“Working with Shelley was the best choice I made for my pregnancy and labor and delivery. As a first time mom, I had so many questions on the day to day that never felt quite appropriate to bother my doctor with. However, Shelley always had the time to give me the reassurance or information I needed. We even took an evening walk together when the stressors were just piling up. Shelley has a special talent for sharing her knowledge and options without ever trying to impress her own opinions or preferences on you. During L&D Shelley was eager to help. She helped put me at ease, reminded me of my goals, helped support our decisions, helped with my nausea, helped my husband make me physically comfortable, and has mean foot massage! All of our successes in L&D I attribute to her and her work. I cannot image going through this pregnancy, L&D and postpartum without her! The support keeps coming. I could say so many wonderful things about my experience working with Shelley, this was me trying to keep it short. I would definitely work with her again for subsequent L&D.”
Paige P.
“It was nice knowing that even during these Covid times, we had a critical support person that was knowledgeable and reassuring. Shelley is more than willing to go the extra mile, like sleeping on a dinky chair. We always felt safe and supported by her.”
Cody H.
“I can not say enough good things about Shelley. From the beginning she made me feel comfortable in a pregnancy I was having some anxiety about. (My first unmedicated home birth). She came into my life just at the right time to ease the nerves.
On the day of my birth, she showed up when I was in active labor, very professional and calm, ready to set the scene by helping to get my bath ready, candles, fans, positive reassuring affirmations and tips for my partner to help with labor. She could totally read my body language and was helping to relay to my partner what was going on, what we could try next, ect. She not only wanted to make sure I was comfortable but that my midwife and my husband were comfortable too.
We moved from the bathroom to the bedroom as it was time to push as I was no longer comfortable being in the tub. To everyone's surprise, when I started to push it wasn't a head but a foot! Yes, a surprise breech home birth! At this time I really started to panic, Shelley's calming voice in the background just kept telling me I could do this. And I did. It was truly magical. A morning I will absolutely never forget. Beyond thankful and blessed Shelley was there for my birth. I will definitely be hiring her for future births and would highly recommend her to expecting parents to be.”
Elisha A.
“Pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum are all wonderful, vulnerable, and humbling chapters in life. When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I decided to have a hospital birth and really wanted to have a Doula join my birth team. I reached out to Shelley, and instantly knew that I wanted her to be part of my journey. I had many insecurities entering this pregnancy, and Shelley truly helped me enter each trimester with more confidence and grace for myself. Just like her business name states, “Grace and Growth” certainly encompasses Shelley‘s approach to pregnancy. My emotions were still tender from a miscarriage, and Shelley gracefully listened to my story with sincere empathy and kindness. I was also apprehensive to have a hospital birth, but slowly grew more confident with Shelley‘s help. Her services are much more than education and encouragement— she goes out of her way to research, gives valuable advice, and truly partner with your wishes for pregnancy and labor/delivery. She even checked on me numerous times after my baby was born, and I knew I could always count on her. By the end of our experience together, I could honestly call her my friend.
I greatly appreciated Shelley‘s professionalism, excellent communication, loyalty, flexibility, organization, sensitivity, and sweet patience. As every expecting mother knows, a birth plan can change at any moment, and mine certainly did! Shelley never hesitated to act in ways that she already knew I would respond well to. She understood my goals completely, and was able to assist me in labor, advocate for my wishes, and encourage me during my lowest moments! I needed her confidence and grace to help guide me through labor pain. Also, spearmint essential oil and a foot massage were two AMAZING ways to help me feel more comfortable during labor. Shelley was prepared for any process, and was able to adapt to all the changes.
Shelley is very educational and incredibly resourceful. She even helped me find local resources for additional pregnancy and postpartum nutrition that I was interested in.
When I look back at my birthing experience and having Shelley by my side, I can honestly say that she made a huge impact in the success of my journey. I can’t imagine going through all of that without her! She was extremely careful with confidentiality, laughed with me when I needed a break, partnered with the hospital staff to create a dynamite birthing team, was incredibly trustworthy, and very considerate. Shelley was kind and gentle with me, and also strong when the situation called for some extra grit! I love how she got to know my whole family and respected our approach to pregnancy, etc. I always felt valued by her.
I highly recommend Shelley if you are interested in doula services. You will get the full package deal with her, and I honestly have no regrets for choosing Shelley to be part of such a special time in our lives!”
Kara D.
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Are you interested in supporting my work as a doula? Funds donated here will be used to further my skills and education, expand my lending library, purchase more tools to aid and comfort my clients during labor, or may even be used to cover services for families in need who do not qualify for OHP. Thank you for your generosity, may it come back to you tenfold!