I cannot recommend Sabrina enough as a birth doula! She brought so much support, calmness, and clarity to my birth experience.
During the first half of my pregnancy, I kept going back and forth on getting a doula or not. When I met Sabrina at the GGDA doula meet and greet, I knew I wanted to work with her right away. Her ability to explain the birth experience, her support, and overall clear communication put me at ease.
During one of our prenatal appointments she walked me through all the options for my birth preferences. She was very knowledgeable about all my options, but not pushy in any way. I really appreciated her ability to explain what the options were, why people may prefer them, and then how she would support me with each option. I really didn't have too many strong opinions going in, so this was incredibly helpful for me to reflect on what I wanted, without feeling any pressure.
I ended up going into labor 2.5 weeks early and the process moved much faster than expected for a first time mom. The moment Sabrina stepped into the hospital room, she jumped into action and I immediately thought "omg, best decision ever to work with Sabrina and have a doula, I'm so happy she's here." I had such a positive birth experience, and I attribute a lot of that to Sabrina.
Prior to have a doula and going through birth, I had a hard time comprehending the experience and how a doula would support me. I think the easiest way to explain is to share some highlights of her amazing work with me and my husband:
At the hospital:
* TENS, heat packs, and hands on pressure to alleviate contraction pain/discomfort. She actually got the TENS machine and heat packs on me within 30 seconds of being in the room. My labor progressed very quickly and this physical support felt amazing.
* Helped me get and stay in position while getting the epidural, which was challenging with active contractions. The epidural process went very quickly for me because I had her helping me work through the contractions while having to stay still
* Checked in with my husband as we prepared for the transition from active labor to pushing. I loved that he got some personal attention while everything moved really quickly around us.
* Multiple nurses and doctors recognized her from previous births and were all happy to work with her again. She actively collaborated with them all throughout the birth. (This was at SF Kaiser)
* While I pushed she counted, gave breathing reminders, and worked with the nurse to move me into position since I had an epidural
* Stayed during golden hour to support with first latch and make sure we were all ok. Gave hands on support to help with latching.
* Took AMAZING pictures right after the birth of my child on my chest for the first time and first skin-to-skin with my husband. I didn't even know I wanted these pictures, but I feel so grateful to have them. She really captured the moment in a non-intrusive way, and I'll cherish these photos forever.
At home follow up:
* We had to triple feed due to my son loosing a lot of weight within 24 hours. We were in the thick of newborn sleeplessness and our appointment with her brought us so much relief. She helped us with paced bottle feeding which was a huge game changer during time consuming triple feeding.
* I was really frustrated with the hospital pump, she helped me with flange sizing and just affirmed a lot of my frustration.
* Reviewed sustainable options for feeding and our own sleeping
* Reviewed my own recovery and helped me prioritized my own healing, which can feel so hard when you are also a new parent
I felt so supported by Sabrina throughout my birth experience, I don't think I can fully explain it in writing! Having a doula felt so abstract to me while pregnant, but I kept reading about the studies that show positive outcomes of working with a doula, including decreased chances of further medical intervention. This felt hard to understand until I actually experienced it. My husband and I had someone we trusted with us for the whole birth experience, who knew us and knew what I wanted. Nurses changed during their shifts and I had a doctor at the delivery I'd never met before. But having Sabrina as the constant, was so assuring, calming, and supportive.
If you are looking for a birth doula I HIGHLY recommend Sabrina, especially if you want someone thorough, calm, knowledgeable, and who will support whatever type of birth you are hoping to have.
- Lily N.