Shannon

Shannon

After my first child was born via c-section, I began a journey to ensure future children would be vaginally, despite being told this made me high risk, I knew my body was capable of giving birth with the right support team in place. One of the largest parts of ensuring a successful VBAC and positive birth experience was hiring a doula. I met Shelia and instantly knew I wanted her by my side during one of the most intense and empowering life experiences a woman can go through. She respected my candor about my birth expectations, and I felt confident in her calming demeanor, vast birth experience and warm personality. Sure enough she was by my side from start to finish when my labor started spontaneously. She labored with me at home, helping me feel safe and cope through unmedicated labor. She followed me to the hospital and continued to provide incredible support as I labored there as well. She helped ground me when things got intense, helped me advocate when I had questions about my care, and was there to discuss my choices when my original birth plan had to change due to unforseen circumstances. At one point she was literally spoon feeding me yogurt, I couldn’t have asked for a more attentive, caring human to make my birth amazing. She also gave my husband the freedom to experience the birth without feeling like he was overwhelmed. This made the entire room feel calmer, more secure and in control. My son was born at 2:07am, and she was attentive and by my side for over 20 hours without hesitation. My successful VBAC experience was largely due to her support, I couldn’t recommend her more highly as a doula.

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