Childbirth Expert and Mother | Erica Shane
Welcome! I'm Erica Shane and I am a veteran doula, childbirth expert, and certified gentle sleep coach. I am the creator of Navigating the Waters, a wellness program for parents that encompasses gentle sleep shaping (1-5mo), gentle sleep coaching (6mo+), and new parent support.
As a long time doula, and caregiver of parents and babies, I help to bring awareness to all the aspects of new parenthood (besides lack of sleep): self care, work/home life, relationships, physical and emotional health, and more.
I believe that parents deserve high quality, individualized support and more sleep coaching options other than cry-it-out/close the door. I know that access to more time, more energy, and more attention from their care providers is a real possibility. Under my care, parents feel more ease as they navigate the things they seek out to change. They build confidence, and ultimately feel less struggle around making desired shifts.
I learned first hand the difficulty of navigating sleep and parenthood, with my own baby, in the summer of 2016. I was alone, bouncing on a ball with a crying baby, for many hours a day. If I knew then what I know now about sleep and infant development, and about support systems, what a different experience it would have been! Even after 2 decades a birth and postpartum doula, I felt really isolated and confused. What I’ve gathered as a sleep professional is that Google and all the one-size-fits-all books are not always of help. And unfortunately the average Pediatrician has close to no info on sleep and well-being for parents.
As a long time doula, and caregiver of parents and babies, I help to bring awareness to all the aspects of new parenthood (besides lack of sleep): self care, work/home life, relationships, physical and emotional health, and more.
I believe that parents deserve high quality, individualized support and more sleep coaching options other than cry-it-out/close the door. I know that access to more time, more energy, and more attention from their care providers is a real possibility. Under my care, parents feel more ease as they navigate the things they seek out to change. They build confidence, and ultimately feel less struggle around making desired shifts.
I learned first hand the difficulty of navigating sleep and parenthood, with my own baby, in the summer of 2016. I was alone, bouncing on a ball with a crying baby, for many hours a day. If I knew then what I know now about sleep and infant development, and about support systems, what a different experience it would have been! Even after 2 decades a birth and postpartum doula, I felt really isolated and confused. What I’ve gathered as a sleep professional is that Google and all the one-size-fits-all books are not always of help. And unfortunately the average Pediatrician has close to no info on sleep and well-being for parents.
My sleep shaping and coaching packages look at the whole picture, the whole family, and all the feelings that arise. Parents experience a depth of support that is unique all while achieving their sleep goals.
The task of sleep coaching (and parenting) won't be as daunting because an expert is there, holding your hand, navigating the transition with you. You can enjoy your life and your family. You can feel more peace and confidence, as a parent.There’s no right or wrong way to be pregnant, or to birth a child, or to parent- but there is a way to navigate those waters. And you don’t have to do it alone. You will be able to say "I’ve got this!"
I hold a Bachelors Degree in Women’s studies, and have studied and apprenticed with childbirth experts and leaders all over world since 2002. I am a certified gentle sleep coach, and continue to learn about infant development with the most renowned experts. I live in the countryside of Pennsylvania with my son (but will always be a New Yorker at heart and dream of returing every day). I take pride in the energy and focus I put into my own parenting experience (& borrow a lot of skills from my coaching and doula background). And my most happiest moments in life happen while traveling or with close family and friends who believe in me.
I know that my own practice of self care, and self reflection takes my work with parents deeper and deeper. We are all in this together.
The task of sleep coaching (and parenting) won't be as daunting because an expert is there, holding your hand, navigating the transition with you. You can enjoy your life and your family. You can feel more peace and confidence, as a parent.There’s no right or wrong way to be pregnant, or to birth a child, or to parent- but there is a way to navigate those waters. And you don’t have to do it alone. You will be able to say "I’ve got this!"
I hold a Bachelors Degree in Women’s studies, and have studied and apprenticed with childbirth experts and leaders all over world since 2002. I am a certified gentle sleep coach, and continue to learn about infant development with the most renowned experts. I live in the countryside of Pennsylvania with my son (but will always be a New Yorker at heart and dream of returing every day). I take pride in the energy and focus I put into my own parenting experience (& borrow a lot of skills from my coaching and doula background). And my most happiest moments in life happen while traveling or with close family and friends who believe in me.
I know that my own practice of self care, and self reflection takes my work with parents deeper and deeper. We are all in this together.
For over two decades, I've been drawn to this work. I became a birth doula when I was 21 years old, in 2001, just months after graduating from college. My dedication to families has grown through experience, intensive study and global travel. I have worked with hundreds of families in pregnancy, birth, the immediate postpartum, and now as a gentle sleep coach. I bring all of who I am to this work.
Here's where I've been:
2001 Graduated with a B.A. in Women's Studies/Spanish, University of Arizona, Tucson.
2002 Birth Doula Certification with DONA founder Penny Simkin, Clearwater, Florida.
2002 Rural Health clinic stay in Chilon, Chiapas, Mexico
2005 Certificate in Thai and Balinese Massage, Bali, Indonesia.
2005 Reflexology Certification, Chang Mai, Thailand.
2006 Pregnancy Massage Certification, Mother Massage, Elaine Stillerman, NYC.
2006 Childbirth Mentor Certification program with Birthing from Within founder Pamela England, NYC.
2006 Prenatal Psychology studies for one year with SBGI, Santa Monica, CA.
2007 Professional Midwife Assistant Certification with the Farm founder Ina May Gaskin, Tennessee.
2008 Midwifery Intensive with Traditional midwife Mirna Amaya in Mexico City.
2009 Reiki Master Level certification, Sarasota, Florida.
2009 M.A. studies in Mental Health Counseling, Webster College, Sarasota, Florida.
2010 Postpartum Doula Training, Maternity Wise, NY.
2010 Hypnobirthing Doula Training, New York Awareness Center, NYC.
2011 The Matrona Advanced Holistic Doula Certification, Brooklyn, New York.
2011 10-day Midwifery Intensive with certified and traditional midwife Naoli Vinevar, Veracruz, Mexico.
2011 Home Birth Midwifery Virtual Intensives 101+102 with Midwife Gloria Lemay.
2012 600hr Holistic Midwifery Immersion Program, The Matrona School, Asheville, NC.
2012 AAP/NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Certification, Karen Strange, Newborn Breath, NYC.
2012 Head's Up Breech Birth Conference, Robin Lim, Gloria Lemay, and Ina May Gaskin, Washington, DC.
2013 Volunteer Doula Apprenticeship for 10 weeks at Bumi Sehat birthing center, Bali, Indonesia.
2014 A 3 month Work Abroad Endeavor as a birth and postpartum doula with Expats in Bangkok, Thailand.
2014 CLC (certified Lactation counselor) with Healthy Families, Bronx, NYC.
2016-17 APPA certification studies for Placenta Encapsulation
2016-17 Birth of the New Mom Support groups in Brooklyn
2018 Pediatric Gentle Sleep Coach Certification with Kim West
2018-19 Sacred Depths Coach training with Joanna Lindenbaum
2019-2020 Coaching Mastery with Joanna Lindenbaum
2020 Baby Led Sleep Educator training with Isla Grace
2020 JAI Institute of Parenting Peaceful Parenting Certification
"Erica's gentle manner, warm touch, and total commitment to nurturing and supporting me in the trying times after my birth were priceless. She listened and supported unconditionally, and she helped give this new mother the confidence needed to take care of the baby and myself. She sent me great information and inspiring words even after I had stopped having her come in person. I really felt Erica was truly there for me and cared for me with her whole heart. I would and have highly recommended her to others! She is truly a special woman" Elana, Brooklyn
"When the moment finally came for my baby to enter this world you were my principal support, focus, and pillar. You made my birth an unforgettable, beautiful and unique experience. You knew how to calm my pain, my nerves and my insecurities. I don't know how you do it." Jennifer, Queens
"Erica intuitively knew what I needed when I didn't even know myself. From foot rubs to ice packs to mint oil she had tricks up her sleeve that aided me through every phase of my labor. She is calm, attentive, thoughtful and warm. I would recommend her services to anyone thinking about using a doula, in fact I would recommend her to anyone expecting a baby. She helped make my birthing experience stress free and memorable. I wouldn't give birth again without her." Alison, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Here's where I've been:
2001 Graduated with a B.A. in Women's Studies/Spanish, University of Arizona, Tucson.
2002 Birth Doula Certification with DONA founder Penny Simkin, Clearwater, Florida.
2002 Rural Health clinic stay in Chilon, Chiapas, Mexico
2005 Certificate in Thai and Balinese Massage, Bali, Indonesia.
2005 Reflexology Certification, Chang Mai, Thailand.
2006 Pregnancy Massage Certification, Mother Massage, Elaine Stillerman, NYC.
2006 Childbirth Mentor Certification program with Birthing from Within founder Pamela England, NYC.
2006 Prenatal Psychology studies for one year with SBGI, Santa Monica, CA.
2007 Professional Midwife Assistant Certification with the Farm founder Ina May Gaskin, Tennessee.
2008 Midwifery Intensive with Traditional midwife Mirna Amaya in Mexico City.
2009 Reiki Master Level certification, Sarasota, Florida.
2009 M.A. studies in Mental Health Counseling, Webster College, Sarasota, Florida.
2010 Postpartum Doula Training, Maternity Wise, NY.
2010 Hypnobirthing Doula Training, New York Awareness Center, NYC.
2011 The Matrona Advanced Holistic Doula Certification, Brooklyn, New York.
2011 10-day Midwifery Intensive with certified and traditional midwife Naoli Vinevar, Veracruz, Mexico.
2011 Home Birth Midwifery Virtual Intensives 101+102 with Midwife Gloria Lemay.
2012 600hr Holistic Midwifery Immersion Program, The Matrona School, Asheville, NC.
2012 AAP/NRP Neonatal Resuscitation Certification, Karen Strange, Newborn Breath, NYC.
2012 Head's Up Breech Birth Conference, Robin Lim, Gloria Lemay, and Ina May Gaskin, Washington, DC.
2013 Volunteer Doula Apprenticeship for 10 weeks at Bumi Sehat birthing center, Bali, Indonesia.
2014 A 3 month Work Abroad Endeavor as a birth and postpartum doula with Expats in Bangkok, Thailand.
2014 CLC (certified Lactation counselor) with Healthy Families, Bronx, NYC.
2016-17 APPA certification studies for Placenta Encapsulation
2016-17 Birth of the New Mom Support groups in Brooklyn
2018 Pediatric Gentle Sleep Coach Certification with Kim West
2018-19 Sacred Depths Coach training with Joanna Lindenbaum
2019-2020 Coaching Mastery with Joanna Lindenbaum
2020 Baby Led Sleep Educator training with Isla Grace
2020 JAI Institute of Parenting Peaceful Parenting Certification
"Erica's gentle manner, warm touch, and total commitment to nurturing and supporting me in the trying times after my birth were priceless. She listened and supported unconditionally, and she helped give this new mother the confidence needed to take care of the baby and myself. She sent me great information and inspiring words even after I had stopped having her come in person. I really felt Erica was truly there for me and cared for me with her whole heart. I would and have highly recommended her to others! She is truly a special woman" Elana, Brooklyn
"When the moment finally came for my baby to enter this world you were my principal support, focus, and pillar. You made my birth an unforgettable, beautiful and unique experience. You knew how to calm my pain, my nerves and my insecurities. I don't know how you do it." Jennifer, Queens
"Erica intuitively knew what I needed when I didn't even know myself. From foot rubs to ice packs to mint oil she had tricks up her sleeve that aided me through every phase of my labor. She is calm, attentive, thoughtful and warm. I would recommend her services to anyone thinking about using a doula, in fact I would recommend her to anyone expecting a baby. She helped make my birthing experience stress free and memorable. I wouldn't give birth again without her." Alison, Williamsburg, Brooklyn