We would not have been able to have the excellent birth experience we had without Shannon and Calming Nature. Pre-pregnancy I was pretty sure this was the business I wanted to work with. Once we got the + test, I called and Shannon made it super easy to set up our pre-birth meetings. When we met in person for the first time, we walked out excited to work with Shannon for our pregnancy and the birth of our child. We selected the Queen package. I learned so much during the meetings we had. My HUSBAND learned so much. Shannon set us both at ease and built our confidence. She helped me trust my knowledge and my body, she reminded me to be patient. She was always available by text when I needed her. When it came time for my baby to arrive, Shannon came to our house and helped us in active labor at home. She then met us at the hospital when we thought we were close to transition. Turns out, we weren't that close and my labor ended up lasting 24 hours. Shannon was there the entire time - attentive and helpful, not yawning or distracted. Isia, the woman who would have been our sole doula if Shannon had been called on another birth, was also there for each pre-birth meeting and during most of my labor, learning from Shannon and being a comfort to my spouse and me. Shannon guided us in sticking to the parts of our birth plan that were most valuable to us. She was absolutely the calm lighthouse in the chaotic storm of a hospital birth. After the birth, Shannon came and visited us in the hospital to help my baby and I get the hang of breastfeeding. That was something that was very important to me but I had nerves around. We're at 4 months now and still breastfeeding like champs. Shannon also visited us in home a few days later to make sure we were getting the hang of the new parent life. She is always kind, warm and uplifting. I absolutely recommend every birthing person find a doula - and if you're in Buffalo I full-throatedly recommend Calming Nature. read more
