Client Feedback for Erica Shane
"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
For the birth of my first child, I was not sure what to expect in terms of... well.... everything. I was nervous about having a doula participate the birth thinking it would be awkward having some one I barely knew at one of the most intense and important moments of my life. However, my doctors recommended that I get a doula to help coach me because I was hoping to have an un-medicated, vaginal delivery. I was amazed that Erica and I became so close in just a few visits before the birth, it was due I am sure, to her excitement and passion for her work. She has such a deep love and respect for pregnancy and birth. She was patient with my questions and my concerns and was reassuring and nonjudgmental with regards to all that I was worried about. I found her to be a very intuitive person as well, addressing concerns that I didn't have the words to voice. I had many pictures in my mind of how the birth might go, and yet I was so happy that Erica had inspired a sense of openness to what ever may come on that day because in fact, it was so different than I ever could have imagined....When Erica arrived, she was so calm and so loving, she gave me a big hug and was all smiles. The energy in the hospital room was instantly transformed with her arrival from "total chaos" to "yeah, my beautiful son is almost here" as Erica says: birth is an emergence, not an emergency. There were wonderful and very hard working nurses at the hospital yet in the midst of the final stages of delivery it was difficult for me to follow different instructions being yelled out by may different nurses. I wasn't sure how to do what, when. Erica was nestled up cozily right by my ear, holding my hand and was calmly walking me through all that I needed to do, almost like a translator. She helped me breath, through every inhale and exhale along side of me and verbally guided me through relaxing all parts of my body that were not engaged in the contractions. During some scary moments when my baby's heartbeat could not be found, Erica remained completely calm and reassuring that all would be fine and it was. My little boy was born healthy and beautiful after 19 hours of labor. I am so grateful that my husband and I had Erica by our side; she helped bring moments of peace and celebration into my labor. She is knowledgeable and respectful of the process. She is courteous to doctors and nurses and also advocates for the mothers needs and wants. She always remembers the baby and advocates for him/her as well. She is professional and totally invested in her work. She stays in close contact before and after the birth, is there ready and willing for the panicked phone call from the new moms..."help". She has my absolute trust and if my husband and I have a second child, she will be our first call.
-Camie, West VIllage, NYC
I knew Erica would be a great doula when, at one of our first lunch meetings, she suggested something as simple as looking at the trees to help me relax inward amidst the chaos of the city. Each time Erica came to my house she brought amazing gifts: delicious smelling salts for soaking my swollen, tired feet; the best coconut oil on the market; homemade blends of massage oils, herbs for steaming my face, and teas; huge smiles; and most importantly, loving hands. Her foot and body massages were excellent and completely healing. As I neared my due date Erica reminded me over and over that everything was happening as it should. Whether in the form of thoughtful, sincere cards in the mail, or short phone conversations during her busy day, she kept me focused on staying relaxed, full of love, and letting the birth begin as naturally as possible. She was a great resource anytime I texted her with my early morning concerns. If she didn’t know something already (a rare occurrence), she did the research and sent me ample information from a variety of sources. From the beginning, Erica made an effort to establish a relationship with my husband, who planned to be very involved in the birth. She knew that they would have to be a team as best as possible and made great efforts to include him in every step of the way. On the day that I went into labor, Erica arrived at my house with a bag full of tools to help me feel better. Peppermint oil to help my nausea, a hot water bottle, tennis balls- you name it, she had it. A crucial part of the success of my birth was waiting to go to the hospital until the right moment. Erica helped with this timing completely. Again, her massage during this time was incredible. I can still feel her soft hands kneading the pain out of my lower back - for hours. I am so thankful that I had Erica at my bedside during the hardest part of the labor. In her calming voice she continuously reminded me to rest and breathe in between contractions - instead of holding on to the pain of the last contraction, and fearing the next, she kept me in the moment, resting. Erica was extremely professional in the hospital setting. Her bedside manner was appropriate at all times. Her reassurance throughout a very tough, tedious, exhausting, and totally foreign experience will always be remembered with gratitude by me when I think of my birth.
-Chelsea, East Village, NYC
Erica, From the moment you came into my life, you changed it for the better. Your emotional and professional support were essential in my whole pregnancy process. You always had a way of speaking to me that allowed for me to look at things in a positive light. Your professionalism and dedication make you a very special human being. You were always punctual to our meetings, sound in your word and you always made me feel very secure and confident that everything was going to turn out so well and that I had the power to do it! And 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, all I can say is that I'm just so satisfied with your work as a professional and as a person and you are forever in my heart. Thank you for all of the good you have brought to my life.
-Jennifer Landa, Jamaica, Queens
Erica, I don't have the words to express how wonderful it was to have you be a part of our labor and birth. I'm so happy to have met you and share the most amazing experience of my life with you. Your peaceful energy, gentle encouragement, respect and knowledge were key in getting me through, and we are so thankful for your presence. We hope to work with you again some day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
-Amber, Manhattan, NYC
I have worked with Erica for almost 90 hours postpartum. The knowledge and care she has shared both by her own words of wisdom, literature, and simply by example has been invaluable. Especially, being a new mom. Everything from breastfeeding, to hygiene, sleep, to learning and development. She embodies the phrase "baby whisperer." Not only is she amazing with Lyons, but also has become a friend to me. Her energy is soft, yet confident, while never trying to enforce her mothering techniques. She is suggestive in a very nurturing way and always open to new ideas or alternative ways of caring for an infant (merging the new with what she knows from experience). To every question, she has an educated suggestion or possible solution validated by literature as well as experience. She is also organized and offers a wealth of information through her website and newsletter as she continues to grow and deepen her already robust knowledge base. -Elizabeth, Manhattan, NYC
A huge thank you for all that you have done for us. We feel so blessed to have met you and to have had you as part of our whole birth experience. You were our angel looking out for our every need. Words simply cannot express the gratitude that we feel to have had you at our side.
-Candace, Manhattan, NYC
Erica was a blessing in our home when we needed one most. She moved through the house with stealth, quietly and expertly helping us to put things back in order after the birth of our son. Her gifts are many: from mothering the mother and soothing newborns with gentleness and care, to making healing brews (nettles!) in the kitchen and turning piles of unconsciousness (laundry!) into stacks of beauty. We will always be grateful for her knowledgeable and conscientious care at such a pivotal time in our family's life.
-Jainee McCarroll, Greenwich Village, NYC
We are so happy you were such an important part of this experience and I want you to know how much your care, guidance and support meant to us. You will forever be a part of our lives as that night is one of the most important in our lives. Thank you for everything!
-Kristin, Hoboken, NJ
While I was pregnant I had the great fortune of Erica's massage services. The massages were both invigorating and soothing and helped me to relax. Her thoughtful words of advice were used as a mantra much later in the delivery room, as I tried to rediscover the peace I felt in those sessions. Thank you so much, Erica.
-Jessica, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Erica, Just wanted to thank you for our wonderful birthing experience. You provided the guidance and support both Josh and I needed. The entire day totally exceeded our expectations. We were glad to share our birth with you. I was especially glad you shared your bag of tricks with me. Thank you.
-Alison, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Erica cooked healthy, nourishing meals for me, tidied up the house, helped with the newborn and offered emotional and physical support. For example, she looked up and printed out post cesarean exercises for me and encouraging literature. She listened to my challenges and came up with creative ways to help. She's an extremely warm-hearted and spiritual soul. And she knows how to give a fabulous foot massage!
-Michelle, Brooklyn
Thank you so so so so much for everything. I can't imagine my pregnancy and birth without your support and guidance. I can't begin to express how much it means to me that you were a part of it all- you really got my husband and I and helped us so much.
-Shane, Chelsea, NYC
Throughout my pregnancy, labor and post-pregnancy, Erica was always kind, warm and generous with her time and knowledge. I really appreciated and enjoyed all of the reading materials and other resources that she provided during my pregnancy. I also attribute the success of my son latching on so easily to Erica; if she weren't there helping with this immediately postpartum, I'm not sure that it would have happened as smoothly as it did. Thanks so much Erica for everything you did!
-Jennifer, Manhattan, NYC
I cannot stop thinking about how wonderful you were...thank you, thank you, thank you. -Caroline, Upstate NY
-Camie, West VIllage, NYC
I knew Erica would be a great doula when, at one of our first lunch meetings, she suggested something as simple as looking at the trees to help me relax inward amidst the chaos of the city. Each time Erica came to my house she brought amazing gifts: delicious smelling salts for soaking my swollen, tired feet; the best coconut oil on the market; homemade blends of massage oils, herbs for steaming my face, and teas; huge smiles; and most importantly, loving hands. Her foot and body massages were excellent and completely healing. As I neared my due date Erica reminded me over and over that everything was happening as it should. Whether in the form of thoughtful, sincere cards in the mail, or short phone conversations during her busy day, she kept me focused on staying relaxed, full of love, and letting the birth begin as naturally as possible. She was a great resource anytime I texted her with my early morning concerns. If she didn’t know something already (a rare occurrence), she did the research and sent me ample information from a variety of sources. From the beginning, Erica made an effort to establish a relationship with my husband, who planned to be very involved in the birth. She knew that they would have to be a team as best as possible and made great efforts to include him in every step of the way. On the day that I went into labor, Erica arrived at my house with a bag full of tools to help me feel better. Peppermint oil to help my nausea, a hot water bottle, tennis balls- you name it, she had it. A crucial part of the success of my birth was waiting to go to the hospital until the right moment. Erica helped with this timing completely. Again, her massage during this time was incredible. I can still feel her soft hands kneading the pain out of my lower back - for hours. I am so thankful that I had Erica at my bedside during the hardest part of the labor. In her calming voice she continuously reminded me to rest and breathe in between contractions - instead of holding on to the pain of the last contraction, and fearing the next, she kept me in the moment, resting. Erica was extremely professional in the hospital setting. Her bedside manner was appropriate at all times. Her reassurance throughout a very tough, tedious, exhausting, and totally foreign experience will always be remembered with gratitude by me when I think of my birth.
-Chelsea, East Village, NYC
Erica, From the moment you came into my life, you changed it for the better. Your emotional and professional support were essential in my whole pregnancy process. You always had a way of speaking to me that allowed for me to look at things in a positive light. Your professionalism and dedication make you a very special human being. You were always punctual to our meetings, sound in your word and you always made me feel very secure and confident that everything was going to turn out so well and that I had the power to do it! And 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, all I can say is that I'm just so satisfied with your work as a professional and as a person and you are forever in my heart. Thank you for all of the good you have brought to my life.
-Jennifer Landa, Jamaica, Queens
Erica, I don't have the words to express how wonderful it was to have you be a part of our labor and birth. I'm so happy to have met you and share the most amazing experience of my life with you. Your peaceful energy, gentle encouragement, respect and knowledge were key in getting me through, and we are so thankful for your presence. We hope to work with you again some day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
-Amber, Manhattan, NYC
I have worked with Erica for almost 90 hours postpartum. The knowledge and care she has shared both by her own words of wisdom, literature, and simply by example has been invaluable. Especially, being a new mom. Everything from breastfeeding, to hygiene, sleep, to learning and development. She embodies the phrase "baby whisperer." Not only is she amazing with Lyons, but also has become a friend to me. Her energy is soft, yet confident, while never trying to enforce her mothering techniques. She is suggestive in a very nurturing way and always open to new ideas or alternative ways of caring for an infant (merging the new with what she knows from experience). To every question, she has an educated suggestion or possible solution validated by literature as well as experience. She is also organized and offers a wealth of information through her website and newsletter as she continues to grow and deepen her already robust knowledge base. -Elizabeth, Manhattan, NYC
A huge thank you for all that you have done for us. We feel so blessed to have met you and to have had you as part of our whole birth experience. You were our angel looking out for our every need. Words simply cannot express the gratitude that we feel to have had you at our side.
-Candace, Manhattan, NYC
Erica was a blessing in our home when we needed one most. She moved through the house with stealth, quietly and expertly helping us to put things back in order after the birth of our son. Her gifts are many: from mothering the mother and soothing newborns with gentleness and care, to making healing brews (nettles!) in the kitchen and turning piles of unconsciousness (laundry!) into stacks of beauty. We will always be grateful for her knowledgeable and conscientious care at such a pivotal time in our family's life.
-Jainee McCarroll, Greenwich Village, NYC
We are so happy you were such an important part of this experience and I want you to know how much your care, guidance and support meant to us. You will forever be a part of our lives as that night is one of the most important in our lives. Thank you for everything!
-Kristin, Hoboken, NJ
While I was pregnant I had the great fortune of Erica's massage services. The massages were both invigorating and soothing and helped me to relax. Her thoughtful words of advice were used as a mantra much later in the delivery room, as I tried to rediscover the peace I felt in those sessions. Thank you so much, Erica.
-Jessica, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Erica, Just wanted to thank you for our wonderful birthing experience. You provided the guidance and support both Josh and I needed. The entire day totally exceeded our expectations. We were glad to share our birth with you. I was especially glad you shared your bag of tricks with me. Thank you.
-Alison, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Erica cooked healthy, nourishing meals for me, tidied up the house, helped with the newborn and offered emotional and physical support. For example, she looked up and printed out post cesarean exercises for me and encouraging literature. She listened to my challenges and came up with creative ways to help. She's an extremely warm-hearted and spiritual soul. And she knows how to give a fabulous foot massage!
-Michelle, Brooklyn
Thank you so so so so much for everything. I can't imagine my pregnancy and birth without your support and guidance. I can't begin to express how much it means to me that you were a part of it all- you really got my husband and I and helped us so much.
-Shane, Chelsea, NYC
Throughout my pregnancy, labor and post-pregnancy, Erica was always kind, warm and generous with her time and knowledge. I really appreciated and enjoyed all of the reading materials and other resources that she provided during my pregnancy. I also attribute the success of my son latching on so easily to Erica; if she weren't there helping with this immediately postpartum, I'm not sure that it would have happened as smoothly as it did. Thanks so much Erica for everything you did!
-Jennifer, Manhattan, NYC
I cannot stop thinking about how wonderful you were...thank you, thank you, thank you. -Caroline, Upstate NY