Madeleine Shernock Doula Profile

I wanted to write this with more time, but alas, I have a baby and never have any time. So here goes... Madeleine was absolutely wonderful. I thought I was never going to be able to have a doula because of the expense, but lucky for me, I discovered her apprentice program. Madeleine is extremely knowledgable. She helped me with any concerns I had. She even told me about a free birth class in Davis!! She showed me different techniques for labor and was really supportive of my needs. She helped me write a great birth plan. But what I valued most was her labor during my labor. She and her apprentice came to my house and coached me through a very abrupt and painful precipitous labor. She supported me as I hung all over her and as I screamed in the car on the way to the hospital. While my husband drove, she massaged my shoulders and provided soothing words, even though I almost caused an accident with my thrashing (I transitioned in thecar!). At the hospital, she and her wonderful apprentice Claire, were both at my side massaging me and being my comforting cheerleaders. At 2:04am, my son was born in the water. She and Claire stayed with me until I was all set up.  After workIng so hard all night long, they took my placenta to my house and encapsulated it. They even cleaned my kitchen and folded my laundry!!! The visited me the next day in the hospital- brought me flowers and a fabulous gift that was extremely thoughtful and useful! For my postpartum visit, they brought delicious food, postpartum sundries, and the cutest onesie. They were so generous, not only with gifts, but also with their time. They were understanding when family members were annoying, too. Madeleine is caring, funny, knowledgable, cute, cool, and professional. And Claire is just as great! My birth was the hardest thing i have ever done, and they helped me through it! I don't know how I would have gotten through my intended natural birth plan without them. Thank you Madeleine and Claire!!! Thank you!!!