A.N.

11/22/2024

Although I was late in my pregnancy Shannon was more than welcoming to take me in her care. From the first moment she entered our home she was warm, kind and gentle and instilled a high level of trust and confidence. She was so patient and thoughtful with us as we discussed our previous experiences and difficulties with birth. She connected with us instantly and made us feel extremely supported along the way. During my pregnancy if I needed help or had a question Shannon was always available to give advice and provide research-based information. The prenatal meetings and excellent in-home prenatal education made us feel prepared for our first natural birth. She addressed all my fears and really helped me to feel confident and supported guiding me and my partner through labor comfort techniques. She reminded me that womens bodies were designed to do this and reassured me that I can do this.

During labor Shannon was available right away when I needed her. She helped me during my contractions at home as my husband was getting ready to go. She was my advocate and a huge help in the delivery room. She was the best emotional and physical support we could’ve asked for. She was encouraging and helped me focus my energy and seemed to know exactly what I needed and when. She reminded me to seek help and call upon Allah with His beautiful names. Her voice, words, & touch were more comforting than I can express and helped keep the atmosphere calm, nurturing, and peaceful. Her non judgmental and supportive presence/assistance helped us feel more relaxed during the experience. I appreciate the extra time and attention she gave me and my baby after the birth. My husband and I will be forever grateful for her presence. We highly, highly recommend her!

Fariha

11/20/2024

I had an emergency c section with my first child and was aiming for a VBAC. I feel that my nerves were calm and I was successful in my goal because of the information and coping mechanisms I learned with Shannon. Having Shannon with me during labor and delivery felt like having all the additional support you could need during childbirth. She was able to explain things to my husband and sister so they were in the loop of all the information while I was focusing on myself. She guided my husband to massage me during contractions and was very motivating to both of us. It felt like someone was speaking and taking care of things I normally would microfocus on.

Ali

10/17/2024

Words can't express how valuable and calming it was to have Shannon with us during the delivery of our baby boy! From the first conversation she had with my wife, the anxieties of the unknown lessened immediately! Her knowledge and know how for every step, including the small things we never thought of, were very helpful in making sure we knew what we wanted and were able to have someone in the room advocating and watching out for our needs. Shannon was super attentive to my wife's needs during labor, providing her with massages, creams/ointments, anything she could need to make my wife a bit more comfortable. Her relationship with the medical staff proved valuable as well and helped create an overall welcoming environment. Since the birth, we have been telling everyone about getting a doula and especially using Shannon's services.

Her islamic knowledge of sunnahs was very helpful as well. The birth can ofcourse be very chaotic, but she was there guiding me based on everything we spoke about incase I forgot anything in the heat of the moment, providing dates as well.

I cannot recommend her enough! 

Hajar Zaki

10/2/2024

Having Shannon for my delivery was an absolute blessing. She helped prep my husband and I for a natural birth (epidural as a back up). She was extremely supportive in my birthing process. While I wasn't on epidural, Shannon did a great a job easing my pain and keeping the room calm. And halfway through when I requested the epidural, she continued being super supportive of my choice and was great at helping me navigate my emotions. I can't say how helpful it was having Shannon as my doula and being my advocate. 

Mona

9/11/2024

Shannon was an amazing support throughout my pregnancy and natural birth at the Birth Center.

It was my second Birth there, but having her support truly elevated my experience. Having a birth team you can trust and rely on during your labor makes it a very beautiful birth. Shannon was the perfect addition to my birth team. Her presence and warmth was comforting  and enriching. Shannon was attuned and present throughout the entire experience and offered comfort and expertise that helped make this a beautiful and memorable birth. She was prepared and gave me all the tools I needed to make it through the unmediated birth. She reminded me of my mantra, gave counter pressure and massages, just to name a few things that helped me. I needed some more support after my birth and Shannon stayed and helped me find comfort.  The after birth visit was beautiful

A big plus was her knowledge of Islamic values and traditions. She kept reminding me of the gift this birth was and how sacred this moment was . Anyone pregnant and looking for support, Shannon is definitely someone I would recommend to anyone who is pregnant. 

Saadia Qureshi

9/3/2024

Shannon is amazing! She met me at a coffee shop to prep for my first appointment with my midwife. Her knowledge in L&D and Islamic principles surrounding birth are unmatched. I started experiencing intense itchiness at week 34, which was indicative of cholestasis, a condition where bile acid levels are highly elevated. Moms with cholestasis have a higher risk of delivering a stillborn and need to be induced by 37 weeks. On Aug 6, I started having contractions. Around 7 am, my husband drove me to Bolingbrook Hospital. Shannon met us at the hospital, where we were seated outside of L&D because there were no available rooms. When we were finally taken, an on staff doctor said my contractions weren't registering and I was being discharged. As I had an ultrasound scheduled with MFM next door, we went to meet with the doctor while Shannon waited for us. The MFM doctor was very concerned about the cholestasis and recommended we go back to L&D to be admitted for an induction. Shannon accompanied us back and stayed until a room became available. She set up the room with flowers and candles, and hooked up my tens machine to alleviate early contraction pain. Our midwife was supposed to come by 7 pm, but didn't arrive until after midnight.  Shannon helped me labor in the shower and hospital bed, applying counter pressure and essential oils as needed. She advocated for me to have ptocin reduced from 4 units to 1. Upon my insistence, a bolus bag was started for epidural, but I never got it. Shortly after 10 am, I started pushing and our surprise baby girl was born at 10:19 am after only 3 pushes! Shannon and a nurse delivered the baby, as the midwife was next door delivering another baby. We have since used Shannon's help postpartum for vaginal steaming and belly binding.  Shannon's help and presence throughout my pregnancy and baby's birth have been a wonderful blessing.  We are so happy we chose to hire her as our birth and postpartum doula??

Sakina Choudhry

8/3/2024

I'm 6 months postpartum and now when I look back I can't even imagine the birth of my son without Shannon being there. My husband and I loved working with Shannon. She was truly a blessing from God. We contacted her when I was in my third trimester because we weren't sure after going through ivf and spending so much money that we wanted to spend more on a doula. But let me just say SHE WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. If God blesses with another baby I already know I'm getting Shannon again as my doula. 

When our son decided to surprise us and make an entrance 4 weeks before his due date I remember texting Shannon and saying it's time and she called me right away asking how I'm doing and what can she do. She was at the hospital within half an hour of me reaching the hospital. As soon as I saw her I felt so calm and I knew everything will be ok. Shannon not only brought snacks for me but also got me flowers and changed the whole vibe of my delivery room. She lit candles and played surahs and guided me every step of the way. Since it was my first pregnancy and IVF pregnancy I was so worried and clueless at the same time. Shannon knew what to ask the nurses and doctor to get me the best care possible. She stayed by my side the whole time and gave my husband and I our personal space when needed. When I was getting epidural I was so tensed and in pain I remember hearing Shannon voice in the background telling me to breath and instantly I took a deep breath and felt relaxed. She really is a miracle worker. 

I also asked Shannon to be my postpartum doula because she had so much wisdom to share. She helped me give the baby his first bathe and helped me heal through different type of massages. My family and I are so thankful for her. Words just can not do justice to what she has done for my family. I recommend Shannon to everyone who is looking for an amazing, loving, and caring doula.

Naima

8/3/2024

Shannon was amazing to work with. As a first-time mom, I appreciated all the time she spent teaching me what to expect before the birth. She was always there to answer my questions and give helpful advice. During my labor, I had an epidural, and Shannon was able to help me into various in-bed birthing positions, ensuring my comfort and progress. Her support extended beyond me; she was able to guide and support my family and husband, making the entire experience smoother and more positive for all of us.

Ilmire Orhun

7/6/2024

I had an unmedicated birth with my second daughter!

I am so happy every time when I think about I had a natural birth with my second baby. And it is impossible without Shannon's help. 

we met while I was five month pregnant. And I knew she was the one I was looking for to be my doula. She is kind, caring, well educated on all aspects of child birth. Most importantly, she made me truly accept that giving birth is the most natural thing that happens to a women. I believed in her, I trusted she will help me to give birth naturally. And, yes, she did it! We did it!!! 

I had epidural with my first born, and since I know I was pregnant, I decided that I'll use epidural for birth. Because I "know" it is impossible for me to bear the pain. This was deeply rooted in my mind that nothing else is more painful than giving birth. It is the most hardest and risky thing to happen to a women. However, with Shannon's help, her convincing words and profound materials transitioned my mind to actually see the birth as an amazing experience for a women, and she is fully capable of doing it. That's how Allah created her body to do it! 

I know without trust and reliability, a person like me is not going to 180 flip her mind to plan for a natural birth. Shannon has that skill, she made me feel safe with her, to rely on her professionalism to achieve a natural birth.

My second birth was fast. I didn't have a long period of contraction before giving birth. But still, the mindset I was able to have after meeting Shannon helped me stick with my plan, to not give up and enjoy the process! Without a correct mindset, I would have asked for medication to ease my pain. 

thank you Shannon! You are an amazing doula one could have. I wish all the best of luck for your career:)

Maha Z

5/31/2024

I reached out to Shannon just a few weeks before my due date, feeling incredibly fearful about giving birth in a hospital. My current OB was resistant to an unmedicated birth, and I desperately needed someone to advocate for me if I couldn't do it myself. Shannon went above and beyond, securing a hospital that would accommodate the birth I wanted. From the moment my labor started, she was there, guiding me through every stage. Even when I thought I couldn't do it, her words of encouragement kept me going. I feel truly blessed to have had her by my side. I honestly couldn't have done it without her.

Irfan Choudhry

2/21/2024

My wife introduced me to Shannon. Learning that she was a Muslim doula gave me the confidence that she would understand our values. I then talked to Shannon myself to express my hesitations and our expectations. She listened and acknowledged what we wanted from the birthing process. She explained what she does, seeking our input and helping us feel comfortable with her service. We then met for our 1st official meeting where she proposed a birth plan, including our wishes and desires on how we would like to approach the birth.  My wife went into early labor within a few days. I had just gotten home from my overnight shift at the hospital and couldn’t make it to the hospital. Shannon was by my wife’s side in no time. When I showed up I was met with a soothing melody of Quranic verses playing on the portable speaker next to my wife’s bed. The lights were dim and flowers were abundant. It seemed like Shannon had manifested a soothing experience in the hospital room! I met Shannon by my wife’s side helping her use the birth and peanut balls in the room. She massaged her back and walked with her to and from the bathroom. My wife had a strong contraction while in the bathroom and Shannon was there helping her through it. She advocated for us when the doctors were making haste decisions and made sure that we understood what was happening so that we could make informed decisions. Even as a physician, I was not in the right head space at the time to think clearly but Shannon made sure we understood what was happening. After the delivery, she stayed for a while to help my wife with the latching process and to provide us with some much needed comfort. When she left I realized how much of a helping hand Shannon had been to us. Absolutely worth every penny. Not only did her calm demeanor keep us from getting overwhelmed, her soothing touch towards my wife put her at ease throughout the whole process as well. Will book her for our next delivery!

Salma jabri

12/22/2023

Shanonn has been such a blessing in my journey in pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post pardum. From the moment we met I felt comfortable and spiritually connected to her. She was the main reason I had a positive labor and delivery experience. She helped me prepare before birth with her birth education sessions.  When my contractions started she helped coach me and made my laboring experience as relaxing as possible.  during my contractions she was with me the whole time paying attention to what I need without me asking her. The tools and services she offers were very helpful in my recovery and mental state after my delivery. 
thank you so much Shannon we are forever grateful for you!

-salma

Sabrina Khan Jones

11/29/2023

I met Shannon at a religious centered event while late in my third trimester about 6 weeks from my date of delivery. I was so excited to meet a double who was so knowledgeable and also came from the same religious background as me. I enlisted her care and she was amazing enough to take me on as a client even though she lived two and half hours away.

I cannot express in words how critical she was to the successful delivery of my son on my terms. She offered me mental, physical and emotional support throughout the time that we worked together and especially during my delivery.

I had a very prolonged induction and Shannon supported me every step of the way. She sacrificed extensive time away from her family during the time that I was in the hospital and brought such a calming atmosphere to my L and D experience. 

She is a person who will stand by you and do everything she can to support you and the wishes you have for your birth. Enlist her services and you certainly will not be disappointed. She is a beautiful soul inside and out and was made for this work. 

Jasmine Abdullh

8/4/2023

I could not be more grateful for Shannon. I found her at the end of my pregnancy and she was extremely helpful. She came to my house to provide beneficial information to get me ready for my labor and I was able to text her and call her even while she was on vacation! She was always so happy to answer all of my questions and go above and beyond with her advice and recommendations. Even though I had a tough and long labor, I am so thankful I had Shannon along the way to guide me. 

Cassie Jamal

8/3/2023

Shannon was my doula for my fifth baby. She is a peaceful person, very sweet and calm, which helped me remain relaxed throughout my labor and delivery. She came right away when I asked her to be with me for the beginning of my induction. Shannon used comfort measures that allowed me to delay the epidural until the end stage. During each contraction she massaged or gave counter pressure, which I never experienced with any of my other labors. It was incredibly helpful. When it was time for me to get the epidural, I became very nervous. I asked her to say a prayer for me and she did. Shannon reminded me of my progress and to breathe in and out when pushing. She supported me until the baby was born and we were settled. I highly recommend her if you’re looking for a doula. 

Namrah Mirza-Haq

7/31/2023

Shannon was an immense source of support and knowledge throughout my pregnancy and especially during labor and delivery. I engaged Shannon for her doula services after having a traumatic first birth experience and wanting my second labor and delivery to go differently. Despite having given birth before and my husband having clinical experience in L&D wards, Shannon proved to be a source of immense knowledge about the birthing process and options for care after delivery  through an islamic lens. She informed us of the many options we had while at the hospital that we could utilize both during labor for myself and the baby, with this knowledge in hand, Shannon helped us formulate a birth plan that encompassed different scenarios. Shannon proved to be a steadying presence during labor for both myself and my husband, it was helpful for him to have a knowledgable, unbiased person there to discuss the options our care team provided us with when my labor took an unexpected turn, and to help him implement the preferences we had discussed in our birth plan when things got hectic. 

Shannon was especially helpful when I was in early labor, showing me different positions and poses to do that can help put baby in an optimal position for birth and helping me to decode some of the signs and symptoms I was seeing in early labor. I especially appreciated the comfort measures Shannon used during active labor such as massage, essential oils and dhikr, this helped me reach my goal of getting an epidural as late as possible and helping labor progress naturally. After the baby was born, her postpartum visit was a wonderful way to process the birth events and her detailed account of my pre-labor, early labor and active labor phases is a keepsake for my husband and I to remember with clarity the events that unfolded that brought our son into the world. I felt supported, validated and cared for every step of the way with Shannon.

Ahanth Vedantham

7/5/2023

For whom It may Concern,

My name is Ahanth Vedantham, and as a first time father going through the birth experience, there is alot to say. A lot to say about the expericne itself and alot to say about our Doula, Shannon Costa, who was there with us throughout the whole experience. I did not realize how mant small things along the way I had to worry about. The best analogy I can use is a wedding planner. The couple focuses on the wedding while the wedding planner takes care of all the other stuff to make the process as stress free as possible. And that is exactly what Shannon did. From the labor exercises and emotional support to shuttling family members to and from the hospital, she as a doula made it just about focusing on the beautiful experience of birth. 

In addition, Shannon has helped me from the perspective of a fellow Muslim. From the islamic perspective, every experience and process in life is a gateway to get closer to God and an opportunity in extracting the wisdom and progressing as individuals. An Islamic scholar once said, your Lord is one who takes you from immaturity to maturity according to your own specific design. Relating every part of the birthing experience back to this islamic paradigm is important for me and my wife, and having a muslim doula who is just as conscious of this paradigm was paramount to this whole endeavor. And was paramount to me growing as a man. 

As a man in this scenario, my whole objective was to make the process as easy for my wife as possible. Shannon was there with me every step of the way, informing me how I could be more helpful, and how to know what to do and when to do it. As a first time father, I reccomend not only every couple to have a doula, but to have Shannon as a Doula specifically, as she was a priceless assett. We are forever grateful for her. 

Huini Wu

6/16/2023

I had the privilege of having Shannon as my postpartum doula after the birth of my child, and I can't emphasize enough how essential her support was during those early weeks. 

She not only provided physical assistance but also offered emotional support, lactation guidance, and encouragement during a time when we felt overwhelmed and stressed. She had a wealth of information about newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery. She even made us a meal for my better recovery! My husband surely appreciated that as well. She tailored her support to meet our unique needs and preferences, respecting our parenting choices without imposing her own. 

To any new parents considering hiring a postpartum doula, I wholeheartedly recommend making this investment in your family's well-being. The invaluable support, knowledge, and compassion provided by a postpartum doula are truly life-changing. 

Nodirbek Roziev

6/15/2023

She was Doula for my wife, as husband of pregnant wife  i would say she made my life easy. She did everything for us not as doula but as a 1 of our family member . We really happy to know her. 

Nurkhon Zokirova

6/15/2023

I didn't have any support here in this country. I can't imagine what I would have done without Shannon. I didn't have have insurance, she helped me apply and choose a plan, she found me a midwife and a good hospital. She attened apppitments with me and helped me write a birth plan. Allah gave Sakina to my heart because of Shannon. My husband was also so grateful to Shannon and all her support. She visted me many times, bringing helpful tools such as a birth ball, steaming chiar, and herbal tea. When I was in labor Shannon took me to the hospital, she prepared her car for an emergency birth. We almost didn't make it, she calmly coached me through contractions in the car when I felt like pushing. When we arrived at the hospital I was rushed to a room and was told it was time to push. I felt exhaused but Shannon motovated me and held my leg. Alhamdulillah my son was born healthy. Shannon stayed with me overnight, as my husband had to stay home with out daughter. She changed my baby's diapers and had the lactation consultant come help me with breastfeeding. She's visted me several times postpartum helping me with bellybinding and steaming. She did little things that made a huge differnece such as bringing homemade cookies and a card. In my country husbands don't attend the birth and that is normal. Shannon helped me in ways that only a Muslim woman can. Choosing Shannon to attend your birth will be one of the best decisions of your life inshAllah. 

Egypt

6/14/2023

My experience having Shannon as my doula for my home birth was delightful and nurturing. During labor her warm spirit shone through. She provided me helpful positions, breathing techniques, massage and mindset shifts that supported my process. She was supportive during my immediate post partum period offering me healing wisdom, and techniques such as the Reboso massage and Closing of the bones techniques. These helped me to realign my body, and provided more tools to add to my self care arsenal after birth. She has a gentle understanding, and open nature. That invites a peace and warmth to the birthing experience. I would advice every women to have a doula in the birth and/or post partum period. Whether at a hospital, birth center or at home. Shannon's professional and personal experience as a mother, bring an element of depth and holds space for new mothers to show up authentically. You won't regret having Shannon as your doula. 

Egypt