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Having Shannon for my delivery was an absolute blessing. She helped prep my husband and I for a natural birth (epidural as a back up). She was extremely supportive in my birthing process. While I wasn't on epidural, Shannon did a great a job easing my pain and keeping the room calm. And halfway through when I requested the epidural, she continued being super supportive of my choice and was great at helping me navigate my emotions. I can't say how helpful it was having Shannon as my doula and being my advocate.
-Hajar
Words can't express how valuable and calming it was to have Shannon with us during the delivery of our baby boy! From the first conversation she had with my wife, the anxieties of the unknown lessened immediately! Her knowledge and know how for every step, including the small things we never thought of, were very helpful in making sure we knew what we wanted and were able to have someone in the room advocating and watching out for our needs. Shannon was super attentive to my wife's needs during labor, providing her with massages, creams/ointments, anything she could need to make my wife a bit more comfortable. Her relationship with the medical staff proved valuable as well and helped create an overall welcoming environment. Since the birth, we have been telling everyone about getting a doula and especially using Shannon's services.
Her islamic knowledge of sunnahs was very helpful as well. The birth can ofcourse be very chaotic, but she was there guiding me based on everything we spoke about incase I forgot anything in the heat of the moment, providing dates as well.
I cannot recommend her enough!
-Ali
Shannon was an immense source of support and knowledge throughout my pregnancy and especially during labor and delivery. I engaged Shannon for her doula services after having a traumatic first birth experience and wanting my second labor and delivery to go differently. Despite having given birth before and my husband having clinical experience in L&D wards, Shannon proved to be a source of immense knowledge about the birthing process and options for care after delivery through an islamic lens. She informed us of the many options we had while at the hospital that we could utilize both during labor for myself and the baby, with this knowledge in hand, Shannon helped us formulate a birth plan that encompassed different scenarios. Shannon proved to be a steadying presence during labor for both myself and my husband, it was helpful for him to have a knowledgable, unbiased person there to discuss the options our care team provided us with when my labor took an unexpected turn, and to help him implement the preferences we had discussed in our birth plan when things got hectic.
Shannon was especially helpful when I was in early labor, showing me different positions and poses to do that can help put baby in an optimal position for birth and helping me to decode some of the signs and symptoms I was seeing in early labor. I especially appreciated the comfort measures Shannon used during active labor such as massage, essential oils and dhikr, this helped me reach my goal of getting an epidural as late as possible and helping labor progress naturally. After the baby was born, her postpartum visit was a wonderful way to process the birth events and her detailed account of my pre-labor, early labor and active labor phases is a keepsake for my husband and I to remember with clarity the events that unfolded that brought our son into the world. I felt supported, validated and cared for every step of the way with Shannon.
-Namrah
Shannon was an amazing support throughout my pregnancy and natural birth at the Birth Center.
It was my second Birth there, but having her support truly elevated my experience. Having a birth team you can trust and rely on during your labor makes it a very beautiful birth. Shannon was the perfect addition to my birth team. Her presence and warmth was comforting and enriching. Shannon was attuned and present throughout the entire experience and offered comfort and expertise that helped make this a beautiful and memorable birth. She was prepared and gave me all the tools I needed to make it through the unmediated birth. She reminded me of my mantra, gave counter pressure and massages, just to name a few things that helped me. I needed some more support after my birth and Shannon stayed and helped me find comfort. The after birth visit was beautiful
A big plus was her knowledge of Islamic values and traditions. She kept reminding me of the gift this birth was and how sacred this moment was . Anyone pregnant and looking for support, Shannon is definitely someone I would recommend to anyone who is pregnant.
-Mona
We are so grateful for the support Shannon provided our family for the birth of our third child. Having used doulas for each of my deliveries, I can honestly say I had the best experience with Shannon. She was extremely attentive and responsive to my needs, particularly mental health support in my third trimester and during labor. She hand delivered a homemade herbal tea that calmed my anxiety and also suggested herbs that could help me, and she continued to support me in my postpartum period. I ended up having a long labor at the hospital and she guided me and my husband through several helpful pain management techniques. I could not have labored for that long unmedicated without her constant support, calming presence, and knowledge! It was also extremely reassuring to have a Muslim doula who could recite dhikr during labor, advocate for my privacy, and ensure appropriate care for my placenta post-delivery.
-Sophia
As a mother of two young children and a physician resident, I arrived at my steaming session with Shannon hoping for a bit of quiet and relaxation. However, I walked away with much more; a renewed appreciation of my childbirth experiences and immense gratitude to partake in a process of healing and restoration that I didn’t know I was missing. Shannon has thoughtfully curated a space for women to learn and love that potent and mysterious organ: the uterus. Her kindness and warmth coupled with her extensive knowledge and appreciation for the female reproductive system makes for a wonderful healing process.
-Asma
I didn't have any support here in this country. I can't imagine what I would have done without Shannon. I didn't have have insurance, she helped me apply and choose a plan, she found me a midwife and a good hospital. She attended appointments with me and helped me write a birth plan. Allah gave Sakina to my heart because of Shannon. My husband was also so grateful to Shannon and all her support. She visited me many times, bringing helpful tools such as a birth ball, steaming chair, and herbal tea. When I was in labor Shannon took me to the hospital, she prepared her car for an emergency birth. We almost didn't make it, she calmly coached me through contractions in the car when I felt like pushing. When we arrived at the hospital I was rushed to a room and was told it was time to push. I felt exhausted but Shannon motivated me and held my leg. Alhamdulillah my son was born healthy. Shannon stayed with me overnight, as my husband had to stay home with our daughter. She changed my baby's diapers and had the lactation consultant come help me with breastfeeding. She's visited me several times postpartum helping me with belly binding and steaming. She did little things that made a huge difference such as bringing homemade cookies and a card. In my country husbands don't attend the birth and that is normal. Shannon helped me in ways that only a Muslim woman can. Choosing Shannon to attend your birth will be one of the best decisions of your life inshAllah.
I didn't have any support here in this country. I can't imagine what I would have done without Shannon. I didn't have have insurance, she helped me apply and choose a plan, she found me a midwife and a good hospital. She attended appointments with me and helped me write a birth plan. Allah gave Sakina to my heart because of Shannon. My husband was also so grateful to Shannon and all her support. She visited me many times, bringing helpful tools such as a birth ball, steaming chair, and herbal tea. When I was in labor Shannon took me to the hospital, she prepared her car for an emergency birth. We almost didn't make it, she calmly coached me through contractions in the car when I felt like pushing. When we arrived at the hospital I was rushed to a room and was told it was time to push. I felt exhausted but Shannon motivated me and held my leg. Alhamdulillah my son was born healthy. Shannon stayed with me overnight, as my husband had to stay home with our daughter. She changed my baby's diapers and had the lactation consultant come help me with breastfeeding. She's visited me several times postpartum helping me with belly binding and steaming. She did little things that made a huge difference such as bringing homemade cookies and a card. In my country husbands don't attend the birth and that is normal. Shannon helped me in ways that only a Muslim woman can. Choosing Shannon to attend your birth will be one of the best decisions of your life inshAllah.
-Nurkhon
Although I was late in my pregnancy Shannon was more than welcoming to take me in her care. From the first moment she entered our home she was warm, kind and gentle and instilled a high level of trust and confidence. She was so patient and thoughtful with us as we discussed our previous experiences and difficulties with birth. She connected with us instantly and made us feel extremely supported along the way. During my pregnancy if I needed help or had a question Shannon was always available to give advice and provide research-based information. The prenatal meetings and excellent in-home prenatal education made us feel prepared for our first natural birth. She addressed all my fears and really helped me to feel confident and supported guiding me and my partner through labor comfort techniques. She reminded me that womens bodies were designed to do this and reassured me that I can do this.
During labor Shannon was available right away when I needed her. She helped me during my contractions at home as my husband was getting ready to go. She was my advocate and a huge help in the delivery room. She was the best emotional and physical support we could’ve asked for. She was encouraging and helped me focus my energy and seemed to know exactly what I needed and when. She reminded me to seek help and call upon Allah with His beautiful names. Her voice, words, & touch were more comforting than I can express and helped keep the atmosphere calm, nurturing, and peaceful. Her non judgmental and supportive presence/assistance helped us feel more relaxed during the experience. I appreciate the extra time and attention she gave me and my baby after the birth. My husband and I will be forever grateful for her presence. We highly, highly recommend her!
-A.N.
As a person in the medical field, I was originally skeptical about the benefits of steaming. I tried steaming two times and did not notice any changes in my cycle. However, two years later, after experiencing problems such as cramps and length irregularities, I decided to give steaming another try. Shannon conducted a thorough intake session with me and prescribed a monthly steaming plan for me. This time, I followed the protocol properly, steaming six times that month. My very next cycle was cramp free and exactly 28 days long! I have continued steaming every month, and menstruation has become an entirely new experience for me.
As a person in the medical field, I was originally skeptical about the benefits of steaming. I tried steaming two times and did not notice any changes in my cycle. However, two years later, after experiencing problems such as cramps and length irregularities, I decided to give steaming another try. Shannon conducted a thorough intake session with me and prescribed a monthly steaming plan for me. This time, I followed the protocol properly, steaming six times that month. My very next cycle was cramp free and exactly 28 days long! I have continued steaming every month, and menstruation has become an entirely new experience for me.
Shannon has been so instrumental in my health journey. You may find yourself in a similar situation as me, skeptical of its benefits or having steamed a few times with no noticeable changes. I experienced its benefits after a month of closely following my steaming protocol. I encourage you to commit to the process! Shannon will work closely with you to best meet your needs and will always be there to answer questions and support you every step of the way.
Shannon has been so instrumental in my health journey. You may find yourself in a similar situation as me, skeptical of its benefits or having steamed a few times with no noticeable changes. I experienced its benefits after a month of closely following my steaming protocol. I encourage you to commit to the process! Shannon will work closely with you to best meet your needs and will always be there to answer questions and support you every step of the way.
-Nida
-Nida
As a first time father going through the birth experience, there is a lot to say. A lot to say about the experience itself and a lot to say about our doula, Shannon Costa, who was there with us throughout the whole experience. I did not realize how many small things along the way I had to worry about. The best analogy I can use is a wedding planner. The couple focuses on the wedding while the wedding planner takes care of all the other stuff to make the process as stress free as possible. And that is exactly what Shannon did. From the labor exercises and emotional support to shuttling family members to and from the hospital, she as a doula made it just about focusing on the beautiful experience of birth.
In addition, Shannon has helped me from the perspective of a fellow Muslim. From the Islamic perspective, every experience and process in life is a gateway to get closer to God and an opportunity in extracting the wisdom and progressing as individuals. An Islamic scholar once said, your Lord is one who takes you from immaturity to maturity according to your own specific design. Relating every part of the birthing experience back to this Islamic paradigm is important for me and my wife, and having a Muslim doula who is just as conscious of this paradigm was paramount to this whole endeavor. And was paramount to me growing as a man.
As a man in this scenario, my whole objective was to make the process as easy for my wife as possible. Shannon was there with me every step of the way, informing me how I could be more helpful, and how to know what to do and when to do it. As a first time father, I recommend not only every couple to have a doula, but to have Shannon as a doula specifically, as she was a priceless asset. We are forever grateful for her.
-Ahanth
-Ahanth
I heard Shannon Costa mention that vaginal steaming can make a difference in labor. As a doula, I was recently working with a laboring mother whose water has been leaking for about 17 hours but had only very mild contractions and almost no dilation. She was planning to give birth at home, so she was not forced into induction, but even if there were no signs of infection, at this point, her waiting time was limited. We decided to do some vaginal steaming, just for about ten minutes. SubhanaAllah, just a little over half an hour after she got up from sitting over the herbal steam, her contractions picked up and she entered into an established labor. Her baby was born smoothly and quietly after about another nine hours, alhamdulillah. Only Allah knows, but our conclusion from her experience was that the vaginal steaming was an igniting factor and helped her body release what was in its way for the labor to start. All praises are due to Allah! Since then, this mother has been thoroughly advised by sister Shannon in how to do her postpartum steaming for an efficient uterine cleanse. After she has experienced its benefits firsthand, vaginal steaming has become an essential part of her postpartum recovery. I highly recommend Shannon Costa's vaginal steaming services.
I heard Shannon Costa mention that vaginal steaming can make a difference in labor. As a doula, I was recently working with a laboring mother whose water has been leaking for about 17 hours but had only very mild contractions and almost no dilation. She was planning to give birth at home, so she was not forced into induction, but even if there were no signs of infection, at this point, her waiting time was limited. We decided to do some vaginal steaming, just for about ten minutes. SubhanaAllah, just a little over half an hour after she got up from sitting over the herbal steam, her contractions picked up and she entered into an established labor. Her baby was born smoothly and quietly after about another nine hours, alhamdulillah. Only Allah knows, but our conclusion from her experience was that the vaginal steaming was an igniting factor and helped her body release what was in its way for the labor to start. All praises are due to Allah! Since then, this mother has been thoroughly advised by sister Shannon in how to do her postpartum steaming for an efficient uterine cleanse. After she has experienced its benefits firsthand, vaginal steaming has become an essential part of her postpartum recovery. I highly recommend Shannon Costa's vaginal steaming services.
-Livia
My experience having Shannon as my doula for my home birth was delightful and nurturing. During labor her warm spirit shone through. She provided me helpful positions, breathing techniques, massage and mindset shifts that supported my process. She was supportive during my immediate post partum period offering me healing wisdom, and techniques such as the Rebozo massage and Closing of the bones techniques. These helped me to realign my body, and provided more tools to add to my self care arsenal after birth. She has a gentle understanding, and open nature. That invites a peace and warmth to the birthing experience. I would advice every women to have a doula in the birth and/or post partum period. Whether at a hospital, birth center or at home. Shannon's professional and personal experience as a mother, bring an element of depth and holds space for new mothers to show up authentically. You won't regret having Shannon as your doula.
-Egypt
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