Brandi V

9/24/2020

We hired Ste'Keira as a doula for the birth of our second child, which we were able to have via VBAC. My first childbirth experience ended in cesearan, which I felt was a result in not advocating for myself in the moment, we did not have a doula for our first born. I am a Nurse Practitioner and still didn't feel as though I was able to articulate my thoughts, preferences during my first birth even with having a medical background. Ste'Keira was absolutely vital in our entire labor, delivery and post-partum experience. She was a great resource for education prior to going into labor, then arrived at the hospital shortly after we were settled in a room to assist in the entire labor process. In the prenatal visit she asked many questions to get to know me and my spouse and get a feel for what she could do to be most supportive during labor. She brought essential oils, massaged my legs/feet, motivated me to keep moving around when I didn't really want to and ultimately coached me during the 27 hour labor before our daughter came. Her professionalism, education and ability to connect with both our family and the staff at the hospital was recognized by everyone who walked in our room. Many of the nurses at the hospital were in awe of all she did to assist us, saying she was “the best doula I’ve ever seen here.” My husband and I are forever grateful for all she did to help us bring our baby into the world with the best experience possible and will absolutely call her again if we have more children. We would recommend Ste’Keira to anyone in the triangle area who is looking for a doula!

Sarah W.

8/2/2020

Ste'Keira was the best doula we could ask for and made my labor and delivery the best experience I could hope for! This was our first child and she provided a lot of great education and information during our prenatal visit with my partner and I. She was continuously on standby as soon as I started to labor at home and helped me understand what was going on with reassurance. Once we were admitted to the hospital, she arrived very quickly. She assisted and eased my labor by putting up affirmation cards In the room, providing essential oils, suggesting different positions to help the labor progress, provided counter pressure and massaged my back,  and explaining different sensations I was feeling throughout my labor process. At one point In my labor, I was really wanting to get in the shower to ease some of the pain. She was a real advocate for my comfort with my medical staff. During the pushing phase of my labor, my husband and I were really focused on the task. She was able to capture pictures and video on my phone throughout labor and delivery which my husband and I really treasure now. I was also able to give birth without any medical interventions or pain medication which was one of my goals. I completely believe this was a result of Ste'Keira's assistance. After birth, she assisted me with starting breastfeeding and took more pictures of our new family. She has also followed up a few times the days following birth to see how I was feeling and how breastfeeding was going. I really appreciate all the work Ste'Keira did and it made my first laboring experience!

Carly

5/24/2020

Ste'Kiera was my doula for the birth of my daughter on May 12, 2020. I went into labor around 11:30pm the previous night and we contacted Ste'Keira when my contractions started getting closer together early that morning. She answered my husbands call and stayed on stand by until we decided to go to the hospital. Throughout my long (12 hour) labor at the hospital, Ste'Keira was by my side the entire time, providing comfort measures like back rubs and massages, essential oils, suggestions for different positions to help me progress comfortably. She read me my labor cards with encouragement and scripture and continued encouraging me and soothing me as the contractions became more intense. Ste'Keira worked with the labor and delivery nurses to communicate my needs and preferences. She helped my husband immensely by giving him breaks and showing him ways he could help comfort me (like slow dancing, spraying warm water on my back in the shower). One of the best things Ste'Keira did was took pictures on my phone of the labor and birth. At first when she mentioned this I wasn't sure if I would want photos, but she said I could just delete them if I didn't like them, but I can't go back. These photos are so amazing and I'm so grateful she took them, especially since my mom wanted to be present at the birth but couldn't because of COVID restrictions. Looking at the photos makes her feel like she was there. The support Ste'Keira provided was invaluable and I attribute the fact that I was able to remain unmedicated throughout my labor mainly to her. My husband agrees we could not have had the birth we wanted without Ste'Keira's help. 

Kimberly B.

5/2/2020

I originally came across the doula match website where I luckily found Ste’Keira’s profile and decided to reach out to her. She promptly responded and set aside time to speak with us before meeting in person. Our first conversation made it apparent to me that she was extremely knowledgeable in her craft and equally as passionate. While speaking with her to arrange our meetups she was flexible and pleasant as we took our time. I immediately had a good feeling about her before meeting and once I did it was just reconfirmed. Ste’Keira has such a sweet, patient, and gentle demeanor when dealing with hormonal moms to be such as myself lol. She was reassuring and always kind in nature when helping us prepare for our first child. She checked on me and was always available when questions or concerns arose, responding promptly.

My experience with her was wonderful and her kind and sweet energy was ever-present. During my delivery, which was smooth without complications, she helped me to relax using various techniques while reassuring me and reminding me of my options all throughout. I enjoyed the diffuser she brought along, the foot rubs, back rubs etc... I often felt overwhelmed, lost, indecisive, or even pressured at times and each instance she would remind me that this process is about me making the best choice for myself, my comfort, and most importantly my baby. She was respectful of my privacy after I had my son and gave us time to bond with our newborn after making sure I was okay. I appreciated that she snapped photos of the process  throughout (as crazy as I looked lol) and shared them with us afterwards, she was able to capture some intimate moments. I highly recommend Ste’Keira to anyone especially first time moms who may feel the need for extra support. She also offers mom groups to help mommies acclimate to their new normal and feel a sense of community, which I am excited to check out.