Sheila Gannam-Rivera Photo

Sheila Gannam-Rivera

Mother Zion LLC

Stanhope, NJ Service range 33 miles Fees may vary.

Birth Fee

$775 to $1500

Postpartum Rate

$55 to $70

Black Doula

Availability Remarks: 12-7pm, travel time not included. Subject to change.***

Birth Fee

$775 to $1500

Postpartum Rate

$55 to $70


Birth Doula Experience

3 years and 9 births attended

Postpartum Doula Experience

15 years and 5 families served


Doula Training

  • Self-trained, April 2008
  • Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings, October 2020
  • DONA International-Approved Workshop, July 2022

Type of practice: On-call doula service

Clients per month: 1 to 3 births and 0 to 1 postpartum families

Postpartum limits/restrictions: Discussed.

Attends hospital births? Some Hospitals
Review Hospital Policies.

Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers
Review Midwifery Care Strategies.

Attends home births? Any Home Birth


College Education

AA/AS


Special Services Offered

  • Antepartum doula support
  • Babywearing education
  • Belly binding
  • Belly casting
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Hypnosis for birth
  • Infant massage education
  • Military families support
  • Mother blessing celebrations
  • Parenting consulting
  • Satellite doula (for remote and rural clients)
  • Sibling support (for your older children at the birth)
  • Surrogates and intended parents
  • Vaginal steam/peristeam services
  • Virtual and remote doula support

Relevant volunteer or advocacy work

Black Maternal Health Advocate. Community Volunteer.

Languages Spoken

  • Afrikaans
  • English

Fee Details

Trauma Informed Care Spiritual Grounding BIPOC

Service Area

Stanhope, NJ Service range 33 miles Fees may vary.

Client Testimonials for Sheila Gannam-Rivera

Post a testimonial for Sheila Gannam-Rivera

Felicia Trotman

2/25/2024

Sheila was amazing in supporting me and my husband! It was a spiritual journey of weekly education (i.e. informing us of our rights and ensuring that we implemented the birth plan, etc). During the day of labor and delivery, we were prepared emotionally and physically to put all of our learning into practice. We did the majority of our labor at home ( at 6cm dilated ) and my husband with the support of the doula ensured we had a peaceful environment to bring our daughter into. It was truly a beautiful experience of loving sounds, affirmative words, and even laughter that all occurred in a traditional hospital.  Sheila continued to follow up with me postpartum to explore my lactation transition, check my overall wellness, and visit our home to observe my healing and provide additional assistance.  Hiring Sheila will solidify the experience you truly desire, her energy is infectious, and she is knowledgeable with a warm and compassionate touch. 

Karima K

2/13/2023

If you are looking for a sign to book Sheila, this is should be it!

I met Sheila more towards the end of my pregnancy, but her impact on me has been quite profound. She has a uniquely calming energy about her, she is very patient and also emotionally present.

Like almost every expecting mother, you have this dreamy scenario of how you expect your labor and delivery to go, but the truth is that it's hardly ever so. That was my situation, but Sheila was there to walk me through it all - and I mean all 50+ hours of my labor! Her steadfast support, her encouraging words, the way she would listen and do exactly as you say is just what you need in such a time.

One of my best experiences with her was on the dawn of the day before I delivered my baby, my surges were so intense, I was throwing up about every hour and I obviously could not get any sleep in. She drove to at that late hour to help me with some breathing exercises, talks, massages and a shower which helped me feel so much better mentally and emotionally and gave me a more positive outlook towards my delivery.

This is just to say Sheila is the kind of doula who would put you first not just because you are probably paying her to, but it's the type of person she is. She is never hard to reach and always there when needed and or necessary. There is so much more I can say about her, but I will keep it short. I am blessed to have had her as my doula and I 10/10 recommend!

 

Bill

2/2/2023

Having a doula and specifically Sheila present for the birth of our second daughter, who was such an assett and a comfort for my wife and I, leaves us with so much gratitude. Sheila was a calming presence throughout the whole delivery process. She is also fearless and was able to help us communicate our needs to our midwife and caregivers when needed. She is patient, cheerful and has a calming presence. We delivered in a hospital and Sheila was able to create a beautiful scene with lights, scents, calming uplifting music and affirmations throughout the room. Everyone who entered commented saying it was so beautiful and serene and they didn't want to leave. Again I can't thank Sheila enough for being such a calming steady presence for us. As a husband she specifically helped me fulfill my role in meeting my wife's needs when she needed me. My wife and I highly recommend Sheila for anyone considering using a Doula for their birth.  

Shevy

8/17/2022

working with Sheila was an awesome experience, not only was she supportive. She was also attentive, to responding and get back with answers regarding any questions I might have. She guided me during my pregnancy with twins, and took the time to visit us after delivery to make sure everything went smooth. Near or far, Sheila was able to provide the services to me that I needed. Thank you! 

Dee

8/4/2022

As soon as I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd, I knew I wanted to hire doula services. It was almost as if the heavens have heard my prayers and put Sheila directly in my path.  She is a wonderful soul.

Her support during our transition was incredibly helpful.  I particularly appreciated her ability to listen to my concerns and guide me towards resources and information.  During the early weeks of my postpartum, she helped by preparing meals and helped  me figure out how to juggle the needs of all 3 kids while also focusing on self care.  She is intuitive, calm, kind, very supportive and also great with kids (which is an added bonus if you have older siblings).  Not only is she a great Doula but during this whole process has become a dear friend. I highly recommend Mother Zion services if you are looking to connect with a doula who is grounded and passionate about her work.

Birth Availability for Sheila Gannam-Rivera

= Available. Calendar last updated: 02-17-2024

Postpartum Availability for Sheila Gannam-Rivera

= Available. Calendar last updated: 02-17-2024