G. Brennan

10/24/2023

Sarah Booten has helped my daughter-in-law welcome two children into the world. Both
times she has shown excellent professional medical knowledge and skills, and created a
culture of care, comfort, and competence that was the key to creating good outcomes for
my daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and my son. She provided post-partum care for my
daughter-in-law, important nutritional care, emotional support, lactation assistance, and
knowledge of how to care for the baby. Sarah provided support for my son as well helping
him with this transition from couple to family.

Our granddaughter was born in 2020 during the Covid era, and Sarah was a guiding light.
Because only a few vetted visitors were allowed, it was extremely important to have Sarah
visiting each day with good cheer and good care creating a small community of support for
mother, baby, big brother, and of course, dad as well!

Sarah has a unique ability to see what can’t be seen. Without anyone saying anything, she
could intuit what was most needed on a particular day. Following the birth of both babies,
Sarah facilitated supplies of donor breastmilk when needed and was very aware of signs of
post-partum depression. Sarah’s talents and gifts-- her complete knowledge of the physical
and emotional issues involved in childbirth, her profound ability to provide excellent care
and problem solving, her quietly confident manner, her cheerfulness, and her ability to “be
there” for everyone in the family-- created a happy and safe experience for everyone.

Jamie Stevens

3/6/2023

Sarah was not only my postpartum doula but she was our educator in the mom network of Chicago. She taught me a lot about lactstion, newborn routines and my own body changes. She has become not only a vital resource but a member of our family. She values holistic remedies and often brought me helpful creams, teas, and tonics. She is professional, always on time, hygienic, and gentle with our newborn. We are so grateful to have her as our night doula and now friend. She was vital to our new parent survival. 

Quinn

7/5/2022

I first met Sarah in December 2021 while pregnant with twins. I was newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and we'd just found out one of the babies was IUGR. We were in a tough spot financially, all while prepping for not one but TWO babies as first-time parents! In addition, we'd just moved (something I wouldn't recommend while pregnant, but sometimes necessary when you're about to have twins!), and doctors told us that the babies would have to be delivered earlier than planned and likely by cesarian. COVID was raging, and with two placentas, my immune system was doubly compromised. I was so overwhelmed that I found myself weeping regularly.

Our first conversation with Sarah was the first time I felt like things were going to be okay. Now, I was simply expecting to discuss the birth plan. I quickly learned that Sarah isn't just there to help with your birth, but with your life. That first time we met, she listened and reflected that it was, indeed, a hard pregnancy. She connected us with resources so that we could breathe a bit financially. She answered my late-night text messages before and after giving birth, helping us with breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and my recovery, among a million other things.

Speaking of my recovery, I had a major hemorrhage after my c-section. Sarah was only supposed to stay with us for the first few hours after birth, but instead she stayed the whole day, even being the one to call and tell my mother about my very serious, very scary blood loss. She even helped the nurses! Weeks later, she processed the event with my husband, himself traumatized from witnessing the hemorrhage. As a therapist, I know very well how huge it is to have your trauma witnessed. Sarah not only witnessed it, but also held space for us and validated our reactions with decades of her own professional experience.

Hiring Sarah was the best decision we made throughout the entire pregnancy. I cannot recommend her enough.

Sadie

3/8/2022

My partner And I used Sarah for the home birth of our baby boy. This was our first child so we were both nervous! We loved Sarah from the first time we met her! She was so kind and down to earth and made us feel very comfortable. She was very reassuring about the whole process and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable during the entire process. By the time I gave birth Sarah felt like family rather than someone I had just met a few months prior! Would 110% recommend her services! 

liz

12/7/2020

I had my last baby (a girl!!) with Sarah. 

It was really important to me to have a doula who understands how past trauma can impact labor and delivery- especially when the trauma is sexual in nature. 

Sarah was incredible.  She understood how my trauma could resurface and she we talked about it as well as ways to head it off and deal with it.  She also helped my husband understand so he would not be hurt or upset if I got upset.  This was very very important- as I did have a hard time with trauma rearing its ugly head, and if he and I had not been aware of the possiblilty- this could have been terrible.  Instead, Sarah empowered me and my husband to own this process, feel through it, engage with it and grow. 

Sarah was also instrumental in helping me advocate with the nursing/medical staff.  As someone with ptsd- being confident to stand up for myself and my new family was terrifying.  Sarah stood by me and helped ensure my wishes were respected and my needs met.  

Initally, even the thought of breastfeeding nauseated me.  Sarah said that either way she would support me, but encouraged me to try- knowing that if I was not okay with it- I could stop immediately. Thanks to her reassurance, patience, and guidance I was able to breastfeed my daughter for nearly a year. 

I would recommend Sarah to anyone- especially someone in need of a trauma informed doula 

Elizabeth

12/7/2020

Having Sarah at my most recent birth.  

I am a "high risk" mom and that can easily start a cascade that can pull my ability to feel in control of the situation.  This baby was coming early, but not as early as some of my others.  Sarah had a great understanding of where my baby was gestationally, what I could reasonably expect at delivery, and she also had a great understanding of my risk factors and helped me minimize them. 

When my baby was born, she helped me advocate to have my baby on my chest once stable and to let him start to breastfeed. 

While my baby had to go to the NICU, Sarah stayed in contact with me- reassuring me of what to expect- helping me to advocate for myself and baby.  

When we came home, Sarah helped me feel confident breastfeeding. She also helped me deal with sore nipples and bleeding (sorry, TMI).

Finding someone who is comfortable with higher risks, preemies, and integrating natural and modern medical interventions is a challenge- but Sarah is that person. 

10/10 

Tzivia Jaworowski

5/31/2020

Sarah Booten is a very capable, highly professional, compassionate, sensitive caring Doula!

I birthed 2 babies with her help, and I am extremely grateful!

My first with her was breach, and she knew it, and got me to the hospital just in time, and I truly believe that she was instrumental in saving my baby's life, since she got me there in record time, and then we discovered that the cord was wrapped around her neck twice, affecting her heart rate, so we had no choice but to do an emergency c section, but Sarah was there from beginning to end, I felt comforted that she was a calm presence who knew just what to do in any situation, including advocating at the hospital for me!!

The second birth I had Sarah help me with, was quite the story, and once again, Sarah saved the day!

Long story short,my baby was coming fast, I didn't realize how quickly things had progressed, and I suddenly realized that I was NOT making it to the hospital.  

Sarah Booten was in school for midwifery, and had backup tools, which was a lifesaver for my situation!

She calmly encouraged me through the birth process, cutting umbilical cord, clamping it, delivering the placenta, etc., and checking to see that baby was ok.( I checked into hospital subsequently for routine monitoring)

To this day(my daughters are aged 9 and 6) I'm super grateful that I had a calm caring professional by my side from beginning to end, and she always comes for a check up visit, and did I mention she's there for you during pregnancy too?

I highly recommend Sarah. Whoever uses her is lucky.

shterny caplin

5/9/2017

I met Sarah when i was looking for a doula towards the end of my 2nd pregnancy.
I knew I needed a doula after at Birth #1 I had to be induced and then had a very hard time coping with the pain once things got intense.
Right away I knew she exactly what i needed. She was assuring with her confidence and knowledge, yet listening and understanding when it comes to me, my birth plan and my baby.
As things started progressing - she was the perfect balance of what is needed from a doula. There for you, hearing your needs and making sure they are heard and met by the staff, plus and mainly helping with breathing and focusing on contractions.
I recently had my 5th baby and still I know she is a must at my births.

Sarah is everything birth and baby. (My daughter calls her “your baby lady friend”) She is there for you before, during and after the birth and she gives her everything - and she's got a lot to give.
If it was the baby taking his time and induction ultimatum (given my doctor) was nearing - she came over, gave me herbs, and three hours later we were off to the hospital.
After baby came and mama was losing blood - she was there making sure it was taken care of.
If the nurse freaked out cause baby came out too early and the doc didn't come to the room yet - she caught her.
She noticed my PPD and gently guided me through recovering and healing.
She taught me how to wrap a baby so he doesn't kick himself out of it 3 seconds later.
She told me what i needed to hear while I was being rushed to the emergency room with baby #5 scared and crushed for the loss of my plan.. (everybody is healthy TG!!)

I can't imagine giving birth without her.

tamara dudovitz

12/12/2016

Sarah was an amazing support to me when I was pregnant  with my baby. Her knowledge about birth coupled with sensitivity and a sense of humor made me feel very safe and eased my anxiety.  Not only is Sarah a wonderful emotional support during labor, she is physically supportive as well. I would highly recommend Sarah Booten!

Monique Pittman

5/21/2016

Sarah is truly an amazing doula because she is also a wonderful person. She is supportive and compassionate and has helped me so much with my difficult and unique circumstances. After the birth of my baby she has gone out of her way to help provide me with hundreds of ounces of donor breastmilk after I was unable to breastfeed. She has been very available to me and has counseled me during my meltdowns after birth. If you are looking for someone who will care about you and your baby as much as you do, this is the doula to go to. If you have complications, she is definitely a person you can trust to help you find a solution and to be patient and compassionate with you.

Michelle Reymer

7/12/2015

Sarah was an amazing doula. Throughout my pregnancy she was a comfort, a resource of tremendous knowlege, and a friend who could always calm me down and lighten the mood. I felt a huge weight lifted off me as soon as I know she would be there on the journey with me. She made herself extremely accessible and went way over and beyond expectations.  Feeling overwhelmed by everything we needed to get before the little one arrived, Sarah spent an entire afternoon with us shopping extremely effectively. She knew exactly what we needed and where to go.  At the end of the day we had everything we needed for our little one's return home. It was the best feeling and eliminated so much anxiety for both me and my partner. While I did not end up having a natural birth due to my baby being breech at the time of delivery. Sarah was still there by my side making sure we were ok mentally and physically. She made several post-partum visits, worked with me on nursing, and offered awesome techniques to comfort our little one. I highly recommend Sarah for first time mom's like me because she knows so much and has a knack for easing your mind and keeping you sane before and after your baby is born.

Marcy Fein

1/7/2014

Sarah is a wonderful postpartum doula. She has watched our son Riley and helped me postpartum with a variety of questions and concerns. Sarah is loving, supportive and dedicated to her profession. Not only do I trust my son in her care, but appreciate how she goes above and beyond to ensure that the mama in the house is taken care of. She prepares healthy snacks, does light housework, made a salve using my breastmilk and herbs for my c-section incision site and offers sound advice.  When I was in a nanny bind recently, she made great efforts to help my family out. She is responsible and a strong resource for breastfeeding and postpartum related questions.

Emma Grace Ketner

12/17/2013

Sarah and I didn't meet until the day my daughter was born.  She was called by someone (I honestly don't remember who -- it's a blur) to assist after my daughter needed to go to hospital a few hours after our home birth.  My daughter was pretty healthy, but very small.  I had her at home because of my hatred of hospitals, and getting there did nothing to change my mind.  Sarah arrived shortly, though, and completely had my back with my questions for the doctors and staff regarding the procedures they were planning for my kid.  It is incredibly helpful to have not one, not two, but THREE mamas advocating for a baby (my birth doula was also there).  

During our nearly week-long NICU stay, Sarah visited several times.  My husband and I were just there the ENTIRE time, so it was not only nice to have a visitor, but one who was really trying to help me ease in to motherhood, when I found the hospital environment to be so traumatic.  

After we went home, Sarah visited us often.  She helped me learn to properly nurse, when I had nobody in the Prentice NICU to do so.  In the course of all of this, we became great friends and learned each other's stories.  I'm not sure if I would have done so well in the first few months of my daughter's life if I didn't have Sarah to lean upon.

Alice Wills

12/17/2013

I don't even know how to begin to describe what an amazing experience my husband and I had with Sarah before, during, and after the birth of our son. I knew Sarah was exactly the doula I was looking for as soon as I met her - she is one of those people you are just automatically drawn to and feel comfortable with. My husband and I met with Sarah three times in preparation for the birth, and the information she provided during these initial meetings was invaluable. Her passion when it comes to childbirth is contagious and she filled my husband and I with confidence every time we talked. We spent several months planning a natural unmedicated childbirth (HypnoBirthing). Sarah was a huge help when it came to answering our questions, helping us feel prepared, and writing our birth plan. Unfortunately, the birth did not go as planned, my labor was extremely long, and interventions were necessary. Tiff was INCREDIBLE during the entire labor, despite the many challenges and difficulties. When I wanted to completely give up, she kept me going. When my husband felt helpless and afraid, she was able to help him calm down and focus on the end result. She truly was our source of support and encouragement, and I absolutely credit not having to have a caesarean section to her. After the birth, she really helped me understand that it will most likely take a long time for me to process and move on from what happened, and it helped to know that was normal for me to feel that way. I wish every woman (and husband!) could experience the birth of their child with Sarah present, I know I personally will never have a baby without her :)

Margaret ONeill

1/13/2012

Describing what Sarah Booten means to me seems an impossible feat in and of itself let alone attempting to describe her work in 1800 characters. I am the proud mother of a beautiful baby girl who I love with all my heart. This statement may not seem odd or unusual to hear unless you knew me a few weeks ago. I was a hormonal, new, single mom suffering from post partum depression and in intense physical and mental pain. I was nowhere close to feeling what I believed a mother was capable of. Sarah is the reason that I have been able to reach a place of peace, understanding, and most importantly - love. Sarah reached out to offer her help early on in my pregnancy, but it wasn’t until a week before my due date that I was finally able to let her. She helped me induce labor naturally, came over day and night, walked with me, talked with me, cried with me, watched my contractions, and then accompanied my family and me to the hospital. Sarah was so helpful talking me through my contractions, the worst physical pain of my life. Due to her support, along with my family, I was able to have a drug free birth. Sarah became so important during labor that when the doctor made two people leave, I asked (pleaded with) Sarah to stay in place of my own mother and sister. When the doctor placed the baby on my chest, I felt detached. Sarah helped me bond with my daughter. After the birth, Sarah helped me fight thrush, engorgement, mastitis, depression, and an oversupply of milk. She made me feel so comfortable that I was able to share the pain of past sexual abuse that caused me to want to stop nursing. Because of her, and of course my own strong will, I am still successfully exclusively breastfeeding two months later. Sarah took me on pro bono, and I am not sure I will ever be able to repay her for the way she touched my life. I only hope that I can spread the word to other women about the incredible, amazing, wonderful, beautiful, gift from God – Sarah Booten.

Angela T. Khabeb

11/15/2011

Lisa Barcy

6/18/2010

Sarah is an amazingly strong, experienced and caring person that we were lucky to have as our doula. Her life has truly prepared her for her profession -  I could tell just from our first interview that helping mothers bring their babies into the world was truly her lifes work.  She is completely committed to the idea that women deserve a positive birth experience, no matter what kind of birth you have. 

After trying for a natural birth, I had an extremely difficult labor that lasted about 48 hours, ending in an emergency c-section for a very large and transverse baby.  Sarah stayed with my husband and I for the long haul, never losing energy and doing everything she possibly could to turn our baby as well as supporting me when I was at my most vulnerable. I am so thankful to have had someone like Sarah with us in the delivery room, reassuring my husband and I, and helping me manage the pain, while all around us hospital staff came and left and changed shifts.  

I had spent my pregnancy worrying about the possibility of having a c-section and had done everything I could think of to prevent it (childbirth classes, yoga, and of course a doula, etc.).  When it became clear that our daughter was not going to be pushed out she supported me in my decision in a way that let me know everything was going to be OK. As I was brought to the OR, (no doulas allowed) she stayed with my husband who was exhausted and emotionally spent and gave him  much needed support. Did I mention that this was happening while Sarah herself was pregnant and in her first trimester? Like I said, strong! When we were finally able to bring our girl home Sarah was immensely helpful as a lactation consultant. Also, she knows her breast pumps. As a working mom this was invaluable. To this day Sarah and I have remained friends, bonded by the experience of her longest labor.