Penny Shantz CD(DONA) Doula Profile

     I couldn't imagine what I would have done if Penny Shantz wasn't there to help me through not only the birth, but before.  I have know Penny for at least 10 years, and I was honored that she was our Doula for the birth of our second child. I had a horrendous experience with the first child's birth  and I was terrified when I found out I was pregnant again. When recounting my  experience with Penny , she told me that the reason she became a Doula was to ensure that woman would have positive birth experiences. Having her be part of the 2nd birth, wiped away the trauma of the 1st birth.

I found out midway through my pregnancy that my Mother had breast cancer..  Penny was very supportive, she always knows what to say.   She is patient, kind and knowledgleable . She follows her instincts , which in my case, was a great asset. After a long but productive labour I barely made it to the hospital in time.  If it wasn't for Penny, the baby would have been born in the car !  Penny is my personal Wonder Doula.  We are lucky to be able to continue having her be a part of our lives.

Before we met Penny, we researched our birthing options extensively as we wanted minimal intervention, where possible. In the final week, Angela developed high blood pressure. This meant a transfer of care from our midwife and the loss of our dream for a home birth. While Angela was in the hospital, Penny was extremely responsive and even visited with Angela for an afternoon. This meant so much and helped to set the stage for our big day. During the birthing process, Penny was truly amazing. We turned to her for information when we felt unsure of the next step, strength when we felt weary, and encouragement when we needed the warmth and support of a friend. With her at our side, we were able to have the best possible birth, despite the drastic change in plans. It was with tears in our eyes that we thanked her at the end of the day – we simply could not find the words to express our gratitude. We will always remember her and the difference she made on that special day in our lives. 

I first met Penny at a pre-natal fitness class.  I had heard of Doulas before but after meeting her I went home and told my husband I was interested in hiring a doula for the birth of our first child.

The big day arrived and I actually laboured at home on my own with my husband and family for a long time before we called Penny.  In the end we left it too late and called her to meet us at the hospital as my labour was moving along.

At the hospital, she was wonderful and kept me relaxed and in a better state of mind.  I had gone through over 12 hours of labour already at home and had decided the epidural was for me once we arrived.   Even with the epidural, Penny sat by my side, talking to me and supported me when it wore off (which was 3 times too many!)  By having Penny there my hubby was able to rest for the big event and we were both very thankful for that.

In the end, I had to deliver my son by cesarian section but I know I couldn't have coped as well as I did for the remaining 15 or so hours of labour without her by my side.  As soon as he was delivered and I was in recovery she was right back helping me to breastfeed for the first time.  She stayed for quite a while once we settled into our new room and I am truly grateful for having had her with us for the best experience of our lives. 

After we were home and settled Penny dropped in for a visit and brought us her story of our birth experience.  It brought tears to my eyes and every once in a while I still pull it out and read it.  She was very thoughtful to do so and it meant alot  to my husband and myself. It's something we will have forever to cherish.

Thank you Penny!!  WE couldn't have done it without you!!

Judy, Grant and Clark