I met Shannon about two weeks before my due date.  I had no idea how much I would need a doula, but the idea of one sounded great!!  Shannon made me feel super comfortable right from the start, I knew I could trust and rely on her.  She was always available with information and helped me prepare as I approached my due date. 

Although this was my third child, his arrival turned out to be nothing like my others.  I ended up delivering 11 days after my due date.  During that time Shannon helped me prepare to talk to my doctors about not being induced and for having an intervention free delivery.  When I finally went into labor she was with me to help breakdown what the doctors were saying.  She helped me know my rights and that I had a voice in my labor and delivery. 

The first hospital visit I wasn't dialated very far so I opted to go home. Shannon helped me stand my ground when the Dr. tried to use scare tactics about my babys size and they wanted to just do a cesarean.  I went home to labor with Shannons support and comfort.  That same day we did go back to the hospital and I was admitted.  She stayed with me the entire time and helped me stay focused and calm. It was a very long labor but she stayed with me and was a huge support to my husband and I throughout the whole process.  She is an amazing person, and helped me achieve everything I wanted out of my labor and delivery.  I am so grateful!!
Sheri

Epidurals don't always work, and some babies are premature...

When my husband and I were having our 3rd child, it was a great help to have Shannon in the delivery room with us.
It surprised me how much I had forgotten.  I just assumed all the “know how” would all come back once it was time to deliver, but I was wrong.  I was very happy that we made the decision to have Shannon in the hospital to help advocate for us as we hoped for a VBAC. 

 My labor went on for many hours and even endured 3 attempts at an epidural with no success!  Shannon was a wonderful support.  She reminded me how to breathe through the contractions, she rubbed my feet, rubbed my stomach, she gave me a massage, she did everything possible to help me through this very difficult and hard labor.

Her encouragement helped me to stay positive.  With her help, I persevered and had a vaginal delivery.  Her presence did not overshadow my husband being there.  Instead it helped him to stay calm because he knew that her presence added to the quality of care we received.  He was also at peace when he had to leave the room to check up on our other children or just to take a much needed break.

 We welcomed our son Matthew  into the world at 12:30 a.m.  Shannon stayed with us the through the entire process.  Her patience, kindness, dedication, calmness, and encouragement was a great help to us.

Shannon was also proved how valuable it is to have an advocate when we had a crises pregnancy with our 4th child.  She helped us ask all the right questions that would ensure a safe delivery.  Our Noah was born at 23 weeks and was given very little hope of survival.  Shannon’s quick thinking, experience, and knowledge is one of the key reasons why he is alive and well today.
-Dionne

Kind words from a Gramma...

Shannon Santamaria served as a Doula when my daughter delivered her son at the Antelope Valley Hospital.  As a grandmother, I was amazed and gratified at her consistent support for, not only my daughter, but also for our entire family in the difficult delivery of my grandson.

To have someone be so calm and professional  when the rest of us felt helpless and ignorant of what stages and difficulties my daughter was going through, was a blessing we will not forget.  Even as some people were irritable, rude or uncooperative, Shannon remained calm, kind and very much in control of herself.  She knew what was happening and she was a support for all of us.  I highly recommend her to anyone who has the blessing of bringing a new life into this world.  Please contact me at hbhorning@gmail.com for any further information needed.
~HeatherHorning


"....you are really good at what you do!"
~B.B (three time dad, first time working with a doula)

"I felt so empowered! Having you here really kept my focus. I remember with my other babies the contractions kept getting more and more painful, but this time, they were uncomfortable, but never seemed to get worse!"
~ S.B.

From a VBAC, 4th baby momma...

After delivering two children in a typical hospital setting, with an epidural and little “birth coaching,” I never considered needing a doula. However, facing my fourth delivery and wanting a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after a Cesarean), I realized a doula would be useful. You see, I knew I was going to have to go against hospital policy in having a VBAC and that I would have a better chance at having one if I labored at home, so having someone actually coaching me through labor seemed like a great asset.

After I met Shannon, I knew she would be a great doula. She is light-hearted and up-beat. She always paid such sweet attention to my growing belly, so I knew that her tender care would help me through my labor. I knew that she had gone through a VBAC before. And I knew her medical knowledge and experience dealing with hospital staff would come in handy if I needed someone to help me stand firm when facing opposition to my birthing plan. As she met with me, she was able to give me guidance on how to deal with contractions and what specific areas of my body I should focus on relaxing as I breathed through contractions. I also appreciated her desire to communicate with all those involved in the birth (my husband and mom) so that her role was clear and she wouldn’t be “stepping on toes.”

On the day I went into labor, Shannon was there as a strong and peaceful force. She helped me to work through strong contractions and to encourage labor by taking walks with me. She massaged when I needed comfort and listened well to my needs. She was really good at encouraging me, helping me to evaluate when to go to the hospital, and weighing the pros and cons of getting an epidural. I had prayed for this specific birth, and my birthing plan, from the day I found out I was pregnant. It went exactly as I had prayed and I know that Shannon really helped that come about through her comfort and guidance during labor.

I highly recommend Shannon’s doula services. She has been gifted with the ability to comfort and guide women through labor.

Sincerely,
Denise
Palmdale, CA

        
            Just the Confidence a
       first time mommy needs...

We were pregnant with our first baby &  wanted to be as prepared as possible before going into the delivery room! My doctor's office offered a birthing class but having to share one instructor with who knows how many other pregnant women did not appeal to me. I wanted something more personal & intimate, an environment where I could ask any question without embarrassment. I was really looking for a one-on-one coach who would help me figure out what was the best for my body & my baby! Well, after some research I found out that this kind of care was possible with a doula!
Having Shannon by my side during the pregnancy & birthing process was such a blessing! She spent hours teaching my husband & me what to do during each phase of the birth. As a doula, Shannon was able to equip me with many hints & tips to help me stay comfortable, deal with the pain & work with my body in order for the birth to go as smoothly as possible.
Not only did Shannon prepare & teach me to be physically & mentally ready to give birth to my baby girl, but she went far beyond that! Shannon stayed with me every second & literally helped me get through the pain. She coached me through my contractions & helped me stay in control of my body. I was so much more at peace knowing she was there to lead me. I wouldn't have done it any other way!!
~ Rachel 







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