Molly Timperman

6/20/2024

I am so thankful for Sally! Everyone said, “get a doula - They’re worth their weight in gold!” It’s true. Especially for your first, and if you are wanting a physiological birth. I delivered at a birth center, so much of my birth plan was just par for the course. I did not have to worry about my wishes not being respected at a hospital. Still, it is wonderful having someone, in addition to your spouse, friends/family, there that is in your corner. There is a lot going on. I was completely out of it. I know Reid was overwhelmed. My sisters had never been apart of an experience like this. It is nice to have someone in there, who is non-medical, but that has well rounded experience that you have come to know and who has come to know you and that you trust can just kind of “hold down the fort” for you. Reid, was amazingly calm and supportive, but Sally was my touch point with reality. As I was coming in and out thorough out labor, I could hear her talking through with Reid what was happening. Just helping him process it before it became overwhelming or scary. That put me at ease too. I labored for eight hours, two at the birth center. After an hour of pushing there, he was! It was a very seamless birth. I attribute it all to the planning and preparation that I put into this. Having a doula was part of that plan and prep work. Sally came to our house twice before Simon was born, and we went over everything.  This was a tremendous help for Reid. These were really thorough meetings where we went over the whole process. What all to expect, from coping with end of pregnancy symptoms to packing for the delivery, preparing to go to the birth center, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum. Just all of it. You can really get a better feel for how this is going to go for you and your family when you are going over this one on one with your support people in your home verses birth classes online or at and hospital/center. 

Jessica

10/16/2023

We absolutely loved working with Sally! She helped us a ton leading up to the birth of our little girl - showing us stretches and exercises and answering our questions. She let us decide what we wanted when creating our birth plan without any judgement. It was incredibly comforting having her in the delivery room with us. She was constantly reassuring me during labor and helping us make the best decisions for our situation. She was an amazing advocate for us! She also provided some great recovery recommendations during our post birth meeting when we mentioned various struggles to her. We will definitely work with her again for future pregnancies. 

Danielle

10/14/2023

Sally supported me through my second pregnancy - first time working with a doula. I wish I'd had her personalized guidance, gentle encouragement, and real-time recommendations with my first daughter!

We met twice in my third trimester to discuss everything from my first delivery to my hopes and concerns for this delivery to practical preparations (food, stretches, exercise, etc.) I was hoping for an unmedicated hospital birth, and always felt Sally would support me regardless of what I actually decided/needed during labor and delivery. She listened carefully to the things that made me feel safe and supported, then helped me throughout labor and delivery to meet those conditions the best we could.

My baby was 9 days late and Sally regularly communicated with me in the days leading up to my due date and after it passed. She encouraged me to be patient, advised me on ways to relax and get baby in the best position, and processed with me as I decided about procedures like membrane sweeps and an induction.

I went into labor in the afternoon immediately after a membrane sweep. Sally encouraged me to go to bed early and rest as much as I could (advice I needed!). My water broke in the middle of the night and Sally met us at the hospital within about an hour. She helped my husband advocate for me with the L+D staff, and she noticed when I started feeling the need to push during contractions. (I was still in triage so nobody was looking for that, myself included!) She continued to advocate for me in the delivery room and stayed for a bit after the birth to continue supporting us.

Sally took a few photos during and after the birth, and shared a birth story she had written up when we met for our postpartum visit a few weeks later.

Sally's expertise and presence led to a more informed, relaxed pregnancy and labor, and if I was to have another baby I would absolutely hire her again. 

Kiersten

11/23/2022

Sally was such a gentle and caring doula who supported my husband and me during my labor and delivery. We were in the hospital on two separate occasions for a total of four and a half days before our daughter arrived, and Sally was with us every step of the way. She guided us in asking the right questions so that we could make informed decisions about next steps when labor wasn't progressing exactly how my midwife and OB team would have liked. Having a VBAC was incredibly important to me, and although there were a few hiccups along the way, I ended up getting an incredibly healing and empowering unmedicated VBAC birth. I have no doubt that we would have had a different outcome without Sally there supporting us! She provided strategies to help labor progress and emotional support when I needed it. I would hire her again in a heartbeat! Thank you, Sally!

Aimee Wagner

11/7/2022

Sally was incredibly helpful as a first time mother not really knowing what to expect giving birth. She was very attentive to my needs and had a calming and reassuring presence in our delivery room. She helped out my husband at ease with providing some coaching and instruction that empowered him to be helpful in a way that actually supported me. We are so grateful for Sally and would recommend her for any parents!

Michelle Landis

10/20/2022

Sally was wonderful, she met us at the hospital and provided a very warm and caring presence during my labor and birth. She gives great back rubs, and has great tips and tricks for position changes to help ease labor pains and help it to progress. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a kind and experienced Doula!

Rachel

9/9/2022

Sally is an incredible doula - my husband and I feel so fortunate to have found her for the birth of our daughter! She is very knowledgeable and professional, yet warm and gentle. I was very calmed and encouraged by her caring, motherly presence at my baby's hospital birth, especially given that my own mother wasn't able to be there. Sally also did a great job of including my husband in my labor comfort measures. I will always be grateful to Sally for how she supported me during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I highly recommend Sally - we hope to have her be our doula again in the future!

Beth N.

4/5/2022

Sally was everything and more. Our first baby came early by two weeks and my husband was across the country when my water broke. Sally coached me over the phone on next steps, and then came over and helped me get my hospital bag ready, and get to the hospital. She was a guiding light and voice for me when my husband was flying home via red-eye to attend the birth. She calmed and coached me through the hospital protocals (as I was a newbie), used massage, stretches and essential oils to keep me relaxed until my husband arrived.

After my husband arrived, they worked as a team to execute my birth plan - proceed without medical intervention for as long as possible. She helped me make decisions at every step and was extremely supportive and informative. After laboring and trying to increase contractions naturally for many hours, I was exhausted and wanted labor to progress faster. I did ultimately elect to receive pitocin, and Sally coached me through the more intense contractions for 3 hours, before I decided to receive an epidural at around 7cms. My anxiety and fears (needles) were all extremely elevated, but Sally encouraged, relaxed and supported me at every turn.

When it came time to push, Sally was counting and coaching me through each contraction alongside the hospital staff and my husband. I cannot say how grateful I am for Sally. Looking back - I am beyond grateful to have had a doula at all - and specifically Sally, who helped me through EVERY stage of labor. She captured some beautiful photos of my son being born, helped with skin-to-skin and first latch, and stayed after to make sure we didn't have any further questions. After almost 24 hours at the hospital she was still our rock. Additionally, Sally has been extremely supportive postpartum - answering newborn / new parent questions via text and reaching out to make sure we recovering well. She truly cares and it shows in her work. I am so grateful! 

Rebecca Ray

2/2/2022

Sally is such a knowledgeable and helpful doula! When looking for a doula, experience and training were the most important qualities to me, with personality and understanding being a close second. Sally had both and more. Going into this birth, she gave me confidence that I could relax during labor and let her experience guide us. My labor was very much unlike my previous one, and I looked to Sally for direction, comfort, and encouragement. She was so supportive and knew just what I needed. When my body wouldn't progress, she gently gave directions for positions and exercises that I needed to do to get things moving again. Although at the time it was hard, I'm so grateful for Sally's urging me to "give me three contractions in this lunge position". If it wasn't for Sally, my labor would have been much longer and more painful. She provided physical comfort as well, doing the hip squeeze, administering essential oils, and bringing me the heating pad as necessary. I appreciated her constant encouragement and positive attitude. She interacted well with my birth team and my husband. I would without a doubt recommend Sally as your doula. 

Lindsay J.

1/27/2022

Sally was a wonderful doula! My husband and I had very little knowledge on babies and child birth. Sally did a great job educating us on what to expect with during labor and helped us to develop a birth plan. My birth plan included staying home for as long as I could before going to the hospital and delaying an epidural. I was able to text Sally about how things were progressing and she helped us make the decision on when to go to the hospital.

During labor Sally was very supportive. She helped me get into different postions to help with contractions and keep baby descending. She never left my husband out, coaching him and keeping him involved during labor. 

Unfortunately, my labor didn't go according to plan and I ended up having a c-section. Sally was there the entire time to help us make informed decisions as things changed. She supported us in the decision and more importantly helped my husband who struggles with medical procedures. She encouraged him to be in the surgery room and without her I don't think he would have been able to go in. 

If you're on the fence about hiring a doula, specifically Sally, don't hesitate. When she was about to leave our room for the night, my husband and I both said we couldn't imagine going through this without her. 

Kate

10/16/2021

I looked into getting a doula later in my pregnancy. When I called the hospital about a doula they gave me several questions to ask and certifications to look for.  Sally answered all of the questions and checked every box.  I knew I wanted an epidural later in labor, and didn't think a doula would be supportive of interventions.  Sally was the opposite.  She talked me through interventions and options and supported my decisions.  This was my first pregnancy, and I was anxious throughout but especially about giving birth.  Sally was a fantastic resource who talked through expectations and offered wonderful support. 

My plan was to labor at home as long as possible and get an epidural late in labor.  As these things go - my plans changed.  I was induced after my 38 week appointment with high blood pressure.  I called Sally from triage and she gave me questions to ask the midwife, to make sure I knew what options I had.  It was a stressful start, and I was very thankful for her calm demeanor.  Active labor started very quickly for me and when Sally got to the hospital I had already asked for an epidural.  She supported me through that process and the two hours of pushing that followed.  She was also a great resource to my husband and let him take the lead on counting and coaching while I pushed.  Sally made sure we were settled and breastfeeding had started before she left.

While my experience wasn't what I expected (I'm not sure it ever is) Sally was a great resource before, during and after birth.  I really appreciated that she was there just for me.  We had wonderful nurses, but they have other patients to take care of.  That one on one support was really wonderful.  I would highly recommend Sally, especially if you are looking into interventions.

Brianna B.

7/3/2021

Sally was amazing! Very caring, supportive, and assertive when necessary! She helped me through my COVID birthing experience- wearing masks and virtual calls. I will say the best part was that she was by my side through a 24-27 hour labor involving natural and epidural. 

I can't thank you enough Sally! 

Sarah B.

6/29/2021

Sally was an amazing resource for me and my husband during the recent birth of our first child! She was supportive and calming and stayed with us for the almost 24 hour process. She was constantly ready with new techniques to help me stay comfortable and help our baby get in a good position. I am a self proclaimed worrier and having Sally there put me at ease - I can't imagine going through it without her! Toward the end of labor I had to make some decisions about various interventions and she was exactly the empathetic and knowledgeable voice of reason I needed. I really appreciated the detailed birth story she provided as well since I didn't remember a lot of what happened afterwards! 

Stephanie

6/25/2021

I cannot speak highly enough about Sally's demeanor, knowledge, and skill with supporting low-intervention birth. Sally was an integral part of my beautiful birth and I know I wouldn't have been able to maintain the level of calm without her.

My birth moved very quickly and as a result, was very intense. I had diligently prepared to use a self-hypnosis childbirth strategy, but because of how quickly things moved, I wasn't able to tap into that relaxation as well. Thankfully Sally was there, speaking calmly into my ear and applying the right amount of counter pressure to ease my rapid contractions.

After birth, Sally provided breastfeeding support as well, which was incredibly helpful. She stayed until my new little boy and I were settled, which added a calm sense of comfort during the last stage of my birth. Postpartum, she followed up with a call and even sent me my birth story in written form so I could revisit my beautiful birth from an outside perspective.

I would highly recommend Sally, whether you're planning for a low-intervention/natural delivery or not. She is a wonderful resource and advocate to have with you during your birth.

Victoria

1/14/2020

Sally Wiggins was an extradordinary doula. I had a labor that went nothing like I had expected, and Sally made sure that I was focused on one thing-having a healthy baby. I had a forty hour induction that Sally was there for 28 hours of (She was in another labor and had to rest before coming to mine-I think she would have been there for the entire forty had she not had another labor), and pushed for almost four hours-she coached me through that entire fiasco. 

I had wanted a natural birth, but because of everything that occured, I had an epidural placed (and cried about it and screamed during the placement) and she coached me through that as well. She worked with me before the epidural was placed, outdoing what the nurses alone were doing (bouncing on a ball, doing spinning babies, taking warm showers, walking, using the peanut ball, etc.). Once the epidural was placed, she still was doing positions in the bed that made my cervix dilate and placing the peanut ball for me. 

I truly believe that my labor would have been different had I not had Sally. Sally helped me immensely, and her birth story she wrote for me is something that I will forever cherish (especially since I basically don't remember my labor at all). Thanks Sally!

Carolyn Golabowski

1/13/2020

When my husband & I found out we were expecting we had a basic idea of what we needed to get through labor. We knew we wanted as little intervention as possible, as much emotional/mental support that we could get, & were interested in natural remedies to help with labor. That's when we decided to hire a Doula. When we started the match process we knew that we wanted someone maternal, kind, positive, & that would help be an advocate for us. Sally was the perfect fit. Being a mom herself, & assisting countless other moms through labor we felt confident she was what we needed to have the successful birth we planned for. A week after our due date our doctor checked us in to be induced. What we were hoping would kickstart my body to go into labor instead took over 24 hours before we realized this isn't going to happen the way we wanted. Sally was absolutely instrumental during that entire time in making sure I didn't lose my mind, or give in prematurely before we decided to go another route. Sally massaged my back through every contraction, spoon fed me jello, held peppermint oil under my nose everytime I felt nauseous, diffused essential oils to calm me, put me in the shower when I couldn't stand laying in bed any longer, advocated for me to my nurses to make sure my needs/wants were met, & then finally helped us make the decision 30 hours later to have a c-section. I was terrified, but felt so much better knowing she was by our side & that we had done everything we could do up until that point. She was with us before & after surgery & made sure we were successful with breastfeeding. Sally spent an entire day on her feet, working hard for us, even reminding my husband to eat & sleep or catch his breath every so often. She checked on us afterwards & followed up a few weeks later. I can not have imagined going through labor without her, & I would recommend her to anyone-no matter what type of birth you envision.

Kayla McGirr

6/30/2019

Sally was a wonderful fit for our family. As a first time mother, the first few weeks at home can be very daunting, but Sally was there to answer all my questions, and there were a lot. Having an unplanned c-section meant it was harder for me to get around the house and take care of myself at first. Sally made sure that I got plenty of rest to speed up my healing, and that I ate and drank enough to help establish my milk supply. She helped with breastfeeding as much as she could, even directing me to a support group for help after our time with her ended. We absolutely could not have had such a smooth start with our baby if not for her.