Author Archives: Shelia

Oct24

Erin & Eric

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Erin & Eric
Shelia was a blessing to us. We had hoped for a natural birth and many of our friends had recommended finding a doula for the process. What struck me about looking at Shelia’s profile was her experience with La Leche League. We were certain that we wanted to breastfeed and having a teacher and support for breastfeeding was very important to us. When first meeting with Shelia, we were struck by her gentle and kind nature. We both knew that trusting a doula was a must, considering the intimate nature of the relationship we would have with this person. We immediately felt a connection with her.
Shelia checked in with me throughout the pregnancy and even came to work with me as my EDD came and went. She had wonderful techniques for helping stimulate labor, as well as resources for acupuncture. My pregnancy went over 15 days and I was afraid of being asked to be induced by my midwives. No matter what was to happen, Shelia was calming and had recommendations for helping me keep as close to my birth plan as possible.
My labor was anything but typical. It was over 30 hours and ended in an emergency c-section. Shelia was at my house immediately when we called when I was in heavy labor. She was extremely active throughout the labor and assisted my husband in his coaching throughout the process, helping him stay energized to make it through the night. She was relieving to him when most needed. The midwives and doctors were pressuring me to make decisions throughout the process, which were difficult after being in labor so long, but Shelia was an incredible advocate for me, offering alternatives to induction and asking for more time to labor. When we did need to go to c-section, she helped keep both me and my husband calm during a very stressful situation.
I would absolutely choose to have Shelia at our next birth.
Sep1

Kelly

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Kelly

My husband and I had our baby girl in early June 2012. She came 3.5 weeks early, so we were very surprised the day I went into labor. However, we are so grateful that we had Shelia as our doula. She was very supportive during our labor. Even when we called her at 7am on a Sunday morning! Given that this was our first pregnancy we had very little knowledge of what to expect both physically and emotionally during labor. Shelia helped us through the whole process. She provided great support and helped us reach the goal of having a natural delivery without any pain medication. She encouraged me to try different positions and movement during my labor to keep the process moving, even during the times when I thought I couldn’t go any further. Her breathing and relaxation techniques and tremendous encouragement helped both my husband and I get through the labor process. She was also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful with breast feeding, which we had challenges with initially. Shelia was a warm, loving, and calming presence to us and we would highly recommend her!

Jan30

Noelle

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Noelle

 

 

Shelia proved to be invaluable to my husband and I. My husband said having someone there with a breadth of knowledge that he didn’t have made him feel more secure. She made me feel as though her support was unconditional. During her prenatal visits with me she took the time to get to know me and my preferences for a positive labor experience. She kept in touch and let me know she was always available to me if needed. Her knowledge and suggestions made me feel more confident and secure about my own hopes and desires for a natural labor and safe birth.

At the hospital, she became the much needed friendly intermediate between me and the nursing staff. At 8cms I was ready to rip someone’s head off if I couldn’t get into a hot shower immediately. I remember being asked to lie on my back in bed to keep the belly monitors in place and wait for the slowest nurse on the planet to get the heplock in. Shelia enhanced my communication with the staff, helped them understand that I needed comfort and got me into the shower right away. When my confidence waivered during the harder contractions she was right there to help me through it. She reminded me of my breathing techniques and gave me different tactics to use when mine no longer worked for me. I really loved how comfortable she made me feel around her and with the less than flattering process of labor.

After the birth of my son, Shelia stayed for as long as we needed. She took pictures of my family and helped ensure breastfeeding was off to a good start. Thanks to her I have an amazingly positive memory of my experience.

Jan3

Shahleena

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Shahleena

 

 

I feel so lucky that Shelia was able to attend the birth of my baby girl. Nothing went as I had planned/hoped for, and Shelia was right by my side acting as a great advocate, and helping my partner and I stay calm. She exudes an aura of peaceful kindness, and she was clearly cut out for this type of service! She has been an incredible, invaluable resource during my pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum. Her knowledge of breastfeeding is extensive, and infinitely helpful. We are so thankful to have found Shelia, and I would highly recommend her as a doula.