Kris

5/14/2021

We worked with Shannon for the birth of our first child and were blown away by her skill and energy.  She was the perfect doula and we highly recommend her.  Her one-on-one (or two including my husband) pre-birth education courses were fantastic.  We learned so much and she dedicated so much time, I think our sessions ran about 2-3 hours and she never even mentioned time.  She was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and then some.  These interactions did so much to build our confidence and courage.  In the time of COVID we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to have her support at the hospital but thankfully at the last minute one of the hospitals our midwife attended opened to doulas and although Shannon didn’t usually work at that hospital she was willing to make an exception for us to ensure we had her with us.  And above all that she was amazing during my early labor at home, and labor and delivery at the hospital!  She coached me remotely during early labor to help get my contractions going and then was super helpful, supportive, and a force of positivity during my hours of active labor and pushing.  Without her we likely would have ended up with a C-Section as the ultimate outcome and we will forever be helpful for her support.  She helped us make the hard decisions along the way and counseled us on how best to handle the struggle that is birth.  We will absolutely being using Shannon for the birth of our next child. 

Joy A

3/19/2020

Shannon was the doula for my second child. Her services were beyond worth the money. I had a c-section with my first child and wanted to ensure a better experience the second time around. I knew I was attempting the "impossible" with a vbac, but Shannon was a strong voice of encouragement throughout the process. I had a successful vbac, but she was also realistic that it may not be possible. As a woman of color especially, I was nervous with the constant reminders of complications in the media and from my medical practitioners. However , Shannon helped ease my anxieties and I was confident going into the birthing process . She was very patient and helped me plan everything possible. I felt as if I was heard , and she was an advocate for me in the delivery room. My husband was skeptical at first but after meeting Shannon, he instantly saw the value of having a doula and was comfortable . We recommend having a doula to anyone having a baby, whether your first or not, and especially recommend Shannon as she is professional and knows her job well. Her friendly nature and no nonsense demeanor is plus. Thanks again Shannon!

Rhianna

9/1/2019

Shannon was my doula for my third child. After having a very challenging delivery and hospital experience with my first child, I knew that I wanted to have a professional for my second child. I chose a doula that helped educate me and helped me navigate through many pre and postnatal decisions.  For my third child, I had to find a new doctor (after 20 years with the same OB practice) and a new doula.  I interviewed a couple of OBs and settled with a practice that seemed good. After several OB visits, I wasn't confident that the doctors would represent my best interests during labor. So I sought out and hired Shannon during my last trimester. She advised me and gave me the confidence to leave the OB practice and work with a midwife.  I was lucky to be able to secure a midwife in my 38th week.  On the day I went into labor, Shannon arrived at the hospital and walked with me to get my contractions going. When things really started to get serious, Shannon took control of the room.  She helped me get into a comfortable delivery position, supported me through the process and cheered me on until my son was born. She even got to cut the cord!  I'm not sure what my experience would have been like without having Shannon in my corner, so I'm super grateful she was there to support me through all of my decisions before and on the day of labor.

Erica H

8/22/2019

Shannon was our doula for our first baby who was born on 8/8/19. I am not sure how we would have gone through labor without her. She was absolutely amazing and because of her we were able to achieve the unmedicated, natural birth we hoped for! Shannon was there as soon as we called her and never stopped working until far after the baby was born! Shannon never left my side and used pressure on my lower back and encouraging words through every single contraction. Shannon helped my husband to be the best support for me throughout the labor too! She is very knowledgable on labor, delivery and preparing for birth. She gave use tips along the way for preparing both me and baby for delivery. In addition, she was always accessible and responded to all of my text in a timely manner. We can not thank Shannon enough. I HIGHLY recommend her. She will work super hard for you and your baby! 

Joy Fields

8/21/2019

Shannon was an integral support person during the birth of my son, Noah. I interviewed several other doulas before meeting Shannon and once we met in person I knew she was the right fit for us. She agreed to meet my husband and I at a local cafe where we learned more about her experience, personal background, and approach to providing doula services. Shannon provided us with essential information and techniques to help with prenatal care and managing labor pain. We loved how she continued to check in on me during the pregnancy. She was readily available for consultation and questions too! When the time came, my water broke but contractions were irregular. Shannon encouraged me to rest and suggested a few things to eat that may help get things moving. I ended up having to be induced and Shannon showed up at the hospital right in time to help as the contractions increased. Her calm and positive spirit was just what we all needed. Shannon was in tune with me and could tell when it was time for Noah to arrive. She adjusted the bed to help with the last bit of descent and before I knew it, it was time to push. Shannon helped me with that stage as well and even stayed around for a while afterwards before quietly slipping out. With the support of my husband, Jesus, and of course Shannon- I was avaible to deliever my son without any pain medication and it was a beatuiful experience. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a professional, caring, and effective doula! 

H Monk

12/12/2018

Shannon was my doula for my second pregnancy. I had a c section for my first pregnancy and I really did not want to repeat that experience if not necessary so I searched for a doula and found Shannon. What a blessing she was. She was encouraging, empowering and she had the equipment and knowledge of exercises needed for me to stay physically and mentally fit. She helped me find the belief that I could do it. My OB wasn’t very encouraging and she would tell Me that she didn’t think I would be able to go into labor on my own. Shannon helped me believe in my body And I went into labor on my own and had that baby with no epidural and a healthy Delivery. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without Shannon’s help. I honestly believe she was made to be a doula and this is her true calling. I thank all the powers above for connecting me with her.

Marcia Huff

11/12/2018

Shannon was a blessing during my pregnancy journey. She has a calm and nurturing spirit and made me feel confident that I would have a successful delivery. She is accessible, engaging and supportive. She respected my choices and desires and did not try to push her own agenda. My delivery, although short, was unmediated (long story) and extremely painful and her touch enabled me to manage my pain and endure. I highly recommended working with Shannon to bring your bundles of joy into the world.

Criste Dickson

11/5/2018

Shannon was AMAZING! We searched for months for a Doula we connected and felt comfortable with, and we had that instantly with Shannon! She’s super knowledge about EVERYTHING! You can call or text her day or night, and she is super responsive!... The day I went into labor, my whole labor plan fell apart. Within an hr of contractions beginning, I was headed to the hospital b/c the contractions was were fast at their onset. We called Shannon & she talked us through everything, suggested another hospital closer to us, and met us at Labor & Delivery. When I arrived at the hospital, I was already almost 10 centimeters dilated!... Shannon was so professional and an amazing help! From having great insight & suggestions, to helping me to speak up and request certain things. She was there from the beginning to the end when I delivered our very 1st child. We HIGHLY recommend Shannon!!!!!! She’s the absolute best. You can see and feel that without a doubt, she loves wheat she does!!!

Melanie Lewis

10/22/2018

Where to even begin? I can’t say enough about Shannon. I came to her looking for help with a possible VBA2C. She assured me it was possible and empowered me to do some research in order to find a practitioner that would support my choices. She walked me through the journey one week at a time, with tips for everything from nutrition, to exercise, to state of mind. I always felt comfortable reaching out to her with questions and she checked in with me periodically. As the due date came and went, she encouraged me to try a few last tricks to get labor going naturally…and they worked! My beautiful baby boy was born vaginally 6 hours before his scheduled C-section. Shannon labored with us at home and went to the hospital with us. Throughout the labor process, her soft voice and calm demeanor helped me bear the pain. I am 100% sure we would not have had the outcome we were looking for without Shannon’s help. I wish I would have found her sooner!

Gail Zuagar

9/25/2018

I reached out to a number of doulas for the birth of baby #3, but Shannon was the first to respond. Due to scheduling difficulties (Shannon’s clients kept having babies!), she was the last doula we met with. Before meeting with her, I honestly thought I had made the decision of who my doula would be, and just wanted to meet with Shannon to “see the process through.” I had considered canceling our meeting with her, but I am so glad I didn’t! While I felt like the previous doulas I had met with knew what they were doing and were passionate about their work, I felt something different with Shannon. As soon as I met her, I immediately felt “at home” with her. Not long after she left our house following the meeting, we called Shannon to tell her that she was hired!

Something else that stood out about her was her passion for the work of being a birth doula. She helps teen girls through their deliveries—(I believe) for free or at a very low cost. That truly says a lot about Shannon’s character, and her desire to help women successfully deliver healthy, happy babies.

In our meetings with her leading up to the birth, Shannon always felt like family. I especially appreciated her interactions with our older kids—she was always patient with them, even when they were more “active” than usual.

I recall my husband hugging her after I delivered our son. It took about 34 hours of labor, and Shannon was with us every step of the way—easing the pain in every way she knew how, speaking for me when the pain was so bad that I couldn’t speak for myself, reteaching my husband the things he needed to do, encouraging me when I felt I couldn’t go on, and never judging me because I got an epidural. We could not have had a successful VBA2C without Shannon Serrano. And I wouldn’t change a thing. Hire her for yourself, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Jelisa Scotton

9/10/2018

I really enjoyed having Shannon as my doula. I think it was one of the best decisions I made during pregnancy! She was always kind, patient, kept it real, handled my bouts of anxiety about labor & delivery. Even when my birth turned into a c section, she was there the entire time. ENTIRE 2 1/2 DAYS WORTH OF LABOR lol AND I know she has 4 kids of her own, so I was supremely grateful for her presence! She went above and beyond! Thank God because my husband fell asleep way earlier than he said he would LOL She helped me feel so at ease during the whole process. I would recommend Shannon for sure!

Sophia B.

8/31/2018

Wow how can I describe Shannon and her services??! She was my angel!!!! I always wanted to experience a natural birth at a birthing center with a Doula. It was a dream to me because I knew I couldn't afford the services. I was persistent in searching for some programs that would assist you based on your financial circumstances. After much prayer and diligence, I found Shannon, a birthing center, and Lamase Classes for almost nothing!!!Shannon  was the only Doula that was willing to reach out to me at my request! I was intimidated at first because I felt like I was out of my leaugue, but when I talked with her on the phone she was so pleasent and I felt so comfortable. When we met up at Penara Bread for our first visit I was still nervous but when I saw her and we started talking it was like we knew eachother. I was impressed by her knowledge and holistic approaches. When we talked about the financial part, she stunned me with her response and I was like..she is heaven sent. She said don't worry about it and worked out an amazing plan. I almost cried!!!! My prayers were answered. She was right there when I needed her, she was honest and straight forward which I very much appreciated. Very Humble and sincere. She was amazing when I was in labour, she fed me fresh fruit !!!oh my goodness she was the best. Her back rubs were the best!! I loved having her there with me!!! She had a lot of techniques that she used that helped me through the pain. Because of her techniques and advice, I worked at my job in labor until my water broke and still labored at home before I came to the Birthing Center..by the time I arrived and hopped in the water.. two pushes and my baby girl was out!!! My first birth was a breeze thanks to her and Special Beginnigs!!! I plan to use her again and again and again!! I have already referred few ppl who plan on having children in the future. She is still close to my heart even though we don't stay in touch..Love u Shannon!

Phiwokuhle Mnyandu

8/24/2018

Shannon was absolutely amazing to our family before, during, and after the birth of our son. She made all the appointments. She was always on time. She listened to my wife. She never talked down to my wife. She was knowledgeable on every aspect of the labor process and made me, as a dad, feel re-assured that my wife was well taken care of during this very important time in our life. Shannon fulfilled all her contractual obigations to us. I would recommend Shannon to anyone I love.

- Happy Dad.

Ayers 1 Limited Partnership

8/24/2018

Shannon was my Doula for the birth of my first child and I found her and her services to far exceed my expectations. As it was my first birth, I was understandably a bit nervous about what to expect. Shannon’s calm, present and reassuring demeanor helped me work through some of the anxiety leading into the birth and following, being a new parent. my husband and I interviewed several doulas for the position and found her to be the most professional by any standards. From start to finish, she was accountable, reliable, and did what she said she was going to do. In fact, she has occasionally checked in with us since the birth of our child. I felt totally cared for by Shannon,in both her knowledge of the birthing process and in her warm and caring demeanor. I would not hesitate to recommend her to be a part of your birth and in fact would unquestionably hire her again if I were to become pregnant again.

Alessandra Campanaro

8/23/2018

We found Shannon on doulamatch.net, liked her profile and requested a first call for screening. We loved her personality and decided to go with her. She was punctual, caring and helpful in her pre-natal visits and she assisted us with a late pregnancy 'scare' via text and phone. On the day of my delivery, once we let her know that we were headed to the hospital she promptly arrived within the timeframe anticipated, and was extremely supportive and helpful during my natural birth. I don't know how I could have done without her. Once the baby was born, she stayed around for a couple of hours and left once we were settled in the new hospital room. The surprise came after, since we basically never heard back from her after birth day. By contract (pre-paid by us) she was supposed to follow up with one or two visits, at the hospital and at home - but she simply disappeared, not fullfilling her contract duties. We were quite stunned by her behavior. We cannot think how a person otherwise courteous and passionate about her job can have such turnaround. No reason we could identify to justify it either (interaction we had during birth was kind throughout), besides the fact that I noticed she suddenly hiked her fees on her website around the birth period. In any case, she had signed a contract with us, we never negotiated down on the price and paid her ahead, so I was unsettled by her ultimate lack of professional ethics.

Paula Chung

2/27/2018

The moment Shannon came into our apartment and plopped herself on the carpet next to me for our first prenatal visit, I knew I had found a great match. Shannon has everything I wanted in a doula: she’s the perfect mix of comfortable and confident, gentle, authentic and assertive. I was looking for experience (check), someone who could put me at ease (check). (Full disclosure: Shannon has a hearty and contagious laugh! This can be quite helpful when you’re nervous about contractions, epidurals-or-not, postpartum healing, etc.) I wanted someone who I would trust when things were going crazy, someone to keep me calm and grounded (check check). On the day of, Shannon was there with her happy, optimistic strength and peace. The nurses worked right along with Shannon, asking for her help on various occasions, and it was clear that the doctor could work with her as well. I was so grateful that Shannon never had to leave, even while the nursing staff occasionally had to step out, and of course the doctor came and went. It makes such a difference having someone trustworthy by your side. Forever grateful, Shannon!

Kathy W

1/19/2018

My husband and I found it very helpful to have Shannon as our doula for the birth of our first child. What stood out to me the most was how she was able to "read" me so accurately when I wasn't even saying any words (at the point when contractions hurt so much I could no longer speak). She had her full attention on the birthing process every second of the way and responded perfectly to all of my nonverbal cues because of her knowledge and experience. I appreciated Shannon coming to support me as soon as my labor started all the way until my baby was born (and stayed for some time post-birth too). My husband received very helpful guidance from her on how to execute his role throughout the whole process. Even though she could have left right after the baby was born, she stayed with us while we transitioned into the mother & baby room (she stayed with us for 24+ hours); she is someone who does not cut corners! Shannon is patient, supportive, and friendly.

Desaray Mnyandu

5/20/2017

My husband and I found Shannon When I was about 5 months pregnant. After learning that many of her business policies and personal stances on childbirth aligned well with ours, we decided she should be our doula. Shannon emphasized a personal relationship between she and I. There wasn’t ever too much time passing before she reached out to check-in. I loved that our in person meetings were very relaxed and friendly. I went past my due date and had a scheduled membrane sweep and prostoglandin gel to get labor started. I was told that it could take up to 24 hours to be effective....BUT due to my previous labor being extremely fast Shannon was on high alert that whole day while most of the nurses and my midwife were convinced I wouldn’t give birth until the next day. Shannon took my labor history and high pain tolerance seriously and drove 45 minutes once I told her that I was starting to have some contractions (even though the birth center wouldn’t even admit me because they didn’t think I sounded like I was in labor). Shannon waited in the area for hours while my husband and I walked around a mall, ate dinner, shopped, ect. She took me shopping for some last minute necessities and when I was really tired Shannon accompanied my husband and I to a hotel that we rented in the area (since home was about an hour away). She ran me a warm bath, turned on a lavender oil diffuser, gave me a heating pad and mixed a tea/castor oil concoction. She thought of all the details that my husband and I definitely would not have remembered. When I finally did go to the birthing center, my son was born just a few minutes after we arrived. Shannon stayed for a couple hours afterwards and quietly left us to rest.

I can confidently say that we made an excellent decision to hire Shannon. She was knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and thorough. Without reservation I highly recommend Shannon Serrano!

kristie palmer

3/23/2017

Shannon was recently my Doula during the birth of our son and she was nothing short of amazing.  Shannon was not only professional, kind, considerate, and patient, but she made her involvement feel like a familial extension.  Our labor process didn't go exactly as plan due to an unforseen induction, but Shannon supported us entirely through the whole experience.  Her kind words were encouraging and her presence felt heaven sent.  I only hope our family made a new friend in her after this journey.  Any family who has the privilege to work with Shannon will be blessed.  We are thankful for our experience and Shannon's involvement.

Nzingha P

11/19/2016

Where do I even begin. It was nothing but the grace of God that allowed me to find Shannon on the dona website. Her profile and the testimony of another client prompted me to message her to inquire about her services. She immediately contact me within 24 hours, whereas the other two I reached out too took more than a week to respond or not at all. I was living in California at the time and moving back to the east coast. By the time I met Shannon I was already 32 weeks along and didn't have any other options if she didn't work out. I have to say at our first meeting it was as if we knew each other from way back when. Shannon is very kind, respectful, attentive, and down to earth. She made sure to review my birth plan, answered all of my questions, and even asked some that I had never thought of. On the day I went into labor she was with me for almost the entire 38hrs. She made sure to relay to the nursing staff my birthing plan (even though at hour 34 I changed my mind), and expressed my concerns to the staff when I felt I wasn't being heard. Shannon truly felt more like family than just my doula. I would highly recommend Shannon. Her passion for being a doula is shown in her work ethic. When I'm ready for baby number two you better be sure Shannon will be there :)

Tierra Lebbie

11/8/2016

Being a first time mother, the thought of labor and delivery petrified me, I had no idea what to expect, and was hesitant as to whether I would be able to follow through with having a natural delivery. Having Shannon there helped me significantly, I needed her much more than I thought that I did. Not only did she assist in the laboring portion, but she also helped provide food for my family and I. My labor and delivery did not go as expected, I end up laboring for almost 2 days and concluded with a C-section;but Shannon remained with me the entire time, which was amazing! I appreciate all that she has done, and could not have asked for a better. Her compassion and commitment to her job was evident to my family and I. Words am not express my gratitude for her, I would highly recommend Shannon to new and experienced mothers.

Kevona Walker

10/15/2016

My testimony: I can honestly say that Shannon's presence, alongside my husband, was all the support I needed in that delivery room. Due to my Christian background, I desired to have a Christian doula for my first pregnancy, so when we connected I was extremely excited. From our first meeting to labor & delivery, Shannon constantly impressed upon me that she was on our team, 100% and that support was, personally, invaluable. She also prayed with us every meeting and for us during my labor, which I greatly appreciated. Above all else, she was willing to do anything to ensure that I was as comfortable and calm as possible. My husband and I were tremendously blessed by her and have been recommending her to every couple we know.

My husband's testimony: Before this pregnancy, I had never even heard the term doula. When I learned of the function, I at first thought it an interesting one, however, not necessary in our case. Then, we met Shannon and least to say my perception has completely changed. Not only is Shannon Serrano poised, professional and knowledgeable about her field, she is also warm, accommodating, and kind. There were a number of rather hairy situations throughout my wife's labor and I sincerely doubt that I would have been able to navigate all of those scenarios effectively without Shannon's calm demeanor and preparedness there to assist. With her help, I was empowered to be the support that I needed to be for my wife - making the delivery of our first child not only unforgettable but also very positive. Shannon encapsulates the meaning of the title doula. There's no doubt in my mind that we will be hiring her to assist with all future deliveries for our family. In fact, we feel that we have gained so much than a doula from this experience, rather we have gained a lifelong friend.

Melodie Monroe

7/18/2016

Shannon,

I can’t thank you enough for your services to my daughter and me during her pregnancy. Your support, strength, guidance, phone calls, late night walks, false hospital visits we will always remember.

Your coaching and visualization exercise were helpful, even though Zuri was stubborn and came when she was ready.

Kayla, Zuri and I appreciate all of your dedication to assisting Teen Moms in delivery. As we know teen moms are not the easiest to get along, especially ones like my daughter Kayla.

Zuri is just about six weeks old and getting bigger and spoiled rotten. Please come by anytime to see her, or even take her for the weekend ;).

Again, I just want to thank you, you are very skillful, and knowledgeable of your job. Keep up the good work you are doing a service to these young mothers that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

Thank You,

Melodie, Kayla and Zuri

Staying in My Lane!!