Shakti Births

A doula is a service that not many of us are aware of or educated on and i was one of those that realized a little later into my pregnancy that i may need one. I absolutely loved Tamryn!! From the moment we met her till the very last visit, we clicked easily and instantly felt safe and knew she would help us create a safe environment and birth that we were hoping for. Her techniques dont overshadow what you want or what you have researched, she’s there to assist you and support your partner by guiding the both of you.I gave birth a little earlier than expected but it wasn’t an issue for her, she tried her utmost to help over the phone until she arrived at the hospital. I dont think my birth would have gone as smoothly if she wasnt in the room with us, she truly adds a nice element especially for a first time mom AND first time dad. The post birth assistance is also super amazing and such a need after giving birth to try regain your bearings. I haven't stopped talking about doula services since i gave birth, to anyone that will listen or expecting-so definitely highly recommend.

I had planned over the course of my pregnancy to deliver naturally at a hospital in Johannesburg. At 30 weeks I changed care providers to one that was more aligned with my vision for a very natural birthing process. A few weeks before delivering I came across Tamryn.Tamryn prepared my husband and me for birth with some very real and practical advice, and by helping us figure out what should expect for our birth and also figure out what it was that we wanted. It was wonderful to essentially have a birth BFF that would be by our side, and guide my husband to being an active participant in the birthing process. This helped me prepare emotionally and mentally for birth and also taught me to breathe properly! This gave my husband a lot of confidence and relief going in.Our baby remained breech our entire third trimester and Tamryn made some wonderful recommendations to help turn the baby. This saved me from going crazy Googling things. As the due date approached, the possibility of a Caesarean Section increased. I was quite disappointed and Tamryn helped me gently to change my mindset about the situation and also process the fear I had of an epidural.On the day of our scheduled C-section, Tamryn arrived to offer wonderful and welcome support. She was able to attend the surgery and help keep me calm. Afterward, Tamryn assisted with the initial breastfeeding as well. She was also able to make recommendations for health professionals we needed after the birth.Perhaps one of the most valuable services I enjoyed was the postpartum support, which I feel is a major gap for C-section moms. Tamryn checked in several times, and checked in with my husband to make sure we were okay. Her postpartum visit was a therapeutic debriefing of what I experienced and also equipped me with some ways to cope with the initial postpartum craziness.Tamryn was always professional, easy to get along with and knowledgeable. She is passionate about working with parents through birth and whether you have a natural or C-section birth, I can recommend having Tamryn as your BFF by your side. The service was invaluable to our journey bringing our baby to the world.Thank you , Tamryn!

We were initially on the fence about hiring a doula. My husband had concerns about feeling sidelined and uninvolved in our baby's birth but wow are we so glad we had Tam join our birth team.Tam goes over and above in making you feel seen and at ease, even if your birth takes a turn you weren't expecting. Her home visits are like counselling sessions and make you feel excited and ready for the birth. No question is too silly and answered with so much love and patience. She provided so much breastfeeding support. Tam, thank you so much- you are one in a million.

I couldn't have asked for a better Doula ! Tamryn is so selfless and caring. She truly goes the extra mile for her clients. She makes sure that both parents are doing well and tries to meet all our comfort needs. On the day of my delivery Tamryn is the one who went out to get myself and my hubby snacks. She made sure that the room was organized by laying out all the blankets and clothes. She liased with our birth photographer to make sure that she arrived on time. And all at the same time, she managed to ensure that she was there to provide counter pressure during all my contractions! She truly is an angel. I believe that my birth wouldn't have went as smoothly without her. Thank you Tam!!

Hopefully this could be a review that convinces someone to get a doula. I always knew I wanted to doula but I didn’t know how great the impact would be on my birthing experience. We added the Hypnobirthing classes and when I tell you the techniques changed “the game” , I am not exaggerating. I have never been so determined, calm and completely aware and trusting of my body. Even though my birth ended in a C-section my 18 hours of contractions was the most empowered and beautiful experience of my whole. Tamryn at some point of this journey felt like family more than anything, she is extremely hands on, attentive and knowledgeable. She will make you feel like you are her only client, which is what most first time moms need. I don’t want to give a lot away because I feel every woman has to have their own unique and beautiful experience without someone else experience clouding their judgement. When it comes to Shakti Births, I would recommend them any day and use them over and over.

Tamryn was an invaluable part of my pregnancy and birth journey. Throughout my pregnancy she was available whenever I got paranoid or anxious about anything and always happy to answer my insane questions. During labour she was a rock for myself and my husband and when my induction turned into an unplanned c-section, she was the voice that reminded me that I did not fail. My favourite birth memory is breastfeeding my Baba for the first time while Tam fed me breakfast :)