Alison Lockard

10/30/2024

Steffanie is absolutely amazing at what she does!

Very knowledgeable in how to assess and assist in labor. She is also a certified Doula, which is helpful because some insurance plans will reimburse a portion of the cost.

When my labor stalled, after getting to our birth center, Steffanie knew just what to do. We had our baby boy just a few short hours after that! We were so blessed to have her with us.

Whether it's your first baby or your last child, I highly recommend you add Steffanie to your birthing team!

Sydney Walla

10/28/2024

I cannot say enough about how incredible Steffanie was during the birth of my second child. (She was there for my first, too!) From the moment I went past my due date, she was right there, guiding me through all my options, along with my OB. Her knowledge and recommendations were invaluable in ensuring I could have a vaginal birth, just as I hoped.

When I finally went into labor, things didn’t go quite as planned—my baby was 'sunny side up,' and I found myself asking for an epidural, which wasn't part of my birth plan. But Steffanie remained calm and supportive, suggesting exercises that helped turn the baby. Thanks to her expertise and encouragement, I was able to stick to my birth plan, and shortly after, I was up, moving around, and introducing our newest addition to her big brother.

I truly couldn’t have done it without Steffanie’s guidance and support. She was everything I needed and more during such an important moment in my life.

Courtney

10/9/2024

Where do I even begin? Steffanie provided 30 hours of support during my 57 hour induction. She was there throughout every twist and turn that got thrown our way, and it was her voice reminding me to “breathe, relax your shoulders, she’ll be here soon” between every push.

After a long labor, I went into shock and passed out (among other things). While my husband and the nurses/doctors/anesthesiologists tried to stabilize me, Steffanie stayed with our new born daughter for what ended up being an extra two hours after the birth. She was the only person who tended to our daughter and she didn’t leave the hospital until 3am, after being there with us all weekend.

What Steffanie provided us throughout a very long labor, was peace of mind, empathy and access to her wealth of knowledge. Don’t hesitate to hire her for your family. She is worth every single penny and more.

Lauren Nixon

10/6/2024

Steffanie was increidble! She was extremely thourough and never rushed during any of the sessions where she came to our house. My overall goal from her courses was to be better informed about my choices and options going into birth. After finishing her birthing classes, I was much more confident about how to naviagte my experinece at the hospital and know what was available to me. Beyond this, Steffanie has such a warm personality and is easy to talk to! We loved our experience and reccomend her to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and trustworthy doula!

Kaylee Reid

10/2/2024

I absolutely cannot say enough good things about Steffanie. She helped me achieve my unmedicated hospital VBAC and was a phenomenal support throughout my entire pregnancy. She quickly answered any pregnancy question I texted her about and she has a wealth of resources for various pregnancy and postpartum issues. She also connected me with my chiropractor and lactation consultant who I love!

Steffanie was an amazing support during labor and she helped both me and my husband stay calm and enjoy our hospital birth. I recommend her to every pregnant woman trying to achieve an unmedicated birth. She was the best investment I made for my birth! The next time I get pregnant, she will be my first text!

Alyssa Jacobsmeyer

10/2/2024

My husband and I cannot emphasize how much of a vital role Steffanie played during the birth of our first son. Birth is a mindset marathon, and she helped my husband and I keep our mindsets calm and focused on having the easiest and healthiest birth possible. For me, she was the silent presence in the room, saying "You can do this," with confidence and love. I could not have asked for more. Her experience and personality were exactly what my family needed. Thank you!!!

Katie Boyd

10/1/2024

I have used Stephanie for my last two births. I hired her for her assistants in my first homebirth after I had a C-section with my first born. She was very knowledgeable and personable! I credit my successful homebirth to her dedication! I was in labor for 3 days and was on the verge of transferring to a hospital because my contractions were not regular and labor kept stalling. She knew what homeopathic remedies to use and shortly after starting the regime I was pushing ! I pushed for over 5 hours and she was by my side the whole time encouraging me and my husband and when baby finally came she took pictures of the precious moments after for us. For my second homebirth I was on the fence if I wanted to use my same provider and she was so kind and took a lot of time to help me talk through my decision. There were a few things during my pregnancy that weren't related to my baby but were stressful to me at the time and again, she was so kind and took the time to answer all my calls and answer all my questions when I felt like I didn't have anyone to turn to that I could trust. Baby number 3 came MUCH faster than baby number 2 and she was there with a calming presence for both me and my husband while we waited for my midwife to come ! 
Her knowledge of birth, herbs, and homeopathy is what makes her an amazing Doula but also her kindness, passion, patience, prayer, and lovable personality brought a great comfort to not only me but my husband as well. For these reasons I would use her again in a heartbeat and HIGHLY recommend her for anyone I know who is looking for a trustworthy and dedicated doula ! 

Katie Boyd

10/1/2024

I have used Stephanie for my last two births. I hired her for her assistants in my first homebirth after I had a C-section with my first born. She was very knowledgeable and personable! I credit my successful homebirth to her dedication! I was in labor for 3 days and was on the verge of transferring to a hospital because my contractions were not regular and labor kept stalling. She knew what homeopathic remedies to use and shortly after starting the regime I was pushing ! I pushed for over 5 hours and she was by my side the whole time encouraging me and my husband and when baby finally came she took pictures of the precious moments after for us. For my second homebirth I was on the fence if I wanted to use my same provider and she was so kind and took a lot of time to help me talk through my decision. There were a few things during my pregnancy that weren't related to my baby but were stressful to me at the time and again, she was so kind and took the time to answer all my calls and answer all my questions when I felt like I didn't have anyone to turn to that I could trust. Baby number 3 came MUCH faster than baby number 2 and she was there with a calming presence for both me and my husband while we waited for my midwife to come ! 
Her knowledge of birth, herbs, and homeopathy is what makes her an amazing Doula but also her kindness, passion, patience, prayer, and lovable personality brought a great comfort to not only me but my husband as well. For these reasons I would use her again in a heartbeat and HIGHLY recommend her for anyone I know who is looking for a trustworthy and dedicated doula ! 

Leah

10/1/2024

Steffanie was absolutely amazing as our doula for the birth of our second son! She is so knowledgeable, and brings a calming, confident presence into birth. She provided so much support during the birth, from different pain relief tools, to encouragement, and suggestions to help labor progress when needed. I would hire her over and over again!

Jess Touchette

1/21/2024

Steffanie was an indispensable part of our birth team for both our births. She is knowledgeable and experienced, carrying with her the wisdom born of attending over 200 births. She is clearly well respected in the St. Louis birth community. Whenever I told someone that she was my doula — from the midwives at Mercy Birthing Center to my chiropractor and yoga instructor — they reaffirmed my choice. Her colleagues have nothing but the best to say of Steffanie.

Even more importantly, Steffanie is a calming, unshakeable presence. She helped me through a long and difficult pushing stage with grace, humor, and countless suggestions for positioning. She pulled out her rebozo, provided snacks, helped us with the peanut ball, anticipated my every need in a way that even my husband could not, and was with us every step of the way. When plans had to adjust, she knew just what to say to keep me calm and allow me to trust in myself and the process. She took photos and videos of the birth that I will always cherish, and stayed on after our son was born to make sure that we were all settled and fed before heading home to her own family.

We need doulas in our society because so many of us lack the support of other women in our community — mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors — who would once have been present for our births and postpartum periods. Steffanie somehow manages to stand in for this whole host of wise women. She is simultaneously maternal and like that lifelong friend you haven’t seen in years, but can pick back up with as though it was only yesterday. You will want her with you during the most intense moments of birth, but also during the lulls when there is time to talk.

I cannot recommend Steffanie enough, and will hire her again in a heartbeat if another baby is in our future.

Katelyn Kalin

1/9/2024

First and foremost Steffanie was absolutely amazing. We struggled finding a doula initially but as soon as we met Steffanie we knew she was the right fit. She is so kind, informative and affirming all the things you need as an expectant parent as well as in the labor delivery room. Also, the fact that we shared the same faith was so important for us; to have a safe space to pray and lean on God when needed.

She helped us over the phone at 32 weeks when we went into preterm labor due to a UTI. Helped answer all my husband’s worries and questions as we walked through that scary time. Gave me the courage to advocate for myself and my desires.

Then we unexpectedly had PROM and went into labor at 35 weeks she helped us walk through those unsure scary moments and hurried her way to labor and delivery as soon as things progressed. She was by my side encouraging me mentally and physically with so many techniques to help speed and ease labor. She also helped my husband be able to focus more on my emotional needs and worry less about easing my pain. Steffanie stayed with us for a few hours after birth to help organize our thoughts and prepare us for caring for this little one that entered the world a little earlier than expected. We couldn’t recommend Steffanie more she was a God send.

Jemma Leach

1/2/2024

Steffanie is 100% worth every cent & I could not recommend her enough !! She provided me & my husband an incredible amount of evidence based information, wonderful book suggestions, & endless support before, during, & after labor. She helped us navigate an unexpected push for induction from my provider, for being past my due date, & gave us the confidence to say no & let my body go into spontaneous labor. Based on where I was feeling my contractions & how my labor was progressing she knew my baby had a nuchal hand long before my provider did. She has a wealth of knowledge that will help you feel confident & deeply cared for going into your birth. She helped us achieve the goal of having a natural, intervention free birth while also maintaining a peaceful &  loving environment (even in a hospital setting). She has been giving a gift from God in walking with families as they experience one of the most incredible & tender moments of their lives. We will definitely be using her again!!

Addie Latimer

12/23/2023

Steffanie is worth all the money in the world. From our first consultation to days after my daughter was born, Steffanie was available to answer questions and provide evidence based information on labor, birth and postpartum. Steffanie helped me form a clear and concise birth plan that I felt really confident in. When labor finally came, she was ready to go at a moment’s notice. She provided so much emotional support and even suggested positions to hopefully make my contractions more consistent, which worked! She helped me work through all of my emotions in labor.

Steffanie helped me achieve the birth of my dreams, which after a traumatic first birth, I so desperately needed. Thank you Steffanie for being an amazing doula and support person! We are so grateful for you!

Vanessa Lawson

12/23/2023

Steffanie provided exactly the support we needed for our birth. She was responsive, experienced and knowledgeable. She provided a number of helpful suggestions and ongoing encouragement that supported my body in entering labor naturally at 41 weeks + 5 days without the need of induction. She honored my desires and was willing to advocate for me. My husband felt extremely comfortable having her in the room supporting us. This was my last birth but I would not hesitate to hire her again!

Molly

7/21/2023

Steffanie spent a lot of time talking with us to help us prepare for all things labor and newborn. She anwsered a million questions patiently and expertly, and offered so much valuable  perspective. I went into labor feeling confident with all my new found birth knowledge and a reliable team. This helped me stay relaxed and focused. Steffanie's calm reassurance through the frenzied parts helped me tremendously. With her suggestions I found my ideal birthing position and I could not have imagined it going any other way. 

Melissa

5/20/2023

I truly don’t think my natural birth would have been possible without Steffanie. She was a joy to work with throughout my pregnancy and birth. She is warm, genuine, caring, empowering, and supportive. From enjoying her company during pregnancy to literally hugging her and hanging onto her through contractions, she transformed my birth experience. She is so knowledgeable and helped us with all of our questions throughout pregnancy developing our birth plan. She spent so much time with us just getting to know one another which made a huge difference when labor came on, as I felt like I was with a good friend. During labor and birth, she was so intuitive to what was going on and how to help me. She suggested and guided me through different positions to move labor along. She worked tirelessly through a long labor to make me comfortable as well as guide my husband on how to help me through contractions. I really can’t imagine labor without her. Even after birth, she has been so sweet following up with me and providing assistance and recommendations on breastfeeding support. Hiring a doula as well as selecting which doula are huge decisions. Steffanie really is the best of the best, and I will never give birth without her!

Haley von Holst

5/8/2023

Steffanie simply improved every part of our birth experience through her education, past experiences, emotional support, resources, and genuine care for the parent's preferences. I wanted a doula because research shows so many benefits! My husband and I interviewed steffanie, and she was an instant fit with what we needed. She always took her time with us, answered questions clearly, and helped us determine the best path for our family. During the labor, I felt supported by Steffanie's calm presence. She knew every time I was contracting and worked to find techniques that best mediated my pain. She helped us think through in the moment decisions as well. Thanks to her, I labored in the bathtub, skipped a few unnecessary interventions, and felt more in control of the pain. I could go on and on with compliments. She took pictures of the birth which are now some of my most cherished images, and she even cut my cord after we asked her to! Steffanie was amazing and I can confidently say she will make your birthing experience better no matter your birthing plan preference!

Karissa Mueller

5/3/2023

What I would want anyone considering hiring Steffanie to know is that when she says to trust yourself - she means it. When she says that she respects your choices and autonomy - that your choices are yours and that she is there to support and help facilitate them, she means it. She really believes and trusts in your intuition as mom - and it's so empowering.

I want to want unmedicated, at-home births, etc but, what I needed for various reasons were births in a hospital with a planned epidural. Some parts of me felt silly wanting a doula in that setting/with those choices - but there was something around safety to me for having a doula there along with my husband and Steffanie was the perfect person. She provided great information when we were weighing the decision to induce, amazing support throughout labor and the hours after, and I never once felt judged for my choices. Highly recommend.

Sydney

5/2/2023

A friend recommended Steffanie to us after I had an uncomfortable interaction with a nurse at my OBGYN's practice. In the moment, I didn't feel empowered to stand up for myself during a routine visit and knew that I would need support during labor with our first child. Steffanie made me feel empowered, helped us come up with a birth plan that I was excited about and guided us through the entire process with grace, a sense of calm, and strength. I was fortunate to have a birth that I think back on as my favorite day, and I can't wait for Steffanie to be there for baby number 2 when we are ready. This is the best money you could spend to give you peace of mind and to help relieve stress from your partner. I also think I would have given birth at home (not in the birth plan) if Steffanie wasn't there to tell us it was time to go to the hospital!
 

Elizabeth P

5/1/2023

I hired Steffanie to assist me with my pregnancy and delivery in April 2022. As a 1st time mom, I greatly appreciated Steffanie's explanation of what to expect of the biological birth process and what to expect with the hospital birthing process. I wanted an all natural birth, but after 24 hours in labor, I chose to get an epidural. Steffanie gave me the time and space to make this decision. Her support didn't skip a beat! I feel very fortunate that my hospital team supported my choice to have a doula and they welcomed Steffanie. Lastly I wanted to add that I'm an older mom at 41, 42 when I delivered and Steffanie never ever brought it up. I would absolutely recommend Steffanie and I hope to have the opportunity to utilize her skills again in the future. 

Elise

4/28/2023

After my first birth ended in a c section, I became super passionate, probably a smidge obsessive, making sure I was doing everything I could to prepare myself for a tolac with my second.  Hiring Steffanie was hands down the best decision we made. Not only did Steffanie provide my husband and I with a ton of valuable information, but after a very unsatisfactory experience with my provider, she help me find the perfect providers at 39 weeks. When I went into labor Steffanie was at my house, covering me with care, support and so much love. I am now a proud vbac mama! That would not have happened without Steffanie. My family and I will be forever grateful. 

Libby

4/25/2023

Steffanie was absolutely amazing throughout our birth experience.  She was patient, kind, empathetic, and motivating.  Steffanie advocated for my best interest and always helped me make a informed decisions.  She coached me through the pain and helped me focus my mind to achieve the natural birth we wanted.  Equally as important, she supported me so that my husband could take a mental break, eat, etc.  We both agreed that Steffanie made all the difference in achieving the birth we wanted.  We refer everyone to her!  

Iveta Dietz

2/9/2022

Steffanie is a wonderful doula and such a sweet and caring person. During the labor, you need someone that you can trust and feel good with them and Steffanie was just amazing. We did birthing classes with her prior to labor to educate ourselves and prepare for birth and it was so helpful. Steffanie is very responsive to text messages if you need her and she trully cares about you. She made us feel very comfortable in the most vulnerable and private moments of our lives and we were able to have a beautiful natural unmedicated birth in the hospital with my "Big Baby". We are having another baby soon and I will definitely feel much better to have Steffanie there again. I highly recommend Steffanie to any expecting momma! No matter what kind of birth you want, she is there for you to support you and advocate for you!

Winnie W.

6/29/2021

Steffanie was a tremendous help to me in delivering my baby at a hospital during the pandemic. I had so much anxiety leading up to the arrival of my baby in such unprecedented circumstances. Having Steffanie to speak to in the weeks before labor, and having her there in my corner during labor, brought me such relief. Her calm presence, experience, and her shared philosophy on childbirth gave me confidence and allowed me to concentrate on my body and my baby. I could breathe just a little easier, knowing that my husband had an extra, objective pair of eyes and ears there in a hospital setting that I wasn't sure would be friendly to my more natural-leaning preferences. In the weeks and days leading up to my labor, Steffanie was always available and responsive. She had various possible remedies for me in anticipation of any discomfort. She gave me ongoing advice in the two weeks of waiting beyond my due date; suggestions to get labor started naturally, which eventually *did* work, helping me to avoid a dreaded medical induction. More than anything, though, I felt so much better to have her to turn to in my anxieties. With Steffanie's moral support, my second baby's delivery was a night-and-day difference from the difficulty (and you could even say trauma) of my first baby's delivery. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any mother seeking support in bringing her baby into the world.

Katrina

6/10/2021

From the moment I met Steffanie and got to know her, I knew she would be the one I wanted by my side when I was laboring.  She was just wonderful answering any and all questions or concerns I had all during my pregnancy about birth.  She is so knowledgeable about all things birth; physical, mental and emotional.  She was also great to ask about how each hospital in the area was for laboring women, including the current practices and restrictions so we were able to choose the best location since we were going the hospital birth route.  She knew my doctor and had worked with him many times before.  She was wonderful at educating my husband who was not very knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth.  Before they got to meet and chat, he would think we needed to call the doctor or go to the hospital over every little braxton, etc.   There were other things that were stressing me out which she helped me address and really was there for me and supported me.  I cannot say enough nice things about her.  I can honestly call her a friend now.  She is the absolute best and I will be recommending her to every pregnant mommy I know.  

Jamie Gilman

2/28/2021

I would highly recommend Steffanie to anyone looking for a doula!  I was diagnosed with preeclampsia late and had to be unexpectedly induced when I went in for my regularly scheduled appointment. Steffanie was there for me at a moments notice and helped talk me through my options in a stressful situation. I'm so grateful to have had Steffanie's support before, during and after the birth of our little baby girl! 

Molly

2/24/2021

Would highly recommend hiring Steffanie for your doula! She was warm, caring and available. She was a great resource and a wealth of information. Being pregnant and having a baby is a huge, life changing process and having someone experienced to help you is invaluable. 

Steffanie was also great during the postpartum period, to have someone to help process your labor and delivery. Would definitely recommend her! 

Bex

2/23/2021

Having Steffanie as a part of my birthing process was invaluable. She is kind and compassionate. She is phenomenal with details and very helpful with providing and maintaining information. She is a great listener who is able to take what you give and infer ways to offer techniques and exercises to improve your experience throughout pregnancy and also birth. She also has an amazing network of unique support service providers that were also imperative in my pregnancy and delivery, as well as postpartum complications. She was an anchor in my experience, and quite frankly, I don't know if I would've successfully achieved my desired VBAC without her support, knowledge, skills, and encouragement. She's one of a kind and anyone would be blessed to have her as a part of their birth process. 

Katelyn

2/20/2021

Steffanie was the most incredible source of support and encouragement before, during, and after the birthing process. I knew I wanted a doula to help guide me and my husband through a natural birth. Steffanie educated us on the different procedures, birthing techniques, and research we needed to do to feel comfortable and at ease. She provided us with an extensive amount of resources so that we could make informed decisions during labor. She also helped prepare us for life after birth. I can honestly say my transition to postpartum was a positive one thanks to Steffanie. I can’t and DON’T want to imagine what our birthing journey would have looked like without her by our side.

My labor was slow and steady for four days. Steffanie was calm, confident, and reassuring throughout the entire process. She came to our house not once but TWICE to help me through contractions and be a voice of reason. She provided hands-on support which allowed my husband to provide even more emotional and physical support over the next few days. Because of her knowledge and previous experience, I felt empowered, not panicked when we had to make a decision to move to a low intervention room and start Pitocin. Steffanie believed in me and gave me the confidence I needed to trust my body and the journey. I will never forget her voice reminding me that I had the strength inside to continue even after 39 hours. She provided so much comfort during what were some of the hardest moments of my life. Not to mention snacks, a sound machine, essential oils, and so many different birthing techniques that helped induce and support my labor. I can honestly say that Steffanie shares a special place in my heart when I think of my son’s birth. My husband and I are forever grateful!

Mikhaila

2/13/2021

You cannot go wrong with Steffanie as your doula! She is such a wealth of knowledge and support, and she puts her whole heart into her clients! She spent so much time with us leading up to the birth of our sweet girl and thanks to her, we were able to feel so empowered about our decisions for what we wanted the birth to look like. Steffanie spent approximately 24 hours with us during my brutal 30+ hour labor, not faltering once throughout it all. I know my husband also was so thankful for her support, as he often did not know the best way to help me, but with her guidance he was able to be present and supportive to me. I'm hoping and praying we still live in St. Louis when baby number two comes along so we can have Steffanie on our team again! She truly feels like part of the family!

Margaret M

2/12/2021

I recommend Steffanie to any woman looking for doula services in the St. Louis area. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the birthing process. She knew what to say, when to say it, and what physical and emotional support to offer during labor. She seemed to know what I needed often before I even knew. She was such a positive, encouraging, and calming presence throughout my 21 hour labor. I had wanted to have an unmedicated birth, but without Steffanie there helping me I would have requested an epidural. In huge part thanks to Steffanie, I was able to have a dream labor and birthing experience and the unmedicated VBAC I had hoped for. My husband and I are so incredibly grateful for the support Steffanie gave during labor/birth and postpartum and we cannot recommend her enough!

Therese

2/12/2021

Stephanie was wonderful for the birth of my third child! She came to our house multiple times to go over information and birthing techniques and I felt very comfortable with her. My daughter ended up coming extremely quickly, she was born in the car on the way to the hospital! Stephanie stayed with us at the hospital for several hours to make sure we got settled properly and even helped my husband bring in our bags! Once we returned home Stephanie came to visit us twice and brought me some delicious postpartum healing stew. I am so grateful to have had her help and expertise during my third pregnancy and birth. If anyone is on the fence about hiring a Doula I highly recommend it! The techniques that she taught myself and my husband I firmly believe helped my labor to go quickly and my daughter be born safely without medication. I had a C-section with my second child, and was bound and determined to have a VBAC with my third, and Stephanie helped me achieve that goal!

Amanda

2/10/2021

My life changed when I started working with Steffanie. I reached out to her after I struggled through my first pregnancy/delivery. I wish I had known about her before my first because she made my second pregnancy so much more enjoyable. She helped me get in touch with my pregnant self, learn about how to stay on top of exercise and nutrition while working and caring for my first baby, and best of all, she helped my delivery to be so smooth, fast, and easy... nothing like the first. She even checked on me after delivery, helped with breastfeeding, and resolved other random health issues. I still use the nutrition and exercise habits that she helped to instill in me. She was an amazing resource, and I wish everyone knew how she can change their lives during pregnancy. Steffanie was very responsive, checked on me from time to time, and was so helpful to my family who wanted to be involved as well. I highly recommend her!

Erin Turntine

2/10/2021

I had a wonderful experience hiring Steffanie as my doula. An awesome perk in hiring her is the wealth of information she has at her fingertips and shares with pregnant moms to have a healthy pregnancy and birth! It was also important to me to have someone who knows a bit of homeopathy, which I found in Steffanie. If I ever had a question at any time, she got back to me within the day. I gave birth during the tumultuous time of April 2020 when the hospital rules changed every week. Steffanie worked extra with my husband and me in case she was kept out of the hospital, and was ready to be available by phone/zoom. Thankfully, the hospital did end up letting both husband and doula in my labor room. She was there for me the entire time while laboring, actively holding a heating pad to my back and giving me encouraging words. Once baby was finally born, she stayed until baby and I were ready for a nap. Steffanie kept in touch via text to make sure all was still going well. A few weeks later, after husband went back to work, she came over to help with whatever I needed her to do: make lunch, clean, hold baby so I could do what I needed, etc. I would use Steffanie again in a heartbeat, and highly recommend her to another expectant mother!

Katherine

9/21/2020

I cannot say enough good things about Steffanie.  She is amazing!  This review can't do her justice.  My husband and I cannot imagine going though labor & bringing our baby home without her support. 

Having Steffanie with us took so much pressure off my husband.  It let him be my emotional support without any expectations about knowing all the aspects of labor & birth.  He said it helped even early in the pregnancy, becuase he didn't have that pressure and knew Steffanie would support both of us as a team. Steffanie also was able to talk to us about different aspects of laboring in the hospital.  We had planned a home birth so there were some aspects we weren't prepared for. 

My birth was the exact oposite of my plan because of complications.  Through all the changes Steffanie was a great resource and super supportive.  All the rules for doulas seem different with hospitals because of the corona virus, and she navigated them well.  She came up to the hospital when we asked and stayed for about 23 hours(without a good place to sleep).  She helped me through 14 hours of active labor.  Steffanie brought so many things that helped me but I hadn't brought with me(since we weren't expecting to labor in a hospital).   She finally had a chance to take a break and go home, and like 2 hours later things changed and I needed a c-section.  We asked her to could come back up to the hospital to help us get settled after the c-section.  Steffanie went above and beyond and came back very quickly so she could make sure we were prepared before they took me back for the c-section.  

Steffanie has also been amazing postpartum.  She knows so great resources for newborns.  I needed to work with a lactation consultant, and Steffanie referred us to a great one. Same for a chiropractor. 

Ashley Wilkinson

1/6/2020

We were so happy with the doula services provided by Steffanie Thomas at Magnolia Birth! It was our first labor and delivery and Steffanie provided a much needed stability and calm for my husband and I. My husband appreciated the support and I felt so much better knowing he didn’t have to feel the full weight of something that wasn’t his expertise. She enabled us to really be present and bond with each other and our son which was such a precious gift for that first experience. During the pregnancy Steffanie met with us multiple times often at our house to go over any questions or concerns we had as well as help prepare us for our natural labor and delivery. We truly could not have done it without her! I highly recommend her services. Thanks Steffanie! 

Amanda Jezusko

8/29/2019

Steffanie is absolutely amazing. I was her first client with my daughter. I had a VBAC at Missouri Baptist. I then was her client again when I was a Surrogate for a Family. Steffanie is very calmly and present. My labor was long and hard and every time she grabbed my hand while having a contraction I felt my body relax. She massaged my back, Offered different positions for me to try. She even held a bucket while I threw up. She was amazing support to me and I plan to use her again during my next Surrogacy Journey. 

Julia Amethyst

8/7/2019

I used Steffanie Thomas as my doula in 2019 for my second child. Had I known about her services in 2014 when I had my son and I would have been jumped at her services there as the first birthd not go along with my birth plan and I had a very inexperienced doula who I felt could have backed me a little better. However Stephanie has a wonderful quality and scope of care she is definitely a mother's advocate and an advocate for safe births. I would highly recommend Stephanie for all of your family planning. I would like to say that the weeks leading up to the birth are very calm and I was two weeks past my due date so I was induced I only called Stephanie when I was in hard labor and she was extremely helpful and had all of the techniques to get the baby down and out so to speak safely and calmly I was calm and relaxed and comforted by her presents.I definitely appreciated her after care as well staying with me until we were comfortable helping with nursing and making home visits really helped me feel calm when caring for my newborn. Wonderful absolutely wonderful.

Bea Adiputra

3/29/2019

I cannot recommend Steffanie highly enough. She is exceptionally thorough in providing excellent resources during the prenatal period so that you're able to prepare emotionally, mentally, and physically for birth. She has an incredible breadth of expertise on not just pregnancy/birth/ babies, but also healthy living and makes herself so available to answer questions about anything. Furthermore, you can count on her to be there as long as needed for the birth. She stayed with me for over 24 hours during a very difficult labor, supporting and encouraging me and my husband, actively working with me on different pain management strategies, providing back massages during contractions. Though I really wanted a natural birth and ended up with a caesarian due to circumstances beyond my control, I look back on it with pride because I fought as hard as I could and faced my fears with courage. I am thankful that Steffanie helped to equip and support me to do that!

Rebecca Corynn

2/22/2018

Steffanie is a wonderful lady to work with.  She is caring, empathetic, peaceful, understanding, and thoughtful just to name a few.  I was hesitant at first to hire a doula but once I met Steffanie i knew that she was a perfect match and having a doula was just what i needed.  She always went above and beyond for myself and my family to make my pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience wonderful.

If you choose her package that includes food, you will not be upset, because her cooking is amazing and you'll have plenty to last!  She is very thoughtful when she cooks and takes all allergies, restrictions, or dislikes into consideration.  My very picky spouse even thought her food was amazing!

She has a wealth of knowledge from education and experience.  If she doesn't know the answer, she will find out for you in a timely manner. Her library that she makes available to her clients is wonderful.  I was provided with many great resources during and after my pregnancy.

She is also very punctual.  She was at the hospital awaiting my arrival when i was in labor.  I didn't have to worry about if she would make it, when she would show up, etc.  When i arrived at the hospital she was already there waiting and prepared.  She encouraged me to speak up when my nurse tried to stray away from my birth plan.  She also provided many suggestions that in the moment i didn't think of.

I could write more than 2000 characters about Steffanie, so I am sure I have missed something.  I can assure you that she is a great choice and will not leave you dissappointed at any point in your journey.

Jess Touchette

1/21/2018

When my husband and I interviewed Steffanie, we asked her why she’d chosen to become a doula. Her passion for this calling to help women access their own power during birth and to help families navigate unfamiliar medical environments was clear, and we knew we’d found our doula.

Steffanie has a calm and grounding presence, and seemingly infinite patience — just the energy needed during labor and birth. She stuck with us for a whole day of laboring through unexpected twists and turns, first at our home in the wee hours of the morning, then at Mercy Birthing Center, and finally at the hospital. She didn’t leave us until we were settled into our recovery room for the night. Our baby was not in the optimal position for birth, and her suggestions for positioning, informed by recent Spinning Babies training, were spot on and helpful. Not only did we have complete confidence in Steffanie throughout, but our midwives clearly respected her professional opinion, and conferred with her on several occasions.

Caring, empathetic, and knowledgeable, Steffanie is just the person to guide you on the path to new motherhood. I appreciated her periodic check-ins during late pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as the sweet and unexpected “extras” — a jar of homemade elderberry syrup and a beautifully written account of our birth — that she offered. If/when we have another baby, we will call upon her services again without hesitation (though I expect that word will travel and her schedule will be quite full by then)!

Emily Pope

1/17/2018

Steffanie Thomas is great! So glad she was able to be there for my first birth and will definitely hire her in the future. All her knowledge alone with particular items and the network she is a part of is worth having her as a doula. The support she offers is incredible. She definitely got my husband and I prepared with a birth plan and other items I wasn't prepared for. The evening of my labor she told me to let her know whenever I needed her at my house and she would be there and was. I believe that because of her help and support I was able to do most of my laboring in the comfort of my home. By her being there it allowed my husband to get a nap in and more pressure to be applied to my back when needed. It also gave us another perspective on things to help us not rush to the birthing center when it wasn't needed. It was also great that she wrote the birth story and took pictures of the birth as well. Even though she provided us with all the wonderful things in her package she is helpful in nature and went above and beyond when she did not have to. I was blessed to have her be apart of this time in our lives. Look forward to working with her in the future.

Carrie Walther

2/16/2017

We had our baby yesterday, so I guess the fact that I'm writing this just a day later emphasizes how happy we were with her doula services. We were preparing for a natural water birth at a birth center, but ended up needing an emergency induction at 36+4 weeks. Steffanie was the glue that held us together, and comforted and motivated me day and night for over 30 hours as we faced complications and changing plans during the birth. I cannot recommend her highly enough!! She is prepared, positive, uplifting, personal, caring and a great professional. She truly has the heart of a servant and will focus on you and your support team, so that you can focus on the task at hand - having a healthy baby. You cannot go wrong with her!!

Amanda Jezusko

5/8/2016

Steffanie was an amazing addition to my Birth experience. She was my Douls for my Third baby, which was a VBAC. She really helped me through any fears I had since having a c-section prior.  She was there for me my entire pregnancy. She always helped answer any questions I had and if she didn't know the answer she researched it for me. She helped us have a smooth pregnancy & delivery. Steffanie never hesitated to help me when I sent her a message. She is absolutely wonderful and helped easy any worries of mine. I highly recommend her as a Doula!

Amanda Jezusko

5/8/2016

Steffanie was an amazing addition to my Birth experience. She was my Douls for my Third baby, which was a VBAC. She really helped me through any fears I had since having a c-section prior.  She was there for me my entire pregnancy. She always helped answer any questions I had and if she didn't know the answer she researched it for me. She helped us have a smooth pregnancy & delivery. Steffanie never hesitated to help me when I sent her a message. She is absolutely wonderful and helped easy any worries of mine. I highly recommend her as a Doula!

Nicole Barhorst

4/22/2016

Steffanie is an amazing doula! I ended up getting induced early. She was an excellent advocate for my husband and I at the hospital. She stayed up with me all day and night (24 hours); she was very attentive to all my needs. She was able to visit me before and after the birth of my baby. She is also very knowledgeable of birth plans and other need to know information about pregnancy.