This November I gave birth to a beautiful boy in the comfort of my own home. My midwife, her assistant, Stephanie and my husband, Doug, attended the birth. At first, we weren’t even sure we needed a doula. We figured having two people there with us would be plenty. But once I met Stephanie in person, I knew I really wanted her at the birth. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out, who exudes serenity, gentle strength and loving kindness. I couldn’t think of a better person to be present during what would be the most intense, overwhelming experience of my entire life. Even though Doug was at my side almost the entire time, he was on back-rubbing duty and he is a man of few words (plus, he hadn’t been through what I was going through!). Stephanie kept me as calm as possible with her soothing words, sincere encouragement, cool washcloths on my face, feeding me coconut water through a straw so I didn’t dehydrate and tending to things such as changing the music or lighting, bringing food and taking photos (which I didn’t even know had happened because she was so discreet about it!) She even made us all eggs and toast at 1:00 am when it was all over! She made it possible for Doug to leave my side here and there when his help was needed elsewhere or he simply needed a quick break. I can’t even imagine having done this without her amazing presence. I am eternally grateful; she is awesome!
I have a history of depression, as do many in my family, including a cousin who suffered from severe postpartum depression. This was my biggest worry during pregnancy: what if I had terrible postpartum depression? I had heard about placenta encapsulation a few years earlier so I did an online search for an encapsulation specialist, which is how I found Stephanie. I ended up hiring her as our doula as well so she happened to be present for the birth, then came back the next day to finish the encapsulation process. I didn’t have to do anything, go anywhere or even wait for a delivery; by the end of the second day I was already taking my placenta pills. Although I had a difficult recovery in some ways, due to breastfeeding pain and complications, I never once felt the “baby blues” let alone a full blown depression. Sure, I was sad about the pain, but I felt glorious about everything else! I really think my recovery would have been much more difficult without the capsules and I doubt I would have felt so vibrant, peaceful and happy. This stuff is amazing; I could feel it nourishing my exhausted body back to it’s proper state. If I have any more children, I will most definitely do the encapsulation again and I have recommended it to anyone I know who is pregnant or planning to have children in the future.
~ Lara, Doug and baby Eli
Stephanie provided placenta encapsulation services for the birth of my son and she was wonderful! I love the way she preserved the umbilical cord for us, it is a beautiful memento. She was great to work with and coordinated so well with us. Having used Hypnobabies for my birth, I would highly recommend Stephanie as a Hypnobabies birth doula for anyone considering studying the Hypnobabies program. It is a fantastic way to make your birth relaxing and stress free.
~ Tessa Hall, mama to Jeter V
I first met Stephanie when she was around 6 years old. She grew up across the street from me and I was even her babysitter for several years. I went off to college, got married (she attended our wedding!), and a few years later we reconnected when my husband and I were expecting our first child. I was about 25 weeks pregnant and planning a hospital birth using the Hypnobabies method, which was new to Stephanie. When she told me she was a doula-in-training, I knew she was perfect to attend the birth! At that moment, on her own initiative, she decided to learn the Hypnobabies method so that she would be able to support us as we needed.
My favorite thing about Stephanie is her incredibly calming presence. Her gentle and loving personality is exactly what I needed as the birth drew near. I was reaching 42 weeks with my daughter and Stephanie was very supportive of me when I was getting stressed by pushy doctors wanting to induce. She even came to our home and tried various induction techniques to help get things going on their own. I eventually got induced and she was so supportive as I used my Hypnobabies techniques. Our daughter, Maya, was born via cesarean. I was sad to not have experienced the birth I planned for, due to a failed induction, yet Stephanie had such uplifting words of praise for me amidst that, which I deeply appreciated.
When I became pregnant for a second time we were thrilled to have Stephanie be part of a VBAC home birth! Stephanie’s daughter was also born at home, so it was reassuring to know she has that firsthand experience. Stephanie got right down to work in helping my husband and our midwife set things up in the home like the birthing pool and readying other supplies. I labored throughout the night amidst candles and music while she danced with me, walked with me, gave me massages, and even sang to me! Our daughter, Maya, who was two years old at the time, woke up in the morning before baby arrived. Stephanie made her breakfast and played with her in the other room as my journey neared its end. Our second daughter, Shiloh, was born peacefully at home and her birth was one of the best days of my life!
My husband and I have had the privilege of being among Stephanie’s first clients as she started out as a doula, and it has been an honor to watch her grow. We have always been impressed by how eager she is to learn and continue her doula education. She is passionate about women and birth and the birthing community is truly blessed to have her!
~ Sara, Brad, Maya & Shiloh
I met Stephanie at a monthly Goddess Gathering she organized. She has been doula for both of my births. I asked Stephanie to attend my first birth before I even knew the term doula. This was my first birth and Stephanie’s first birth as well. I feel so honored to have experienced that with her.
I believe that attending births is what Stephanie was born to do. Stephanie came to my first birth before having had any doula training. She was a tremendous support to me. She rubbed my back, comforted me, and promised me that I could do it. This birth was at a hospital, and I experienced it as quite painful and difficult. Stephanie’s presence was very powerful. She helped me to persevere.
Recently, Stephanie came to my second birth. This birth was at home, and the pain never intensified. I would not even describe it as pain, and I attribute much of this to Stephanie. Stephanie provided her doula training, her knowledge of Reiki, and her love and friendship to my labor. She was intuitive to all of my needs. My contractions might have become more difficult, but Stephanie gently went to where I was and helped me to work with my body. “Cleansing breath Kerry.” With Stephanie’s love, encouragement, and skill I had a truly amazing birth.
I would recommend Stephanie as a doula to anyone. She was a powerful component in two of the most important, transforming days of my life.
I decided on Stephanie’s recommendation to encapsulate my placenta after my second birth. I noticed a significant difference between my second postpartum period and my first postpartum period. This time around I have experienced better energy, and greater peace of mind. I have not experienced any significant baby blues. I really believe that through placenta encapsulation, I have had a much smoother postpartum period, and look forward to their continued benefits.
~ Kerry, Aaron, Alex, Rowan