Testimonial for Polina Panshina, CD(DONA)
I met Polina at an event run by the Calgary Doula Association, and right away I knew she was the perfect match for me. She had this rare balance of being straightforward and deeply caring — exactly what I was looking for.
I wanted a doula who was grounded and practical, and who believed in a natural approach, but didn’t dismiss modern medicine. I wanted tofeel confident, informed, and empowered about my body. Polina did exactly that. She worked with my husband and I to learn about birth, explore our preferences, and figure out what felt right for us. She made sure we felt capable and in charge.
Polina had already supported an impressive number of births, which meant a lot to us as first-time parents — she had truly seen it all. Her experience showed, but so did her sense of humor and warmth. She often reminded me of simple but powerful truths like, “trust your body,” “your baby is helping you — you’re a team,” and “labor pain isn’t like normal pain; it’s productive pain, your baby’s way of guiding you.” Those words really stayed with me.
Although we had planned for an unmedicated vaginal birth, our baby flipped breech late in pregnancy and we ended up needing an emergency c-section. I hadn’t realized how much a doula could help in that situation — but Polina was incredible. She helped my husband feel calm and grounded, kept me in a positive headspace, and gave us peace of mind by explaining what was happening and reassuring us throughout the process. She also supported us beautifully after birth, helping with the baby and reminding us of what was normal and what to expect.
Whenever I was with Polina, I felt calm, supported, and truly seen. She is genuine, grounded, and wise. We are so grateful to have had her by our side during one of the most important experiences of our lives.
-Shantel
October 24, 2025
Polina Panshina, CD(DONA)
Birth Miracles
Birth Fee: $1500
