02/21/2024
Reviews from the Birthing Person:
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My name is Jayla. I had read about Doulas and a friend recommended Shelby. My primary goal was to get through as much of the labor without medication as possible. I read doula’s help make it a shortened labor, and can ease anxiety about the whole process. My Doula Shelby helped keep me relaxed and calm through the whole process.
I gave birth at St. Cloud Hospital, Minnesota. My husband and my mother were both present. I was induced at 7:00pm on Thursday and gave birth 1:06pm Friday. Shelby was there the entire time coaching me and helping me deal with pain. I lasted awhile with Nitric Oxide, Fentanyl then had an epidural. Shelby was an advocate for me and my wishes when I wasn’t in a place to express them. Her and I had had a conversation about what my perfect birth would look like, and Shelby was very dedicated to making that come true. My little girl came out 4lbs 10oz, and Shelby captured many photos of the birth, which left my husband and mother to hold my hands. We weren’t worried about missing a moment because Shelby kept an eye over everything.
I would describe my labor as painful but relaxing as weird as that sounds. As this was my first baby, labor felt hard and ongoing forever, but Shelby kept me grounded and I know it would have been worse without her there.
She was a grounding beacon of light through the whole ordeal that kept me focused and felt like having your best friend in the room with you. She brought a lot of knowledge to me and my partner. She was encouraging, and so supportive.
Shelby’s communication was wonderful! She didn’t leave me hanging, and also checked in with everyone including my husband. Made me feel like I was valued as an individual and not just a paycheck. She wasn’t just a random healthcare provider, she was just there for me every step of the way. She made my family feel included and part of the experience, not monopolizing my attention and involving my partner in comforting me. Shelby is the doula I needed because she valued me as an individual, and now feels like family. I can see her treating everyone like family. If you are looking for a Doula, look no further, Shelby is one of the best.
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My name is Amanda. I wanted a doula from the moment I found out I was pregnant. A friend of mine told me how amazing her doula was and the personal experience of it. I was nervous and wanted as many people in my corner as I could. I am not a very vocal person when it comes to what I want/need.
While Shelby couldn't be present at my first birth due to Covid restrictions she was present at my second. Her being there made a world of difference. During either pregnancy Shelby was checking in with me very often (which I appreciated). She would have exercises and tips to help me prepare for the birth (ex to avoid tearing). Both my births happened in hospitals via induction. The first was not my choice for an induction the second was scheduled. The first birth my support system (mother and spouse) was as best as it could have been. As the birth of our second drew near, I admit I was honestly very nervous on how it would go, Shelby sat with not only me but my spouse as well and asked what we would like/need to make this a more pleasant birthing experience. During my first it felt that no one was really helping me process the pain and timing of it all. It was not the experience that I wanted.
Through those experiences I was able to tell Shelby exactly what I knew I would need and what I ideally wanted. The biggest thing with my birth plan was when I had the epidural. With my first the nurse and doctors telling me to hold my legs. I am a rather large woman, and I could not feel a thing. This caused me to feel inadequate. Shelby heard what I said and made sure during the birth the nurse and my husband were supporting my legs so I could focus on the important part.
The birth was just amazing! Shelby packed snacks and drinks that not only I would like, but my spouse and my mother! The induction process for my youngest was longer as it was a planned induction. Shelby arrived at the hospital before my mother ready to go! The labor was 18 hours. With a lot of time to kill before it was go time, Shelby really took care of us! Encouraging us to sleep, eat/drink, and making me laugh. I honestly didn't realize how helpful laughter was during labor. She also took really good care of my spouse and mother! Chatting with us, showing my spouse and I different positions and movements to help get baby into the right place and help the birth go smoothly. The fairy lights were amazing and something I didn't think would make a difference. She also played a Spotify music list on my phone to help with the atmosphere. When Shelby and my mother had to step out to due to epidural, she kept my mother entertained (hospital had a photo opp section). My mother has said several times (and we all agree) Shelby made this birth so much better compared to my first! Shelby was respectful of nurses and doctors and appeared to work well with them! The photos were absolutely amazing! So many precious photos! With the private Google drive I was able to download them with ease!
The biggest thing that made my birth special was the wrap that she brought in. The story behind it was so touching and made me realize how much she truly cared about me and my babies! She also brought a little welcome to the world gift for my little lady that she still snuggles with to this day!
My 7lb baby was born without a hitch! After the birth Shelby checked in often when we returned home. She also would come and visit us in person. When she came she would help clean or just sit with me and chat! She made sure I would have something to eat and get a little time away from being mom.
Honestly Shelby is an amazing doula! While she makes sure other support members of your group are taken care of, her main focus is the person giving birth! Shelby will personalize your experience and make you feel like the most amazing person in the world! The time and research she puts into making your experience the best it can be shows from the moment she walks in the door! When you are in that vulnerable state it is hard and overwhelming. She makes sure you are heard and respected! That makes for an amazing birthing experience!
