Prenatal & Certified Birth Doula Services & Herbals.
Why have a doula?
A doulas job is to serve you, from the hips up. No matter the setting, Hospital, Birth Center, or Home Birth. I got you covered. We are here to make you feel supported in any way we can to help you feel powerful and confident in your body and the birth process. When a doula is present a mother has the opportunity to have her emotional, physical and spiritual needs met. Her desires and wants are heard and advocated for if needed. Let's not forget partners! Your support person also has the opportunity to cash in on the doulas aid. We are here to get them whatever is needed for them to support mother at their optimal level. Yes, this includes food, water, and breaks!
Research shows that when the proper birth support is present interventions are minimal, tearing is non-existent or slight and trauma is to a lesser degree or null and void. That being said, birth is unpredictable. I am firm believer of not putting birth into a box of expectations. Desires, wishes and birth hopes are of upmost importance, but birth is as jiggly as Jello, and it can be impossible to pinpoint exactly how it may pan out. With doula support it is easier to adjust to any changes that may come to pass outside of what may be desired to happen. Doulas allow for easier transition and adaption to deviation of the birth plans. Doulas can aid in focusing the mother when the labor dance gets intense so that they can experience more of a labor and birth dance they desire. Thus, creating flow with mothers' natural rhythms to manifest looseness, and one with the labor process. Opening the doors to focus allows for following with the bodies birth rushes and energy, allowing the body to flow through the birth process beautifully.
.png)
_edited_edit.jpg)
About Me
​
Hello!
My name is Shanna Swanson.
My passions include raising four ambitious boys, folky herbalism, and natural gardening. In the past I loved working as a CNA and a restorative aid in the healthcare field. That is where my adoration and love for aiding others truly developed. I always wanted to be in the OB realm of medicine, but life happened and so did children. About 11 years ago, I attended my first birth . I was hooked. I decided right then and there that I would be a doula and be active in birth work. However, as I looked at my then pregnant belly with my fourth baby, I knew that the timing was not quite right. Fast forwarding, this wonderful avenue of life looped back around. I started to study as a certified doula through Montana Birth and Midwifery services in Bozeman MT, through the Global Organization of Midwives. Two years later here I am practicing as a certified birth doula in any setting that the family desires. Home birth, birth center or hospitals.
I love teaching prenatal education. I believe informed consent is so important. And evidence-based education is the road to better birth outcomes. Knowledge is power. Birth is a time for transformation, growth, honor and respect. It was not designed to be quick and painless, but to create a deep sense of awe and one with spirit. To reach this goal mothers must be given the time and space to do so. Every woman is unique. Every birth is unique. I believe in the power of all women. We can withstand any experience sixty seconds at a time. We are strong, brave, ambitious, stubborn and loving. Those characteristics can shine brighter with each rush of the birth process. I stand for advocacy, dignity, and empowerment of mothers and their companions. I strive to support them physically, emotionally and spiritually; giving them the opportunity to have their most ideal birth, minimizing stress, trauma. Allowing mothers to have choices and be in control of their decisions. From ancient practices to new discoveries, I thrive to glean and learn, in order to best serve my mommas with the means that suit them best.
Through unconditional love, we stand strong for others who can then be strong themselves.
​
“Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them your strength lies.”
-Mother Teresa
Unique
So, the question remains. Is Childbirth Painful? Yes. It can be, along with a thousand amazing sensations for which we have yet to find adequate language. Every birth is different, and every woman's experience and telling of her story will be unique.
- Marcie Macari
" She is not a healthcare provider. She is a mother figure of the most ancient kind. Her life experiences empowers you. She is a reassuring presence who will always listen to you and support YOUR chosen path. She will remind you of those choices, and the reason you made them, when you doubt are anxious, or afraid. She sees you; the real you. Her understanding of your journey supports your self - confidence. She eases pain with a touch, a word, a look.
-Unknown.
Let Simply Be aid you in your postpartum recovery by serving you! Enjoy an herbal foot soak while we clean, prepare easy snacks and watch your new little one. Giving you the opportunity to connect with your other children and/or yourself.
Have lactation needs or questions that you need answered? Reach out to for education and guidance during your sacred fourth trimester.
I will be by your side through your labor to advocate, support, and create your vision of a peaceful birth atmosphere. I strive to encourage and serve as you bring your baby earthside.
Testimonials
I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Simply Be. From the first meeting, Shanna makes you feel like an old friend. I always felt comfortable, confident and respected. During my labor, she provided just the right level of support and coaching I needed to help write the birth story I wanted! I will definitely be hiring her for my next birth as well!-
