I believe in and practice a Physiological Birth model! Whether your birth takes place in the Hospital or Home, whether its medicated or unmedicated I am here to support you and the physiology of your birth and body!
A physiological model of birth emphasizes your bodies natural ability to labor and birth, minimizing unnecessary medical interventions. It focuses on supporting your innate birthing processes through a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. And prioritizes your comfort, autonomy, and emotional well-being throughout the whole process.
Or come see me at the Meet The Doulas event in Asheville hosted by The Flow Of Life Doula collective here in town. Meet the Doulas are the first Saturdays of every month from 10-11am - Come say hi to me!
Birth is one of the most powerful experiences that we can go through as humans. And like most of these pivotal life journeys there are always questions, fears, confusion and mysteries. I am here to help you and your family bridge the gaps in these spaces. I believe that our bodies are the experts, they are wise and often know the way even when our conscious minds do not. I am here to help you tap in and connect with your body. Learning to listen to its subtle and not so subtle hints and desires. I am here for YOU! I work for you and your family independently not for the hospital, birthing center or midwife.
A Recent Client’s Review
“It’s impossible to predict how a birth experience will unfold, and now that ours has, I can’t imagine going through it without Shannon’s support. From our first meeting, she took the time to understand our story, our values and birth preferences and provided a wealth of resources to guide us as we approached our due date. Her check-ins on how things were going physically and emotionally leading up to the big day were so helpful, along with reassuring words and advice when things felt scary or uncertain.
From the time my water broke and on, she was there for us with words of encouragement, hands-on assistance, homeopathic aids, and positivity. Shannon stepped into our labor room with poise, empathy, and confidence. She spent long hours helping me with comfort measures, positioning, and emotional support, and advocated for me every step of the way. The experience of labor and birth exhausted me and my partner, but Shannon never wavered from our side and was attuned to both of us when we needed it most; we were blown away by her strength and stamina.
Her support extended beyond the birth, from staying with us until we felt more comfortable that day to postpartum check-ins. We are so grateful for the photos and videos we now have of this life-changing experience, thanks to her! Shannon will forever have a special place in our hearts for her guidance and help in bringing our baby into the world. We can’t thank or recommend her enough.”
Physically - I will help support you prenatally through demonstrating positions and movements that can help with pain and fetal positioning during pregnancy. I will support you in labor through tips on labor progression, movement, hands on counter pressure, relaxing massage and other comfort measures.
Emotionally - I am here to support you and your partner/family emotionally during this time through active listening, holding your pregnancy and birth story with you and encouraging you along the way.
Advocacy - I am also here to be an advocate for you and your family, helping you map your desired birth experience and being a liaison for you in the hospital, birthing center or at home. I am not here to speak for you, I will only be there to amplify your own voice if the need arises. I will calmly hold your desired birth plan in mind during each step of the way and patiently help you communicate that with your birthing team.
Information - I am here to provide you with information and resources both local and online. I will listen to your specific needs and help you find resources that fit those needs.
Partner/Family Support - If needed I am also here as partner support. Helping you and your partner have the most connected experience as possible. I am not by any means here to replace the role of your partner - I am here to create space for your partner to be as intimately involved as you both desire. Your partner and I will work together to be there for you the best ways we can.
As your doula I am here to support you:
2-3 prenatal visits (depending on when in your pregnancy I am hired)
Phone and email support throughout pregnancy as soon as you hire me
On call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks
Phone support in early labor
Hands on support during your birth and 2-4 hours postpartum for up to 16 hours
A reliable and capable backup doula if my time goes beyond 16 hours
Detailed notes of your birth experience
1 in-home postpartum visit
One month of phone and email postpartum support
Option to add on a Holistic Herbal Care Session for an additional fee (See my herb page for more info about this!)
**I also offer extended Postpartum support to families that hire me as their birth doula - ask me about my extended postpartum package!
