Michael Osborne

10/23/2024

Shalon McAlister was the Doula for my grandson.  Shalon was a fantastic advocate for my daughter.  Shalon's knowledge and protocol expertise was very helpful for my daughter's unfortunate difficult first time birthing expereince.

Shalon was able to negotiate with the hospital staff at the most important times/periods to help with a successful birth of my grandson and provide some comfort to my daughter during this most stressful and emotional time.

As my daughter's advocate, Shalon was able to navigate the hospital protocols (as told to us by hospital staff) to my daughter's advantage, when necessary. Shalon was very professional in being able to be with my daughter prior to her c-section and was successful in having my grandson brought back to the room within ten minutes of birth to be with his father and grandfather.  Without her input and advocacy, my grandson would not have been held for the 60 minutes or so, while his mother was in recovery from the c-section and being stitched up.

Shalon was there to comfort and assure my daughter and keep all of us updated as to what was going on and what to expect as events moved forward.

I am very thankful to have had Shalon as my daughter's Doula. 

Dorianne

10/8/2024

I had a wonderful experience with Shalon during my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She offered valuable support and addressed all my concerns with her extensive knowledge. Shalon was readily available during labor and ensured that I had a smooth experience. I highly recommend her services.

Kristin O

10/8/2024

We had a wonderful experience with Shalon as our doula. We initially selected her because she demonstrated extensive knowledge and we felt she would be a strong advocate for us in the delivery room. My intentions were to go unmedicated and Shalon absolutely helped me make that happen. She initially gave me advice for labor prep during my pregnancy. She also gave us tips and positions to labor at home in an at-home visit which was helpful. During labor, once she met us at the hospital she was able to get us resources the nurses didn't even know about like a tens machine and gave suggestions for alternative pushing positions. Her counter pressure litterally got me through labor and it was so necassary for my husband to have a break, he was even able to get a short nap in. I ended up needing unexpected intervetions like a pitocin dripp and a vacumn assited delivery and I was so greatful to have her guidance. Overall she gave us guidance, support and peace of mind during the whole process. 

Madison Foucht-Osborne

10/6/2024

Having Shalon be at my birth was literally lifesaving. When we met, I just knew I was going to be in good hands. Shalon will meet you where you are and help in any way she can for you to have a safe pregnancy and birthing experience; whatever that looks like. We were able to discuss options openly, and she has a lot of experience; she provided examples and ideas when needed.

During my birth experience, I was met with doctors who were not listening to me as a patient. Shalon quickly stepped in and provided support, encouragement and advocacy to make sure the medical team was on the same page. My family and I are grateful for the hard work Shalon provided to us.

Cannot stress this enough- Shalon is passionate, relatable, caring, knowledgeable, positive, funny, empathetic and is like family. I felt safe with Shalon throughout my experience. I would recommend Shalon to anyone, it was an honor to have her be with me throughout my birth journey.

Dex Retic

10/4/2024

Shalon is the dopest! She held my wife down the whole pregnancy and made sure she was comfortable during delivery... this would have been so difficult without her... Thanks Shalon for being such a wonderful person and taking care of my wife and baby... 

Rexille Uy

10/4/2024

Shalon was amazing. We chose her because during her interview, she said she leads from a place that is both informative and nurturing, which matched what my husband and I were looking for in a doula. Throughout my pregnancy, Shalon checked in regularly and sent me articles that were relevant to my birth plan. We met several times in person to discuss my birth plan and to practice labor positions. When I encountered health complications in the last month of pregnancy, Shalon was an amazing sounding board and helped me weigh my options on how best to proceed while keeping my birth plan in mind. She checked in regularly especially during the last few weeks of my pregnancy. When I needed an emergency c-section during labor, she hand expressed my colostrum immediately after surgery. I credit her entirely for how successful my breastfeeding journey has been. Shalon really cares about her clients, she cares about our outcomes and our birth experiences, and most of all, she cares about the success of your baby, even well after delivery! I give her the highest recommendation as a doula. 

Seairra Wheatley

10/4/2024

I couldn't have asked for a better doula. Although I ended up having an unplanned caesarean section Shalon was an amazing support and advocate. She did not judge me at all understood my fears and also spoke up when I was not able to. She helped me process what was happening and all feelings I was having during the time. My partner and I both appreciated Shalon during my birthing experience as a family of color. She was professional but she felt like family. I truly felt safe with her. She was very positive, I loved the affirmations she sent and tips and tricks. She met me where I was at and what I was comfortable with. She lived up to my expectation with the support mentally, emotionally, and physically. Postpartum as well she exceeded expectation. If I did ever have another child I definitely pick Shalon hands down.

Katie Geer

5/12/2024

Shalon was an amazing doula for us. She spent hours in birth prep with us, explaining details of the process so we'd feel prepared. I always knew I could text her with questions and she'd respond quickly and helpfully. 

When our birth didn't go as planned, which was traumatic and so upsetting, I am so grateful Shalon was there with me. Her words of calm carried me through so I could meet my daughter. Shalon is steady, smart, honest, and exactly who you want by your side. 

Alex Cash

4/19/2024

Shalon was instrumental in the success of our planning and birth experience. As a first time mom, she guided myself and my husband through the process with ease and reassurance, always providing support, guidance, and compassion in regards to our choices and concerns. She gave us ample support leading up to our baby's due date, and we both felt as prepared as possible to experience labor and delivery and welcome our baby. When my birth did not go according to plan, and ultimately resulted in a necessary unplanned c section, Shalon advocated for the space I needed to process this before we headed into the operating room, which helped me feel as calm and prepared as possible for surgery and recovery. Having her in the operating room to coach me thru the prodecure was beyond reassuring. After we brought our baby home, Shalon continued to check in on us and offer support, visiting us to ensure we were transitioning successfully and surviving the rollercoaster of newborn care and breastfeeding. We cannot recommend her enough for the holistic approach to this process she brought, and her ability to guide us and also galvanize our decisions as we navigated this foreign process. Shalon made preparing for, giving birth, and transitioning to post partum a much easier journey for us!

Taylor & Tate Gorter

4/17/2024

When my husband and I found out we were expecting our first child, we knew we wanted to have as natural of a birth as possible, but weren't sure how to make that happen in a hospital setting. We decided to hire a doula to help us advocate for the experience we wanted. We interviewed a few doulas before choosing Shalon, and I'm so glad we did!

From our very first meeting, we could tell Shalon genuinely cared about helping us have the best birthing experience possible. She took the time to get to know us and understand what we hoped for in childbirth (the good, the bad, and the scary). In the days leading up to our birth, she provided emotional support and was always available to answer questions or calm any worries I had about labor and delivery.

When I went into labor, Shalon was right by our side as soon as we called her. She used massage, visualization, breathing techniques, and suggestions for different positions and movements to help me manage the pain naturally. Her calm, soothing presence gave me the strength to keep going. Shalon also perfectly complemented the medical staff, advocating for my wishes when needed while establishing rapport with the nurses and doctors. She visited us post-delivery and helped give tremendous and practical insight into breastfeeding and taking the best care of our son.

We truly could not have had such an empowering birth experience without Shalon's expertise and compassion. She went above and beyond to ensure we felt informed, supported, and respected every step of the way. I recommend Shalon to any expectant mother looking for a doula who will be your greatest advocate and help you achieve the birth you envision. Our family will be forever grateful for the special role she played in bringing our son into the world.

Spe’Shell

10/24/2023

Shalon was my doula for my June birth , she assisted me both mentally and physically! She helped me to understand my body and make decisions that were best for myself and my baby. We originally were working towards a VBAC and when i decided to change back to a c section Shalon was there to help me make the transition and was attentive and caring the entire journey. Even postpartum she has been amazing in checking in and keeping us feeling positive and optimistic while navigating the crazy journey we call parenthood and breastfeeding! 

Nota Goulianou

10/18/2023

Shalon was a great help with the whole birth experience. The meetings we had before the birth day helped my husband and I prepare and reduce our anxiety. She explained everything very well. During the labor she helped me make the decisions that were best for me and advocate for myself. She was very supportive and calm. She was also a great help with explaining how to push, which helped me have a great birth experience. She checked in on us after the birth and had a great connection.

Tanya & Leonard

9/29/2023

The minute we met with Shalon; we knew she was the perfect fit for our family. Shalon was extremely organized, transparent, knowledgeable, resourceful and simply just an all-around sweetheart. Shalon took the time to know us individually and as a family. She made sure what mattered to us during the birthing process was top priority.

She was on time for all meetings whether in person or virtual. Communication was always clear, all resources and research promised was delivered in the time frame promised. Our birth did not quite go as planned, but Shalon rose to the occasion without hesitation. She was flexible, adjusted easily to the new developments and ensured the experience was still pleasant even with the last-minute changes. She was our voice when we were not quite able to speak for ourselves, she helped us made sense of all developments, and was our constant advocate.

Our baby had an extended hospital stay, Shalon consistently checked in with us to see how things were progressing or if we needed anything. Even after our contract officially ended, Shalon still checked in. I highly recommend Shalon to anyone seeking a birth or postpartum doula. She will use her calm and kind disposition to seamlessly make what can easily be a frightening and uncomfortable experience pleasant and memorable.

Dev Narasimhan

9/26/2023

Shalon was very professional and knowledgeable of the birthing process. She has exceeded our expectations and provided guidance during my wife's pregnancy. She was even able to stick with us during labor and coach us using breathing and birthing poses. She was even a favorite among our visiting family. We don't know how we would have gotten through this whole process without her! We would recommend her to our family and friends!

Sarah

5/27/2023

We had a wonderful experience working with Shalon as our doula. This was our first child, and Shalon provided guidance, information, and support throughout the end of pregnancy and our lengthy induced labor. Her calm demeanor and support helped us through some very difficult moments and we are very appreciative that she was on our birthing team! We highly recommend her for anyone looking for a doula.

Montasha townsel

5/23/2023

I had got a doula so late on my pregnancy because I had ended up in the hospital due to my baby having a fast rhythm heartbeat at 25-26 wks. My care was switched to Swedish and I was finally able to get a doula and the first person I thought of was shalon! She was so quick to step on things for me and started taking care of me ASAP! Shalon is so caring gentle and never hesitated to help me! I ended up having my baby early and once I told her I was on the way to the hospital and in active labor shalon literally dropped everything she was doing and came straight to my rescue. While on her way to the hospital shalon made calls to make sure I had support with my family and I in the room until she got there! Once she got there she never left my side! Still til this day shalon is everything and does more than enough to help out my family and I..

Rachel

5/18/2023

We had a wonderful experience with Shalon. She met with us twice before we gave birth, was present for the birth and a follow up visit. She is very knowledgeable and because she has worked in the industry for years, also very connected so if she doesn't know something she knows how to find out! During the birth she was an excellent partner, advocating for me when the nurses were pushing me to do things I did not want to do. 

Georgia Johnson

5/18/2023

Shalon is an outstanding doula. Me and my son love her. She was very help during and after my pregnancy. She offered assistance and tips to induce my labor. Even coming over on the weekend to walk with me. Provided cards with encouraging messages, yoga position, meditation, music, food and teas that will help with the labor pain. She drove me to the hospital, made sure I was situation and came back once I was in active labor. She supported both me and my partner during c section. She advocated my wants and dislike to the medical staff and made sure I had support postpartum. Postpartum she has been supporting me and my son. Checking on us, offering supplies, resources, encouragement and support with my son; so I can do my own self care and things around the house. I’d highly recommended her. I appreciate everything she’s done for me and my family.

Lemlem Berhane

5/17/2023

Shalon was absolutely great to work with .My husband and I were so grateful to have her .We connected easily and she was great in coaching me with different movement to ease my labor .This was the first time I had worked with a doula and I am so happy I did .She was so Kind ,caring ,encouraging and stayed up all night with us .I can’t say enough how much I appreciate having her .The next day she even brought me food so sweet. And we look forward to working with her in the future and I would highly recommend!!

McKenna

5/17/2023

Shalon was wonderful. It was tremendously helpful to have another person present with calm energy to help distract me from my painful contractions, and to help me feel like my partner and I had constant support from someone experienced who wasn't a busy doctor or nurse coming in and out of the room constantly. 

Her relaxed attitude and gentle suggestions of pain management, and allowing me to chat about nothing in particular (I'm sure as the pain worsened I didn't make 100% sense!) helped me focus through the pain early on, and I believe it's likely the calm and positive attitudes from Shalon and my partner are what helped me have such a positive birth overall!

I'm so glad to have had her there with us. I'm very happy with my birth experience, and I'm not sure if I would have felt quite as comfortable or casual/confident about the whole ordeal without her support.