As an acupuncturist and doula, Sharon Yeung played an invaluable role in assisting me with the birth of my first child. She met with me and my husband a few weeks prior to ascertain what kind of birth we were envisioning (I had hoped for a natural birth) and how best she might assist. Sharon gave me a routine acupuncture induction treatment in my 38th week to help prepare my body for labor, which started 5 days later. Once labor started, she was available immediately for advice by phone and soon arrived at our home to assist. Her combined skills, as well as her calm and nurturing presence, were invaluable to me and my husband. Throughout the 24 or so hours of my labor, Sharon was right there with me, giving acupuncture treatments for pain and nausea, suggesting different positions to keep me comfortable, applying counter-pressure during contractions, making sure I stayed nourished and hydrated, guiding me with deep breathing and generally just being a wonderful emotional support. Sharon has an innate ability to make timely and helpful suggestions without putting on pressure or being too overbearing. She teamed up very well with my husband (and later, with the midwife and nurses at the hospital) to keep labor progressing smoothly. I found that having a doula to assist with labor removed the worry of uncertainty. I was fortunate to be able to have the natural birth I had envisioned, due in no small part to having a trained professional there to judge where I was in the process and keep things calm, allowing me to concentrate on the task at hand. Beyond this, I would highly recommend Sharon as a doula because of her empathetic nature as well her tireless work ethic, at every moment assessing the situation and determining how best to be of help. If I have another child I sincerely hope that Sharon can be with me during the labor and birth!
Pros: professional, available, and invaluable
more