Stephani is absolutely incredible. She has such a calming, grounding, peaceful presence and approaches birth in that same calm, peaceful, grounding way. She is knowledgeable, passionate, and empowering. I truly don’t think my birth experience would have been the same without her!
I was having my 4th baby, but after 3 inductions and 3 epidurals with my other kids (all fine experiences), I wanted my last birth to be different. Stephani was the one who gave me the courage to look into going unmedicated. She told me her own birth stories, recommended providers, and constantly offered her support and expertise.
When I was pregnant, she came to my house and taught me about what to expect in labor. I had never gone into labor on my own before, so it was really helpful to know what it might be like and how I could cope. She taught my husband counter pressure, taught me stretches and exercises I could do to make sure baby was in a good position, and gave countless helpful tips!
When I went a week overdue and was feeling discouraged, I texted Stephani and she dropped everything to support me. She gave me a foot massage, a scalp massage, showed me different positions to help the baby settle into my pelvis. We talked about the need to just surrender and let go of any expectations or control. I went into labor that same night, just hours after being with Stephani. I truly think her helping me change my mindset was what relaxed me enough to go into labor!
I texted her as soon as I went into labor, and she was right there with me every step of the way. She was SO incredibly helpful in every way—knowing if my water really had broken or if I had peed my pants, coaching me through contractions, knowing when it was time to go to the hospital, how to get through the car ride while in labor, how to cope with contractions, knowing my options about pushing positions, etc. I could go on and on! Her knowledge was SO HELPFUL.
Honestly though, the best thing about Stephani is knowing that she’s got your back. She checked in on me frequently, during pregnancy, around my due date, of course when I was in labor, and postpartum. I felt carried by her through this incredible birth experience. I will recommend her to anyone and everyone I know! Everyone should feel loved and supported and carried through pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum like I did. I feel emotional writing this review—that’s how you know your doula changed your life! ❤️
- Shaylee W.