I highly recommend taking Atoosa's Bradley Method class! Atoosa is an excellent teacher and makes class fun and interesting. I learned so much from this class, from nutrition to what to expect in the delivery room, this class really prepares you for birth and helps you stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. My boyfriend and I also felt like the class helped us to connect more as a couple, bringing us closer together. The relaxation exercises we learned really did help during the birth of our daughter and were also very enjoyable as a daily practice together. If you are at all interested in a more natural childbirth, or just staying healthy and feeling good throughout your pregnancy, take this class!
Thank you Atoosa!
In short: If you are looking to feel prepared and educated about birth (and spending one night a week with one of the most lovely, nurturing, kind-hearted people you'll ever meet), take Atoosa's class. Whether you are looking to have a natural childbirth or not, she will guide and educate you.
While I had every intention of having a natural childbirth, as Atoosa so reassuringly tells you, baby had his own plan. I spent 48 hours in intense (couldn't do anything but writhe in pain every 5 minutes for 2 days) labor hoping to deliver naturally, but it just wasn't the case for me and my sweet babe.
I had been on bed rest for most of my pregnancy, as I started having rhythmic pre-term contractions at 23 weeks. I missed a few classes because of it, and Atoosa was wonderful at getting us caught up on what we missed. My time with her on Monday night was usually the only time I would get out of the house for the week, but it felt so important to go because not only was that class the most zen part of my week (her energy is so calming and nurturing), but she is such an amazing teacher, and I always walked out of there feeling a little more prepared.
When my baby did start his departure, he was sunny side up. Every contraction for 48 hours was back labor. I didn't dilate. My water wouldn't break. And after coming to terms that I was in that unfortunate category of suffering, I finally muttered my codeword to my partner to get me an epidural. And I got one. 4 hours later, I was fully dilated. An hour later, my beautiful little boy was pushed out.
I knew what to expect with the epidural (the catheter, the oximeter, the fetal monitor, the oxygen mask, the IV). I knew every term the doctor or nurse said to me. I knew to politely ask for someone new when the first tech repeatedly couldn't find a vein for an IV. I was prepared -- and that's all you can ask for in the incredible marathon challenge of birth. Had I not known what was happening, it would have been terrifying.
Atoosa is a god send. My labor didn't go as planned, but I felt prepared and empowered. And while it was scary at points and not what I expected, I embraced it because she's so good at reminding you that it's your story, and every story is precious. I will be forever grateful for my time with her!
We had a very positive experience in Atoosa's Bradley method class in 2010 and have stayed in touch with couples (now families!) from that class. We now have 3 children and carried what we learned in Atoosa's class through each pregnancy and birth. She will help you learn what to expect through the birth experience, whether at home or in a birth center or hospital. We had hospital births but always felt informed and knew how to advocate for ourselves and our babies thanks to Atoosa. I believe that she helped empower us to have the kind of birth experience we wanted and we have three healthy, happy kids to show for it. Can't recommend her enough!
Atoosa is truly the best doula. She was my doula for my third and last child. Atoosa is so caring and nurturing and she really knows what she's doing. She is passionate about her work and I love seeing that in people, it's not just another job for her.
Needless to say, I had one of the most beautiful births. It was so spiritual and her guidance and light was both calming and reassuring. Atoosa just knows what to say and how to guide you in the right way. I highly recommend her!
Atoosa was my doula for the birth of my daughter and she was a dream come true! I interviewed many doulas and no one seemed to fit what I was looking for. I had gone through labor and childbirth 2 years before with my son so I was very clear as to what I was looking for in a doula.
Someone suggested I meet with Atoosa because she taught a wonderful childbirth education class. As soon as I met her I knew she was the one. She is incredibly calm and caring and I felt as if I had known her for years. My husband felt the same way and we were comfortable with her right from the start. She was always available for me whenever I had a concern or a question. She helped to mentally prepare me for the birth I had always hoped for and was exactly what I needed during the most difficult parts of labor. Thanks to Atoosa and my husband I was able to experience the beautiful natural birth I have always wanted. In fact Atoosa had me journal what my ideal birth would look like and it went almost exactly as I had envisioned it. The relaxation techniques and mantras we practiced along her with calm and peaceful presence helped me through the most difficult moments during labor.
I realize that finding the right doula is a such a personal thing but I can't imagine finding anyone more perfect than Atoosa! She will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Atoosa was the most incredible doula! We feel so fortunate to have had her at the birth of our 2 kids. She was so supportive, nurturing and warm.
Search no longer! Atoosa is the BEST. I hired Atoosa for the birth of my second child. From the minute I met her I was so impressed by her calm demeanor, beautiful personality, professionalism, and experience. She made my birthing experience so peaceful and stress free. I absolutely love Atoosa and highly recommend her as a doula!
"Atoosa has such an inviting and caring energy about her from the moment you meet her. Even while she trains to be a midwife and asks questions, her experience as a doula shines through. During my birth, I was sensitive to touch so I distinctly remember the moment Atoosa first lad her hands on me. My eyes were closed but I could literally feel the calmness transfer from her hands to my skin and I knew it was her before I heard her voice. Throughout my labor, she encouraged me and rubbed me. While I pushed, she tended to my perineum to avoid any tearing, (which we did). And after birth, she served me tea. I literally could not ask for more. I have no doubt that once she is finished with her training Atoosa will have a long and lovely midwifery career and anyone who comes under her care will be blessed and grateful for it".