Shannon Stellhorn Doula Profile

I had the privilage of having Shannon as my doula for the birth of my second son in November.  She was AMAZING!!  I was a high risk pregnancy and we knew that they would not let us go to term and I would most likely be induced.  With this information, Shannon helped me do everything possible to be favorable.  I was actually 4 cm when I went in to be induced.  Shannon was with me every step of the way through the induciton.  She helped me stay calm, enouraged me to try different labor positions, helped me breathe, and was so sweet and supportive.  I ended up having a pain med free induction that went a lot better than the induciton with my first son.  There is NO WAY that could have happened with out Shannon's help.  She even held the external monitors in place!!  Shannon is an amazing doula and will be an amazing midwife.  After the delievery, Shannon helped me to get my son nursing right away and he's been a pro at it ever since.  Do yourself a favor and hire Shannon to be your doula.  She is the best!

Finding Shannon was the best thing I could have done for the birth of my second baby boy!  The birth of my first son was a nightmare. I suffered from pain and depression as a result. I was not happy when I found out I was pregnant for a second time.  I went to three OBGYNs throughout the pregnancy of my second with the hope of a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) but all three of them said that they didn't think it could be done. I found Shannon by recommendation and I'm glad I did. She came and saw my right away despite the fact that I was just a few weeks away from term. The day I went into labor, she came and stayed with me even though she had just gotten off of a plane!  She helped me through my labor and did a wonderful job of keeping me calm.

Lo and Behold! My 8lb 13oz baby boy was born vaginally depsite the not so VBAC friendly delivery doctor!  As a result, I was so happy and still am 7 months later. This time I had no trouble recovering and breastfeeding was a cinch! I am still reaping the benefits that Shannon has provided me with! 

I would absolutely recommend Shannon Stellhorn to any pregnant woman, especially one who is planning a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. Thanks to Shannon I successfully had a beautiful, healing, drug-free VBAC. She was amazing during my painful and intense labor. She knew exactly what to do to help me cope with the pain better. Her mere presence was calming and gave me reassurance that everything that I was experiencing was normal since she has seen so many natural births (unlike the vast majority of Obstetricians.) My husband was thankful to have someone there to help and take some of the enormous pressure off of him, as well. Shannon's phone support was invaluable during the days leading up to my birth. Since I had prodromal labor I would have gone to the hospital prematurely if I had not had her advice at my fingertips. I am so thankful that Shannon Stellhorn was a part of my birth and I will forever consider her a friend.

I got to know Shannon during my many vists to the birth center while I was pregnant.  She is so kind and always ready to listen.  She really takes time with you and I never felt rushed during my appointments.  I remember on one occasion I was telling her that I was worried about pushing; I didn't want to push for long.  She was so confident that the baby would just come right out (which is just what happened) and she encouraged me not to worry.  Her pep talks were great for building my confidence.  I always felt very comfortable around her, so the day of my delivery I was so glad she was there.  When the baby's heart rate needed to be checked she was always so sensitive to me and my wishes so she would ask first.  I've had two babies at the hospital and I was never asked if it was okay to check the baby; all kinds of things were just done to me.  So, I enjoyed having a little more control.  I felt safe and comfortable under her care which is exactly what you need when you're in labor.  I will always have beautiful memories of that day, when my fourth child was born!  Thank you to my friend and sister in Christ, Shannon!!

Shannon was a real gift from the Lord.  I met her by chance at Young N Restless Resale Store where she gave me some advice on how to handle my upcoming VBAC, and deal with residual fears due to trauma from my first birth.  If not for her my pregnancy would not have been nearly as enjoyable.  In the end my husband and I chose to hire her as a Doula, and she proved most exceptionally crucial to the pregnancy, labor and delivery process.  With her help I knew how to interpret all my false labor, extra questions to ask my doctor, and we gave birth to a 9 lb, 6 oz baby with a pritocin-augmented delivery and no epidural!  Thank you for being there, Shannon, for all your support and help!  God bless you!

Although I wanted a Doula, I and my husband were initially apprehensive about involving an outsider during my childbirth. However, after our initial meeting, both of us were put at ease with Shannon's professionalism and comforting demeanor. As I was doing a VBAC, her guidance was especially helpful as she already had sufficient experience in this area and Shannon could also provide backup advice to what my OB said.

During the pregnancy, she was always available with helpful suggestions. I could call on her anytime of the day or night and she would always be cheerful and glad to help. On the big day, she was at my side making sure that I was at ease for the delivery. After my delivery Shannon additionally helped me with my breastfeeding, post-partum and baby wearing issues.

Shannon always seemed to go beyond what she was hired for I would like to wholeheartedly endorse Shannon Stellhorn for being a caring and diligent Doula for my second childbirth.

If you need references, please ask Shannon to contact me (NK).
 

My experience with Shannon was amazing!  She helped me beyond what I expected in making my birth plan and answering my questions.  During my labor she met me at the hospital when I was ready for her to come and worked well with me, my husband, and my nurse and doctor.  She really helped get my husband involved and my husband even commented how much calmer he felt with her there.  She knew what I wanted and knew exactly the right spots to massage and how to keep me as comfortable and calm as possible.  After the baby was born, she stayed with me until I felt comfortable and helped me get my daughter latched and nursing.  She is amazing at her job, an has become more than my doula, but a friend as well.  I will definitely be hiring her again for my next pregnancy.