Thrive After Birth – Friendly, Never Forced Parent & Baby Support

Background

I am lucky to have been born and raised in the beautiful state of Colorado. I have many fond memories of ice skating and snowboarding growing up. I have also lived in Long Beach, California and Cape May, New Jersey. I graduated from South Dakota State University with a BS in Psychology and began my journey to become a postpartum doula in 2016. My husband is my best friend, and our home is full with 2 crazy dogs, a cat-like-dog and a 3 legged bearded dragon. We live in a cute 100+ year old home about 12 miles outside of Sioux Falls in Hartford, SD.

My Why

I care about people, am empathetic and pride myself on being a great listener. Children are naturally drawn to me, I really enjoy working with older siblings, and all types of animals too. I am intuitive, observant, analytical, passionate, creative, and kind. I love to serve others and don’t mind folding laundry, running to the grocery store, or making you a meal. I see a need to be filled and have the needed skills and gumption to Do something about it. I offer Friendly, Never Forced Parent and Baby Support and would love to help you to Parent with Confidence!

What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?

There are many ways that I can help you as your postpartum doula!

Two ears to hear

It is of course my pleasure to listen to your birth story, details and all!

Two hands to help

While you are holding and cuddling your baby another set of hands will be helpful.

Maintain your household

Daily duties like: laundry, meal prepping, light cleaning, etc. can be done for you.

Provide resources

Many resources to share with you, including professional referrals and a lending library.

newborn care

I will model newborn care techniques, for example swaddling, safe sleep, and much more!

sibling support

While you get in bonding time with your newborn, I am happy to tend to your other little ones or pets!

What People Say

Shannon is fabulous with children, and she can provide lots of evidence-based research to support you during the post-partum transition. Renee’s Website

Renee-Birth Doula , Doula Testimonial

Shortly after having my son, I developed mastitis, and I really just needed a sick day from being a parent. Thanks to Shannon I was able to have one! I only had to be available to nurse my baby. Otherwise, I was able to take some time to rest and heal. My toddler, who doesn’t like many adults, was instantly drawn to Shannon, and she was great with my baby, too. I’m pretty sure she even folded some clean clothes I had sitting out. She was willing to come to my house very early in the morning and sneak in to be available when my toddler would wake up allowing me to not even get out of bed to greet her.
Oh, and after she helped me so wonderfully, SHE thanked ME for welcoming her into my home.
Hiring Shannon as a postpartum doula is like having an extra mom.

Client Testimonial

What a blessing this woman has been to our house! If you need #doula services in #SiouxFalls #SouthDakota #shannonward is it! Meals, support, education (#breastfeeding, #newparent training, etc), appointments help, overnights, help with the kids/family/pets she covers it all! You will not be disappointed.

Wayne Trout, Client Testimonial

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Satisfied families

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Diapers changed

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Loads of laundry

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Meals prepped

I believe there are

3 Steps to Success as a New Parent

1

resources

I want to empower you to Parent with Confidence! I have many evidence based resources I can share with you, as well as a lending library.

2

A network

I can help you pool your friends and families support. As well as refer you to my wonderful network of professionals.

3

Grace

Sometimes you just need a break, that’s OK. Sometimes you need to sleep, that’s OK too. New babies take it out of us and that’s OK. I am happy to help!