We decided to try the hypnobirthing class and luckily it was taught by our doula, Sarah Austin. This class helped us SO much. We were lucky to take the class very early in pregnancy, meaning we had months to prepare and practice the techniques.

Throughout the pregnancy, my partner and I often felt that it had to be one of the most relaxing pregnancies for a first time mom because the focus on relaxation taught in the classes. We also thought Sarah did a superb job at helping us prepare for using the hypnobirthing techniques for any type of birth (not just for spontaneous labor). This was great because we did end up requiring an induction and were able to adjust our plan and approach accordingly. The birth was wonderful and my partner and I felt empowered throughout the whole experience. We feel strongly that the classes helped us feel confident in the turns our birth might take and how we would adjust to them to ensure that mom and baby were safe and healthy. Having Sarah in the room was amazing too since we had spent so many weeks in class practicing the same readings. It was a beautiful experience and we can’t wait to do it again!

-Brooke B.

I feel so lucky to have found and worked with Sarah. When we first spoke, I instantly felt at ease. She has such a nurturing presence and I could immediately tell how passionate she is about birth work. She made my husband feel included in our birth as well - empowering him from our initial consult all the way through postpartum. She is thorough in her responses, provided us with evidence-based information when asked for, and held my hand during our entire birth (literally and figuratively). We also took a HypnoBirthing class with Sarah and am so glad that we did. I was very blessed to have an amazing birth at Luminis AAMC, and I credit Sarah and the tools she empowered me with during class and during our conversations as doula and client. I felt so supported during labor, which was essential for me to safely bring our babe into the world. She is kind, caring, funny, empowering and warm. She keeps things real and also makes you feel held. If I am blessed to have another baby some day, I feel ready to rock labor knowing that I will have Sarah by my side again. Thank you, Sarah!! Forever Grateful! Highly recommend!!

-Christina H.

I worked with Sarah Austin who was a wealth of knowledge. Not only did she respond timely she was so supportive and a huge advocate prior to, during, and after the birth of my son. She was invaluable in the delivery room and my husband and I were extremely pleased with her professionalism and advocacy for us and our preferences. The postpartum visit was also a life saver as she supported me in coordinating continued support in my breastfeeding journey and was sure to check in from time to time. I have told all my friends and family who are or are considering having a baby that a doula is worth every penny to ensure not only a positive birth experience but a one of a kind experience. 

-Casey D.

Throughout our second birth, Sarah proved to be an invaluable source of comfort and advocacy, displaying remarkable sensitivity and attentiveness in light of our previous traumatic birth experience. She remained readily accessible via text and phone calls throughout my pregnancy, addressing inquiries from both my husband and I in a timely manner. Her comprehensive knowledge of pregnancy stages enabled the development of a tailored VBAC birth plan, which was both informative and realistic in addressing our birth and post-birth preferences. Her presence during the VBAC process was akin to having a supportive family member by our side, providing reassurance and guidance. We would not hesitate to engage her services again in the future and recommend her to any of our family and friends. Ultimately, Sarah played a pivotal role in facilitating the safe and secure birth experience that my husband and I had envisioned. Thank you, Sarah!

-Elizabeth H

Sarah was amazing throughout my birth process. From pre-birth coaching and warning me about things I may expect, to coming in in the middle of the night when I went into active labor, to helping keep my wife calm when my c-section hit complications. She always had great advice and was a joy to talk too throughout. And my trans spouse felt very safe talking to her throughout everything, she was great working with this non-traditional couple. I highly recommend her, and will continue to recommend her to my friends and coworkers when they expect new babies. -Sarah P