Shelley is truly one of a kind. From the moment we met her, there was a peace about her that put us both at ease. She has this rare gift of making something as overwhelming as childbirth feel calm, sacred, and beautiful.
Through the Bradley Method classes, she helped us understand what to expect, but more than that, she helped us trust ourselves and each other. Every week we left feeling more connected, more prepared, and more confident in what was ahead. We also met wonderful families who shared this journey with us, and that sense of community meant so much.
When our labor turned out to be long and challenging, Shelley our Doula was our constant. She knew exactly when to step in, when to comfort, and when to quietly guide. Her presence gave us the strength to stay grounded and the courage to keep going. She never once lost her calm, and because of that, neither did we.
Looking back, we can say without question that Shelley was one of the most important parts of our birth story. She brought wisdom, compassion, and peace into a time that could have felt chaotic. We are endlessly grateful for her and will always carry her lessons and her kindness with us.
From the three of us, with love and gratitude,
Sarah, Joe, and Ella
Thank you so much for everything, Shelley! Having your calm, capable presence made such a big difference. And you’ve been holding the torch for the possibility that this could be a different birth experience since the beginning and I am so full of gratitude that it was. It was so redemptive for me in so many ways. Even the long pushing phase helped show me that it’s possible for my body to progress through long pushing of a big baby (9lbs9oz) without needing instruments to assist.
Laurel, Alexander, Wren and Clara
Shelley made such a positive impact on my pregnancy and delivery. She was an amazing resource, kind, and always made me feel comfortable, supported and empowered.
First time mom & elementary teacher Alyssa
Having Shelley as a doula was a decision we do not regret! Upon meeting her, you experience both her calm spirit and warm presence which really helped us in our first birthing experience. Shelley also served as an advocate for us with the hospital staff. Due to some medical complications our birth was nothing like what we expected on our birth plan, but Shelley assisted us in communicating our wants and needs to the hospital staff. This was so helpful! She reassured us every step of the way and it is so special that she was a part of our firstborn’s birth. Thank you, Shelley, for all of your love, care and support through the pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience!
First time mom & pastor wife Bethany
As a naturopathic doctor, I deeply value approaches that align with the natural processes of the body, and Shelley’s guidance as a Bradley Method teacher was exceptional. Her knowledge allowed us to prepare for a natural and empowering birth experience and led us to a fast labor without pain medication. Shelley also gave my husband the tools and confidence to be an incredible birth coach, making him feel empowered and truly involved in the process. She not only equipped us with practical techniques but also fostered a sense of partnership that enriched our journey into parenthood. We’re so grateful for her expertise and care!
Dr. Megan Fortin
Having Shelley in my corner as a doula made all the difference during both of my pregnancies (2016 & 2018). I truly believe God sent her to help me - both pregnancies had some complications and Shelley’s steady and calm guidance was priceless. Her support during labor, in the moments after birth and again when she checked in postpartum also made all the difference. Bradley classes truly enabled me to have the best possible pregnancies and deliveries and Shelley is a naturally gifted teacher. Thank you, Shell!
Mother of 2 Bradley babies, Whitney West Chester, PA
I couldn’t have imagined my son’s birth story without Shelley and her support as our doula. Our baby boy was born in October 2023 at the FBC and as a FTM, I was nervous for labor - but Shelley was there encouraging and supporting me and my husband with her calming energy, her experience and knowledge of the labor process, and getting us through pushing and eventually an emergency c-section. Shelley is the best!
First time mom E. Chu
As a new mom I can wholeheartedly say meeting Shelley gave me all the information I needed to have a successful home birth and a labor without intervention or epidural. We had a small class with a few couples which allowed us time to ask questions and build a relationship with Shelley that will stay with us for years to come. Her class provided information on the labor process which delves into the psychological stages in which most women choose the epidural. Having the science behind the laboring process gave me all the information I needed to ground myself and successfully have a natural birth. Shelley is welcoming to those looking for different paths than mine as well, she is knowledgeable in home births and hospital births. She works through the Bradley Birth material in an effective manner focusing on the most important sections. Bradley Birth gave me confidence in myself and my biggest support person, my husband. Shelley has vast knowledge in birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and local providers which is something that cannot be overlooked. Most people take Bradley Birth classes after they experienced a traumatic labor, I am happy to say that because of this class, Shelley, and my midwives having my first baby was a much different experience than most women I have spoken to; in the best way possible.
First time mom, homebirther Joni
One of my biggest concerns with having a home birth were the days to follow. Since we would be at home and this was our first baby, I was concerned the exhaustion would be too much to bear without the help of the nurses most folks have with a hospital birth. I was also nervous that we would be thrown into parenthood alone on night one. We hired Shelley as our Postpartum Doula. Shelley was our angel. She stayed with us the first couple of nights, allowing us both to sleep while she watched over our newborn. This gave me and my husband the chance to catch up on sleep. She was also helpful with learning to breastfeed, my sore shoulders from labor, keeping up on meals, some household chores, and helping us learn how to be parents. We graciously had Shelley’s assistance once a week for a few weeks to help keep us on a good track. She listened to my victories and my woes with such compassion. She cared for me and my family as if we were her own. If I could, I would do it all over again with Shelley by our side.
Joni Ellington CT passionate supporter and advocate for Shelley's work in our community
Shelley's Bradley class opened my eyes to many parts of the birthing process that I was not aware of. She broke it all down throughout her courses to be easy to understand and absorb. Being able to use her as a Doula was fantastic because she was able to easily transition what we learned into practice. Shelley relieved a lot of stress that I would have otherwise had and made our daughter's birth a truly wonderful experience.
First time Bradley dad Matt
We had Shelley as our doula and birth photographer and we are so happy with our experience! She helped my husband to help me throughout our labor, especially when we had trouble contacting our midwife. Shelley helped us stay calm, informed, encouraged and to stick to our birth plan. She also was able to capture the story of our daughter’s all natural water birth through photos which is so special to us (and she was very discreet I didn’t even notice her taking photos). We had a wonderful experience with Shelley!
First time mom & videographer, Kendra
Shelley is one of a kind! From the moment we reached out to learn more about taking a birthing class, she was more than accommodating and the most perfect coach and Doula we could ever wish for. The original class we signed up for through the hospital was actually cancelled (nothing to do with Shelley, from lack of sign ups) and Shelley was able to host us and several other families in her own home. Shelley went above and beyond in every aspect of this experience.
My wife and I had our first child who was due in December of 2024. We were completely overwhelmed with all the information we could find online. The birthing class with Shelley was so incredibly valuable. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we attended the first of several classes but it only took a minute to realize we made the best decision we could. Shelley is so very detailed in her birthing class! I was impressed and took so many notes. She was answering questions that I wouldn’t even have known to ask. And for the questions I did have but was hesitant to ask, she answered them and explained everything so easily for us to understand. We knew what to do to prepare the baby, both physically and mentally. Our baby’s due date was supposed to be on Shelley’s birthday and she wasn’t originally available to be our doula. Shelley once again impressed us with her dedication and passion for what she does. She told us she would be honored to be our doula! We had a rush of relief come over us! We were so very grateful for her selflessness! After the in-person classes (which included birthing education, relaxation techniques, what to expect, what questions to ask the hospital, how to write a birth plan, recommendations for pediatricians and other specialists, etc) - my wife went into labor about 9 days before our due date at 11pm. I freaked out and immediately texted and called Shelley. The phone must not have even rung once before she answered! She was on top of it! Another huge sigh of relief for us! She asked us questions and advised us exactly what to do. About an hour later (midnight) she met us at the hospital and came with so many items to make the experience 100x better (calming lights for ambiance for example). Shelley was so helpful in coordinating our birthing wishes to the doctors and nurses as well, based on our birth plan. She had the nurses get the birthing tub set up for us, reiterated to the nurses that we didn’t want XYZ done but we preferred ABC instead. We expected Shelley to leave us and go home to sleep but it was about 5am and 6 hours into labor when I went to lay down on the foldout chair. Shelley took out a small mat and slept right next to us to ensure our peace of mind. We were once again blown away by her kindness. Several hours later, our baby was born! We didn’t know it at the time but besides coaching us through the pushing too, Shelley was capturing the once in a lifetime moments through photos and videos which she sent later! I swear she might have had a twin - she was doing so much! Even after the hospital stay (which she again visited us the next day after the birth!) she offered to come to our house and help us out! To sum everything up, Shelley’s value to the birth of our baby boy is immeasurable. From the coaching class, to being our guide and advocate in the hospital, to checking in on us a month after the birth, Shelley truly has cared about us and our family since day 1. We are so thankful and grateful to her and words do not do it justice. Thank you, Shelley!
Nate Pryzbek
I had the blessing to have Shelley as my doula on my second birth. My husband and I started taking Bradley classes with her where we got the opportunity to meet other like-minded couples and learn more about working together during birth. It made a huge difference for my husband to understand more what his role was and techniques on how to help me during labor. Shelley's presence and energy during my active phase of labor absolutely touched me. I felt grounded, held and the tender of her loving, blessed words helped me during the harder transition of my birth experience. I still remember those sweet words while she was pouring warm water on my lower back, respecting my space while feeling so supported made my birth the most transformative experience of my life. Having the energy of another woman I think is very important during those times! After our birth, she brought a delicious meal for us, made a beautiful imprint of the placenta and captured the moments of the birth with her camera. Pictures that mean the world to me! Forever thankful for having Shelley being part of our family.
Paulina mama of two from Mexico
Shelley's Bradley courses were incredibly helpful to us. When we first found out we were expecting, we were overwhelmed with, well, everything. A friend encouraged us to look into Bradley. The Bradley method, with Shelley’s instruction, gave us the sense of being prepared, informed, and able to articulate and achieve our desire for a safe, natural pregnancy. Shelley is wonderful, and brought such calm and experience to the classes that we ultimately asked her to be our Doula too.
First time parents Ellie and Bryce
I knew I wanted an unmedicated hospital birth and am so thankful we chose to have Shelley as my doula. She was an incredible advocate for me with the hospital staff while I was in transition, as well as a calm and empowering coach. I always felt so comfortable around her and would choose to work with Shelley again for any future pregnancies.
Second time mom Eileen
Using Shelley as a postpartum doula was an excellent choice. My wife and I had a planned home birth and Shelley's support during night one and two allowed us peace of mind since we did not have access to nurses or hospital staff. Shelley kept telling us "I want to mother you while you focus on the baby" and that couldn't have been more true. My wife and I's attention was directed at the baby and Shelley directed all of her attention on caring for us by assisting with meals and helping keep our house in order to maintain our sanity. Shelley also provided attention and care for the baby so we could take a moment for ourselves to get some sleep, breath, shower, and even step out of the house for a couple of hours.
First time Bradley dad, Derek
Working with Shelley was an incredible experience! From the beginning, she was informative and easy-going, making us feel confident and at ease every step of the way. Her thoughtful, caring approach ensured our needs were always prioritized, and her professionalism shown through in every interaction. Shelly has a true gift for nurturing and supporting families, and we feel so fortunate to have had her guidance during this special time. We highly recommend her services to anyone seeking compassionate and expert care.
First time parents Hannah & Yannick
Working with Shelley was a blessing from the start. She was always so encouraging and her presence helped us to feel calm and safe. From the first home visit to the last, Shelley’s warm nature and expertise was appreciated and helpful. During labor, Shelley encouraged me by creating a calming environment and softly reading my birth affirmation cards. She also helped my husband keep his focus on supporting me by taking care of other things that would have taken his focus, such as making sure we had food and drinks, my fan, and guiding him in ways to support me. She helped us to achieve our goal-hope in having a beautiful natural water birth! She stayed after the birth to get our bags from our car and had food waiting for us back at our room, and created the most beautiful keepsake artwork with my placenta. We are so thankful that God placed Shelley in our lives as our doula and hope to work with her again in the future!
Second time mom, Kirsten
Shelley is truly the best. She has such a warm, uplifting, and calm way about her that was reassuring to me. I am incredibly grateful that she was our Bradley teacher. Her course was truly invaluable. It was very comprehensive and gave me all the tools I needed to have a healthy pregnancy and unmedicated birth. She went into depth about many different topics that prepared us for important decisions throughout pregnancy and during birth. Her knowledge about all things pregnancy, birth, and babies was a gift! She made the course fun and engaging. My husband and I enjoyed going each week. I felt that Shelley really cared about each one of her students. She created a connection with us and I honestly felt lucky to have her guidance throughout the pregnancy. Having her by our side during this life changing time made the whole experience even more memorable. I recommend every parent take the Bradley course with Shelley for the best possible pregnancy and birth!
First time mom, Carolyn (Bradley Student at ECHN)
Shelley was an absolute angel during our birth experience. From the moment we called her, she was there within minutes and stayed by our side throughout the entire, very long labor. She brought a sense of calm and reassurance, using little lights and candles to create a peaceful atmosphere. She guided us through different positions and breathing techniques, always knowing when to give us space and when to offer support. She even captured so many precious moments for us, taking beautiful photos that we will cherish forever. She also created a unique Tree of Life tracing of our placenta, a keepsake that means so much to us. Throughout it all, she kept us informed about our birth plan, made sure we understood everything the doctors were saying, and guided me as a husband on how to be the best support for my wife. She truly went above and beyond, and we couldn't be more grateful for her presence and support.
First time parents Kalita and Philemon
Shelley is incredible! I am so grateful I made the decision to have a doula for the birth of my son, and I am forever thankful that our doula was Shelley. She was with us during one of the most important times in our lives, and her support made all the difference.
We began our journey with Shelley by learning about The Bradley Method for healthy babies, which emphasizes nutrition, exercise, and father-led coaching to prepare for a healthy baby and pregnancy. Shelley explained that preparing for birth is like training for a marathon — requiring strength, stamina, and focus. Even though we started The Bradley Method late in my pregnancy at a time when I was beginning to feel extremely tired and uncomfortable, she encouraged me to continue to work on the physical strength I would need for labor through stretches and squats (with the help and coaching of my husband, of course!).
Shelley’s knowledge, warmth, and love were immediately felt when she entered my delivery room. She stepped in with a calm, respectful presence that allowed me to labor and push in the way I had hoped — standing and squatting. During my final pushes when I felt like I had no strength left, her guidance helped me dig deep, tap into my primal energy, and push with the force of a warrior. It may sound dramatic, but that is truly how it felt!
Shelley was there for us before, during, and after the birth of our son, and we cannot thank her enough for all of her support and care.
Thank you, Shelley! We will forever be grateful for the role you played in bringing our sweet Liam into the world. ❤️
Sincerely,
Lindsay B.
Shelley was our doula for the birth of our first baby. Going into pregnancy, I didn’t have many friends or close relatives who had gone through childbirth, which made me feel nervous and a bit anxious about this new chapter. My husband and I decided to hire a doula because I wanted more women around me—especially women who had experienced birth themselves. We were also encouraged by the evidence supporting doula-assisted births and my desire for as natural a childbirth as possible.
After our first meeting with Shelley, we immediately felt at ease and supported. We also took her Bradley Method birthing class and, although we didn’t get the chance to finish it, we found it far more engaging and helpful than the standard hospital class.
Shelley was everything we were hoping for in a support person. She empowered both of us—helping my husband feel confident and capable, and helping me trust in my body and the process. During labor, she was an incredible advocate, explaining things that felt unfamiliar and guiding us to stay focused on each other and the birth of our baby. She kept us calm, made sure we were hydrated and comfortable, and even helped us share a few lighthearted moments when it felt right.
After the birth, Shelley stayed with us, answering our questions, cheering us on, and helping us celebrate such a momentous experience. Her knowledge, warmth, and genuine excitement for birth made all the difference.
If we have more children in the future, I wouldn’t hesitate to hire a doula again—specifically Shelley. I truly couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.
Gretta, Rich and Bonnie
I highly recommend Shelley's Fit After Delivery class. The workouts are low intensity, but super effective, and Shelley offers modifications so you can go at your own pace. It's the perfect way to ease back into movement after having a baby. I love that it's a welcoming, no-pressure space. It's so nice to bring the baby along and it is a great excuse to get out of the house and feel like myself again!
First time mom Danielle
