There are people who come into your life for a season, and then there are people who leave a permanent mark on your heart. Ziya is one of those people.

From the moment she entered my pregnancy and birth journey, she brought a sense of comfort, calm, and support that I didn’t know I needed. She is not only beautiful on the outside, but she has one of the kindest, most compassionate hearts of anyone I have ever met. She has an incredible ability to make people feel seen, heard, valued, and loved, especially during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

My pregnancy was not always easy. There were moments filled with worry and stress, moments when I felt overwhelmed by everything happening around me. Through all of it, Ziya remained a steady presence. She made sure I felt cared for, supported, and loved. Knowing that I could reach out to her, day or night, brought me comfort during times when I felt like I was carrying so much on my shoulders. Her communication was always clear, appropriate, and timely. No matter what was going on, I knew I could reach out to her and receive a thoughtful response. Even during busy times, she made me feel like a priority and never left me feeling alone or unsupported.

A doula’s job is to support you through pregnancy, labor, and birth, but Ziya has been so much more than that. She didn’t just show up when it was convenient or expected of her—she showed up consistently. Through the stress, the uncertainty, the tears, the fears, and the overwhelming moments, she was there. Whether I needed advice, reassurance, a hug, a laugh, or simply someone to sit beside me while I cried, she never made me feel like a burden. She made me feel like I mattered.

The support I received during labor and delivery was truly invaluable. Going into birth can be overwhelming, especially after a stressful pregnancy, but having Ziya there made me feel safe, supported, and much more confident throughout the entire experience. More than anything, her calming presence was what helped me the most. Knowing that someone was there solely to support me, advocate for me, and help me navigate each stage of labor brought me a tremendous amount of comfort.

Her emotional support was just as important as the physical support. Her encouragement, reassurance, and ability to read what I needed in the moment made a huge difference. Whether it was talking me through contractions, helping me focus on breathing, offering comforting words, or simply being there beside me, I never felt alone. She checked in frequently, made sure I was as comfortable as possible, and created an environment where I felt heard and respected. She anticipated needs before I even voiced them, which helped me focus on labor rather than everything happening around me.

Honestly, I don’t feel like there was anything missing from my prenatal or postpartum care. Ziya consistently went above and beyond what I expected from a doula. Whether I needed information, reassurance, emotional support, or simply someone to listen, she was always there. Her support didn’t stop after delivery—she continued to check in, answer questions, and provide encouragement during the postpartum period, which can often feel overwhelming and lonely for new mothers. Knowing I had someone I could reach out to without judgment made a huge difference.

One of the things I admire most about Ziya is her genuine compassion for others. She loves deeply, gives selflessly, and pours her heart into the people she cares about. She is an incredible mother, a wonderful friend, and someone who truly wants the best for everyone around her. She has a gift for connecting with people and meeting them exactly where they are, without judgment. She knows when to offer advice, when to stand strong for someone who needs an advocate, and when to simply sit quietly and listen.

There were many times throughout this journey when I needed someone to lean on—someone who would let me talk through my feelings, cry through my frustrations, and process everything happening in my life. Ziya was that person. She never rushed me, never dismissed my feelings, and never made me feel alone. Sometimes she didn’t need to have all the answers—her presence alone was enough. I felt supported, heard, and genuinely cared for throughout every interaction we had.

What started as a professional relationship grew into something so much more meaningful. Somewhere along the way, Ziya became one of my closest friends. She became family. She became someone I trust wholeheartedly and someone I know I can count on no matter what life throws my way. That friendship is one of the greatest gifts that came from this journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

The truth is, I can never fully put into words how grateful I am for everything she has done for me. The support she gave during my pregnancy and birth was incredible, but the friendship she has given me afterward is priceless. She has walked beside me through some of the most challenging and emotional moments of my life, and she has celebrated the beautiful moments with me too.

If I am blessed enough to have more children in the future, there is no question in my mind that I would choose Ziya to be my doula again and again. And even if there comes a day when she is no longer practicing as a doula, I would still want her there—not because of the title she holds, but because of the person she is. Her presence brings comfort. Her heart brings peace. Her friendship brings strength.

Ziya doesn’t just care about birth. She cares about people. She cares about mothers, babies, families, and the lives she touches every single day. She has a way of making people feel loved during moments when they need it most, and that is something truly special.

Thank you, Ziya, for every text, every hug, every conversation, every late-night check-in, every word of encouragement, every laugh, every tear, and every moment of support. Thank you for helping me through one of the most important seasons of my life. Most of all, thank you for becoming one of my best friends.

I am forever grateful for you, and I love you more than words can ever express.

I love you, and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. ❤️

Acacia