Stephanie P.

7/7/2024

I truly believe that God placed Sarah at my daughter's birth because He knew she was right person for us. Sarah joined our birth center room in the early afternoon and stayed much longer then I expected. In the peak moments I could hear Sarah encouraging me and sharing with me what was going on. At times I felt like she was translating what the midwives were saying and I very much appreciated that. Sarah cared for myself and my husband throughout the entire labor, birth, and early postpartum. Sarah did not leave until she made absolute sure that I was ok with her heading home and I remember her checking in multiple times. Sarah brings calm confidence- she knows exactly what she is doing and remains very calm throughout the entire process. I had to stand for the majority of labor with an arm around her and an arm around my husband- I am sure this lasted for hours! I remember thinking "this woman is an ANGEL!" Lord willing we have more children, Sarah will be one of the firsts to know so we can hire her again! Thank you, Sarah, for being part of our birth team. You will always be remembered as the angel that joined the blue room :)

Carliewv

6/12/2024

Sarah was such a a wonderful comfort throughout my difficult pregnancy and labor. I went in to this pregnancy still recovering from all the trauma of my first due to the restrictions of the pandemic and an unplanned C-section. Sarah helped me through my grief and fears and made me feel empowered and ready.

She was there for the whole family and helped my husband recover from his trauma and fears as well. He felt supported and was able to relax and enjoy laboring with me because he knew what he could do to help and had someone to give him ideas and allow him breaks. 

When this labor headed toward another C-section despite everything, I still felt that empowerment and came to that decision through knowledge, not fear! Her LOVE saw me through. She will always be a treasured part of this birth story and would be for yours as well. 

Shelby Jan

6/4/2024

We could not have had a more amazing birth experience with Sarah as our doula! Sarah was actually our back up doula and we did not meet her until she arrived at the hospital while I was in labor but Sarah immediately made us feel comfortable and cared for with her calming and loving vibes. After introducing herself, reassuring us, and evaluating our needs she went to work dimming lights, putting out battery operated candles, giving me peppermint oil to smell for nausea and helping me get into a more comfortable position utilizing the birth ball in the shower. Sarah supported my needs while ensuring my husband remained my main support person and helped guide him in ways he could support me when he wasn't sure what to do. Sarah helped with massage and repositioning throughout labor and helped us to communicate with our health care team ensuring our birth plan wishes were known by everyone. I had completely forgotten about wanting to use a mirror while pushing but Sarah secured one for us before I even remembered to ask. Sarah stayed to help us with skin to skin and our first breastfeeding experience providing lots of advice but also giving us space as a family to enjoy our baby boy and the experience of becoming new parents. The cherry on top was Sarah grabbing us some much needed bagels and coffee before leaving us to enjoy our beautiful little boy. I truly think Sarah was a huge part of me acheiving my wish to have a birth without an epidural and very few interventions and would 100% want Sarah at my next birth. Highly highly recommend her to anyone no matter their birth wishes.

Grace Koehler

4/23/2024

I truly believe that without Sarah my birth would have been way more challenging than it was and it would not have ended the way I wanted it to. We were matched with Sarah as part of The Birthing Center (TBC) on-call program, and it must have been divine intervention. Sarah's presence and energy was a calm, kind, and knowledgeable force in a chaotic birth. Although we had not interacted before my birth, I instantly felt her set the tone for our relationship. She was there to empower me. She knew exactly what was needed, she guided my husband in how to support and advocate for me and provided levity and laughter through it all.

Staying for my 30-hour birth and change of location from TBC to the Hospital. She listened to my tears about not having the natural birth experience I so deeply wanted and helped me to find the empowerment in the birth experience I did end up having. In both settings, Sarah seemed to know all the staff. This made me feel I was in good hands no matter what happened. I trusted Sarah's expertise when she recommended I try laboring in a different position to help the baby flip or help get rid of a lip. All of her recommendations were given in a way that empowered me to make choices about my body during a stressful situation. 

A few days later, Sarah came to my home and we reviewed my birth. She gave me some resources and encouraged me to take time to write down my birth and meet with my therapist to process the tougher moments. When I expressed some concerns about an experience I had at TBC, Sarah reached out to the owners and trusted midwife asking for a meeting between us to give me space to discuss. She helped me to find the courage to stand up for myself and I could not be more grateful.

I know for our next baby, we plan on hiring Sarah for that birth. She is an invaluable asset to any birthing experience.

Thank you Thank you Thank you Sarah!

Alyssa Reed

4/4/2024

Sarah was my rock during birth (and the countless times we talked and texted in the weeks and months before birth)! When I got pregnant, I knew I wanted a doula that would help advocate for what I wanted and help me navigate every thing before and during the birth. Sarah went above and beyond; more than I prayed for! She's the kindest and sweetest friend, but also knows literally everything to the millions of questions I had going into my first birth. My biggest concern was having a birth that I would feel pushed into things I knew I didn't want and navigating fear I had around birth. Sarah helped me immensely with both these things! She helped me decide what it was I really wanted and advocate for that every step of the way. She also walked me through letting go of so much fear both before labor and during as it came up. She thought ahead to any need I may have and supported my husband as well! He felt so covered by her the whole time! We literally can't imagine pregnancy and birth without her (and don't want to)! I hope she's there's with me through my next births as well! 

Mary Leverette

3/26/2024

Sarah is the best! She really takes time to get to know you, listen to your wants and supports you in the way that works best for you. With my first child, I had an epidural but my goal this time was to go without one. We went over ways to help work through contractions and breathing techniques. I called Sarah when my water broke and we decided to labor at home for a few hours before going to the hospital. I was only 3cm and the baby was still high so I was going to wait on telling Sarah to come but she showed up right as I was going to the L&D floor and I'm so glad she did! She knew I wanted to be able to move around so she made sure the nurse knew. She also talked to the nurse to see if I could be off of my IV so moving around was easier. I was allowed as long as I drank and was checked every couple of hours. Things picked up fast from there and the transitioning got rough. She talked me through every contraction when I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. I got to a point that I wanted something to help but not and epidural and she went over my options with me. I went to get checked before receiving anything and it was time to push. It happened so quickly that only 1 nurse was in there but Sarah was ready to assist if needed. Luckily for her, a few more nurses and the midwife made it into the room before the baby got here. She stayed with us for a little bit after and then checked in the next day. My mom wanted to be there but didn't end up making it in time but felt comfortable knowing Sarah was there. My husband wasn't really sold on the idea of a doula but went along with it for me. He has don't nothing but sung her praises and recommends her 100%. I love telling my birth story and my experience and Sarah was a big part of that.

Shaina Wharton

3/25/2024

I worked with Sarah for the birth of my first baby, my February 2024 sweet boy. Sarah was fantastic to work with from start to finish. I always felt super comforted and nurtured during our home visits prior to birth, and very supported in my hopes and desires for my birth experience. She was always available to answer questions and hop on the phone with me whenever I felt uneasy or unsure about anything throughout my pregnancy. The day of my birth, she was such an important part of me feeling comfortable and safe during the whole process, knowing that she was so well experienced and that she knew what I was hoping for as part of my birth experience. I can't imagine not having Sarah through pregnancy and birth, and am so happy that I found her and would recommend her to everyone!

Casey Hagy

3/23/2024

It’s hard to put into words how incredible Sarah is and how crucial she was to our pregnancy and birth experience. Having a friend/doula we could turn to for advice during pregnancy was a blessing. Because of Sarah we felt prepared and empowered to bring our little girl into the world. Our prenatal meetings were amazing. The moves/stretches she taught us prepared my body, and the knowledge/encouragement she provided prepared my mind. When my water broke, things happened FAST! I got to the hospital 9cm dilated and the baby was in my arms less than 2 hours later. The doctor and Sarah made it right before I started pushing! I kept my eyes closed almost the entire time, but when my husband told me Sarah had made it, I opened my eyes and felt so happy. She was a calm, encouraging, steady presence in the room. She helped me work on my breathing and positions. She captured AMAZING pictures that I will cherish forever. She came to the recovery room and helped me try to figure out breastfeeding. I was overwhelmed and shocked at how fast it all happened. She stayed and comforted me as long as I needed. Sarah’s postpartum visit was incredibly helpful. She stayed at our house for 5 hours while I basically cried the whole time. I was sleep deprived, struggling with breastfeeding, and dealing with postpartum depression. She helped me with basic tasks that felt impossible - learning how to use baby carriers, calling my insurance company, and she encouraged me to get the help I needed from a lactation consultant. I am forever grateful for her guidance - I believe it saved our breastfeeding journey! It’s funny how a complete stranger turned into one of the most special people in our lives. Sarah prepared us to meet our baby girl, helped bring our baby girl into the world, and helped me after to get the support I needed. I love her so much and am thankful she will always be a part of our amazing birth story.

Christina Wroten

10/20/2023

I always knew I wanted a doula as a part of my birth team. As someone who grew up playing lots of sports, I figured I had a coach for most of my life, why wouldn't I have one for one of the biggest efforts I was going to ask of my body? I feel so blessed to have found Sarah to be not just a coach and support in this process but a friend. Sarah's calm spirit coupled with her expansive knowledge and clear communication made it easy for me to relax my mind both prior and during my birth. My husband was able to focus on me and our baby knowing Sarah was there to handle everything else. She also was a huge comfort to my husband during this process as this was our first child and first birth. They worked together as a team to support me and our baby. I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience with Sarah by my side. 

Jill

9/27/2023

It was difficult for my husband and I to imagine what the birth of our first child would be like, even after all the birth classes and hearing the birth stories of friends and family.  Our first appointment with Sarah gave us a lot of good information to look into and prepare as much as we could both physically and mentally.  Although we never had the benefit of having our second prenatal visit with Sarah due to our baby making his way into the world a little earlier than expected, the birth of our son was incredible and it truly couldn't have gone better.  Sarah was there for us with questions throughout the pregnany as well when we needed her the most, in the middle of the night when I went into labor.  Just having Sarah with us as a familiar face, reminding us of what we had talked about at our initial meeting was very calming.  The ways she kept me as comfortable as possible during the labor and delivery, as well as guiding my husband in ways to help, all the way to the happy chaos and immediate postpartum care after our son was born...it was all so special.  Of course we can't imagine going through pregnancy and birth without Sarah there-and I'm glad we don't have to!  Our son's birth story is one that has already been told many times over and was truly a wonderful experience.  

Jenny C

9/26/2023

Sarah was pivotal in the birth of my son. She was there emotionally for me and someone I fully trusted and could lean on in any moment. She listened to my concerns and guided me with a full heart through my birth.  Any time I needed a massage she was there to provide me some relief. She encouraged me beautifully through labor and guided my through the painful moments. There were times I felt like I couldn't do it and Sarah was there with calm words and patience. Her knowledge made me feel supported and her kindness helped ground me. It takes a lot of creativity to labor and Sarah helped me find new positions and try different techniques to relax my body. It was a long night and Sarah was there for every minute of it. I'm so grateful she was there for me and my son. It was such a blessing. I truly felt heard and understood by her during birth and as we connected after. Thank you, Sarah. ????

Cassidy

9/20/2023

Sarah, our Doula, transformed our first childbirth experience into an unforgettable and magical moment. We hadn't initially planned on having a doula, but our decision to reach out to Sarah just two weeks before giving birth was a choice we're eternally grateful for. From our initial conversation with Sarah, her professionalism and wealth of knowledge were evident. Her vast experience in the realm of childbirth reassured us, and her calming presence became a beacon of hope in a sea of nerves and anxieties. Sarah swiftly transitioned from a stranger to a cherished member of our family and an indispensable part of our team as we moved into Labor and Delivery.

Sarah seamlessly embraced the role of our advocate. She wholeheartedly supported our birth plan, ensuring that our voices were heard amidst the whirlwind of labor and childbirth. Her calm demeanor and informed guidance kept everyone informed and tranquil throughout the entire birth process. She empowered me to navigate one of the most challenging yet profoundly rewarding moments of my life with grace and self-assuredness.

In retrospect, having Sarah as our Doula was a life-altering decision, one we'll cherish forever. Her professionalism, unwavering support, and advocacy were invaluable during those transformative hours in the labor room. If you're seeking a doula to guide you through the remarkable journey of pregnancy and childbirth, we cannot recommend Sarah enough. Her presence will instill the confidence you need to triumph over the challenges and savor the incredible rewards of bringing a new life into this world. Sarah, you are a gift to all new parents, and we are eternally grateful for your presence in our lives and for our precious new baby girl.

Danielle McCarty

9/15/2023

Having Sarah to support my husband and I during our first pregnancy and delivery made our experience memorial and beautiful. She not only supported us during delivery but supported me during pregnancy and met with us months before our babies "birth day." She supported me with the emotional aspect of pregnancy. She helped me feel confident as a woman and confident with my body that I was capable to do it. She was honestly the greatest support I could have ever imagined. We ended up transfering from the birth center to the hospital because I was exhausted and my labor was not progressing like I had hoped. Having her through the process eased my mind as this was not how I envisioned my birth to go. Having her wisdom and knowledge through the whole process made an incredible difference. I could go on and on but I do believe that everyone deserves to have a Sarah to support them during their pregnancy and delivery! I can look back at the entire process and have such a positive memory and I have to owe most of that to Sarah. If God ever blesses us with another child I know I could not imagine anyone else being by our side!

Inez

9/11/2023

Sarah made us realize why you need a doula. She is a mother, sister, friend and confidant, all wrapped up in one. There at the right moments to lend a hand and guide you and your significant other through pregnancy, labor, birth and more. If you want a kind sweet soul to give you the confidence that "you got this momma," then you've found your match with Sarah. We tell everyone how amazing our experience was with her and recommend a doula to any potential preggers out there haha. 

Allison Wong

9/10/2023

Hiring Sarah as my doula was the best decision I ever made in my pregnancy. She was amazing from the very first contraction in the morning to regular check-ins, calls, and texts throughout the afternoon.  Once things were getting pretty intense in the evening, she met me right away at the Birth Center, and supported me through the entire labor. I took all her suggestions and they helped immensely. I would have been completely lost without her. She convinced me to get into the shower which felt amazing, and was there by my side with each contraction. Time felt so long but she was always there giving me pep talks and making me laugh! Then it was time to get into the tub and have the baby! Afterwards, she helped me shower and change, and was there all night and into the morning to make sure I was comfortable. This was my first baby, and if I have another I will definitely be using her again! Her knowledge, compassion, and calming energy were invaluable. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

Melissa Shaw

11/3/2022

Sarah is an incredibly special person and one amazing doula.  I knew we were in good hands from the first messages we exchanged, and 8+ months later she is still in my life and showing support and love towards my family.  She took the time to learn how my partner and I worked together & supported eachother, and also learned what I needed to prepare for labor (which was lots of data, resources, and things to practice).  The actual day of our daughter's birth honestly feels like a beautiful dream.  Sarah was there supporting us every step of the way during my 22+ hour labor.  She helped me find positions that worked, was an amazing partner for us with the nurses and midwife (I had a hospital birth), brought essential oils and little tea lights to set a relaxing mood, and kept me in such a positive, empowered, and strong head space.  She also helped my partner immensely by offering him guidance, support, and breaks so he could rest.  She stayed after our daughter was born as well to ensure we were okay and had what we needed.  When she came to visit us at home 5 days postpartum I openly wept in her arms when she hugged me <3.  We spent some time talking through our daughters birth-day and it was such a beautiful way to process our emotions from that day for both my partner and I.  I will never forget our special time with Sarah!  OH, and the pictures and videos she took are just the icing on the cake... she of course asked our permission first, but they are so beautiful and special to look back on and we wouldn't have them without her.  We love you, Sarah!

Liz

10/13/2022

Words can’t even come close to describing how incredibly valuable our Doula Sarah’s support was, during our journey to birthing our first born baby. From the moment we had our meet and greet, I just knew I needed Sarah in my corner. As a first time Mama, I had so much anxiety about the birthing process and she had a way of quieting my fears. Sarah has the most calming and reassuring spirit. Not to mention, a wealth of knowledge on all things birth. Because of Sarah’s support and guidance throughout my pregnancy and during labor, I was able to have the most beautiful, glorious, un-medicated birth I wanted and prayed for.

My husband and I are currently planning for baby #2, and we absolutely (even the second time around) wouldn’t think twice about having Sarah walk with us again. She is a treasure, and we are beyond grateful for her!

Karen

9/6/2022

Sarah is much more than a doula.  She is so supportive and worked with myself and my husband to prepare before the baby was born, at the hospital and after he arrived.  This was a successful VBAC for me and I appreciated her help so much.  She recommended great books and online resources in addition to meeting with us in person.  She went above and beyond being a doula and took the most beautiful photos during my birth that I will cherish forever.  

Jill

9/1/2022

Rockstar.

That’s the first word I think of when I think of Sarah as my doula (for both of my births).

From the moment we interviewed her we knew she was the one for us. She has a comforting presence that reassures you in the most vulnerable moments and is very intuitive in the moment. She has a way about her that she just gives you the look, like she’s known you a decade, and you know she’s got you and can anticipate your needs. I never felt judged or pressured by anything she said or did. I always felt listened to and respected (as did my husband too!). She truly advocates for you and your baby. Back to the rockstar part. I was in labor with my oldest for 5 days and ended up having a Christmas baby. Sarah was there with me the entire journey and never made me feel like a burden or like I couldn’t do it. Fast forward to being transferred from a birth center to the hospital she advocated for me when I wasn’t able to as well as I could and reassured me along the way. Fast forward to 3 months postpartum when I found out I was expecting again, I knew Sarah had to be a part of it. She was there my entire pregnancy journey reassuring me “you got this” the second time around and it would be a completely different experience. It was. Baby #2 arrived 13 minutes after arriving to the birth center. For such a private and intimate moment I can’t imagine our births not including Sarah. It never felt awkward or intrusive with her there. It still felt like my husband was a participating member of my birth, it just helped immensely to have someone guide you through it who has been through it before. I know I did all the physical work, but she truly has a way of helping you dig deep and believe in yourself during labor and delivery with such a calm presence. I’m also happy and humbled to call her a friend almost two years after my first birth.

Ravneet Lamva

8/26/2022

Sarah 

what do I say, I had no one when she was there! I think she was god sent, so I was assigned to another doula and lucky me my delivery went on for so long that there was a shift change and I got Sarah! Omg I feel so so lucky to have her. She was perfect, I didn't get a doula for me! Lol I got it for my husband so he could be calm so I could be calm and she did exactly that, she gave him space and time to sleep and to be patient she gave me a lavender oil massage and loved me like my very own elder sister. I didn't have my mom or anyone to understand what was happening and I had Sarah! If I do it again she will be right by my side ???? Love you 

Kirstie

8/25/2022

We loved having Sarah by our side on our journey to meeting our little man. Sarah really took her time getting to know us and investing in our wants and needs in preparation for our hospital birth, as well as equipped us with phenomenal tools to support my body in labor. She helped us feel empowered to make informed decisions throughout our experience and worked really well alongside our doctors and nurses who were there to support us. It was a joy and a pleasure to have Sarah on our team!

Kim

8/25/2022

Sarah was my doula 3 years ago. My planned doula had an emergency so she sent sarah in her place, and it turned out so meant to be. Sarah was just amazing. She came with essential oils for me to pick from, and told me and my husband what to do, but when his deodorant made me nauseous she took over in his place. I got in the jacuzzi tub after a few hours, which saved me btw, and she kept encouraging me not to give up which helps so much. She took photos the whole time which I appreciate because I did not even think of that because I was not in the right state of mind. So if it was not for her taking photos I wouldn't have any at all. After I finally pushed out my daughter she stayed with me afterwards to make sure I was OK. She even checked on me afterwards multiple times to see how I was doing. The care I received from a complete stranger was an absolute godsend. I really felt like she must be an angel who was sent to assist me in my time of need. She is very caring and compassionate and just a lovely person. So if you are unsure about who to use I would highly recommend her because I had a great experience from beginning to end and even afterwards.

Julia

8/25/2022

Compassionate, kind, warm, knowledgeable, down-to-earth, supportive, encouraging, and a million other fantastic qualities. Sarah is your biggest asset when it comes to planning your birth team. She is such a wealth of knowledge and a kind soul. It's like we had known each other for years when we had actually met twice before birth. Her presence is grounding and comforting. She was my rock during an unexpected c-section and all of the decisions that came with it. And held my hand and my aching heart in the weeks after. Do not hesitate, Sarah is an angel on earth and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. 

Katy

8/25/2022

Sarah made our sons birth so special by being there, educating us beforehand, and supporting us afterward. We enjoyed our visits getting to know each other, as is her approach to learn how she could best support us during birth. We texted Sarah when labor began because we found it came on very suddenly that it was time to go to the hospital. Sarah helped us make those important decisions as an independent and educated party, knowing we wanted to stay home as long as possible but that things were intensifying quickly. As our birth plan changed, Sarah continued to add value to our experience making us feel extremely comfortable and working with our doctor by taking instructions and streamlining communication throughout the room. Sarah was a ray of sunshine in our difficult moments and knows exactly when to fade into the background and when not to. Sarah also captured our most special moments in beautiful photos during our birth, which was a really wonderful unexpected surprise. She helped us get started with breastfeeding and supported us during those moments after birth when things are confusing. She checked on us frequently after birth via text and visited after a few days. Our family believes our smooth birth was the result of a wonderful team working together beautifully, in no small part due to Sarah's role. We would recommend her to anyone preparing for birth with any birth plan. Because of Sarah, we felt prepared and ready to accept the uncertain path ahead as it unfolded. Thank you, Sarah! 

Sarah Denison

8/25/2022

There isn't a single time I think about my birth experience without reflecting on how wonderful Sarah is. She is so good at meeting people where they are and she brought incredible knowledge and experience to every session we had with her as we prepared for my induction birth. She dug into the things that were important and interesing to me. She was a calming, rational presence and she encouraged and empowewerd me when I needed to advocate for myself. Dads have hard days too, and she was always there for my husband when he felt scared or worried. We were so prepared because of Sarah's guidance. When we talk to other pregnant people about our experience with Sarah, we often joke that we weren't sure who she supported more. Thinking back to all the things that happened during those hours of labor and the moment we met our baby, I am more certain than ever that Sarah's guidance and presence ensured our positive experience. She's forever a part of our family story. Hiring a doula is a must and Sarah should be at the top of your list.

Sarah Rakes

8/25/2022

Deciding to work with Sarah for my 5th birth was the best choice I could have made for a positive experience. I had the most support possible. She helped to plan, set boundaries and process events as they happened.  1000/10 would recommend,  and frequently do.