Shannondoah is an amazing person and an awesome doula. I'm so glad that I hired her to be part of my birth experience. I was so busy with my recent pregnancy that I was 28 weeks before reaching out to her. It was meant to be because she still had space in her schedule. Reach out to her early because she takes a limited number of clients per month. I like that she doesn't overbook and I felt confident she'd make it for my labor and delivery. I instantly felt comfortable with Shannondoah. My initial call to her unexpectedly lasted over 30 minutes. She inquired about so much and really took an immediate interest. I felt the same after our first in person meeting. She's so knowledgeable, calm, and personable. I can't praise her enough for what she provided on delivery day. My husband commented that he was really glad we hired her too. She was flexible about coming to the hospital whenever I wanted. After delivery she stayed for awhile helping with nursing and making sure I was comfortable. She wasn't in any rush to leave even though delivery was close to midnight on a Saturday night. During labor she arrived with a literal bag of tricks. She had things like a diffuser, tens machine, a rebozo, chapstick, and energy bars. She jumped right in doing anything that was needed. She supported what I wanted in my labor versus trying to push any ideas. She worked so well with my husband and my L&D nurse at the hospital. Once we were home she came by to help with nursing issues. Again, she helped and didn't seem in any rush to leave. She was more concerned with making sure I had what I needed. I'd highly recommend Shannondoah to anyone looking for a doula. read more

Amazing and knowledgeable doula! If you want someone caring, experienced and dedicated, Shannondoah is your gal. My husband and I have used her for prenatal massage, placenta encapsulation, lactation support, and postpartum doula services in addition to the birth/labor, she is amazing every step of the way. The labor nurse was so impressed with her and made sure to keep telling me how lucky we were to have her. She is also kind, empathetic, and extremely supportive of what you want in your birth plan rather than pushing any of her own beliefs onto you. Any time we have any questions or need help she is there to assist any way she can. I truly could not have done the birth and initial care of my first baby without her! read more

Las Vegas Doula Services - Our baby's first sponge bath - Doulas Near Me

Shannondoah is the best doula hands down. We hired her for our first child's birth and she went above and beyond. Her expertise is next level and she greatly helped reduce anxiety for our birth plan. She was so hands on, it's difficult to find someone as kind, knowledgeable and caring for birth. She has assisted over 800+ births and has so much knowledge for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She stayed with us the entire time and brought in so many birth ideas to help bring baby here safely and stand up for our ideal birth we wanted. She also took pictures of the entire birth which I will treasure forever. Hiring her was the best decision, we can't imagine doing future births without her. Highly recommend! Not only is she an amazing doula but now friend. We are so grateful read more

Las Vegas Doula Services - Doulas Near Me

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When I was 4 months pregnant, I realized that I hadn't taken the reins on my birth journey the way I would've wanted to. After doing some research, I found contact information for several doulas, one of them being Shannondoah, the Las Vegas Doula. I read through the reviews and felt compelled to speak with her. After a long phone call, we met for coffee, and the rest was history. I wanted a hospital setting for the birth, as this was my first baby, but I wanted the advocacy of a Doula in what is often a very sterile situation. Shannondoah walked my husband and I hand in hand through her process during my pregnancy, from parenting classes she offered to birth partner-focused courses. By the time my water broke, she came to my home as I labored there before driving to the hospital with us. She even knew the L&D nurse at the hospital, as they'd worked together before! She truly made the experience a personal one and helped to cultivate a warm, empowering, and safe environment. After helping me through my labor, she took photos of us as a family and stayed until I was in recovery. Throughout the process, she became a friend, and was essential to helping me learn how to care for and nurse my newborn. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a true advocate, a highly knowledgeable professional, and a person who truly cares for those she works with. read more

This was my first birth and we don't have any family here in Vegas. I originally didn't think I needed a doula but my parents wanted me to look into it. I found Shannondoah and immediately felt at ease. As other people mentioned she does hypnobirthing as well as massage therapy and can customize the process for you. She comes to your house to do some baby lessons and then any massage or hypnotherapy you choose. I did a combination massage hypnotherapy which helped me relax and visualize the birth. Then it was game time. I chose a hospital birth with an epidural. I wasn't sure if I needed a doula at that point but I'm so glad I did. She didn't judge me for those decisions, she was there for me. She helped me through every contraction, helped direct my husband with how to help me, she got along great with the doctors and nurses and helped communicate my wishes to the hospital staff. If that wasn't enough she then came to our house twice, once just a couple of days postpartum to help us with bedtime routine and calming baby and the other time to check on me. Her visit after birth was honestly worth the whole price. We were exhausted and didn't know what to do, she is like a baby encyclopedia. She also is available for text questions which was super helpful as well. First of all of you are considering a doula... Do it. Secondly... Get Shannondoah. read more

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I was so lucky to find Shannondoah and hire her as a doula, she supported me during my pregnancy, for birth (36 hours!) and postpartum. She's the most devoted person I've met and she also helped me with massages and hypnobirth, she's very knowledgeable and I'm still asking her questions (my son is now a month old). highly recommended to anyone who is looking to get a doula, Shannondoah is the best!! 10 stars!!! read more

Shannondoah was the best decision my husband and I made when considering doulas. Without her, I'm sure my home birth would have became a hospital birth. She was calming, and provided additional services like hypnossage packaged at an affordable rate that makes her available to any momma. If I had a pregnant friend, gifting for Shannondoah to be her duala would be the ultimate present. She was there with me every step of my labor (nearly 4 days) and several hypnosage sessions prepregnancy. She drove me to the hospital to get my stitches and talked me through each contraction. I could go on and on about how great she is. But the best part about her is that she is not fake. She wears her heart on her sleave and makes it easy to build a bond fast. Giving birth is very intimate and having a doula you can connect with is important. By the end of the pregnancy, I felt like I knew her for years. She made me feel like I was the only client she had due to her attentiveness. In a nut shell, if you are looking for doula services, she's your girl! read more

Shannondoah was one of the best decisions my husband and I have made. She was so supportive in pregnancy, during the birth and postpartum. I am truly amazed by how sweet she is and how much energy she has. She was by my side from the moment I called her until well after the baby arrived. I don't think she sept at all and it was so many hours! I don't know how she does it. I think without her I would have ended up with a stressful labor that would have ended in a c-section. Instead it was relaxing and I was able to have a signal birth. She answered any question we had and was always a text or call away. She never rushed us and we never felt like we were a bother. She felt like family. She had so many things that she did for us. From massages and hypnotherapy, made sure I was always comfortable, showed my husband how he could support me and be involved, explained all the medical jargon, used hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques, moved me around to different positions to bring the baby down, tug of war (a very useful technique for my labor and man is she strong!), used pressure points on me to induce labor and to stop my nausea during labor, took pictures for us, gave breastfeeding help, diaper changing and swaddle lesson, showed us how to bathe the baby, and postpartum help with padsicles and placenta encapsulation. I am sure I am missing a lot, since there's too many things to name. My husband and I look so fondly on our birth and part of that reason is because Shannondoah's love and support the whole time. She takes what could be a scary or intimidating situation and makes it such a wonderful and positive experience. She will be your advocate the whole time. She goes above and beyond. And when I couldn't sleep at the hospital, she stayed up and talked with me and had me laughing with her fun stories. My husband was actually able to nap since he knew I was in good hands! She is the best and we will definitely be reaching out to her when we have our next baby! read more

Las Vegas Doula Services - Doulas Near Me

Shannondoah took great care to transport my placenta and encapsulate it. I cannot imagine how hard my postpartum journey would have been without my precious capsules. There were days I was producing. No milk and a few capsules had my supply back. There were days where emotionally I felt like I was going to melt into a puddle. The capsules were my secret weapon. read more

If you are considering even a tiny bit about hiring a Doula for your birth, do it! And go with Shannondoah. Words can't describe how amazing she is- she has decades of experience and you can feel how passionate she is about her work. I wanted to do a natural birth so I really wanted some extra support because it was my first baby and had no idea what to expect. My goodness I am so grateful that the universe brought me to Shannondoah. She is so educated about honestly, ANY questions/concerns/fears/doubts you have and she really feels like an angel guiding you through the entire experience. With her being there through my entire 19 hour labor I was able to achieve my natural birth I wanted to. I know I wouldn't have been able to stay as calm and comforted as I was without her there. She really helps dad stay collected and gives him guidance to know what to do and what he can help with to not feel helpless or panic at all. Hire Shannondoah you will NOT regret it. read more

I love this woman. I was looking for a different experience from my previous hospital birth. I found this page on Yelp and initially called for an at home prenatal massage. She has amazing hands!!! I then learned about her birth packages. She became my masseuse, doula, emotional support and friend. She is so knowledgeable. I was incredibly thankful to have her as my guide during my home birth and post birth. She empowered me, kept me calm, reminded me to breath and I am very thankful for her beautiful presence. I had her encapsulate my placenta for this birth and it was beautifully done. I highly recommend Shannondoah and all of her services. Thank you a million stars! read more

Pregnant mommas, if you want a great birthing experience, please, do yourself a favor, give yourself a gift, and get Shannondoah for your doula! Shannondoah specializes in hypnobirthing, hypnotherapy, and MASSAGE THERAPY. That means every time you meet with her your aching pregnant body gets a much-needed massage as her voice hypnotizes you into blissful relaxation, helps you visualize the birth, and helps you let go of any fears you may have of the birthing process. You do several of these sessions with her before the birth (I did five). During that time you learn to relax to her voice, to her touch, to the smells of the lotions she uses, and to the vision she helps you build of your safe haven and your ideal birth. Shannondoah doesn't care if you are having a home birth or a hospital birth, she will be there for you. If you want an epidural, she supports you 100%. If you want a birth without any medication, she supports you 100%. She is there for you, she cares only for what you think is best for you, she is in your corner, she is your coach, and she is your advocate. She makes herself available to you. She doesn't care if your baby comes at dinner time on a family holiday (mine did), she will come to you without hesitation. During your pregnancy she becomes your personal trainer and your cheerleader. By the birthing day, her presence soothes you, she helps you birth calmly, and she keeps you empowered the entire time so that you have the birth you choose. My first birth, I had a home birth with a midwife. No doula. I was useless all day, grumpy that my husband couldn't read my mind and plotting making a run for the hospital, until my midwife arrived two hours before the birth. She snapped me out of my whining and got me breathing the way I needed to breathe to stay calm and strong. That first time birthing was tough, like a marathon. I felt like a warrior. It was a battle. My second birthing experience, Shannondoah acted as my doula. Nothing went according to plan. Baby came three weeks early, midwife was out of town, I had to go to a hospital completely unprepared, and I birthed with a laborist I had never met. Shannondoah stayed by my side the entire time. She calmed me, she soothed me, she helped me to let go of my fears, she advocated for me to the laborist in ways I wouldn't have thought to advocate for myself, and she helped me maintain my breath the whole time, through the toughest contractions. With Shannondoah by my side, I birthed like a goddess. It was a confidence-booster and a great experience. As a bonus, Shannondoah also has a great camera and she is happy to take pictures of you and your family before, during (if it's a home birth), and after the birth. She was with me when my husband brought our 19-month-old son in to meet our new addition for the first time. She took tons of pictures and captured that moment for us forever. I am forever grateful for this awesome woman and doula. read more

Shannondoah became my doula when I was 38 weeks pregnant. I hired her because I had recently learned I would need a c section and I was very overwhelmed at that time. My expectations were to have her come and support me through the process. She far exceeded my expectations. While everyone was asking when the baby was coming, Shannondoah asked how I was doing and if I needed something. At this time I was in the process of switching doctors because my current doctor did not want to perform my birth plan. She helped my find another doctor that performed my birth plan and was there every step of the way. In my opinion she went above and beyond the call of duty and her services were priceless. Not to mention she is a jack of all trades and offers more services than the average doula! If I have another baby I will definitely give Shannondoah a call. read more

We would give Shannondoah 1000 stars if we could! My wife's labor was a long process, and I don't want to even think what it would have been like if Shannondoah had not been there. She stayed with my wife through every minute of labor - even after being up for 2 days, and when I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. We highly highly highly highly recommend her as a Doula! read more

There are simply no words to describe how incredible Shannondoah is. From the massages throughout pregnancy, to being there throughout my labor - I can't imagine what it would have been like without her. We are forever grateful to her for how amazing she was! read more

Shannondoah was at the birth of my third child at my home birth although i don't remember much about her being there as she got there after i was already in the throes or labor. i couldn't do it with out her she is awesome. read more

The short version: Let me start by saying at first we thought hiring a doula was some hippity-dippity, crunchy granola fad. But then this happened... Shannondoah was part of the most intimate time in our life and I couldn't ask for anyone better to have been a part of that. She never once push her own opinions when they were not asked for, she gave us the support we needed during pregnancy, labor and postpartum care. The best money I ever spent, in my life, seriously! The Long version: We are first time parents and know a handful of new parents who gave birth in Las Vegas. Out of those new parents only one of them has a birth story that matched what they saw for them self and had the birth they wanted... The trick they said.... Hire a doula! So we called around and found Shannondoah. She was a great match for us, she asked us all of the right questions, and valued what was important to us. We wanted a natural hospital birth, no drugs, no interventions unless medically necessary, and to avoid a c-section as much as possible. I was on bed rest due to a high risk of preterm labor for 18 weeks of my pregnancy. It was stressful, and scary. This being our rainbow baby I was terrified of everything, it was wonderful to have someone who understood that, sometimes doctors can be so Un- compassionate. During that time it was calming to be able to call/text Shannondoah with any questions and know that she would come over if I felt something was off. There were times where I would call and she would listen to the fetal heart beat with me just to assure me that everything was okay. Seeing as we could not make it to a birthing class I started reading about Hypnotherapy and decided that was the route we would take for our natural birth. Shannondoah offers hypnossage where you get a nice relaxing prenatal massage while practicing visualizations that we used during labor. I keep telling my everyone that hiring Shannondoah was the best money we have ever spent! We had the birth we wanted and labor we wanted. We went to the hospital a little earlier than I had envisioned because I was having chest pains, but having someone who knew that it was time to go when it was actually needed kept us from having to be induced. When we got to the hospital it was so quick because she was able to let the nurses know what was happening, hand out my birth plan and convey what I wanted when I was in too much pain to speak and my husband was occupied coaching me through. I thought for certain I would be so upset with my husband and take my pain out on him but Shannondoah coached him at the beginning on what to say to me and how to effectively get me through a contraction. She was able to get me to relax when I felt it was time to push (it was not time). When the nurses tried to get me to allow them to break my water as soon as we got to the birthing room she was our first line of defense. We said no and we labored for another few hours. Then our babies heart rate started going up and they asked again, saying it was better for the baby. We had a minute to discuss it with her and make sure they just were not trying to rush us along and decided that was best for our baby. Once we delivered Shannondoah made sure we got skin to skin time as soon as we could, took pictures of our very first moments with our Daughter, stayed with me as I got stitched up and Daddy had some skin to skin time and then helped me breast fed for the first time. Shannondoah was part of the most intimate time in our life and I couldn't ask for anyone better to have shared hat with. She never once push her own opinions when they were not asked for, she gave us the support we needed during pregnancy, labor and postpartum care. read more

Shannondoah is a fantastic Doula. Besides her kind, giving nature she's really knows what she is doing. I have never been so relaxed as when she used her massage/hypnotherapy technique... At the same time... Awesome. She has been there everytime I needed her, even if just to talk. And was attentive, nurturing, caring and knowledgeable. Great experience all together. read more

Shannon Dartsch is by far, in my opinion, at the top of her class in massage, hypnotherapy, and doula services. Her soothing voice and touch are unlike any other therapist I have ever used. After years of massage service from her, I was delighted to have her as my therapist and doula for my last pregnancy with my son in 2009. I believe that I can attribute both mine and my sons physical and mental health and well being to her guidance and assistance throughout the pregnancy, c-section birth, and postpartum recovery and breastfeeding experience. She has a natural talent in calming and relaxing even the most high-strung personalities like myself. I will forever use Shannon for any of my anxiety-busting and physical ailment repair needs and I suggest you do the same. read more

I have been seeing Shannondoah since I was about 3 months pregnant with my second baby. While I haven't given birth yet (I've got 8 weeks left), I have already had an amazing experience with her! She has been far more than just a doula. She really cares about her clients and goes above and beyond for them whenever she can. She visited and stayed with me in the hospital a few weeks ago when I had a very nasty kidney stone that was just taking its sweet time leaving me, and she was a great support and distraction through the pains. She has helped me deal with things outside of pregnancy as well, and done even more amazing with the issues of pregnancy! I look forward to having my baby in two months with her and my husband's support as I work towards my home birth VBAC! I promise, you can't go wrong with choosing Shannondoah as your doula!! I will update after I have given birth to my long awaited baby girl! read more