TestimonialsNew

“We chose Rebecca as our doula because of her enthusiasm for and knowledge about the birthing process, and because I instantly felt a strong personal connection to her. It was as if we had know each other for years. With my husband deployed to Iraq and no family in town, I knew that there was a strong possibility that I would be alone in the birthing room without a doula’s assistance. Rebecca went out of her way to conduct our pre-birth meetings in such a way as to allow my husband to participate. And, when I did enter labor, Rebecca was with me every step of the way, since my husband was not able to make it home in time for the birth. She provided emotional and physical support that made this life-changing event a joy. I entered the birthing suite feeling confident, knowing that I could handle any challenge placed before me. I would not have had such a positive experience without her; in fact, without her, I would have been alone both laboring at home and at the hospital (had I made it there on my own!) We cannot say enough good things about the support she provided before, during, and after the birth of our daughter. Thank you, thank you, Rebecca.” - Emily

Client

Testimonials

“Rebecca is a doula straight from heaven. I believe her presence played a large role in our having
a successful VBAC. From the moment we met her my husband and I felt completely confident in her ability to support us in having the birth that we wanted. She did so by providing suggestions and tools for labor, but also with an extraordinary energy of empowerment. She believed in us!” - Sarah

“My husband and I are both attorneys and Type-A individuals. We were a bit unsure whether we’d find a doula who’d be a good fit for us. When the pain crashed down on me in waves, Rebecca’s voice guided me through. When I didn’t think I’d ever see the other side of a contraction, she urged me on. When I reached a critical point and fatigue set in, Rebecca told me that she knew I could do it, and the conviction in her voice made me believe I could. Her presence kept us calm and focused. She shared our joy and snapped treasured pictures that we were too distracted to take. We welcomed our daughter into the world with a natural childbirth, and it would not have happened that way without Rebecca.” -Kristina

“I knew within moments of meeting her that she was the perfect doula for us. She was unconditionally supportive to both myself and my husband. She encouraged me to ask for everything I wanted, and I did. She was a gentle and knowledgeable coach throughout the process of early labor, active labor, and pushing. My labor was drug-free, and I know it was because of my amazing birth team. I cannot imagine giving birth without her! Our midwife later remarked at Rebecca being the best doula she had met in years.” - Leah

“Rebecca was tireless and encouraging. She reinforced at all times that I was doing great throughout labor and delivery. She was a warrior... With every contraction, her enduring, incredible strength took all my pain away. Whenever anyone asks about the pain of labor in birth, I say, “My doula was my medicine, she was all I needed.” - Ariane

“Rebecca is not only a trained and capable doula, but she is a warm, compassionate person who really listens to your desires and needs. My husband and I wanted a natural birth with as few medical interventions as possible. Complications during labor/delivery necessitated a c-section. Rebecca was with us the whole way and always supported our wishes while never judging us for the decisions that we made. She was our sounding board so that we could make fully informed choices given the circumstances. She helped us to do everything possible for a natural birth, which was entirely worth the 20 hours of unmedicated effort. Rebecca is empathetic, and was aware of when to give us space and when to offer more help. We would absolutely hire Rebecca again in a heartbeat.” - Wendy

“Something that I really loved about Rebecca was that she never pushed anything on me, she was truly there to support me and the birth that I wanted. While all of the hospital staff was yelling at me to lay on my back (which was extremely painful for me, and not the position my body wanted to be in), Rebecca was the only one who was paying attention to me and my needs. She was calm and advocated for me to be in the position I wanted, and was also very helpful in calming me down when I was told that there was no time for an epidural! We were also very happy with the time that she spent with us before the birth, she really made us feel well cared for and prepared for the birth of our son.” - Rochelle

“I call Rebecca my angel. During my labor she would speak to me with a calm and soft voice, which in turn, helped me to remain calm and soft. Rebecca was very helpful in reminding me that my labor was a time to celebrate and rejoice, as she would smile with me following each contraction, because I was that much closer to meeting my baby. Rebecca spent a lot of time with us prior to our son’s birth helping us to prepare for labor. She listened to my wishes, concerns and fears, and tailored her support to my needs. I truly believe that without her support during my preparation I would have had a more difficult time during labor. She helped me find the confidence within myself and helped me trust my body.” - Sequoya

“I had never heard of a doula before meeting Rebecca. I am 63 years old and a first time grandmother. When my daughter and her husband asked if I would like to be part of their labor team I was skeptical and very hesitant. That was before I met Rebecca. After our first family visit I felt confident that I might be helpful to my daughter during her labor. Rebecca was so positive and considerate of my daughter, her husband and me throughout the many hours she guided us toward delivery of a beautiful baby boy. I cherished all of the time we spent together and felt a peacefulness instead of my usual anxiety with the unknown. I cried at moments and was delighted at the same time in seeing slow dancing and lunges as part of labor among many other natural methods Rebecca suggested. Her knowledge and encouragement really energized all of us at crucial points along the labor. I smile every time I think about the labor and birth of my grandson. This experience was exquisite.” - Marti

Rebecca Shepherd offers Seattle doula services, Capitol Hill doula services, Queen Anne doula services, Ballard doula services, West Seattle doula services, Bellevue doula services, Redmond doula services, Seattle childbirth classes, as well as service to all area neighborhoods and suburbs of the greater Puget Sound. Whether you are searching for a birth doula or Birthing From Within childbirth classes, I look forward to being with you on the journey!

“At the birth of our third child, Having Rebecca there was a blessing. Even without words, she boosted my confidence through the expression of encouragement and empathy in her eyes. She was a positive force I could count on when I was feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.” - VV

“At the birth of our third child, Having Rebecca there was a blessing. Even without words, she boosted my confidence through the expression of encouragement and empathy in her eyes. She was a positive force I could count on when I was feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.” - VV

“When my wife and I decided to have a doula for our first child, I mostly agreed because my wife wanted to have one and I wanted to be supportive of her birth. In the back of my mind at that time, I really did think I could have supported my wife during the birth itself. Rebecca was such a huge part of our fantastic experience. Not only did we enjoy getting to know her as a person, Rebecca comforted and encouraged my wife in such a way that can only come from someone who is both experienced and kind. There was a real connection between my wife and Rebecca during the entire birth and that connection enabled my wife to work through some very tough spots. In all honesty, I’m not sure I could have provided that connection/encouragement, which turned out to be crucial for my wife. I simply cannot say enough about what Rebecca provided for us at our birth.” -Ethan

“Rebecca was wonderful. She took the time to really get to know us and we could tell very quickly that she is someone we could trust for such an important and intimate job. During labor, other than quick visits, our midwife and nursing staff left us alone a lot. But we had Rebecca. She never left our side, and kept us as focused and calm as possible - even when things got difficult. She helped with practical coping techniques like massage and positioning that really helped. Whenever a decision presented itself to be made, Rebecca provided information and supported our decision. We could have done it alone, but we’re sure glad we didn’t have to. Rebecca is a blessing to the community.” - Peter

“Rebecca’s intuitive approach allowed her to enter into my birth process seamlessly. Whether she was supporting me directly with massage or encouragement, or indirectly by keeping the birth space safe and comfortable, she was an invaluable addition to our birth team. Rebecca helped to provide our family with the resources and care that we need to have the sacred birth that we had envisioned.” - Julia

“I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula who is incredibly sensitive to any situation, and able to adjust her path in a moment to help you in the way you need help. Thank you, Rebecca, for making my birth experience the perfect one. We couldn’t imagine anyone else with us as we welcomed our new little one into the world!” - Stacey

“Rebecca is an excellent doula. She is a tireless advocate, devoted to the well being of the mother throughout the entire birthing process. Rebecca was there before anyone else. She provided comfort with her expertise, her confidence, and her caring support. When we had to move to the hospital, Rebecca helped us make the transition. She made sure that my wife’s needs were voices to the hospital staff. She made sure that we understood our options and helped us make the tough decisions. She was the calm eye of the storm. When a C-section became inevitable, she was in the operating room at my wife’s side, and comforted me immeasurably. After our son was born and all was well, she visited and prepared the placenta for my wife to take as a supplement. I will never forget all she did for us, and I can’t recommend her enough to prospective parents that want a thoughtful, emotionally attuned, and smart woman by their side.” - Marko

“As a midwife, I really enjoy watching Rebecca work with our mutual clients. She brings so much energy and joy to births. Very often I see her help clients who are at a low point in their labor to reframe the situation into one where they feel more proactive and empowered to move forward in the labor. Whenever I have clients who have chosen Rebecca as a doula, I feel comfortable in the knowledge that they will be well supported during their labors for however long it may last or wherever the journey may end. Observing Rebecca’s work over the years, I feel that she is committed to women and the process of pregnancy and birth, and how it is a process that goes beyond any expectations. As a person and a doula, she walks a path of intention and consciousness, and is always re-evaluating her doula practice to see how she can best serve families in the future. I always recommend her to all my clients.”
Geraldine Lee, LM
(Fremont Midwifery)

More testimonials

Video Gallery

in the