Testimonials
Ires Wilbanks was my doula and was an invaluable coach throughout our journey. Before the births, she helped us develop a birth plan, taught relaxation techniques and, because she is also a yoga instructor, we did hours of incredibly beneficial prenatal yoga. She was always available to talk me through any question I had and she was instrumental in helping me go into labor naturally instead of being induced. I was terrified of hospitals and Ires was was right by my side through check in, triage and my entire labor and helped calm me and focus me. She was a great coach and a great friend throughout this entire process and has continued to be a support and resource now that the boys are here. Couldn't have done it without her. And now I can't wait to get back to Shakti Yoga & living arts to do yoga with the babies. - Emily K. |
My final 2017 shout out goes to my doula Ires. I took her birth & delivery class and knew I needed her calm in my delivery room. Throughout my labor, she was my advocate, my voice of reason, my accountability partner. When I thought I had nothing left, she rooted me on until I found more strength to keep going. After 19 hours, my son James Bailey Pierre Rose was born. Ires, thank you for being my fairy godmother. -Cassandra |
On June 3, 2017 around 7am I knew the time was approaching for me to meet my sweet Ayla. I relaxed calmly at home, took a shower, and sat with Dash. I didn’t know how the day was going to go but I knew I wanted to stand & squat to deliver without an epidural and I knew I was excited to meet my sweet baby. |
2 minutes of my client, Aliya’s amazing birth:
Happy Birthday, Ayla Devi! from Holland Logan on Vimeo. |
I found Ires online and did a private yoga session with her during the early stages of my pregnancy and really loved her energy. As a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor and women's health I knew I wanted to hire a doula to help me with my labor and delivery. At 45 years old and having gone through fertility treatments I knew I really wanted to try to have a vaginal delivery. She was supportive of my views and never judged me for my decisions. |
Hi Ires, just wanted to say hello. Lily is doing great-she is a calm and happy baby which I think is at least partially due to my calm attitude in my last trimester due to your support and guidance and my unmedicated labor and delivery. Lily turns three months tomorrow, time flies! Thanks again for everything! |
Every woman should have a doula like Ires to support her through pregnancy and labor. Ires is compassionate, knowledgeable, and intuitive, always able to tune into your needs before you even know them yourself. It is a truly special relationship that Ires forges with each client and nurtures through her fantastic prenatal yoga classes, guided meditation sessions, and of course, the work of labor and delivery. I always knew Ires could answer any question I had, whether it be about the best methods to encourage labor to start when my baby was past his due date (acupuncture worked wonders!) or which positions helped alleviate back labor. I felt so well taken care of throughout my whole experience working with Ires and I am so thankful to her! -Allison |
We took a labor & delivery class and hypnosis class with Ires Wilbanks the beginning of June and absolutely loved the classes but most of all Ires was so amazing. She is so honest and a great teacher. Ires was so easy to talk to and built a relationship with us in no time. Being that Ires is also a Doula- she was so attentive, supportive and available throughout my labor. Not only was she available to answer all of our questions but she even followed up with us throughout and after my birth to see how we were doing which I really appreciated. I’m so glad to have met Ires and would highly recommend her to anyone. I feel like I’ve known her forever! Her encouraging words throughout my long 46 hour labor were just what I need to help me get by. I know that Ires is someone that we will be in touch with in the future. Once again I’m so glad that we met Ires and we’re able to have her be a part of my labor experience. Thanks so much for everything!! -Vicky |
I delivered my baby vaginally with no pain medication. I labored entirely in the hospital, after being induced at 42 weeks pregnant. Those statements aren't part of many women's birth stories, but thanks to Ires they are part of mine. I met Ires through the prenatal yoga class she teaches, and after attending her Labor and Delivery Workshop, I knew I had to enlist her help. Thank goodness I did! She is a unique treasure trove of knowledge who can cite the latest medical research about labor as well as guide you through calming yoga techniques. As a first-time mother who was already anxious about doctor’s visits and medical procedures, having Ires and her steady demeanor as part of my team was exactly what I needed. She supported the vision I had for my labor and birth and did everything in her power to help me eventually achieve it. Everyone you’ll encounter over the course of your pregnancy thinks they have something special to offer that will help you out, but Ires actually does. - Meghan |
Today marks 10 days since I experienced the most magical day of my life- my 1st home birth with my 3rd child. My doula and angel, Ires, played a tremendous role and my family and I are forever thankful for her. I was first introduced to Ires by my dear friend Aliya. Aliya had the privilege to have Ires as a doula and present for her two births and she shared her amazing experience with Ires. I'm so happy she shared and Ires was available to accept me as a new client in the height of pandemic. My only regret was not meeting Ires sooner and having her present for my other two births.
As I reflect on the past 9 months, choosing Ires as my doula was the absolute best decision. Ires is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about her role as a doula. Ires genuinely cares about her mamas and provides profound wisdom and unconditional support and love. Although this was my third birth I learned the most through Ires. During my home birth, lavender was the scent to relax and calm me. It’s so fascinating how a natural flower can have soo many healing properties and soothe you. Ires was so attentive, encouraging and thoughtful throughout my pregnancy but during labor Ires was my lavender. Her presence is a gift and exudes peace. At one of the intense times during labor when I experienced peak of contraction, I remember Ires calming, simple but powerful words, "Breathe down your baby". Hearing those words from Ires really helped me to endure that wave of contraction. It was a gentle reminder to stay focused and that each contraction is a friend to usher baby out. Ires is the absolute best and highly highly recommend. Oh an she makes the best labor aide ever so yummy. I love Ires Wilbanks - Samantha |