What Clients Are Saying
We loved working with Steffanie for the birth of our second child last year. Not only was it a comfort having Steffanie involved in my labor and delivery, but she was also a great resource to us during my pregnancy and postpartum. Her depth of experience was apparent as we talked through my birth plan, anxieties, and preparation. I gave birth at a birthing center, where I could have had one of several different midwives attending my birth. I was particular when selecting my doula because I wanted to see a face I was thoroughly familiar with when I walked into my birthing room, even if I didn't end up with a midwife I knew well. I felt safe with Steffanie in my birth space. She was assertive but not overbearing in the ways she supported me during labor, and she made space for my husband to be my main cheerleader while I was pushing. We would absolutely choose Steffanie to be our doula again.
— Sarah K. May’24
Where do I even begin? Steffanie provided 30 hours of support during my 57 hour induction. She was there throughout every twist and turn that got thrown our way, and it was her voice reminding me to “breathe, relax your shoulders, she’ll be here soon” between every push.
After a long labor, I went into shock and passed out (among other things). While my husband and the staff tried to stabilize me, Steffanie stayed with our newborn daughter for what ended up being an extra two hours after the birth. She was the only person who tended to our daughter and she didn’t leave the hospital until 3am, after being there with us all weekend.
What Steffanie provided us throughout a very long labor, was peace of mind, empathy and access to her wealth of knowledge. Don’t hesitate to hire her for your family. She is worth every single penny and more.
— Courtney P. June’24
Steffanie was an indispensable part of our birth team for both our births. She is knowledgeable and experienced, carrying with her the wisdom born of attending over 200 births. She is clearly well respected in the St. Louis birth community. Whenever I told someone that she was my doula — from the midwives at Mercy Birthing Center to my chiropractor and yoga instructor — they reaffirmed my choice. Her colleagues have nothing but the best to say of Steffanie.
Even more importantly, Steffanie is a calming, unshakeable presence. She helped me through a long and difficult pushing stage with grace, humor, and countless suggestions for positioning. She pulled out her rebozo, provided snacks, helped us with the peanut ball, anticipated my every need in a way that even my husband could not, and was with us every step of the way. When plans had to adjust, she knew just what to say to keep me calm and allow me to trust in myself and the process. She took photos and videos of the birth that I will always cherish, and stayed on after our son was born to make sure that we were all settled and fed before heading home to her own family.
We need doulas in our society because so many of us lack the support of other women in our community — mothers, sisters, friends, neighbors — who would once have been present for our births and postpartum periods. Steffanie somehow manages to stand in for this whole host of wise women. She is simultaneously maternal and like that lifelong friend you haven’t seen in years, but can pick back up with as though it was only yesterday. You will want her with you during the most intense moments of birth, but also during the lulls when there is time to talk.
I cannot recommend Steffanie enough, and will hire her again in a heartbeat if another baby is in our future.
— Jess T. Sept.’23
I truly don’t think my natural birth would have been possible without Steffanie. She was a joy to work with throughout my pregnancy and birth. She is warm, genuine, caring, empowering, and supportive. From enjoying her company during pregnancy to literally hugging her and hanging onto her through contractions, she transformed my birth experience. She is so knowledgeable and helped us with all of our questions throughout pregnancy developing our birth plan. She spent so much time with us just getting to know one another which made a huge difference when labor came on, as I felt like I was with a good friend. During labor and birth, she was so intuitive to what was going on and how to help me. She suggested and guided me through different positions to move labor along. She worked tirelessly through a long labor to make me comfortable as well as guide my husband on how to help me through contractions. I really can’t imagine labor without her. Even after birth, she has been so sweet following up with me and providing assistance and recommendations on breastfeeding support. Hiring a doula as well as selecting which doula are huge decisions. Steffanie really is the best of the best, and I will never give birth without her!
— Melissa S. May’23
A friend recommended Steffanie to us after I had an uncomfortable interaction with a nurse at my OBGYN's practice. In the moment, I didn't feel empowered to stand up for myself during a routine visit and knew that I would need support during labor with our first child. Steffanie made me feel empowered, helped us come up with a birth plan that I was excited about and guided us through the entire process with grace, a sense of calm, and strength. I was fortunate to have a birth that I think back on as my favorite day, and I can't wait for Steffanie to be there for baby number 2 when we are ready. This is the best money you could spend to give you peace of mind and to help relieve stress from your partner. I also think I would have given birth at home (not in the birth plan) if Steffanie wasn't there to tell us it was time to go to the hospital!
— Sydney W. Aug.’22 (Baby #1)
I absolutely cannot say enough good things about Steffanie. She helped me achieve my unmedicated hospital VBAC and was a phenomenal support throughout my entire pregnancy. She quickly answered any pregnancy question I texted her about and she has a wealth of resources for various pregnancy and postpartum issues. She also connected me with my chiropractor and lactation consultant who I love! Steffanie was an amazing support during labor and she helped both me and my husband stay calm and enjoy our hospital birth. I recommend her to every pregnant woman trying to achieve an unmedicated birth. She was the best investment I made for my birth! The next time I get pregnant, she will be my first text!
— Kaylee R. June’24
My husband and I cannot emphasize how much of a vital role Steffanie played during the birth of our first son. Birth is a mindset marathon, and she helped my husband and I keep our mindsets calm and focused on having the easiest and healthiest birth possible. For me, she was the silent presence in the room, saying "You can do this," with confidence and love. I could not have asked for more. Her experience and personality were exactly what my family needed. Thank you!!!
— Alyssa J. Jan.’24
Steffanie was absolutely amazing as our doula for the birth of our second son! She is so knowledgeable, and brings a calming, confident presence into birth. She provided so much support during the birth, from different pain relief tools, to encouragement, and suggestions to help labor progress when needed. I would hire her over and over again!
— Leah M. Aug.’24
Steffanie is 100% worth every cent & I could not recommend her enough !! She provided me & my husband an incredible amount of evidence based information, wonderful book suggestions, & endless support before, during, & after labor. She helped us navigate an unexpected push for induction from my provider, for being past my due date, & gave us the confidence to say no & let my body go into spontaneous labor. Based on where I was feeling my contractions & how my labor was progressing she knew my baby had a nuchal hand long before my provider did. She has a wealth of knowledge that will help you feel confident & deeply cared for going into your birth. She helped us achieve the goal of having a natural, intervention free birth while also maintaining a peaceful & loving environment (even in a hospital setting). She has been giving a gift from God in walking with families as they experience one of the most incredible & tender moments of their lives. We will definitely be using her again!!
— Jemma L. Nov.’23
Steffanie is worth all the money in the world. From our first consultation to days after my daughter was born, Steffanie was available to answer questions and provide evidence based information on labor, birth and postpartum. Steffanie helped me form a clear and concise birth plan that I felt really confident in. When labor finally came, she was ready to go at a moment’s notice. She provided so much emotional support and even suggested positions to hopefully make my contractions more consistent, which worked! She helped me work through all of my emotions in labor.
Steffanie helped me achieve the birth of my dreams, which after a traumatic first birth, I so desperately needed. Thank you Steffanie for being an amazing doula and support person! We are so grateful for you!
— Addie L. Nov.’23
Steffanie simply improved every part of our birth experience through her education, past experiences, emotional support, resources, and genuine care for the parent's preferences. I wanted a doula because research shows so many benefits! My husband and I interviewed steffanie, and she was an instant fit with what we needed. She always took her time with us, answered questions clearly, and helped us determine the best path for our family. During the labor, I felt supported by Steffanie's calm presence. She knew every time I was contracting and worked to find techniques that best mediated my pain. She helped us think through in the moment decisions as well. Thanks to her, I labored in the bathtub, skipped a few unnecessary interventions, and felt more in control of the pain. I could go on and on with compliments. She took pictures of the birth which are now some of my most cherished images, and she even cut my cord after we asked her to! Steffanie was amazing and I can confidently say she will make your birthing experience better no matter your birthing plan preference!
— Haley V. Feb.’23
I cannot say enough about how incredible Steffanie was during the birth of my second child. (She was there for my first, too!) From the moment I went past my due date, she was right there, guiding me through all my options, along with my OB. Her knowledge and recommendations were invaluable in ensuring I could have a vaginal birth, just as I hoped.
When I finally went into labor, things didn’t go quite as planned—my baby was 'sunny side up,' and I found myself asking for an epidural, which wasn't part of my birth plan. But Steffanie remained calm and supportive, suggesting exercises that helped turn the baby. Thanks to her expertise and encouragement, I was able to stick to my birth plan, and shortly after, I was up, moving around, and introducing our newest addition to her big brother.
I truly couldn’t have done it without Steffanie’s guidance and support. She was everything I needed and more during such an important moment in my life.
— Sydney W. Feb.’24 (Baby #2!)