My husband and I have been so incredibly fortunate to have Stephanie attend the births of both of our children.
Before hiring Stephanie for my first birth in 2020, I wavered on whether or not I wanted a doula. I loved the idea of having support, but was unsure if it was truly necessary-maybe we’d be just fine on our own! At 36 weeks pregnant, we were referred to Stephanie by another mom, and we decided to meet her.
We knew immediately we had to have her on our birthing team. Stephanie brought with her a wealth of knowledge, a deeply calming presence, and a level of support that went above and beyond our expectations.
When we became pregnant again 3 years later, hiring Stephanie was our first priority. Throughout the prenatal period, Stephanie was always available to answer our questions, help us navigate our birth plan, and provide resources and techniques for managing discomfort and preparing for labor.
Her guidance was not only practical but also incredibly empowering, making us feel more confident and informed about the choices we were making, even as second-time parents.
When I went into labor with my second baby, Stephanie met us in triage at the hospital and we immediately felt a sense of comfort in her presence. My labor was much more intense with my second baby than my first, and Stephanie was able to comfort me through contractions by squeezing my hips, putting her hands on my lower back, and using her rebozo. She ensured the medical team was aware of my birth desires and they respected our requests to minimize checks and interventions.
When I started to feel the need to push, I was suddenly overwhelmed with fear, having experienced a significant tear during my first birth. Stephanie sensed my fear and took control of the situation becoming a source of strength and reassurance. “Look at my eyes”, she said to me. “This is a different baby and a different birth. You are in a different position on your hands and knees. You are going to be okay”. And that was all I needed to push my son out confidently. He emerged after only on or two pushes, taking us all a bit by surprise and I caught him myself!
Stephanie's presence and her ability to instill confidence and provide support when it was most needed made all the difference.
Reflecting on the entire experience, it’s hard to imagine going through pregnancy, childbirth, and the early days of parenthood without Stephanie. She was more than just a support person; she became a cherished part of our family’s story. For anyone considering doula services, I cannot recommend Stephanie highly enough. The peace of mind, emotional support, and practical assistance a doula provides is truly priceless.
I am forever grateful to Stephanie for enabling us to have two amazing, beautiful, unmedicated births.
