, lifting my stomach during contractions. This maneuver helped reposition the baby, and within minutes, I was fully dilated to 10 cm. I began pushing shortly after, and within the hour, Mila Lynne was born!
If it were not for Alyssa, we would not have had such a smooth, uncomplicated, healthy, and natural birth. We owe so much to her for a beautiful birthday that we will never forget.
I encourage you to make the same choice!
A Home Birth Journey: Supported with Love
Witness the beauty of empowered birth in this special home birth video, where Alyssa Kaplan had the honor of supporting a family through the arrival of their first baby girl—and again for their second child.
This heartfelt moment captures the strength of the birthing parent, the deep connection between family and doula, and the unwavering support that makes all the difference in the birthing space.