Wise, supportive, calming, and attentive are some of the words that come to mind when I think about Sara. In our multiple meet-ups before our daughter's arrival, Sara helped us articulate and write a birth plan that reflected what we wanted and made sure our midwives were on board with our plan too. She was a wealth of information and even pulled together a list of recommended pediatricians in our area.
All throughout the lead up to our daughter's birth Sara made us feel prepared and cared for as soon to be parents. When I unexpectedly went into labor, Sara was right there by my side and worked with my husband to make sure I had everything I needed. She especially helped me stay relaxed and motivated. Her presence was just so reassuring and I am forever grateful for all that Sara did to help welcome our daughter.
An additional gift that I almost declined was Sara's kind offer to take photos on our camera. We can't recommend Sara enough to other parents and still seek out her advice and wisdom today.
Sara is an amazing doula. I can't imagine having done this without her (I'm most certain I would have ended up needing a C-section). She was key to me having as natural birth as I could have. She stayed during the entire 30 hours, and was so helpful in getting us through labor and delivery. During labor, she suggested many different natural ways to get through the pain - reminding me to change things up - somehow most of what I read or learned prior to labor went out the window the moment the pain became super intense. She was a great coach and supporter throughout the entire process. She knew exactly when to step in when my husband was unsure, overwhelmed or just needed rest. Sara also worked side by side with the nurses and doctor in the most perfect way.
Her knowledge, support and guidance started from day one (week 20 of my pregnancy) and continued even after the birth of our beautiful son! She routinely sent information on many topics (all pertinent information, but not overwhelming). She was instrumental in setting up our birth plan. She always promptly responded to texts, emails or calls.I would 100% hire her again if needed. It is with utmost respect that I recommend Sara.
I had the best birthing experience and have Sara to thank for it. She was very knowledgeable, super informative and knew exactly what to say to put any worries I had at ease. This was my first pregnancy and it could not have gone better. Her outlook and temperament put me more at ease with all the changes my body was going through and made me feel like I was entering a wonderful exclusive club of motherhood. I looked forward to every evolving step. During my labor she gave just the right amount of attentiveness while at the same time maintaining enough space for me to experience my labor in my own way. I would highly recommend her services to anyone. Looking back on my labor I believe that allot of it was mental, during my labor my mind would go back to the things she had told me, affirmations or facts and they were just the tools I needed to stay in the game. Giving birth to my son was the hardest thing I have ever experienced but also the absolute best, it was utterly beautiful, even the pain and Sara played an integral part of that beauty, I am truly grateful.
As a first-time father, I cannot express enough how incredibly helpful Sara was in helping us navigate the days before, and the day of, delivery. She met with us ahead of time to review the birth plan in full detail, and she instills a tremendous confidence among nervous first-time parents. She is friendly and knowledgeable, and she is an empathetic listener. There are so many aspects of preparing for a child that are confusing or conflicting, and many people won't hesitate to forcefully tell you the "correct" way to navigate childbirth. In contrast, Sara listened to our wants and needs, and she empathized with our values and priorities. She provided a valuable perspective from her diverse experiences as a doula, and I learned more from an hour talking with her than I did in months of reading books. She advocated on behalf of the mother in the delivery room (which takes a huge load of stress off of the father!) and followed up with us in the weeks that followed. I cannot imagine going through this without someone like Sara, and I would recommend her to anyone in the South Bay having a baby.
I would absolutely recommend hiring Sara as a doula and would do so again myself in a heartbeat.