Birth Doula, Lactation Counseling -Supporting families in Orange County, California
My Philosophy:
I believe the way in which women labor and birth is an individual choice and everyone’s journey is unique. Doulas help instill confidence in the expecting mother, provide evidence based facts for her to make informed decisions, and help provide a positive outcome connecting her to the whole experience. The way in which labor unfolds and how one responds in the moment is unknown. Having someone who listens and helps you and your family navigate this path is vital. My goal is that you are fully supported, heard, free of fear and reservations, and you remember your birth as a empowering experience. I embrace your birth vision, whether it is unmedicated, medicated, hospital or birth center supported. I want to help women navigate their journey into motherhood and encourage her to find her voice when it matters most.
Testimonials
“I cant begin to explain how thankful we are for your support, expertise, calm and encouraging spirit during the crazy long labor. I feel like we could not have done it without you! Thank you for being an irreplaceable part of our story!!!”
“We cant thank you enough for your love and guidence throughout this process. Your calming presence and support made for an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. The birth went better than we could have ever imagined and we are forever grateful. We hope to have you be a part of baby # 2 one day!”
“Thank you so much for your support and encouragement in the short time we’ve known each other. I am so thankful to have you be a part of my birth story. I think she would have definitely been born at home if you didn’t get me to the car! Labor & birth was an amazing experience, thanks for being a part of it!”
“Every good story has a hero. Shelly is the hero of our birth story. Having her with us felt so natural and her experience put our minds at ease. She was by our side for whatever we needed, was a respectful advocate for us with the hospital staff, and truly an incredible birth coach! Shelly helped with breastfeeding and the early weeks of new parent questions. Through it all, she always communicated in a patient, calm, open, loving way so that I always felt comfortable and empowered. Our birth experience would have been very different had she not been there before, during, and after. I gained a friend through Shelly and I am so thankful for her and her natural gift as a doula.”
“We are so incredibly grateful for Shelly and the invaluable part she played in the labor and birth of our baby. From the first phone call I felt so at ease. Shelly was so kind and east to talk to, helpful and encouraging right from the start. I went in to labor in the middle of the night, she was there to support us, and ended up accompanying us through a 28 hour labor - phew! She was calm, knowledgeable, loving and the caring presence we both needed. She helped so much with lactation, a huge help, the first weeks can be hard. I’m now 2 months postpartum, exclusively breastfeeding, and my baby is doing great. I can not recommend Shelly highly enough.”
-Christina
“Birth is an immeasurable expansion in the spirit, she is now wiser, stronger, and recreated”
“There is a beautiful connection between all the women across the world united in their most courageous and joyous day. Birth is an unpredictable force, ground yourself and draw strength from those around you. ”
About me
Hi I’m Shelly:
I was drawn down the path to help women during their most vulnerable moment - birth - after the loving support, and encouragement I received during the birth of my two children with a local midwife here in Southern, CA. I was able to see how important it is to have a support system and safe space in place for this transition into motherhood. I am honored to be a part of this special time in women’s life, witnessing the immeasurable expansion in their spirit as they grow wiser and stronger, all while being recreated thru birth. I am a Certified Birth Doula, CD(DONA) through Dona International and a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor, CLEC through UCSD. I am passionate about helping women start their breastfeeding relationship with confidence. I live in Mission Viejo, CA with my two children, husband, and labradoodle. For more information follow me on INSTAGRAM.