Testimonial for Shannon Mathews CD(DONA), CVD (TVL) from Renee Carignan

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

I found Shannon at the recommendation of a friend and I can’t, or rather don’t want to, imagine what my birth experience and immediate days postpartum would have been like without her. The prenatal meetings were lovely; she was warm, professional, and made sure she understood what we were looking for and how she could best support us. As a first time mom, I had plenty of questions and her answers were always helpful, patient, and kind.

She has worked with my OB group many times in the past, which turned out to be very beneficial for me. She was able to confirm their excellent quality of care, advise me of their quirks, as well as coordinate with them and assist while we were at the hospital.

My water ended up breaking early and she met us at the hospital where, with her assistance & guidance, I was able to have an unexpectedly quick and fairly easy delivery! Unfortunately, I then experienced some complications during the golden hour — complications which I believe she was the first to clue into. She stayed with me for the duration of the following procedure. Her presence was a steadying comfort in an otherwise upsetting event.

She kept in contact throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum via text and call with both myself and my husband, responding in a timely manner.

One of the most significant check ins was when we got home. I was really struggling to recover and adjust, and she could tell immediately. She very quickly made sure I had the opportunity to get the additional support I needed and wanted. Like I said in the beginning I can’t, or rather don’t want to, imagine what my birth experience and immediate days postpartum would have been like without her.

She has been a critical resource of knowledge and a pillar of support that helped get us through a quick labor, eventful aftermath, and rough transition.

I cannot recommend her enough.

-Renee Carignan

October 18, 2023