We can't imagine a more perfect classroom setting and teaching style for our birthing classes. Sarah's wisdom and experience
(personally and professionally) was enhanced by her general warmth and real openness. She created a space in which we could really accept that anything could happen with the birth and that it's all equally ok. She was realistic and empowering.
When Jo went into labor and through the birth process, many of the little details Sarah mentioned guided me: from the way I interacted with the hospital staff to how I supported Jo. I felt excited but not overwhelmed or worried –if Sarah's class had been my only prep for being a birthing partner, I would have been just fine. And having such small classes was wonderful! We honestly felt more like we were going over to a friend's house for Sunday coffee than learning about birth and babies. We felt really comfortable and able to say anything in the classes, even to ask dumb questions.
We were surprised to find ourselves genuinely sad when our last class was over. It wasn't just a birthing class, it was time spent with wonderful people, who (with their babies) remain our friends!
Nick, Jo, and Mae Cogan
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We can't imagine having Enzo without your kindness, your expertise, your support, your wise counsel, your good cheer. We're grateful for it all--and we won't forget it. It gives us great pleasure to think of you giving the same to other expectant parents.
Matt and Gina
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I wholeheartedly
recommend Sarah for her doula services. She is amazing. I swear she
saved my life (or at least it felt like it). First of all, we took her
birth prep class and loved it. We were in a terrific small, easygoing
group. Very comfortable and learned a ton. It was a great way to get to
know her before the birth experience--plus we also gained friends from
the group in the process. My birth experience was nothing like I
imagined it would be and at each step of the way I was more and more
grateful to have Sarah by my side. She was there to comfort me,
reassure me, negotiate the many people who wander in and out of the
room, advocate for me and make me laugh. And I laughed a lot! Despite
all the pain and blood I actually had a GREAT time. I credit Sarah with
that.
Ari Vena and Brent Popolizio
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Sarah is one of the most down to earth and open minded people I have known. I could ask her anything, even the silliest of questions, and get a heartfelt and honest response.
I went into labor on a very snowy evening and almost immediately went into active labor at our apartment. Sarah, like always, picked up the phone as soon as we called, and came over to help us out. Her methods of massage and heat and simple guidance were something I cannot imagine being without. Although it was certainly not an 'easy' process I know it would have been much harder without Sarah.
My husband was very thankful to have her there as well. To have a partner to help was priceless for him. Sarah was able to teach him some techniques to calm my chattering teeth (who knew that happens!?) and it was honestly one of the most helpful things that I remember. I know that may sound silly, but Sarah has experienced so many births that she knows exactly what to do to help when you need it most.... a position you might try, a hot water bottle when you are cramping up, or just some advice when you or your partner feel helpless.
Also, because she was there, either my husband or Sarah was able to be with me 100% of the time. And I distinctly remember not wanting to be alone for even a moment and wanting someone to hold my hand every step of the way.
Everybody has a different experience with childbirth and a different set of circumstances.... but I know that having Sarah with us helped us to be more calm, confident and empowered through the whole process.2
Liz and Morgand2
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Sarah was a wonderful doula to us. I can't recommend
her enough. From the minute she arrived at the
hospital until our daughter's birth 12 hours later,
Sarah never left my side and always seemed to know
exactly what I needed even before I did. But what I
appreciated most was the sensitive and compassionate
way she quietly took charge when labor really got
going. In her hands, we were able to relax and even
enjoy the experience in a way I'm sure we would never
have been able to without her guidance.
Beth and Laurent
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We were torn between the medical bias of our upbringings and a sense of awe at the amazing human capacity for coping with pain
and the unknown. Without ANY judgment whatsoever, Sarah opened our minds to
the possibilty of a natural birth, even in a hospital setting. Through
18 hours of labor, 4 hours of pushing, we delivered 9 lbs. 6 oz. of
stubborn baby naturally. Sarah's absolute love of babies and respect
for parenthood is infectious!
Jodi, Eric & Evan Jonah Harris
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