Cara Wyatt

2/26/2020

There are not words to adequately express how valuable Shannon was to ensuring my birth experience was positive. I had a traumatic experience with the birth of my daughter that included interventions I didn’t want and an injury that damaged our ability to nurse. I was adamant that I wanted a natural birth this time. Shannon listened carefully to my wishes and supported them fully. She instinctually knows what approaches to use to help a laboring woman as well as her partner. My husband was much more involved this time around and I believe Shannon gave him the confidence to do that. I could not have envisioned a better birth and will forever be indebted to Shannon for her expertise, support, and calming presence. Every pregnant woman would benefit from a doula and Shannon is the best there is.

Sofia Masri

12/8/2012

We took classes with Shannon and she was also our doula. Both experiences were wonderful. She's knowledgeable, caring, compassionate, and supportive. I used everything she taught us when I was in labor. It was all extremely helpful. Towards the end of my 16 hours of labor, I really felt as though I couldn't continue. Shannon gave me the encouragement I needed to keep going and have the birth experience that I had hoped for. She was an integral part of the best day of our lives. We can't thank her enough!

Erin Fallis

11/1/2012

Kristin Sanchez

3/5/2012

Shannon sat with me and supported me through the hardest part of my birth experience.  She held my hand and helped me to work through the contractions.  She was a great source of motivation and support.  She created a wonderful relaxing environment.  Shannon helped my husband to be a great partner for me as well.  I would recommend Shannon to anyone looking for a supporting, caring, wonderful doula. 

Olivia Stabile

11/22/2010

I cannot say enough thanks for the blessing of having Shannon McKenzie as my doula!

My pregnancy journey was an amazing one. I met Shannon as a referral through my midwife and we started childbirth classes with her. Shannon was so knowledgeable, patient, and caring, we knew we wanted her present at the birth as well. We were so excited to have her as our doula and when we finally decided to have a home birth instead of hospital, we were glad she would be there. I went into labor Sunday August 29th and my darling son was born Tuesday August 31st. It was the hardest experience of my life and I think one of the hardest births for the staff! My labor was very long and very painful and I was dilated only to 6-7cm for a long time. Shannon was there for me through every second. Always patient, loving, supportive, and incredibly strong, I don't know that I could've done it without her. My back labor was excruciating and she used her strength (physical and emotional!) to press on my lower back for hours and hours. In the shower, the birth tub, the bed, she was always by my side. During delivery she coached, soothed, and held legs. Through the tears, of pain and joy, she stood like a rock. My husband was there for me every step and having Shannon made it easier for him as well. He was able to take a break from the intense emotional journey. She was totally amazing!!!

I would recommend Shannon to everyone! Whatever type of birth experience you desire, Shannon will be an invaluable asset for both you AND your partner. I consider her a lifelong friend with a very special place in my heart.

Melissa Dimitri

6/19/2010

Shannon played an invaluable role in the birth of our daughter.  She was simply amazing.  Shannon was extremely knowledgeable, resourceful, confident, and intuitive during the birthing process.  She got along great with the medical staff and really worked as a team to help achieve the best outcome possible.  She was also extremely nurturing and compassionate throughout - making sure I was confortable, encouraging me when I got tired, supporting me when my resolve wavered, getting food for my husband when he couldn't leave my side, etc.  She also created a very calming and peaceful environment not only for me, but for everyone in the birthing room.  Quite simply, I don't think I could have labored naturally for as long as I did without Shannon's help.  She also kept us calm and helped keep us informed when our birth ran into some complications. 

I truly believe it was Shannon's skill and encouragement that led to my baby being born with minimal side effects, despite an emergency c-section.  I never would have gotten as far as I did with minimal medication without her, and I can't thank her enough for that.  I would not hesitate to recommend Shannon to anyone looking for a doula!

Beth Thomas

6/9/2010

We couldn't have asked for a better doula than Shannon McKenzie.  She was such an integral part of helping us acheive the natural birth we wanted, from the Advanced Comfort Measures class we took with her, to her recommending the Hypnobabies birthing program to her support during the pregnancy and during our daughter's birth.  I felt comfortable contacting her at any time with questions or concerns and she always responded quickly, and I loved that she visited our house before the birth so she'd know exactly where to come and what to expect when I called to request her assistance during labor.  Our daughter's birth unfolded rather quickly once true labor began and we had to make a last-minute switch regarding the hospital where I delivered; Shannon remained calm and supportive and was such a calming influence on me during this crazy time.  She was with us every step of the way and was so positive and reassuring...and she came to visit at home the next week with delicious homemade soup in hand!  Quite simply, Shannon McKenzie is a fantastic doula and I highly recommend her. 

Katey Rybski

5/17/2010

Shannon served as my doula for the birth of my son in March, 2010. Because I planned to deliver with an epidural, I hadn’t considered using a doula until late into my pregnancy. When I met Shannon, and she explained all the resources that she could offer, I realized how helpful she could be. I am incredibly grateful that I ended up working with Shannon. During my last weeks of pregnancy, she offered wonderful advice on preparing my birth plan, methods to stay comfortable, and as I went past my due date, she helped to keep me calm, and gave me exercises and tips on how to encourage the onset of labor. Her knowledge and skills helped me to be more prepared logistically for my hospital experience when I was finally induced. As a first time mother, going into labor is one of those things that you have no idea what to expect. Shannon helped me to be as prepared as possible for what I was about to go through. Her support and reassurance during my 25 hour labor was more than I could have asked for. Not only did she offer support that helped me manage the pain (since I didn’t get my epidural until late); but she was a wonderful support emotionally as well. When I was at the point I didn’t think I could keep going, Shannon knew exactly what to say and do to push me through that helpless feeling. When I delivered my baby, aside from my doctor and nurses, I was surrounded by family – my husband, mother, and aunt. And at that point, Shannon was as much of a member of my family as the rest of them. Her caring and support reached beyond just me – she was wonderful with my husband, mother, and aunt as well. And once I was settled in at home, Shannon offered advice on breastfeeding, sleeping, and caring for our baby. She even stopped by with a meal for my husband and I and a gift for our son. She was such a calm and caring presence through the whole process – I can’t imagine having gone through it all without her.