Greta Sprenkeling Doula Profile

Greta attended the births of both of our daughters.  Our first daughter was a long 19 hours of labor (and on Greta's birthday).  I couldn't have made it through it without Greta's techniques of massage, pressure points, positioning and encouragement.  There was a point when I did not think I could do it on my own and it was Greta's quiet strength and "you can do it" attitude that pushed me through. 

Our second daughter was a short 4 hour labor and Greta was there to make sure that everything went quickly and according to our birth plan.  Greta has a special gift in encouraging and assisting women who choose natural childbirth.  Both births were amazing experiences and we are so glad Greta was a part of each of them.

Through both preganancies, I had Greta come to our home for weekly prenatal massages.  Not only was it a treat, but her techniques aligned my body to prepare for birth and relieved any of the aches and pains that come with pregnancy.  I encourage everyone to treat themselves to a Greta massage!

What can I say ... I couldn't have done it without Greta!!!  I have used Greta for both of my births and will continue to use her (if I have any more children :-))

I have had two natural (no medication at all) births.  My first birth I didn't know what to expect.  I knew I wanted to stay at home as long as possible.  I was pretty far into my labor and starting to getting nervous.  Greta arrived ... all she had to do was touch my leg.  And I felt her calmness ... At the time she had helped over 250 women give birth.  So I knew that she had the experience.  I automatically felt relief and comfort!  For the rest of the labor and delivery.  She made me feel calm, in control and secure.

My second birth was harder for me emotionally and physically.  The doctors had to intervene and break my water.  At that point my  labor was moving along slow.  Greta was able to help keep my focused and calm (for most of it :-))  She had technics (stretching etc.) to help dialate naturally.  Because of those stretches etc.  They did not have to induce me.  I moved along naturally.

Greta is wonderful. I would recommend her to any of my friends.  She has way of helping you stay calm, focused, while engaging you and your birth partner.

Greta attended both of my births.  We planned a hospital birth for my first daughter.  She decided to arrive a month early; her birth began with premature rupture of membranes.  Greta walked the hospital floor with me for hours as we tried to get labor started.  She massaged my ankles to stimulate the uterus, which urged my daughter to descend into the birth canal.  Despite efforts to labor on my own after my water had broken 24 hours earlier, I chose to take Pitocin.  Greta coached my husband and me during first stage.  When she sensed that I was ready to give up and give in to an epidural, she said, "Your doing great.  Things are really moving now."  Greta knew I was close to transition and knew exactly what to say.  My daughter arrived a few hours later without me needing an epidural.  Birth was THE best experience of my life.

When I conceived again,  I chose to see my former OB for the first half of the pregnancy.  really wanted a home birth.  Greta believed in my ability to birth at home.  I transferred care to a midwife.  This time, the baby came a day before her due date.  Don't know what I would have done without that counterpressure she applied during contractions!  She helped me, my husband, and my midwife as I labored in water.  The birth was everything I hoped it would be, and Greta made it possible.  I am certain that my first birth would have resulted in a C-section without Greta's help.  She championed my desire for natural labor and remained a strong ally when my OB and nurses pressured me to make labor choices.  Her assistance with my first birth allowed me to have my second birth at home.  Greta is a wonderful doula.  I can't recommend her enough.

I am so thankful to have had Greta by my side throughout my birthing process. Since this was my first baby, I was not prepared for what was to come, and Greta helped me through each and every obstacle that day. Her expertise in knowing exactly what to do to helped me get through the toughest of contractions, helped calm me and let me know I could handle the next one. Her knowledge and support helped me "champ" through the birthing process. I highly recommed Greta for anyone who wants an easier birthing process. Thanks Greta!  Sandra

I wouldn't have a baby without Greta. She attended both of my son’s births. She was able to fit her style with what I needed. With my first son she spent over 40 hours with us. She rubbed my back, suggested different labor positions, and supported me. She allowed my husband to focus on being my husband and daddy. This helped him and me tremendously.  When I had to have pitocin and an epidural to speed up my labor Great was able to offer me practical advice and support. I was heartbroken, but overall Greta helped me to move through that disappointment and have a positive birth experience even if it wasn't the birth I had planned.  My second birth was so quick I was in so much pain and the baby wanted to be OUT, but I had some time to wait before pushing. Greta helped me to focus such that the pain was GREATLY reduced by her coaching, applying pressure in the right places, and her ability to keep me focused on the end game. We were at the hospital for less than 45 minutes and my son was born. I was able to achieve my goal of a drug free childbirth, there is no doubt I couldn’t have done it without her.  Don't underestimate the power of a doula during pregnancy also. Greta was always there for me to answer any questions I had or any concerns. I called her at all hours of the day and night and she was able to explain to me what was happening and why. She enabled me to get the rest I needed during my pregnancy because she could put me at ease. Much more effective than sitting up half the night worried and waiting until your doctor's office opens or worse going to the emergency room for nothing.  Doula's are money well spent and you can't match Greta for experience. It doesn’t matter what time it is or where she is if it is time for you to have a baby and Greta says she will be there. SHE WILL BE THERE. We call her the guardian of mothers and babies she is a true gift.
 

On May 1st, Henry and I had our first baby.  We asked for Greta's assistance because neither of us are around children and very little past experience with children.  We also have no family here in Arizona.  We wanted someone in the delivery room that could help comfort and support us emotionally.  Also, we were concerned we wouldn't know what to do once we arrived home.  Greta was a recommendation to us from a very good friend who had nothing to say but very positive comments when it came to her experience.  We liked Greta immediately upon meeting her.  No question was too small or too silly.  She made us feel comfortable about our pending delivery of our daughter Madelyn...and it proved true in the delivery room and when we got home.  She not only answered all of our questions, but seemed to anticipate our needs...ultimately providing us with guidance and experienced advice.  I would highly endorse Greta for those looking into a Doula experience as part of their birth plan. 

Greta was my doula for both of my two pregnancies.  With my 1st baby - I had about 30 hours of labor and she came as soon as we wanted her at our house and stayed at our house until we all went to the hospital.  We really appreciated how she was with us thru the long haul and since it took so long to get to the point to go to the hospital she didn't leave she stayed at our house even if it meant sleeping on our couch while we all "tried" to rest a little.  My 2nd baby didn't take as long but she came even when we weren't sure if it was real labor.  She really helped take the edge of the labor pains for me by adding strong counter pressure on my back.  With her help I was able to have my 2 babies completely naturally and without any interventions (not even an IV) at the hospital.  She is amazing and so knowledgeable - the births of our two baby boys wouldn't have been as successful without her help.