Chelsie Howard

1/20/2026

There's not enough wonderful words to describe the support, care, and work from Shelby. The moment I decided to use Shelby as my doula I knew I was in the best possible care. During my pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum she was by far the most incredible human to have on my medical team. She's super knowledgeable, supportive of my choices, and caring even when things went awry. She was able to walk me through some of the toughest moments of my journey with such care and grace. She was the advocate I needed during moments, she was the hand to hold at the wee hours of the morning, and such a blessing throughout. I was able to have the birth story I wanted because of how she was able to help me. She eased the transition into this new stage of my life by helping with the meal prepping, answering any and all questions, and her in home visits. She was able to instill this quiet strength into me through those visits that was so fortifying and for that Shelby and her services are worth their weight in gold.   

Brittany Horn

12/24/2025

Finding Shelby when I was seven months pregnant, newly relocated from Massachusetts to Missouri, and preparing to give birth for the first time felt nothing short of providential. Moving so late in pregnancy brought so many unknowns, and without family nearby, I needed someone I could truly lean on. From the moment we connected, Shelby met me with warmth, kindness, and a calming presence that immediately eased my anxieties. She not only supported me emotionally, but also educated and empowered me, helping replace fear with confidence every step of the way.

During my 18-hour labor, including more than three hours of pushing, Shelby was by my side the entire time. Her expertise was indispensable. She guided me through each stage of labor with calm confidence, helping me move through it with far more ease than I thought possible. When exhaustion started to take hold and I began to falter, Shelby knew exactly how to motivate and encourage me to keep going. Her steady support, reassurance, and belief in me were a huge part of why I was able to achieve the unmedicated birth I had hoped and dreamed of.

Shelby has an incredible ability to balance deep knowledge and professionalism with a fun, light, and playful energy that truly matters during such an intense experience. She knew when to ground me and when to lighten the mood, which made all the difference. I cannot imagine my birth experience without her, and I am endlessly grateful for the role she played during one of the most transformative moments of my life.

Amanda F

12/16/2025

There aren’t enough stars to give Shelby! She was truly amazing and an integral part of our journey towards our successful VBAC! She is kind and caring and extremely supportive! She answered every question with quick responses and helpful information/tips! We loved having her to guide and support us in whatever way we needed. She pushed me to places I didn't know I could go and when plans changed she was our number one cheerleader to keep going! My VBAC success was possible because of Shelby and her support! From the moment she arrived she brought calm vibes and set up an amazing environment for us to welcome our baby girl. My only regret is not having her at our first birth! If you want a doula whose main goal is the birth you want, Shelby is your gal! She truly made a difference and we are forever grateful for her!

Mandy Medina

11/14/2025

Immediately after meeting Shelby and deciding to have her as our doula, my husband and I felt so much peace. She was the perfect choice because of her joy and positive attitude, her wisdom and her calm and peaceful spirit. 

Our visits during the pregnancy were so much fun and informative we were given tools  to achieve the end goal we wanted.

During labor, things took a rough turn and she helped us make the best decision for baby and I while also keeping in mind my desires for an unmedicated birth, which we were able to achieve! She was supportive physically, emotionally, and we can’t imagine how differently it would have gone without her. After delivery she’s stuck around and helped with breast-feeding. I loved getting to see her my post partum visit. She cared how the whole family was doing and helped again with Brest feeding and gave us tips and information that were so transformative! We truly felt cared for and supported during this whole journey. Shelby is someone you want on your side and on your birth team! 

Bailey Makowski

11/3/2025

Shelby is a wonderful human and doula. She truly cares about the care she provides for her clients. She is always so quick to respond to the needs and questions you may have and is knowledgeable in everything pregnancy, birth and postpartum related. She has a heart for serving and making people feel seen and heard. Shelby remained professional while also making light of any situation, which my husband and I really appreciated as it made us feel like we were all friends doing this together, rather than just another client to her. She offers many different resources that were extremely helpful and allowed me to feel prepared going into an unmedicated birth. I knew I had Shelby to count on during the moments in the hospital where I felt could be hard or felt judgement from staff. She was there to help me navigate circumstances to ultimately make the best decisions for myself. I was so on the fence about having a doula at my birth but I am so grateful to Shelby and happy we chose her to be our doula. I highly recommend Shelby and all her services for those moms who are looking into the care of a doula. It was such a different experience this time during my pregnancy, birth and postpartum than with my first child who we did not use a doula. I am so glad we decided to have one this time, and even more happy to have worked with Shelby. 

Katie Tamborski

11/2/2025

Having Shelby as my doula made all the difference in my pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience. From the very beginning, she brought such peace, confidence, and compassion to every moment. She’s an incredible listener who truly cares about her clients—not just as mothers, but as people.

With her support, I felt calm, informed, and in control, even when things didn’t go exactly as planned. She never once made me feel judged or alone, and she was always there when I needed her most. What stands out most is that this didn’t feel like just a service—it felt like gaining a friend who genuinely wanted the best for me and my baby.

I can’t imagine going through this journey without her and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula who leads with heart, wisdom, and unwavering support.

Jessica Busch

8/16/2025

We reached out to Shelby at 35 weeks looking for additional support reaching my goal of a VBA2C. From the first call I knew Shelby was going to be a great partner and resource, and we were not disappointed! She provided data to help me advocate for myself with my doc, eased my fears many times around not reaching my goal, and provided the support we needed for preparing for labor in the short time we had left before the due date. With Shelby’s support I was able to get my VBA2C naturally - the day before my scheduled c-section! So grateful for all of her support and encouraging us to not give up!!

Valerie Hertzler

8/11/2025

I just birthed my first baby with Shelby at MoBap and cannot recommend her more! In the hospital and in prenatal and postpartum visits, she went over and above in so many ways. 

I didn't think I needed all the extra visits, but Shelby always brought something valuable to share or help with. (Including a surprise Tens unit and a library full of birth prep books!) Even more valuable, her joyful energy for the birth prep process and her keeping in touch along the way helped me feel more at ease and ready, rather than fearful. 

And when the time came to go to the hospital, Shelby made me feel so cared for and supported. I don't think I would have had the same natural outcome without her presence throughout the process, before the midwife arrived near the end. Her familiarity with the hospital and the midwife team was an added bonus. She advised and advocated so well, which helped because everybody under the sun seemed to be giving birth that weekend and nurses were stretched thin -not necessarily valuing the goals I had.

For 12 hours of labor in the hospital, Shelby was patient to the utmost and carried with her all sorts of comfort measures I didn't know I needed -and snacks!- to help with the process. Despite having my loving husband and mother-in-law present nearly the whole time, I am endlessly grateful to have had Shelby's experienced and attentive support and encouragement all along the way.

Shelby is such a gem!

Monica Perry

7/28/2025

My time with Shelby was incredible. From the at home visits discussing my birth plan to the meals she prepared for me postpartum I was amazed. She was prompt when showing up for my birth we walked the halls together and she has a large range of items to assist you during birth, literally held a heating pad on my back during pushing and I couldn't have been more thankful. Not only did she offer all the services before and during birth she came to my home as a lactation consultant as well. If you're looking for a doula who will make you feel like a priority while keeping you comfortable in their presence she is the one! I would choose her over and over again. Don't walk run to book her before her year is full of mommas she's the perfect match for any and every momma.

Alex

6/10/2025

We decided at 30 weeks that we wanted to go the doula route. I'm so glad we found Shelby and she was able to take us in! She helped us prepare during the last trimester and always offered support and advice. 

When it came down to labor, she continued to check in and met us in the hospital right after I called her in. No hesitation. 

It was a goal of mine to go epidural free and, yes my husband was a great partner, but having her as an additional support person was the reason I was able to meet my goal. 

She continued to be a support for us postpartum and helped us with some feeding issues we were having with baby. 

I'm so glad we chose Shelby and I truly don't feel like I would have had such a positive birth without her! 

Brittney Byrd

5/22/2025

Shelby was great! I was a late transfer and we still had two prenatal visits, the first one we went over her extensive binder for birth preparation, she brought four books for me to prepare for birth, and the second we reviewed my birth plan. When it came time for birth she was with us for over 14 hrs in person, but prior to that she was supporting me with my prenatwl visits as well as my early labor. During labor Shelby brings a suitcase full of labor supports and she encouraged me to ask the right questions during labor to the medical staff. I was able to successfully deliver my baby VBA2C. After delivery she stayed to help me latch my baby. Afterward we got home from the hospital she brought us a home cooked meal and a touching gift. My little ended up in the NICU and she sent us funds to have some food delivered in, she checked in on us during this time and once we were home she came over for the postpartum visit. I really enjoyed having Shelby as my doula and I can't recommend her enough!

Olivia Fiore- Brown

3/23/2025

Our experience with Shelby has been truly incredible from the beginning to end. She had felt like a friend, easy to talk to, fun and light hearted and truly cares and loves what she does. We felt so blessed to have such an amazing person support us along the process of bringing our first child into the world. I felt empowered, excited and educated with all her support. Once it came time to labor she truly showed up. With helping me stay hydrated, moving into better positions, helping me breathe through each contraction, and the unwavering support in and out. And even after birth, helping me with lactation, checking on my mental health and just continuing to care even after our contract has ended. I hope that she remains in our lives forever! Thank you Shelby for being a light in this world! We love you. Olivia & Jack 

Tamara

3/6/2025

I'm so glad my husband and I reached out to Shelby to be our doula. We gained an advocate, an experienced mama, and a friend! I'm a first time mom and didn't know many moms my age, or moms who had done natural birth before. I really feel like her guidance and just having a listening ear were exactly what I needed to navigate pregnancy and birth with more certainty and confidence. Shelby is also very quick to repond and to adapt - I had a super fast birth for a first time mom, but she was there to provide comfort measures and make sure I didn't have my baby in the hospital hallway!! If you are looking for a rockstar doula, please hire Shelby!

Serenity Stewart

3/4/2025

Having Shelby as our doula was an absolutely phenomenal experience, and I cannot recommend her enough! From the moment we decided to work with Shelby, our doula, she provided unwavering support and guidance. Before labor, she helped us prepare mentally and physically, offering invaluable advice on birth plans, pain management techniques, and what to expect during labor. Her expertise and calming presence made us feel completely at ease.

During labor, Shelby was an absolute rock. She was there every step of the way, providing comfort, encouragement, and practical support. Whether it was helping with breathing exercises, offering massage, or simply being a reassuring presence, she made the entire process so much more manageable. Her knowledge and experience were evident, and we felt incredibly supported and empowered.

After the birth, Shelby continued to be an invaluable resource. She helped with breastfeeding, provided emotional support, and offered practical advice on newborn care. Shelby even helped pick our house up and made us a meal!! Her presence made the transition to parenthood so much smoother, and we felt truly cared for during this adjustment period.

Overall, having Shelby as our doula was one of the best decisions we made. Her dedication, compassion, and expertise were beyond anything we could have hoped for. If you're considering a doula, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go with Shelby Clark! She will make a world of difference!

Amanda Varghese

11/2/2024

Shelby was an immense help and our  family would be struggling quite a lot if it wasn't for her assistance. She was always accessible and helped calm our fears before and after our son's birth. She showed more concern for him than the healthcare workers that cared for us, and her attention probably kept him from a re-admission to the NICU. Her Lactation advice was also some of the most helpful information during the whole process. We would highly recommend her to any expecting parents. 

Lauren G

10/8/2024

I first met Shelby when she was 14 years old and even then, she was interested in childbirth. She had an inquisitive mind and a munificent heart. I had my daughter when Shelby was 16 and even at that young age, she was my biggest supporter. My husband at the time was clueless, like most first time dads, and my mom lived 4 hours away. Shelby checked on me frequently and encouraged me to advocate for myself during my pregnancy, all while being a kid and focusing on her schooling. I was induced on a Friday night at 37 weeks and unfortunately, ended up needing to have a c-section the following Sunday morning. Even though it was not the outcome I wanted, Shelby was at the hospital with me all weekend prior to my c-section while I was in labor (along with my husband at the time, my mom and my brother). Shelby’s presence during labor calmed me. She understood the balance between fun and serious. Whether I needed ice chips, someone to distract me during a contraction or to sit on the medicine ball, Shelby seemed to anticipate my needs before I could articulate them. As a very anxious first-time mom, that was so important to me. Shelby has only become more compassionate, knowledgeable and experienced as a doula over the last 13 years. She takes her clients needs seriously and will do everything in her power to make you feel comfortable during your labor.

Kelsey McDonnell

10/5/2024

Shelby was my lifeline during my postpartum days. I was a first time mom in 2023, and had little idea of what to do. I was overwhelmed, and barely surviving. Shelby went to great lengths to get myself and my newborn comfortable and thriving. She took her time helping me navigate breastfeeding. She vacuumed, folded laundry, started dinner, took out trash. All so my family and I could relish in baby bliss.  I am so grateful for her expertise, but mostly her kindness!