Petra "Shama" Sambergerova Doula Profile

Shama is a wonderful, warm, caring woman. Her background as a nurse is very reassuring, as she can answer technical questions and knows medical procedures very well. We met with Shama multiple times during my pregnancy and she and I went for a few casual walks too - all to talk about what birth is like and decisions I needed to make. She was completely supportive of my husband and me and did not impose any ideas or values on us at all, she gave us the information and the space to make our own decisions about how we thought we wanted things to go in labor and delivery. Later, when things got a little complicated towards the end of my pregnancy she even came to the doctor with us and helped us make important decisions - we really felt like the three of us were a team. Then, while I spent two days in the hospital as induction after induction failed, she hung out with me, brought wonderful home created smoothies and broth and was all around a great support. In the end, I ended up with a C Section and having her there with me was invaluable. Most importantly she was the person who stuck by me when the excitement was over, my husband went off with the baby, and I was left on the table. I felt so much better that I was not all alone. On such an important day in your life, if there is going to be someone else there with you and your hubby, Shama is the kind of person you want. Solid, reassuring, knowledgeable, incredibly kind and giving, and great to hang out with! Her intimate knowledge of the VVMC OB dept and personnel are a great extra bonus too!

Petra "Shama" Sambergerova was a fantastic labor doula.  She was involved in the birthing process long before the labor began, and her knowledge and training as a nurse in her home country really put me at ease.  That, along with her straight forward approach let me know I could really trust her opinion.  Also, I found her care to be phenomenal.  She really went above and beyond in terms of both pre-natal and post natal care.  I was very nervous about labor, even thuugh I wanted to try natural childbirth, so Shama and I took long walks where we were able to talk about how to handle the fear, as well ao how the pregnancy was going.   Shama made many visits to my house to instruct both myself and my husband. She even helped me with relaxation exercises!  Once the labor was underway, Shama proved to be steady, reliable and comforting!  The labor didn't progress very well, but Shama stayed with me, helping me make informed decisions, in my best interest, in light of the doctor's advice.  And once I had to undergo a C section, just knowing that Shama would be in the operating room made me feel so much better.  After our beautiful baby girl was born, Shama stopped by a few times just to make sure we were doing ok, bringing supplies from the hospital, and a delicious French Toast souffle.  I would highly recommend Shama to anyone who is looking for a labor doula. 

After we attended Shama's  birthing classes  we sat down with her and talked about the services she provided as a Doula.  We did not even know what a Doula was or if we needed one.  After our initial visit we knew we wanted her to be part of our birthing team.  She provided us with a lot of information,  answered many questions and talked with us about various birthing options.   Whenever we would call her or meet with her she was always very friendly and helpful and added her own personal touch.  A service that the OBGYN could not provide.  When I went into labor Shama came to our house and helped me through the contractions in the comfort of our own home.  Even though she is not a doctor we felt at ease having there so we did not have to rush to the hospital.  When we finally went to the hospital having her in the room while I was in labor not only provided added support and comfort for me but she also helped my husband with techniques to try before, during and after the birth.  The birth of our beautiful baby girl went well beyond what we expected.  Everything went smoothly without any problems. We think the reason why was because Shama was there with us!!!

Thanks Shama.  You are the best!!!

Stephen & Sylvia Fort