"Schyler brought us a much needed sense of calm and ensured we had the tools to maintain it on our own.  Her loving support and caring nature created balance within our chaotic home.  She also spent some much needed time with our older daughter, Kaitlin, ensuring she didn't get lost in the new baby shuffle"

-Joell and Rick Teal, Parents of Kaitlin and baby Isabelle, Bellevue, WA

"We needed a Postpartum Doula when we brought the twins home from the hospital, and Schyler was absolutely wonderful!  Her gentle nurturing balanced with her strong knowledge base, was the perfect match for our new family.  We couldn't have made it through those first weeks without her loving guidance.  We'd highly recommend Schyler!

-A & W, Parents of A & W, Seattle, WA

"Schyler is fabulous!  She is informative, resourceful and very present...
and great with our son."

-Lisa and Dan Pasco, parents of Isaac, Seattle, WA

"Schyler's care, attention, experience, knowledge and compassion have been invaluable to
us.  We love how reliable she is, she always does what she says she will and arrives on time!  Having a postpartum doula is a great way to nurture a new family and
Schyler is wonderful at what she does."

-Nikki and Ken Wohlf, parents of Annika, Seattle, WA

"After working with Schyler you'll feel more confident and at ease with your new infant.
 Her supportive and professional style makes it easy to learn the practical
tools that every parent needs".  

-Joan Casey, MSW Parenting Educator, Psychotherapist, Seattle, WA

"Schyler goes further than mother/infant support and extends her knowledge
to include the whole family.  Schyler will provide guidance and compassion as well
as dealing with the necessary duties that are part of family life with a newborn.
 I recommend her services as an integral part of quality care for moms, dads and babies."

-Kate R. Casey, LHMC, Bellevue, WA

And, A letter from a very smitten mother to Doulas of North America,
in reference of my services.  Thank you Dawn!

"I believe that the profession of Doula represents an essential calling for our culture and our children. I believe this calling has the potential to impact families in a profound way.  Schyler Mason meets and exceeds the inevitably high standards of this demanding job and does it while breathing calm and grace in to the home.  I really can’t say enough about the positive impact she has had on our family.

 I had used 2 different Doulas before I found Schyler.  Both were very competent and helpful -  but I knew I needed something  more.  I did not feel comfortable leaving the house and I knew I needed someone who would really connect with and love my little girl so I could get more of the daily chores/errands done.  We found that with Schyler the first time she arrived to do our in-home visit.

 Sarah, our 4 Week premature baby girl, was having a hard time.  Not sleeping well, and fussy with what we thought may be colic.  My husband and I were pretty stressed and tired as well, as I had been on bed rest for 3 months, prior to being hospitalized for the last 3 weeks of pregnancy.  We were amazed by the fact that within 15 seconds of Schyler talking directly to Sarah, we watched our little one begin to relax.  It just floored me!  Schyler then asked her permission (then ours!) to hold her. 

 We watched in amazement as Schyler moved her to many positions and immediately got a belch (to which she replied, “I bet you feel better now!”) At this point tears were streaming down my face at her level of total respect, calm and caring.  It was delicious to witness and to know there was a way to be with our precious little one that could help her find calm!  She asked Sarah to take a big breath with her and did so twice.  I watched our baby imitate her and realized how many body signals of stress both my husband and I were sending to her! 

 Schyler did all this without telling us we were wrong or giving us advice – she modeled the behavior, gave us empathy and compassion for how difficult it was on all of us that she was early, and really boosted our confidence to be the best parents to Sarah.  She also gave me some tips, with Sarah right there, on breastfeeding; somehow without making it sound like that was the “best” way to feed Sarah.  All this was free to us on our consultation!  Needless to say, we hired her that night to work with our family and I just can’t imagine what our lives would have been like without her.  Take the number of examples, advice and encouragement and simply multiply that by the times she has entered our home.  She has saved us countless hours of struggle, grief and chaos.

 As if the skills I have mentioned aren’t already rare and invaluable – another of Schyler’s gifts is her ability to help children find and develop their sense of humor.  I’ll never forget the first time I heard Sarah giggle.  Schyler was playing one of her many games with Sarah and it was the most beautiful sound I’d ever heard!  Within just months Sarah was laughing at anticipated actions, and we try to make sure we hear that laugh at least once a day!

Also, Sarah had sleep issues and with Schyler’s help she began sleeping through the night at 4 months.She is still an incredibly good sleeper due to Schyler’s coaching and proven techniques.  Her coaching for us as parents to be consistent, united, boundaried (having healthy boundaries) and loving has been invaluable.  We watch many of our friends with children struggle with these issues and have been so grateful for Schyler’s expertise and support. 

 Did I mention she does that in such a way that you feel no obligation to do what she suggests and often times she manages to make you feel like you came up with the discovered effective strategies.  She walked me through so many stages of grief that I know would have interfered with my ability to stay present to my little girl.  She has cooked fabulous meals, organized chaos, helped me let go of clothes and baby items that were just taking up space and was always on time (what a gift alone that is!)  I know I must sound like a paid advertisement for Schyler but I am just an incredibly smitten mother who is soooo very grateful that she answered her calling and became a Doula!

 At this writing Sarah just celebrated her one year anniversary and we continue to have Schyler come over to help us love and nurture our little girl (we have jokingly told her that we will want her every Wednesday until Sarah graduates from high school.)"

Dawn Matisse, Mother of Sarah Rose, Seattle, WA