Shelina Jamani Doula Profile

We were absolutely thrilled with the care Shelina provided us before, during and after the birth our first child. As a physician, I was technically familiar with the components of labour and delivery, but experiencing it from the patient perspective was new territory for me, and all of it was foreign to my non-medical husband. When our due date came and went, Shelina was in frequent contact providing support and encouragement. After two rounds of induction, our labour was very intense from the onset. Shelina remained calm and steady, which helped us to maintain our focus. During our pre-natal class, a video had shown a woman who was exhausted and experiencing considerable self-doubt with respect to her ability to continue with her labour. I distinctly recall thinking that I would never adopt such a mindset, but of course, this occurred at several points during our labour. Almost as if she could sense the change in my determination, Shelina took my hand, looked me in the eyes and said, “Erin, you can do this”. Simple words, but they had a powerful impact. My husband was an amazing birth partner and he was so pleased that Shelina naturally encouraged, and helped to guide his full participation in the process. Eventually, I elected to have an epidural, and when I was resting, my husband was able to get a few precious hours of sleep – something he would never have felt comfortable doing if he didn’t trust Shelina to keep an eye on how I was doing. Some of our most cherished memories are the photos Shelina took in the delivery room immediately after our son was delivered. Shelina is warm, compassionate, experienced and very knowledgeable. She effortlessly balances providing guidance and support with empowering and respecting her clients. As a doctor, a patient and now new parents, we sincerely recommend Shelina as a doula.

My daughter was born 5 weeks early under some traumatic circumstances but Shelina was wonderful with her. She has a very calm and knowledgeable presence to her. My daughter instantly warmed to her. I would fully recommend Shelina to any mother looking for someone they can completely trust. I was able to relax, rest and enjoy what at the time was a stressful situation. Shelina is a great cook too and can whip up a delicious meal with leftovers in the fridge! She is really easy to talk to, a positive person and totally reliable. I am blessed that Shelina was part of my daughter's early upbringing. Emma and daughter.

My wife was delivering our second child and as our first one was so accustomed to being with us all the time we weren't sure how he would be without us during the birth of his sister. We realised that we needed a second birthing partner just incase and were really concerned that we had a doula who was not only experience but completely supportive and could potential be the main partner for the birth whilst I had to deal with our first baby.

As my wife was being induced the timing was prearranged and Shelina came exactly when she said she would she called ahead to check in with us and then was completely in the zone with us. We had a small amount of waiting time whilst the drugs took affect and Shelina helped us relax by going over our plans and reduced any anxiety that we were having. She was completely there for my wife, I really appreciated being able to step out make a call or grab a bite knowing that I left a trusted partner behind looking after my wife.

The delivery was straightforward and timely compared to the first (not sure my wife saw it that way at the time though!). Shelina's presence definitely gave us more confidence she was great with both of us, keeping my wife hydrated and really being there as another partner during the whole experience. Shelina got on with the medical staff really well, knowing when to step to the side and explaining any details that were glossed over by them to us.

We couldn't be happier with the few hours we spent with her, at such intimate moments in your life it can be hard to imagine to let someone new in, but I can only say Shelina's presence made the whole experience even more special as she boosted our confidence and almost acted as a guardian over us. We made a very special friend that day and whole heartedly recommend her services.

It was important to both of us that we welcome our daughter into this world in the most loving and safe way. Although, we both have a wonderful, supportive circle of family and friends, we decided to have a doula to provide birth support. After the initial face-to-face meeting with Shelina, I was impressed with her birth philosophy (mother centered) and the various ways she could provide doula support. In our follow up meeting with my husband, myself and Shelina, Shelina brought a home-made chocolate zucchini loaf (that was pulled fresh from the oven). She also brought a number of handouts and books to help us prepare for the birth. These professional and personal touches confirmed that we were in good hands. Shelina explicitly communicated again and again that she was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once the labour started, I contacted Shelina early Wednesday morning to let her know labour had started and we would be heading to the hospital later that morning. Shelina arrived soon after and stayed with us from 11 am on Wednesday to 1 pm on– only taking small breaks to call her children and have quick meals. Shelina was always on top of what I needed, for example, my juice and water cups were never empty. She also located useful items to facilitate the birth like the ball. The doctors and nurses also appreciated her presence – she made life easier for everyone! One of my favorite parts was her massage! During the pushing, Shelina provided the perfect amount and type of support – not too much cheering, not overly touching me but always encouraging and confirming my innate ability to birth my daughter. Shelina also made sure my husband got breaks and was not overwhelmed. My family (particularly my sister and mother) also appreciated her comforting presence.