Johanna: Full-Spectrum Doula Client + Yoga
Even though Sarah was only physically present at the birth of my first child, her encouragement, expertise, and spirit endured for our second child’s entrance into this world.
While pregnant with my daughter, I took Sarah’s prenatal yoga class every week. That class changed everything for me because I learned so much about how to care for, and prepare, my mind and body for all the ups and downs of pregnancy and labor.
Beyond feeling more in tune with myself, and more aware of all the different ways a body can give birth, I also gained an incredible community.
In her yoga classes, Sarah truly creates a sanctuary for expecting parents; we began every class by sitting in a circle, checking in with each other, supporting each other, learning, laughing, and sometimes even crying, together.
Sarah created such a safe space that even if we entered the studio as strangers, we left as comrades in arms. So much so that a group of us formed a parenting group after our babies were born.
Sarah also offered birthing workshops, which my husband and I attended. My husband left feeling so empowered and more connected to the entire experience.
When I asked Sarah to be my birth doula, she was not actually taking on clients at that time. And yet, with her constant generosity, she agreed to continue the journey with me.
We felt so blessed to have her at the birth of our daughter, which was long (36 hours!) and trying. She encouraged me to use so many different methods to progress my labor from dancing, to sitting in the tub, to yoga, to resting, but she never pushed me in a direction that didn’t feel organic.
She was truly present - paying attention to what I needed, even when I wasn’t sure what that was. When interventions were suggested, she helped me make informed and unrushed decisions without judgment.
She also made sure that my partner was an active participant. She helped him help me, rather than just taking over for him - she understands how to help a partner take on a central role in labor and birth.
During postpartum, Sarah’s incredible coaching and caretaking continued. She was constantly making sure I had everything I needed, from healthy snacks to padsicles to someone to hold my baby while I took a hot shower.
She would even carry my fussy baby around the room while she taught postpartum yoga so that I could participate in some of the postures.
Sarah’s breadth of knowledge, passion, and compassion saturate the space around her and stay with you for years to come. I know this because even though we moved away for the birth of our second child, three years later, my husband and I still carried all of her wisdom and preparation.
We felt so equipped and at ease the second time around and I know that was in large part because of Sarah. I cannot recommend enough the great fortune of having Sarah as a part of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum team.
Thank you so much Sarah,
