Testimonial for Shannon Mathews CD(DONA), CVD (TVL) from Megan Caldwell

Testimonial for Shannon Mathews CD(DONA), CVD (TVL)

I was late into my pregnancy once I realized how important a doula is to your pregnancy, labor and postpartum but was fortunate enough to find Shannon Mathews who had availability to take me on as a client. Once I met Shannon for our virtual call, I instantly knew she was “my doula”. I loved her approach of your birth, your way. She truly embodied that each step of the way.

I was induced a week past my due date and once they gave me the first few doses of medicine, my contractions started quickly. Shannon was right there answering my calls and texts helping me navigate the early labor process and determine when it was the right time for her to join me. When Shannon arrived she immediately knew just what I needed, helping me do some work on the ball to encourage baby to come down into position, walked me through what the epidural was going to feel like so I didn’t panic and continued to work on various poses with me after the epidural to ensure baby and I were progressing through the process as naturally and successfully as possible.

Once it was time for me to start pushing she offered me coaching and encouragement along the way and continued to put me in various positions to help the baby move through the birth canal. I ended up pushing for 3+hours and Shannon never left my side. She was right there doing everything possible to help me though the labor. She was so comforting and I had complete trust in everything she suggested I do.

There was only one nurse so without Shannon I would not have had the support needed for getting through my labor. I definitely underestimated how challenging and scary labor can be. It was invaluable to have Shannon there to help us navigate the process and information that was being provided to help us in making the right decisions for our family.

I will definitely be working with Shannon again if/when I have a second child!

-Megan Caldwell

July 11, 2022