When 36-year-old Lizzie Loggins learned she was expecting her first child, she knew she wanted her birth experience to include more than just medical care. Having heard about the benefits of doulas, she hoped to have someone who could offer emotional, physical and spiritual support throughout her pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum journey.
She already knew she would deliver at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center with the hospital’s dedicated team of affiliated physicians and specialized nurses, but finding the right doula felt less certain at first. “I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for when I started searching for doulas,” she said. “I just knew I wanted a peaceful labor environment.”
Lizzie’s son, Levi, arrived on June 4, 2025, weeks earlier than expected. But her decision to become involved with Memorial Hermann’s Doula Assistance Program paid off in the weeks and days prior to Levi’s birth. For qualifying expectant mothers, the Doula Assistance Program offers free doula assistance at participating Memorial Hermann hospitals to help enhance the birth experience with personalized support, thanks to a generous grant through the Memorial Hermann Foundation.
Everything was going smoothly until Lizzie’s pregnancy suddenly shifted at 32 weeks. Her water broke, though at first she assumed the baby was simply pressing on her bladder. She was admitted to Women’s Services at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital with the hope that she could remain on bedrest until she reached 34 weeks.
“They were hoping to give Levi more time to grow, but the plan changed quickly,” Lizzie recalled. “It was overwhelming, especially because this was my first pregnancy and my parents don’t live nearby. I knew I needed extra support, and that’s exactly what my doula offered me.”
Doula Assistance Program at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital
The Doula Assistance Program at Memorial Hermann is a unique initiative that provides doula services to eligible expectant mothers.. While doulas are not medical providers, they offer invaluable experience and skills in delivering emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery and the postpartum period. Women in the Doula Assistance Program at Memorial Hermann hospitals receive these services at no cost.
The Program provides:
- Two prenatal visits to prepare mothers for childbirth
- Continuous labor and delivery support from a trained doula
- Two postpartum visits, with additional visits available if needed
- Education, advocacy and emotional reassurance throughout the pregnancy journey
“Having a doula gave me the confidence that I could do this and that my birth experience could go exactly as I hoped,” Lizzie said.
Elizabeth was paired with doulas Chaka and Chelsea, and from their very first meeting, she felt an immediate connection. “I feel like we have a family bond—me, Chaka and Chelsea. I felt the vibes I was hoping to feel right away,” she added. “It felt like my sister was in the room and she was going to get me through this.”
Doulas Help Create Peaceful, Empowered Birth Experiences
When labor began, Lizzie’s doulas were there to help her feel calm and empowered. “I know I have anxiety sometimes and I really thought labor could get intense. I wanted to be the one controlling the environment,” she explained.
Her doulas honored her preferences, using gentle lighting and essential oils to create the soothing atmosphere she envisioned. They also coached her partner, showing him how to massage her hands and feet and helping him stay actively involved. “He was across the room, watching and trying to be supportive. But my doula brought him to me and made him part of the process, rather than him just being in the room,” Lizzie said.
After 24 hours of labor, Levi wasn’t moving as expected and Lizzie hoped to avoid a Cesarean section if possible. With support from her doulas and Marcos Valdez, MD, an OB/GYN affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, she chose to receive an epidural and ultimately delivered Levi safely.
Doulas Offer Support Beyond the Delivery Room
Levi spent a week in the hospital’s Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for monitoring. Born at just 4 pounds, he needed oxygen support for two days before growing strong enough to go home. “The NICU nurses were amazing,” Lizzie said. “They helped me feel confident that he was going to be okay.”
Even after leaving the hospital, Lizzie’s doulas continued to check in. She extended her doula services for another month. “It was comforting to know that I could reach out to them anytime I had a question,” she said.
Today, 7-month-old Levi is thriving. Lizzie said she feels both grateful and empowered. “Having the support of the doula program truly helped me through one of the most important times of my life.”
Lizzie encourages other women to explore doula care, whether it’s their first baby or not. “Not everyone needs the service, but for me, it was exactly what I needed. If you don’t find that family vibe, I can see why some women might prefer to go it alone. But when you do find that support, having a doula can change everything.”
Learn more about the Doula Assistance Program »
Learn more about Women’s Services at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital »