Serving Hands Doula

Hi! My name is Shannon Sappington and I am the owner of Serving Hands Doula! I am a labor doula, providing personalized support and educational resources to my clients during their pregnancy, labor and birth! I walk alongside you in your pregnancy and labor to offer you physical and emotional support. Childbirth can be demanding, physically and emotionally intense, and unpredictable. It can last anywhere from a few hours to over a day. Having a doula who is there to serve you during it all can lead to overall better birth outcomes. As your doula, I also help you get the resources you need to make informed decisions and I help equip and support you so that you can have a positive birthing experience.

As a doula, I do not replace your birth partner, your care provider, your family, nor do I make decisions for you. I come alongside you, becoming a seamless part of your team, helping, serving and guiding you and your partner. If you do not have a birth partner, I can also fill that role as well. A doula is a flexible, consistent, knowledgeable and a reassuring physical presence to you and your birth partner through the ever-changing journey of your labor and birth.

When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to grow up to be a mommy! In my early 20s, I would spend HOURS reading birth stories and watching videos on childbirth! I got my first experience of what it was like to be a doula when I had the honor of witnessing and supporting my sister during her two births. It wasn't until my thirties that I would learn what a doula was and put a name to what I loved! The very first day of my doula training class in 2016, I felt I had finally come home and found my passion and calling: educating, supporting and encouraging women during their births and beyond! Birth is just the beginning of Parenthood! Over the years, I have had the pleasure of helping women by offering advice and options during their pregnancies, encouraging them in their new roles as mothers by offering advice and tips in baby care, breastfeeding and more. Oftentimes, just the encouragement that she is doing a great job is what a mom needs to hear most! Pregnancy can be HARD! Parenting is HARD! Having someone in your life who is there to listen, encourage and educate is so invaluable. I love to see a mom's face light up just by reminding her that she is doing a great job as she learns a new position to hold her baby while feeding or learning how to comfort her baby who is having a hard time adjusting to a routine. I love to see a mom's face light up when she found the courage within her to know her birth options and get the care and birth she desires. I love being a doula and I would be honored to be yours.

I was born in Illinois, but Texas has been my home since 1980! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling. I am also a Labor Doula certified through CAPPA (Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association) and cross certified with A Woman Who Serves. I am married to the man of my dreams and we have 4 incredible children, three of whom I gave birth to and one who grew in my heart through the blessing of adoption.

It was in 2002 that I witnessed my sister give birth to her firstborn that I began to develop a desire to help mothers and their loved ones during their journey into parenthood. A woman’s birth is such a pivotal and even sacred experience. Not only is her child born, but so is she as a mother. Every woman deserves to have a birth experience that she can look back on years from now and say, “I am so thankful for that birth.”

Over the years, I have had the honor of walking alongside numerous women, providing support, education and encouragement through the course of their pregnancy and postpartum as a friend and now as a certified labor doula.

"Shannon is seriously AMAZING! She is so professional about all her work, while being extremely personable. I have never felt so close to a stranger before. She instantly became such a dear friend. I had no clue what I wanted baby #3’s birth to look like. Shannon listened to everything I requested, helped me with any questions along the way, and supported me 100%. She was the rock for my husband and I during labor and was constantly encouraging me. I can not say enough positive things about my experience with her!"

Ragan S.

"Shannon, you are truly a gift! People may not think they need a doula or that a doula's job isn't that important, but what you do is so wonderful! The support and encouragement for the Mamas, as well as guiding those in the delivery room as to how they can be helpful, holding your ground and being that strength and peace when times get tough...we were beyond blessed to have you there!!! Everyone should take advantage of having you there. You do so much more than people think and the pictures are greatly appreciated as well! It was such a wonderful opportunity to see what you do! Wendy's natural birth plan was a hard one to experience, but when we all were scared or ready to give in you were that calming voice of encouragement, sticking with her wants, and in a delicate way. You helped her through prayer, giving her mind peace and supporting not just her but all of us. Thank you for helping her and helping us help her. We love you!!!"

Allison R.

What is a labor doula?

Doulas provide non-medical support to pregnant women and their families before, during and after childbirth. This support can help families navigate the physical, emotional and practical issues that surround childbirth.

What is belly binding?

Belly binding has been around for many centuries in different cultures, but has become more popular in the United States over the last few years. Belly Binding is an art that involves using a special muslin cloth to bind a woman's postpartum belly in such a way to provide support and promote skin elasticity during the healing process. It is especially beneficial to promote healing and support from diastasis recti recovery. It is best done 4-6 days postpartum when elastin levels are highest in the mother, but can still be done about 4 weeks postpartum on women who've had cesarean sections. A special healing balm made of a blend of essential oils can be placed on the belly before binding that can aid in the firming and tightening of the belly for an additional cost.

What else is included?

In addition to each package. you will get:

24/7 access to me via email and text
A list of community resources available to you
Access to my Lending Library of books related to pregnancy and delivery
A gift at your postpartum visit

What is your general service area?

I provide doula services mainly in the Fort Worth and surrounding areas as well as Grapevine, Keller, North Richland Hills, HEB, Mansfield and areas within an approximate radius of 25 miles around North Richland Hills.

Does a doula replace my husband/partner?

No, I do not replace your husband or partner, nor your best friend or anyone else you’re planning to have at your birth. Part of my role as a doula is to help dads/partners to feel more at ease during the pregnancy and birth process, boosting their confidence and showing them how they can best support you.

Do you only support natural births?

No, I support women who are planning natural births, caesarean sections, epidurals and everything in between. Whether you are planning to give birth in the hospital, at home or a birth center, I go where you go!

What trainings or certifications do you have?

I completed my doula certification through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and cross-certified with A Woman Who Serves doula program. I have completed trainings in Bengkung Belly Binding and Spinning Babies. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Counseling as well.

Labor Doula & Birth Services

My Services

Basic Birth

$850

Well-Loved

$950

I-Want-It-All

$1050

Belly Binding Only

$175

Shannon Sappington

My desire is that every woman that I serve can look back at her birth and say, "I love how my birth story turned out."

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions