Testimonial for Steffanie Thomas
Steffanie was an indispensable part of our birth team for both our births. She is knowledgeable and experienced, carrying with her the wisdom born of attending over 200 births. She is clearly well respected in the St. Louis birth community. Whenever I told someone that she was my doula — from the midwives at Mercy Birthing Center to my chiropractor and yoga instructor — they reaffirmed my choice. Her colleagues have nothing but the best to say of Steffanie.
Even more importantly, Steffanie is a calming, unshakeable presence. She helped me through a long and difficult pushing stage with grace, humor, and countless suggestions for positioning. She pulled out her rebozo, provided snacks, helped us with the peanut ball, anticipated my every need in a way that even my husband could not, and was with us every step of the way. When plans had to adjust, she knew just what to say to keep me calm and allow me to trust in myself and the process. She took photos and videos of the birth that I will always cherish, and stayed on after our son was born to make sure that we were all settled and fed before heading home to her own family.
We need doulas in our society because so many of us lack the support of other women in our community — mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors — who would once have been present for our births and postpartum periods. Steffanie somehow manages to stand in for this whole host of wise women. She is simultaneously maternal and like that lifelong friend you haven’t seen in years, but can pick back up with as though it was only yesterday. You will want her with you during the most intense moments of birth, but also during the lulls when there is time to talk.
I cannot recommend Steffanie enough, and will hire her again in a heartbeat if another baby is in our future.
-Jess Touchette
January 21, 2024
Steffanie Thomas
Magnolia Birth Doula Services LLC
Birth Fee: $1250
