Testimonial for Shelia Kandeler, CD(DONA)
I had known even before I got pregnant that I wanted to have a doula at my birth after hearing wonderful things about them from various friends and acquaintances. When we met Shelia I loved the calm presence that she embodied and was extatic to hear she had availabilty for our due date!
Shelia was available for all the questions that we had before the birth. I had hoped to have an unmedicated, vaginal birth and managed to labour for the entire time and push for 3 hours without even thinking of asking for an epidural thanks to Shelia's great suggestions for different positions throughout the process. I ended up having a c-section as my daughters head was stuck at a really awkward angle which was preventing her from progressing. I don't count this as a negative at all - it was amazing having Shelia's presence by my side in the theatre. Between her and my husband I had a hand to hold pretty much the entire time. After my daughter had been delivered, Shelia stayed with us in the recovery room, helping me with the first feed and making sure my husband and I had eaten. We also had a follow up post-partum visit which allowed us to chat through the birth and get some tips.
I had a few things I wanted to try and maintain throughout the birth - one was to try and give birth vaginally and unmedicated, a second was to enjoy and embrace the birthing experience and a third was to have a positive birth experience. Even though things didn't go to plan for me, I had an incredibly positive birth experience and embraced the entire process. I am so thankful that Shelia was by my side, offering moral support and practical advice not just to me, but also to my husband. An added bonus are the photos she took during my labour and in the precious moments afterwards as we were introducing ourselves to our new daughter.
-Cath Frost
July 08, 2021
Shelia Kandeler, CD(DONA)
A Doula Chick
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2500
Postpartum Rate: $50
