Tammy Sandel Doula Profile

I found Tammy through Doula Match and contacted her via email.  I could tell right from the start that we would get along great.  Tammy met with my husband and I for an interview.  Tammy made me feel very comfortable and she was very easy to talk to.  Tammy was very knowledgable about birth and labor and I really felt that she could help my husband and I get more familiar with a natural labor.  Along with being my doula, I asked Tammy if she could do some labor/birth education so that my husband would be more comfortable in the delivery room.  Turns out that the baby decided to come at 35 weeks while Tammy was on a family vacation.  But I carried with me the education and support that she provided to us during my labor.  I would definitely recommend Tammy as a doula or a birth educator.  She is fantastic!

After having 2 children in the hospital with epidurals and not loving the experiences, I knew I wanted my 3rd time to be a little different. I started researching doulas and found Tammy. I knew if I was going to do this without drugs, I was going to need some serious support! I contacted her and fell in love with her via email. I was ready to hire her without even meeting her - that's how awesome she is. Needless to say, she sweetly suggested that we meet (just in case) and after that, we became fast friends.

She provided amazing support to me, my husband, and my children during my pregnancy, delivery and post-partum. She was always there to cry with me, hug me, laugh with and nurture me. She helped us through our very FAST labor at home and a speedy car ride to the hospital after my water broke. She helped me believe in myself and know that I could get through this, even when I was desperately trying to keep that baby from coming out (hey it hurts a little). She even helped me prepare my older kids for the delivery so they could be there in the room when their baby sister was born! I don't think they'll ever forget that experience, which means the world to me.

With Tammy's unending support, I was able to have the birth experience I'd always wanted - epidural-free and unattached to monitors/IV/etc. It was a very empowering experience. Three months later and I still daydream about my labor and delivery - how crazy is that? I can't recommend Tammy highly enough!

Tammy was our doula for the birth of our first child. We met her through her natural child birth classes and enjoyed her so much we asked her to be present at our birth. We had a water birth at home with a midwife, her assistant, and Tammy as our doula. During labor Tammy was very supportive with encouraging comments, rubbing my back, putting on calm music, or just being there for me and my husband.  She and my husband would count up to 30 and then back down to 1 during my contractions and I found that it gave me something to think about and remind me that the contraction would eventually stop. My husband loved having her there. He and Tammy worked together to help me with my contractions. She provided me with water and laborade during labor, but also gave him food and water when he needed it too. She was literally willing to do anything to help! After the birth she stayed for a few hours to help clean up, take care of me, and spend time with us. The days and weeks following the birth she would call and email to keep in touch as well as stopping by for several visits. She was always available if I had a concern or a question. I cannot say enough positive things about Tammy and how we loved working with her. We had a wonderful birthing experience and no question that Tammy's presence was a part of that!

living in california, i spoke to my dear long-time friend tammy about how i had all of the medical and intellectual support that i needed before giving birth to my second child, but that i was missing that beautiful emotional connection i had before bearing my first son. this was due in part to the fact that the first time around i had taken so many classes, including prenatal yoga, that had readied my mind, body and spirit. now, with a very active preschooler, getting into the right emotional space was tough. i asked tammy to be my LDD - Long Distance Doula. she took on the challenge with her signature energy, humor, creativity and grace. she sent me recipes, gifts for my firstborn, music mixes, birthing affirmations (my favorite "i am relaxed and free of fear"), a birthing ball, pregnancy tea and so much more to nourish every part of me. this woman is thoughtful and loving-- using her giant brain and giant heart to make you feel special and cared for. sometimes she'd just call me and leave a message like, "hey i'm just thinking of you, wishing i could cook for you tonight and rub your feet." has your husband ever said this to you? mine neither. : ) invite tammy into your birthing experience. you're worth it... and the beautiful memories will last a lifetime.

We met Tammy in our natural childbirth class. We felt an immediate connection with her and knew that we wanted her to be our doula. Tammy is one of the most caring and loving people I have ever met. She can look deep into your heart, anticipate fears and concerns, and support you in every way a person needs to be supported. Tammy is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the childbirth process and helped to educate and prepare us, not only for the process of childbirth itself but also during the prenatal and postpartum time. Before our son was born, Tammy shared our excitement and anticipation and it was fun to update her on our progress. She always had helpful tips for how to take care of myself both physically and mentally. Tammy was ready for all twists and turns associated with the childbirth process. She has amazing energy and yet can stay calm and focused. I really appreciated Tammy’s support during my labor. My “natural” childbirth experience didn’t go quite as planned (I ended up needing a C-section). But all through the process Tammy remained hopeful and encouraging; she provided options for laboring positions, and helped me accept the process as it unfolded. She also helped me sort out my emotions and thoughts about the birth during the postpartum time and has remained a supportive and understanding friend. I always felt very comfortable with Tammy and never embarrassed or hesitant to open up to her. Tammy’s skills and calm and loving nature make her the ideal doula and we are eternally grateful for her support.

When I met Tammy, I knew my family had been blessed.  She is full of energy, compassionate, comforting, and is gifted to know just what to do to help you through the current situation (emotionally, physically, etc.)  My husband and I didn’t decide to have a doula until soon before the birth of our daughter. Due to limited time, Tammy made special efforts to help prepare us and educate us about what would happen, answer our questions, talk about our birthing plan, etc. Tammy eased our minds and hearts instantly.  I had to be induced, so the night before I checked into the hospital and Tammy was right there. She continued to provide emotional and knowledgeable support to our family. She walked me though what was happening and provided reassurance about the process.  Tammy joined me bright and early for the big day. I cannot put into words how fantastic my support system was! Tammy helped me and my husband through the different stages, she was an interpreter for us (from the doctors and nurses), she helped us ask questions, she made us laugh, and she provided excellent companionship. Since this was our first child, she helped my husband know what to do to be the best support for me. Her guidance was training and support for both of us! Tammy has a unique way of sharing her knowledge that made us comfortable, excited, and not at all fearful of the unknown. With her support, I was fortunate to be able to have my daughter without any pain medication. I could not have had such a wonderful experience without her. Her postpartum support was fantastic also. She took all the time that I needed and shared information, helped me understand how to handle changes in my body, etc.  Happily, we are expecting another baby and we knew right away we wanted to have Tammy with us.  I cannot adequately describe how impactful Tammy has been in our family. She really is a true blessing.
 

Tammy was my Doula for the birth of my son and she was absolutely instrumental in helping me achieve the natural birth I wanted. My husband and I hired Tammy early in my pregnancy and knowing she would be there when the big day arrived helped me to feel calm and safe during the months leading up to it. I cherished our prenatal appointments and her positivity and encouragement gave me what I needed to fully commit myself to having a natural birth. She was able to frame things in a way that made me feel excited about the birth rather than fearful. When I went into labor Tammy arrived at my house at 1:00am, excited and eager to help. She sat next to me while I labored in bed, reassuring me that everything I was experiencing was normal. I felt so comfortable having her with me and she helped me stay positive and confident through the pain. I was able to labor at home with her for a long time before needing to go to the hospital and once I arrived at the hospital I only had about two and a half more hours of labor before my son was born. Tammy helped me to feel so safe during the difficult moments and I don’t know if I could have done it without her. Tammy has also been amazing to work with during the difficult postpartum period. She has helped me to feel normal, serene and cared for. I have no doubt that having Tammy present for the birth of my son was one of the most important factors in helping me achieve the natural birth I wanted. She is truly a gift!

Tammy is an amazing person!  I believe that being a doula, second to being a mother, is her natural calling.  We hired her to assist with the birth of our second child.  Having Tammy's help and support not only during the birthing process, but also during the first few postpartum weeks, was nothing short of wonderful!!  She provided a wealth of knowledge, support, guidance, and love for our family.  Tammy's assistance made the birth of our second child even more joyful!  I can't imagine having another baby without her expertise!  Thank you Tammy!

I worried about a lot of things during my second pregnancy including a repeat case of pre-eclampisa, another involuntary c-section and another early birth taking me by surprise.  I met Tammy only about two weeks from my due date at a doula party where I was the model for a belly casting.  I felt such a uniquely strong connection with Tammy that my husband and I decided to hire her as our doula that same evening.  She came highly recommended by many close friends and my local mom's group.  I even had one friend tell me she would consider flying Tammy down to Florida for her next birth.  Tammy made the whole experience very memorable and wonderful.  Tammy responded very quickly to my 3am phone call the morning I went into labor.  She was not only postive and energetic at that early hour, but genuinely excited and enthusiatic throughout the experience.  She loves her life's work as a doula and it truly shows.  I could go on forever about how special Tammy made the experience, but here are some of the highlights.  Tammy helped sooth me as I labored on my porch swing while my husband ran around the house letting the dog out, calming our upset toddler (who was tired at 3am and very worried about her mommy) and collecting my belongings for the hospital.  If you think your partner can be in three places at once, consider the last minute madness that is the departure from the house.  Pretty much the reoccuring theme of the day was that while either my husband or Tammy were running around alerted nurses of my needs, retrieving more ice chips, providing updates to the family in the waiting area, the other one was able to stay with me.  I did not want to be left alone during what was the most intense and wonderful experience I've ever been through.  Tammy is worth every penny she charges- you truly can't put a price on a beautiful delivery.