Jacksonville Pregnancy Massage | Jacksonville Doula Service | Jacksonville Prenatal Yoga -Testimonials

Testimonials

Hearing about other peoples' experience can help in understanding what I do for
families and their level of satisfaction with my services. Below you can find
comments from families I have worked with. I would also be pleased to provide
contact information of previous clients, so that you may speak to someone directly.

“When I found out that I was pregnant with our second child it was so important to
me to prepare myself for the natural childbirth we planned. I did several months of
prenatal yoga and discovered that it not only helped with my typical discomforts of
pregnancy it also allowed me time to really focus on my unborn child and to
remain limber and healthy for my delivery. Sita also included massage in her
prenatal yoga class that was so gentle and relaxing that I decided to hire her as
our doula to afford myself that same serene presence during labor and delivery.
As our labor support I found Sita’s help to be invaluable. I was able to labor using
many of the positions I had learned in prenatal yoga. At the hospital, she was able
to help us calmly assess situations as they arose and she helped to keep us on
track to have the birth we wanted. She worked so well with my husband and was a
true support to him. I can’t imagine having future births that didn’t include Sita by
my side! She was a true blessing!”
--Jennifer Knight

"My husband booked me a massage with Sita as a birthday present, when I was
seven months pregnant. I had been finding it increasingly hard to get much sleep,
for numerous pregnancy related reasons, two of which were very painful hips and
lower back ache. Sita gave me a therapeutic massage and worked on the trigger
points and after the first visit I felt relief from the pain.
I continued to visit Sita for the duration of my pregnancy and the hip pain totally
vanished. Towards the end of my pregnancy I was feeling so good that there were
very few trigger points causing any pain. After my baby was born, Sita came to
my house and gave me a relaxing massage, which was a wonderful treat, and
fantastic to be able to lie on my front.
As a new mother I now have a painful back, so Sita has started treatments again
and after the first massage I am already feeling some relief. I know that seeing her
regularly again will really sort my back out.
I would wholeheartedly recommend her services, and I also found it especially
comforting to be able to talk about my baby's upcoming birth with someone who
is knowledgeable about the process and able to provide reassurance."
--Juliet Kelso

"Sita and I became acquainted almost two years ago. She has been my mentor,
yoga instructor, doula and massage therapist. Sita is knowledgeable in all facets
of work she does. She is passionate about each one from being a prenatal yoga
instructor, to a doula, and a massage therapist.
Her yoga classes are gentle and peaceful. Each time I attend class I walk away
with more body awareness. She teaches about the movement and poses in yoga.
Her classes fit a beginner student to a seasoned practitioner. Sita's yoga classes
benefit from her experience as a doula. She can honestly talk to women about
birth and what they might expect for their birth. Sita's classes are amazing.
Sita was my massage therapist while I was pregnant. She knew all the right points
to release to make me feel better. She allowed me to set my comfort level for
pressure as she massaged. I can honestly say that her touch was therapeutic for
me. She really knows the body and all of it's hidden releases.
Sita was also recently my doula. We were having a homebirth with a midwife.
From the time she showed up, to the time she left I felt her loving presence. Sita
massaged throughout most of my labor and she also massaged while I birth my
placenta. I was surprised her hands didn't fall off! I never noticed her slowing down
or letting up on pressure that I asked for. She was a comforting presence during
my birth. I knew I could trust her. She was able to give me suggestions during
labor for comfort. She was great during our birth, even when some unexpected
events arose. She was able to keep her cool and bear witness to our birth. Being
a doula is yet another one of Sita's many talents."
--Mandy Class-Welch

"When my second child was 10 months old, I finally saw Sita for a 'postpartum'
massage. I had been suffering from upper back pain, rounded shoulders, and a
recurrent stuff neck from nursing, carrying my baby, and other daily activities.

Only a few minutes into the massage, I was already kicking myself for not doing it
much, much sooner. It was fabulous! The knots started loosening immediately,
and I continued to have improvement well after the massage.

Unlike the massage therapists I'd seen elsewhere for treatment, Sita focused
right in on the trouble spots, and took the time to completely eliminate the knots
causing each trigger point. She had several tricks for getting them to melt away,
and didn't give up on each one until it was gone, before moving to the next. It
made a huge difference not only in the amount of relief I experienced right away,
but in how long I stayed pain-free.

Finally, after the massage, she worked with me on specific exercises and
stretches that I could do on my own, to help keep the muscles from getting as bad
as they had been. She was more interested in my well-being than in having me
become dependent on her therapy. I really appreciate that, and I will definitely be
seeing her again when the demands of motherhood have taken a further toll on
my body!"
--Jessica Taillon

"My husband and I were referred to Sita through our Bradley instructor.   Sita’s
experience as a DONA certified doula, a yoga instructor, and a licensed
massage therapist were some of her characteristics that originally made her
stand out as a probable match for us. Upon meeting Sita, we found her to be
thorough, professional, prepared, and most importantly friendly. Her calm
presence and gentle ways led me to believe that she would be a wonderful
addition to our birth team. Only because I had previously scheduled interviews
with other doulas did I not hire Sita on the spot. However, after my first massage
appointment with her, I decided to cancel the other interviews and hire Sita
immediately.

Sita is a wonderful massage therapist. She is very responsive and sensitive to
the needs of a pregnant woman, adjusting pressure and focus during a massage
as needed. Her skill in adjusting to the needs of her client were invaluable at the
birth, during which she provided me with lower back massage for the 11 hours
she was present at my labor. I also attended one of Sita’s prenatal yoga classes
and found it to be peaceful and soothing. As a doula, her services are
comprehensive. She provided us with important prenatal information and
practice relaxation techniques that assisted my husband and me to feel prepared
for the birth. Sita has consistently been respectful of our wishes and worked
diligently to assist us in achieving the natural birth we were hoping for.

Sita was a wonderful addition to our birth team. Both my husband and I feel her
kindness, knowledge and responsiveness to my needs were invaluable. It is my
great pleasure to highly recommend Sita’s doula services."
--Kim Kelly

"First of all, we cannot thank you enough for all of your support, encouragement,
and presence during our labor!! The positive outcome of our labor was directly
impacted by your birthing expertise and your ability to assist me in managing my
labor. We would not have been able to have a natural, non-medicated delivery
without you! In addition, prior to beginning labor, we felt more comfortable about
going into labor just knowing that you would be there to help us get through it.
Even though we had attended childbirth classes prior to delivery and had our birth
preferences prepared in advance, it is difficult for a couple to try to implement all
that is learned in childbirth class when you are in the moment of labor! We loved
the way that you were able to give me clear direction on where I was in my labor
and what the next step would be. Even when everything in my body told me that I
could not complete labor, you were undaunted in providing me with continued
positive words of encouragement. You were never distracted, never negative,
and provided me with 100% of your attention throughout my labor. In hindsight, I
realize how important it was to the progression of my labor to change positions
frequently and to have maximum movement. I am very thankful for the guidance
you provided in the many positions I utilized to labor and push, with probably the
most effective position being the squat! My birth experience was a very positive
one where I was surrounded by the people I loved and trusted. Thank you for
writing our birth story as well. We will enjoy reading it and sharing it with others for
years to come."
--Ligeia Damaso

"As new parents going into labor, you gave us the full attention and support we
needed to progress through labor without the worry we would have had without
you. Your encouragement throughout labor helped to sustain us throughout the
entire labor, assisting us in every aspect of the labor. In supporting us you also
acted as our advocate, keeping our interests in mind throughout the whole labor.
In comforting Ligeia, you enabled us to reach our goals and visions for labor. We
were very comfortable with you and were reassured that you had our best interest
in mind. Thank you for being our support and personal advocate."
--Eugene Damaso

“Working with Sita was a pleasure. From our initial meeting to the follow up
meeting after our daughter's arrival, my husband and I felt so fortunate to have
connected with Sita.

While we had taken birthing classes, we wanted to have someone with us that
would help guide us through the process. In the months leading up to our due
date, Sita spent numerous hours with us learning about us and our wishes. As
first time parents we appreciated Sita's experience, reassurance and mostly that
she always kept our best interests at the forefront of her advice and guidance.

What I have come to understand is that while pregnancy and birthing are
wonderful experiences, they can be filled with complexities and challenges....
especially for first time mother.   Sita's guidance as a doula provided so much
comfort to us.

Finally, Sita also takes the time to take pictures and to write a birth story. Both of
these have meant so much to us.”
--Perry Todd

"After about 18 hours of labor our daughter was born just like Mommy wanted, a
completely natural drug free birth with no pain medicine and no epidural. After a
few pushes, only about 10 minutes, she entered the world perfectly beautiful.

Thank God for my Doula. I could never have done a natural birth without her
guidance and coaching. She was totally amazing and I will definitely be seeing
her again when it is time for baby number two.. And three.... And four!!! Kelly (my
sister) attended the birth and video taped and is now convinced she wants Sita at
her birth as well (but first she has to get pregnant!).

It was the most amazing, important and truly inspiring thing to bring this baby into
the world."
--Jenny Francisco

"When I was pregnant with our daughter Alexis I knew that I wanted to
have a natural childbirth but I really had no idea what all to expect. My
husband and I took the Bradley Method class, which was really helpful but we
wanted something extra.

We decided to hire a doula and when we met Sita we knew she was the right
person to help us with my labor and delivery. She was so knowledgeable, friendly
and warm. She gave us information to read and was available to answer all of our
questions.

When I went into labor, Sita came over at 2 in the morning with a smile on her
face and ready to go! She helped me find my rhythm and made me feel calm. She
massaged my back and helped me try different positions to get comfortable
during my contractions. She supported my husband through my 28 hour labor as
well. She made him feel comfortable as well and helped him to relax. He knew
that I was in good hands.

One of the best advantages of having Sita was that not only did she make the
whole process go smoothly but with her being there I was never left alone. In the
28 hour period I always had someone right the with me. My husband and Sita
would takes turns getting water, ice, food, etc... If my husband needed to go to the
bathroom, Sita would be with me and vice versa. It was an awesome
experience.   In the end I had to have a c-section because of a special
circumstance, but I would not have changed any of it. Sita was incredible!
--Lambrine Macejewski

"From a man’s perspective, a birth is a terrifying experience, in that you’re
worried about the health of two people very important to you. This is especially
true for first-time fathers who don’t know what to expect. Sita was an invaluable
resource and the principal reason that my wife and I didn’t freak out during the
birth experience. She came to us in the wee hours of the morning, communicated
with our midwife throughout and, when things got tough, reminded us of the birth
plan that we wanted. I’d never heard of a doula before we got pregnant, but I
wouldn’t want to go through another one without Sita. She was easily worth her
weight in gold to us and our daughter."
--Antwoine Edwards

"Initially, I didn’t want to hire a doula because of the cost. However, I quickly
changed my mind after meeting Sita and discussing my birth plan with her. She
explained a lot of things about labor and childbirth that I wasn’t aware of and
prepared me for a hospital birth. Late in my pregnancy my husband and I
decided that a hospital birth was not the best choice for us and Sita explained
that there were other options that we had not considered – namely a birthing
center. I was truly skeptical, especially at 37 weeks pregnant, but Sita assured us
that we had a right to change caretakers from an OB/GYN- hospital experience, to
a midwife-birthing center experience.

Sita had the biggest influence our attitude towards pain relief. I had expected to
give birth in a hospital and have an epidural. Since we were now planning to give
birth in the birthing center, only non-medicinal pain relief was available. I was
totally not interested in a natural birth, but Sita assured me that I could try it, and if
it got too rough, I could go to a hospital and get the epidural that I wanted. She
kept telling us that my body was made to do it (labor and childbirth) and that I was
strong enough to handle the pain. To make a long story short – she was right.
With her help, and my husband, I was able to get through the pain without any
medical intervention. She supported us through the process and I’m certain that
we would have not been able to make it through without pain medicine if it wasn’t
for her. She’s so knowledgeable and warm - this is truly her calling. She was a
blessing to our family throughout the experience."
--Thiané Edwards

Heather is an amazing doula. She met every one of my needs every moment of
my labor. She helped me get through 29 hours of labor and left my side only
briefly. My husband and I both commented that we would not have been
successful if it were not for her caring, attentive attitude. After our son
was born we immediately said we want to hire Heather for the next birth.
She was a blessing to us and made labor a positive experience for both
myself and my husband.

I loved the massage Sita gave me. I had been having severe hip pain for
several months. She alleviated the pain and made my body more relaxed and
ready for the birthing experience!
--Aimee McDonald

My husband and I chose the premium package and it was such an incredible
investment. Due to the prenatal massages and yoga with Sita, I was able to work
throughout my pregnancy. I even worked the day before I delivered! I wish I had
been able to do more yoga classes but I took volumes away from each class.

I can't say enough nice things about Heather as a doula. She was an amazing
source of strength and confidence. She was a virtual walking reference guide for
the prenatal and postnatal period. She never gave me more information than I
could digest at the moment but she always had an answer to my questions. Her
quiet, gentle and positive nature was a calming influence on me during labor and
beyond. She had endless patience with me during my very rocky postpartum
period. My take away feeling about the natural birth of my son is "EMPOWERED
and EXHILARATED!"

The photographs that Spring took were so beautiful. I certainly would have never
been thinking of getting professional pictures taken during those first two weeks if
I hadn't already paid for it. I really treasure those pictures and Spring was very
accommodating and professional.
--Cameron Abbott, DVM