Andrea Tyrrell CMT, CD(DONA)
Supporting Bellies, Babies and Body Therapy
Comments from Past Clients
As a first-time mom-to-be, I knew I wanted a doula during my delivery. My husband and I attended birthing classes, but we were aware that everything we had learned would go out the window once the contractions started.
All the doulas I interviewed were great, but I didn’t feel 110% connection with any of them. On a whim, I checked out Doula Match and saw Andrea’s profile. I felt a connection with her immediately. When I met her in person, I knew she was the one. She was knowledgeable, friendly, reassuring and extremely supportive.
Throughout my pregnancy, Andrea prepared us for the delivery. We worked on my birth plan. I was not opposed to an epidural but wanted to labor naturally. Of course, nothing goes according to plan, and my water broke 3 weeks prior to my due date. When Andrea arrived, my contractions had not started. The on-call OB wanted to induce me, but I wanted to wait a bit longer since I didn't exhibit signs of an infection (a concern when water breaks). During a confusing time, it is imperative to have someone advocate for you and walk you through the pros and cons of interventions so you are fully informed. I decided to wait to see if my contractions would come naturally. Andrea had me engage in some “exercises” and a short time later, my contractions started. No induction necessary! Andrea helped me manage the pain through counterpressure, the TENS unit, massage, and other techniques she had in her toolkit. By the time I felt some pain, I was fully dilated and ready to push! I don’t know how I would have managed the pain and uncertainty of labor without Andrea. With her guidance, I delivered a healthy baby naturally.
The team that delivered my baby all raved about Andrea and complimented on her professionalism, expertise, and compassion. She really advocated for me and my baby and always had our best interst in mind. My husband and I are forever grateful to Andrea.
-Connie 1/13/2020
It's really hard to put into words how much my husband and I benefited from Andrea's support. During our two prenatal meetings, Andrea walked us through what to expect during labor, best techniques for managing pain (including some practice), and coming up with a birth plan. I felt that I learned so much more from her than the free labor and delivery courses taught at our hospital. A great bonus was Andrea's massage services. I got a couple of prenatal massages from her and they were great. I also thought her massages during my labor were amazingly helpful.
My labor was long and difficult. I got through most of it without an epidural. Andrea helped my husband provide all the support I needed and working with me through each contraction. She also taught us the best excercises both in and out of bed to help my labor progress. The combination of her setting the right ambiance in the labor room, and the use of touch and massage helped me get through it. At the pushing stage she had great encouraging words and advice to get me to push more effectively.
My husband and I don't know what we would have done without Andrea and I highly recommend her no matter what your birth plan is. She is extremely supportive and understanding. I would highly consider hiring her again if she is still doing doula work by the time we have baby number 2. Thanks so much Andrea!
-Kristina 12/30/2019
Andrea helped my home birth. She was recommended by my midwife, and my husband and I loved working with her. I don't know how we would have had home-birth without her. My labor was long (35hours) and the whole time Andrea had positive energy, encouraging me keep going. She worked with my midwife during the labor. Whenever I wanted to do something, like going into the tub, she would check with my midwife first to make sure it is in line with my midwife's plan/recommendation.
She decorated my apt with string lights and provided essential oil to brighten my mood or relieve my neusea. The best part was her massage and counter pressure. She also suggested many positions that helped my labor progress.
Andrea also documented my birth and shared photos and stories with us. She captured the moment of the actual birth with a video which is precious because I don't have a good memory of the delivery as I was exhausted by then.
Before the birth we met a couple of times to get to know each other. Andrea had right questions, meaning her questions were helpful for us to plan for the birth as we are first time parents. During the labor, my husband had a chance to rest, eat, and sleep, and Andrea guided him to massage/counter pressure my hips.
Andrea also provided massages before and after the birth, which I loved.
Overall, we really appreciated Andrea as our doula and highly recommend her!
-Seung yen hong 12/6/2019
Andrea was our doula for the birth of our son in October 2019. We had an amazing experience with her and highly recommend her if you are considering having a doula! We met with Andrea 3 times prior to the birth. Each time, she was kind, helpful, informative, and so supportive. She has an amazing amount of knowledge and is very intuitive as well. My labor progressed very quickly, so Andrea met us at the hospital. We had planned to meet at our house and labor there for a while with her, but things moved too quickly. However, it was nice to know that was something she was willing to do. Andrea was there the entire time in the hospital supporting both me and my husband. She was calm, helpful, and encouraging through the whole process. This was our first birth, so we greatly appreciated all of her knowledge and recommendations. She helped my husband support me by showing him ways to apply counterpressure etc. It was my goal to have an unmedicated birth, and we succeeded! A lot of that credit goes towards the support and resources that Andrea helped us with. We felt confident going into the birth that she would be an incredible resource, and we were absolutely correct! I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you, Andrea for an amazing birth experience!
-Carlie B 12/5/2019
I felt comfortable with Andrea from the moment I met her. She has a very calming, warm presence. She was very helpful in the pre-labor meetings and was available via phone and text whenever I had a question. During the labor itself, she was amazing- I don't know what I would have done without her. She helped me get through the pain, and was very knowledgeable about all the decisions I needed to make. After the birth she gave us a lovely typed up birth story and many great photos. I cannot recommend her enough.
-Lisa Perloff 12/5/2019
Right away we felt at ease with Andrea. Included in her services were 2 prenatal visits, attendance for the entire labor and birth, then a postpartum visit. She took that time to learn more about us as a family, our hopes for laboring and birth and to teach us strategies and tools for labor. She took our wishes to heart and helped us revise our birth plan from our first baby. Andrea was responsive to our inquiries, corresponding by text, call or email. On the evening of the start of labor we went to the hospital but were sent home to labor. It was 4 a.m., yet Andrea asked if she could come to the house to support us. I was relieved to know she’d be there if things sped up quickly. She assisted me through helpful positions during contractions to help get baby down. All the while being a strong, calm and reassuring presence.
When it was time to go to the hospital Andrea followed us. I got in the hospital room's shower where my husband helped me labor. Andrea intuitively shifted to a supportive role for my husband, offering assistance where needed. This approach empowered and comforted both of us. When it was time to deliver, she knew I wanted to birth slowly to prevent tearing. She repeated to me to let the baby come down and that my body was doing exactly what it was supposed to. These simple, words comforted me when I felt panic rise. Wes came out easily with minimal tearing. Amongst all the activity Andrea captured beautiful video and photos of the birth. After, she stayed until we were feeling relaxed with our new baby. Andrea processed the placenta into capsules for an additional fee and promptly delivered them to me only a few days after birth. We reminisced about the labor and birth as she held Wes. We hope Andrea’s skill and passion as a doula can be a gift to you and your baby’s birth, too. Her certification in prenatal massage was an added bonus, I highly recommend getting one!
- Alice Conover May 19, 2019
We were very nervous, as this was our very first pregnancy and didn't know what to expect. After interviewing a few doulas, we decided to go with Andrea as she seemed to fit our personality and expectations best. We felt that Andrea was extremely comforting, responsive, easy to communicate with, and always genuinely excited to be a part of the process and help explain each step of the way. Andrea was very knowledgable, sharing a lot of resources and guidance on our birth plan and what to expect as we approached the big day, including showing us different techniques for labor, opportunities for the dad to help out, exercises in the weeks preparing for labor, and we also took her up on her amazing prenatal massage services!
When labor started, Andrea was quick to respond. Andrea was able to quickly adapt to the situation and met us at the hospital, where she stayed with us for the whole 29+ hour labor and delivery! Everyone was exhausted, but it was an immense help to have Andrea with us. She helped make sure that we stayed relaxed, massaging me during the contractions to ease the pain, and letting my husband take much needed breaks. We also had a few complications during labor but Andrea was right there with us, explaining ur choices and making sure that we stayed well informed, taking the time to make decisions right for us, and helping to make us feel supported through the entire process. During our final follow up post-delivery, Andrea even surprised us again with a wonderfully detailed summary of the whole labor and delivery process that we went through. While she was taking care of us, she was also simultaneously taking notes the entire time. Things happened so fast at the hospital that it was quite a blur, but we are very thankful that Andrea was so thoughtful to provide us with these memories. We had a wonderful experience with Andrea and would recommend her to anyone seeking a doula!
- Debra Amusin December 19, 2018
Dear Mothers and Fathers to be,
I would like to tell you our story as we recommend Andrea Tyrrell as your Doula and let me tell you why. When we were first introduced to Andrea we knew then and there that we wanted her to be our doula. She was very warm and receptive to our needs, most of all she listened. We interviewed other doulas and we were impressed with them but there was something special about Andrea. As time went on and we got to know her and learned the many ways that she can assist us with the pre and post of the birthing process. Every family and delivery has different needs and she caters to them with her focus not only to the mother to be but is supportive to the entire family.Our story began with a phone call and an introduction meeting and then another at our house. Once we heard that she was also a massage therapist my wife scheduled a massage with her. She came prepared with table and pillows in hand to our house and with her strong hands and soft touch gave my wife an incredible relaxing “maternity “massage (trust me they are hard to find). She liked them so much she purchased 5 up front to schedule before and after her delivery. I had one myself and she was very professional and focused on my aches and pains….I fell asleep.We kept in touch as our due date drew closer offering techniques and ways to better cope with the stresses of having a baby. I asked her why she wanted to be a doula. She gave me many reasons but one stands out and it was that she loves the whole process of having a baby from beginning to end and to be part of a miracle is an incredible journey with such a happy ending. Then there was the phone call in the middle of the night. “It’s time. She quickly went to work asking if she can come over and help my wife with her labor. This was a situation where her water broke without labor and we needed to go to the hospital. She met us there comforting my wife as she was afraid and in some labor. She helped me tag team the needs of my wife and that was a huge help because having a baby is not only stressful to the mother but to the father as well.
It was 27+ hours from water breaking to delivery and Andrea was there the entire time. She was a trooper. When it came time for my wife to push, she was on one side, and I was on the other holding her hands, massaging her areas of labor and playing a supportive role. She assisted even in the little things like bathroom breaks so my wife always had someone at her side. She was there when baby was delivered, the miracle of birth, the first breath, the first cry. She continued to focus on Mom after the baby was born making sure she was comfortable and I would say stood by for another few hours to ensure the entire family was content. That was a long day for all of us and Andrea was a big help making memories.
During the postpartum time, Andrea was there to support, assist in important post birth needs such as breast feeding, pressure point massage and Mom’s feelings and helping Mom and Dad so they can bond with baby.
Folks, I cannot say it enough how helpful Andrea was through our wonderful and memorable experience. She was a true asset and I highly recommend her to be part of your birthing experience. She is a warm and compassionate woman who dedicates herself to her work. You can tell, she loves what she does. If you would like to speak with me personally with any questions please feel free to contact me at your convenience
- Robert Grossman May 16, 2015
Andrea was our birth doula for our Home Birth. I could not have asked for a better experience with Andrea! The second she walked in our door my husband and I both knew she was a perfect fit! I also really liked the fact that she was trained in prenatal massage. I hired Andrea to come over for a weekly massage which was a great way to get to know her before the big day.
The day I went into labor Andrea came over very promptly and even brought a Quiche that I got to enjoy postpartum!! She was so helpful in getting me though my 15 hour drug free labor. I just wanted to be rubbed the entire labor and wanted to be holding someone’s hand and Andrea was by my side with my husband the entire time and also making sure I was drinking water, changing positions and going to the bathroom. She even assisted the midwives during the pushing portion as things got a little hectic and they asked for her help.
In the process of hiring a doula I was worried that I would not want someone I didn’t know very well to be there during such an intimate experience but from the very beginning we felt very comfortable with Andrea. She also really helped to put my husband at ease and make it a more comfortable experience for him.
I got the home birth I had wanted and got though it with Andrea's help, I don’t think I could have done it otherwise, I would have caved and asked for a transfer had she not been there comforting me and helping my husband.
I would recommend Andrea 100% as a doula! Not only is she a wonderful doula but she is also just an all-around great person who brings a very positive presence to any situation.
-Lindsay Hunter, November 14, 2014
Andrea was such a help making us feel at ease in the time leading up to the birth. She helped us think out questions and have reassurance that everything would work out as it would. During the labor, Andrea was such a help to me! She has a natural talent at coaching and was always there, full of energy that I needed. We will always remember that part she played in helping our birth experience be the best it could be. Thank you so much Andrea!
-Tera Ajioka, December 14, 2013
