Seena Elbaum
Birth Doula/Educator, Mental Health Therapist located in Philadelphia, PA
Testimonials
Seena is an incredible doula. From the start, she was kind and compassionate regarding our anxiety in pregnany based on our previous miscarriage, infertility and IVF journey. She was supportive from the moment we spoke with her in an interview right through today – where she still sends supportive emails with content to reference (our baby is 2 months old now!) Throughout the experience with Seena, I very much felt like she was a wise friend. Ultimately, we were unable to physically have Seena with us in the room because my husband and I both had COVID, but she facetimed and texted throughout the process and was a game changer when it came to being comfortable with trusting myself. Highly recommend working with Seena – you will not regret it!
"We deeply appreciate all the care you provided throughout the entire process, Seena - your communication, experience, knowledge, kindness, availability and support. I was so glad to be able to turn to you with questions and concerns during my pregnancy and for your support during a long and difficult labor and delivery. Seena, your coaching, advice, insights and support were important and impactful. We felt held and safe during a very challenging labor and delivery. Your labor and delivery photos and videos were extremely special. We appreciate the connection we made with you, Seena. Thank you for guiding us and joining us as we welcomed Bruno into the world!"
"I cannot overstate how much we valued having Seena as our Doula. During pregnancy she provided evidence-based information and resources on topics ranging from hip- opening exercises to labor positions to breastfeeding. If I ever had any questions, she was quick to impart the knowledge she had and point me towards additional resources or medical care as needed. During the birth, she was truly with us every step of the way. She was so encouraging (and realistic!) as I went through several weeks of prodromal labor before and after my due date. When labor really
started, she was in constant communication and supported me to labor at home as long as possible. She arrived at the hospital very quickly after us, and stayed with us until our son was born (nearly 20 hours later)! Her presence in the hospital was invaluable - she was calm and reassuring. She helped me manage the pain prior to the epidural using the tub. And after the epidural she helped me move into positions that would provide relief and help the baby descend. When decisions in care needed to be made, she was able to help us think through each option presented and choose what was best for us. My partner looked to her to help support me, and she provided him with guidance and support. When we have another baby, Seena will be one of the first people I call to see if she will be our doula again!" E & K
"Seena puts out love and light into the world and I was so lucky to have been bathed in her warmth before, during and after the birth of my baby. I had a lot of anxiety before birth (and after) but I felt very taken care of and safe throughout labor with Seena there. I had a long labor with many elements that didn't go with my birth plan but I had a beautiful birth and I think a huge part of that was due to the support I got from Seena. I'm so grateful!"
"Connecting with Seena has changed my outlook on life. She comes to every session positive, welcoming, and open to discussing what ever topics I need help with. She is also extremely flexible with my busy schedule. Over the past few months of working with her my mindset has become a lot more peaceful. I highly recommend her services."
"Working with Seena was the best decision I made for my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Not only was she a great resource for anything I needed, but she was also able to help me get through any difficult situations and decisions – both mentally and physically. I couldn’t imagine not having her during my labor. She could read my emotions to offer advice or support with any decisions we needed to make. Not to mention, she was a great support system for my husband during labor too!" - K & D
"My experience with Seena was the best thing I could have done to progress my career as a doula and enhance myself as a person. Her patience, presence, and deliberate nature are unique and refreshing. A mentorship with Seena is not only an investment in the success of your doula journey, but an opportunity to connect with an incredible woman. With Seena's support and guidance, I have been able to build my clientele with confidence and ease! Spending this time with her made me understand why she is such a popular and loved doula!"
"Seena was a wonderful source of support and deep wisdom during our pregnancy and birth. Her warmth and lightheartedness was matched by a serious commitment to providing well-researched recommendations for us as we aimed for a low intervention birth in the hospital setting. We felt encouraged and empowered with her support; seeing her for our postpartum follow up, we knew that Seena would always be a part of our extended family after sharing this experience." E & P
"Seena helped usher both of our sons into the world. I look back at their births as two of the best days of my life, and we know we could not have done it without Seena. She was calm, attentive, and reassuring to both me and my husband. She was so present and focused. She encouraged me when I doubted myself and was able to continue when I thought I couldn’t. I'm very grateful that she helped us have such beautiful birth experiences." - R and L
"From the very beginning, having Seena's support throughout my pregnancy was wonderful. Seena is someone I could reach out with any question, no matter how small or big. She supported my vision, provided evidence based relevant literature, and exercises to help me achieve my vision. The day I went into labor, she was a huge support, not only to me but to my husband. During transition, she walked me through different breathing patterns and kept me grounded. This was so key." - D & E