Sheilena Martinez Birth & Postpartum Doula in Tacoma, WA

We are first time parents and don't have family out in the PNW, so we knew we needed someone in our corner with multiples experience once we found out we were having twins. Our goal throughout our entire pregnancy was to have an unmedicated birth with limited interventions. When we first met with Sheilena and told her this, she was on board 100% and let us know that we had her full support no matter what. She was always calm and realistic with what to expect. While a lot of our doctors discussed the extreme scenarios and what could go wrong - often acting like an unmedicated, natural birth with twins was unrealistic - talking Sheilena always reminded us that pregnancy and birth is a beautiful experience and that we had the agency to have the birth experience we dreamed of (obviously, true medical emergencies aside). I didn't know this until after I delivered, but Sheilena had been at another birth and had only gotten home a few hours before my husband called to tell her I was in labor. And she still drove all the way to Seattle and was fully present, helpful, & attentive. I remember when I was laboring in the hospital, I got to a point where I felt like I couldn't do it anymore and I started saying I might need an epidural. Sheilena calmly reminded me that I was already 8cm, that I was managing the pain and contractions really well, and that I was right in the hardest part of labor. That boost of confidence and support helped me get back into the mindset of not only "I can do this", but "I am doing this!" Having twins, I had to deliver in an operating room - non negotiable. There were a lot of people, so having an extra person who I knew, an extra hand to hold, truly made all the difference. Having Sheilena was, I think, key in our success of having such a successful twin birth. She also took the most beautiful photos for us during labor/delivery. We will cherish them forever! Eternally grateful to Sheilena!!

— Elizabeth Paraszczak

SHEILENA: We hired Sheilena as our night doula and are so glad we did. Having that extra support to catch up on sleep and gain confidence with our newborn at home was huge. In real time, she guided us through everything from burping technique to latching, feeding positions, and sleep setup. Being able to tap into her knowledge as both a doula and a midwife-in-training meant I also got trustworthy insight on my own healing and our baby's development — exactly what you need in those tender early days. I feel lucky to have had a night doula at all, let alone Sheilena. I cannot recommend her enough. THE TEAM: There's so much to figure out as first-time parents. Working with a team that ensures you have all the evidence-based information to make the right decision for you goes a long way. Without them, we wouldn't have known about our daughter's oral ties or to sign up for pelvic floor PT so far in advance — it books up fast. I learned to express colostrum because of them, and 9 pre-birth vials kept our baby from needing formula in the hospital. When I had trouble with milk production after a hemorrhage, they sourced donor milk from Tacoma to Seattle that same night. They give their time nearly around the clock and are deeply connected to the Seattle/Tacoma region — when we needed referrals, they had trusted professionals ready. In a medical world that doesn't always offer this compassion, it feels good to be seen and advocated for. Worth every penny — and when we have more children, we'll be rebooking without a second thought.

— Kate

I am a firm believer that every birthing person should have a doula. I interviewed a few different doulas, asking questions and trying to find someone we connected with and in Sheilena we found that and more. She showed us such deep caring and empathy, listening not only to our hopes and plans but holding our hand through our worries and fears. She gave us practical advice and really met us where we were at. Sheilena was able to coach us with breath work and positions. She was a calm but firm voice of reason, re-centering our emotions when they started to fray. With her help I was able to dig so deep and give birth to our darling whopping 11lb baby. I felt supported and deeply heard throughout my prenatal care and validated in my feelings post birth and recovery.

— Stephanie and Lars Ojukwu

I am so grateful, lucky, and blessed to have had Sheilena by my side during one of the most intense and transformative seasons of my life. I had a very difficult pregnancy and postpartum journey, and she was my greatest advocate and source of strength throughout it all. When I was induced for preeclampsia at Overlake Hospital (Bellevue), Sheilena stood by me and my husband, making sure our voices were heard when I felt dismissed by medical staff. I had hoped for an unmedicated, natural birth, but ultimately required a C-section. Sheilena helped me find peace with that change in plans, reminding me that what mattered most was a safe delivery for both me and my baby. After birth, I developed postpartum preeclampsia, and she was there once again—checking in, supporting us emotionally, and helping us navigate the stress of recovery. When our baby lost weight, she and her team came to our home several times a week to help us get her back to birth weight while guiding me through milk supply and latching challenges. Sheilena continued to support us up to 12 weeks postpartum, through sleepless nights, cluster feeding, and growth spurts—always patient, encouraging, and reassuring. Her presence gave us the confidence and calm we needed as new parents. When I received my birth photos, I cried seeing how strong I was in that moment—and how loved and supported I felt. This entire experience would have been unbearable without Sheilena and her team’s care and compassion. I truly cannot imagine my birth and postpartum journey without her. She is a gift, and any family would be beyond lucky to have her by their side.

— Monica L

Working with Sheilina was one of the most grounding, empowering, and healing experiences of my motherhood journey. From the moment we connected, I felt an immediate sense of calm and trust in her presence. She held space for me—not just physically during labor, but emotionally and spiritually—guiding me through one of the most transformative moments of my life with deep compassion, wisdom, and grace. She didn’t just support me through the birth of my child—she supported the birth of me as a mother. Her ability to read the room, speak gently when needed, and fiercely advocate when it mattered most gave me strength I didn’t know I had. I will never forget how bravely she stood up to a doctor who wasn’t willing to listen to my wishes, making sure my voice was heard when I felt most vulnerable. Sheilina also captured the most beautiful, intimate photos during my labor and birth—images that I will cherish forever. And even in the blur of those moments, she thoughtfully made sure to care for my placenta, honoring all the parts of my experience with reverence. Even after birth, her support continued in the most thoughtful ways—through check-ins, gentle reminders to care for myself, and affirming words that reminded me I was doing enough. She saw me fully, and I’ll never forget that. I will forever be grateful for her care, her heart, and her presence. Sheilina is more than a doula—she’s a light, a guide, and a lifelong part of our story.

— Nargiza Yusupova

I recently gave birth to my first child and Sheilena was absolutely amazing! I felt so comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. She listened and provided helpful recommendations as well as educated my partner and I. I was able to do a natural birth without any unwanted and unnecessary interventions. Sheilena was an advocate for me. She stayed and helped me and my spouse through the birthing process from start to finish. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better doula and she went above and beyond my expectations. I definitely recommend Sheilena to everyone and would hire her again if we decided to have another child in the future. I am so grateful and will never forget the positive experience I had due to Sheilena's expertise and guidance.

— SARAH GARNER

Sheilena was such an amazing doula. Sheilena knew all the right moves and positions to put me in to help the baby find its way down. Sheilena was thoughtful of my feelings and made sure I was feeling comfortable through my experience. There were moments I was scared or didn't know what to do but she guided me with such gentleness and care. I trusted her so much and knew I was in great hands once I found her as my doula. She does it with such confidence and grace, and always knew what I needed when I didn’t know for myself. My birth was at home and 3 days long, she was there for me through it all. Sheilena was knowledgeable every time I had a question and always reassured me with any worries. Sheilena stayed with me until the end and made sure I was taken care of until my baby boy was born. I’d have her again as my doula ??

— Destiny Kappe

Sheilena was an absolutely phenomenal addition to my birthing team. She was calm, knowledgeable, and most importantly, prepared for the unexpected. My birth experienced lasted 3 days at a time when Sheilena was at her busiest with clients. She still made me feel like a priority and took the time to listen to my concerns and anticipate my needs. I highly recommend her services!!!

— Caroline Lauka

Sheilena blew me away at our initial meeting with her knowledge and experience. I loved her calm, no nonsense vibe all through my pregnancy, and especially when things got funky toward the end with a preeclampsia scare and a long labor that ended in a c-section. She had lots of advice for getting through the tough parts of pregnancy, reminders to take things one day at a time during the tough moments both pre and postpartum and she practically threw herself between me and a surgical resident who was overstepping in the final moments of my labor. Doulas are the secret to beautiful births regardless of the circumstances. ??

— Dana Grey

As a first-time mom, I didn't know about doulas until I searched online for help. I hired Sheilena through a dedicated doula team, and she has been tirelessly supportive to me and my family during this important transition. Sheilena visited our home 2 or 3 times a week to care for my newborn so we could get some sleep at night. She taught us how to swaddle the baby, increase my milk supply, and position for breastfeeding. Most importantly, she listened to my concerns and guided me through the mental preparation for this significant change. At night, I slept until she brought the baby over for breastfeeding or woke me up for pumping. She also provided a lot of evidence-based knowledge to answer my endless questions. I really appreciate her help and kindness and highly recommend her to anyone in need of a great doula.

— Zhi Yang

Like so many people, I didn’t get the birth I imagined, and I’m so grateful that Sheilena was there helping us through all of it. She camped out in the chair and was by our sides through one of the harder weeks of our lives. She had great advice and helped create order out of what felt like chaos, and when it was clear that a vaginal birth wasn’t going to happen, she helped me see through the fog and move on to a C-section, which was completely for the best. She also supported my husband, which was so important as he watched me struggle. Sheilena has a tremendous amount of knowledge and she has her own perspective, of course - and when it comes to your birth, she knows it’s your birth and she’s there to coach and empower you for what you need and want. I left the hospital with a healthy baby and really hating the doctors — but so thankful that Sheilena was on our team. Doulas should be at every birth — and in a better world would be covered by health insurance, but that’s an aside! The bottom line is, hiring Sheilena was one of the best decisions I made for our birth and I will absolutely hire her again if and when we have another baby.

— Amy

Sheilena was an amazing doula for us. She is really friendly and has a great personality and is really attuned to your needs as a (laboring) mother. We had our daughter at a midwife clinic and Sheilena was there before we did. She was a great support during and after the birth. I would use her again if there is another pregnancy. I recommend her wholeheartedly!

— Sharon Price

Sheilena was my doula when I was pregnant with my first and only baby so far. I was very nervous for labor and I had two pre birth sessions that helped ease my concerns significantly. During labor she even got to the hospital before my partner and I (and we live right next door to the hospital where I delivered). She helped with counter pressure during contractions and communicated effectively with the hospital team. She helped me try different positions and otherwise supported my birth plan. Sheilena is non judgmental- she is there to help you. She will answer any questions you may have and embrace the approach you’re hoping to take. She was also our post-partum doula where she helped with meal prep, light cleaning and of course baby! As first time parents, I cannot recommend pre through post-partum hours with Sheilena enough.

— Kyleigh Rohweder

Sheilena was our night doula for our first baby boy's first two months. After the two months, she also helped us for a few nights. She was clean, tidy, on-time, communicative, experienced and thoughtful. She taught us, and showed us everything about how to handle the newborn, like feeding, changing diaper, or handling fuzzy baby. For us as first time parents, she was extremely helpful. She was knowledgeable about baby stuff, like different formula brands. She gave advices, like various practical solutions, her personal way, or things like FDA suggestions. She supports our opinion and lifestyle. For my postpartum experience, she was very understanding, gave me support and advices. I feel safe to ask any thing and no pressure to do things a certain way. She kept notes during the night, so we know when baby feeds/pees/poops, and whether the baby was fuzzy or slepts well. Our parents doesn't speak English. When we were not at home, sheilena was understanding, and was able to interact with our parents via Google translate (there was very little necessary communication).

— Li

I am beyond grateful to have Sheilena as our Doula. During labor/birth she was calm, caring & skilled. In a time of vulnerability & unpredictability, I felt safe under her care. She knew how to navigate between the nurses, doctors, my husband & myself. Her guidance & knowledge was more than I could ask for. Sheilena is truly one of the top reasons for my positive birth experience.

— Karla

Words cannot express our gratitude for having you there with us through the birth of our baby . My water broke just before midnight ; and even as a back up doula, Sheliena was able to come immediately to support us at 3am! It was a blessing to have her with us during our long, hard labor and birth. She was warm, welcoming, encouraging, and all over human in her approach to my anxiety and in making it her mission that I have an empowering first birth. She endured nearly 34 hours next to us in the hospital. She lifted a cloud of worry from us because I knew that she would tell us what was normal or not and she could also anticipate how I was feeling at any given stage of labor. Besides being my labor coach (using all sorts of pain management and calming techniques) she was a team player in working alongside the midwife and nurses at the hospital to determine next steps and assisting in all the childbirthing demands. She also advocated for me with the medical staff about some decisions she knew weren’t in my best interests based on how my labor was going and in understanding my wishes. She was awesome and overall we had a great experience having her as our back up doula.

— Kulwinder Attar

Sheilena was such a wonderful doula for the birth of our first child in June. We interviewed 3 doulas before finding and choosing to work with her. We loved how kind, patient, easy to work with, and communicative she is. She has a really calming presence and took as much time as was needed to answer questions and go over things with us. One of the unexpected and best parts of working with her was checking in with her when we were going into the hospital and feeling pressured by the doctors into certain courses of action. She helped us to manage the stress with informed answers. She has also been so helpful postpartum with checking in regularly and helping with any questions we have with our newborn (we have many!). I can't say enough nice things and would recommend her highly.

— Jennifer L.

Sheilena is currently helping my husband and I postpartum and we couldn't manage without her-she's such a lifesaver. She has years of experience as a prior nanny and caregiving and that really comes through. She has an amazing ability to calm our baby (and us!) when we're still figuring it out and gives us complete peace of mind when she's watching the baby so we can rest. She sincerely listens to whtat our problems are and gives knowledgable and pratical solutionshat work with our lifestyle/wants. For example, she went out of her way to grab me a haakaa when I was leaking as a low-stress solution and couldn't leave the house, and suggested recipes/helped prep when I was still healing and overwhelmed. She obviously cares and does whatever possible to make your postpartum experience a positive transition to parenthood. Definitely will be reaching out again when we add to our family.

— Alex Farris

Sheilena was our doula for the birth of our first baby boy. She was warm and caring and everything my partner and I needed to get through birth. She gave us amazing information and educated us on all the things we needed to know to prepare for my upcoming labor. Since I wanted a non medicated birth and wanting to go natural. In addition to being one of the most wonderful, supportive, and caring people, Sheilena is a knowledgeable and fantastic doula! She helped make the birth of my son as smooth as possible, allowing me to enjoy every minute of it- including the really difficult painful parts! I am so happy she was there every step of the way on guiding me and advocating for me, when needed . She also knew just what I needed every second (whether it was a drink of water, a snack, a back rub, a different position, or breathing control techniques). I can truly say my birth would not have been as wonderful as it was without Sheilena there! After bringing my son home, Sheilena was able to still keep in touch to check up on us . Thank you for an amazing experience as a first time mommy . I am so shocked on how well my labor and delivery had went. Definitely couldn't do it without her help . Blessed to have a healthy boy . Thank you for all that you do.

— Linda

Sheilena was my overnight postpartum doula for two months after my first baby was born. She took fantastic care of my son, was a thoughtful support system for my husband and myself, and a knowledgeable resource as we navigated parenthood for the first time. I always knew my son was taken care of when Sheilena was over- she bottle-fed him, burped him, changed him, rocked him to sleep, and cleaned the (what seemed like endless) supply of dirty bottles and breast pump parts. Further, Sheilena was a great listener and sounding board whenever we had questions about my son's health or development. She put us at ease so we could get rest knowing she was in charge. The extra sleep allowed me and my husband to be better parents and gave my body the rest it needed to heal after birth. We are so grateful for everything Sheilena did for us!!

— Caroline

Sheilena took wonderful care of us throughout an anxiety-ridden pregnancy. She was available to talk and reassure us every step of the way. We had a very positive birth experience and I believe Sheilena helped us achieve the goal of an unmedicated birth. Sheilena has the added advantage of assisting with births frequently outside of her doula practice, so she has tons of experience and knowledge. She made us feel very cared for and helped me believe in my body and myself.

— Moeller Family

Sheilena is a gift to familes and to babies! She worked with my family for 10 weeks -- through the dark winter with twins. My kids weren't easy, but she made it look effortless. The gassy baby was able to sleep and the reflux baby was able to eat (held vertical all the time). The two parents were then able to sleep and be rested for the next day with twins and toddler!

— Maggie

My partner and I hired Sheilena as our night doula after our second baby was born. She helped us get through the first month, allowing us to get more sleep and feel less overwhelmed with parenting a newborn and a toddler. Sheilena is an ideal combination of calm and laid-back and extremely competent. She is a warm and caring person who has tons of knowledge about babies and kids. She did a great job with the light housework we asked her to do, and knowing that someone so reliable was taking care of my home and baby at night allowed me to get some much-needed rest in the first few weeks. I highly recommend working with Sheilena!

— Sasha

Sheilena was an awesome doula. From the start, she checked in with me to see how I was doing regularly for about a month before my due date (Nov 14th). She is always on her A-game it seems when talking labor, birth or anything pregnancy. She asks all the right questions and sticks to her word for two prenatal visits as well as anything you need from her in between and postpartum. Sheilena is patient. Even with a young child at home, she always solidified she would be there whenever I needed her to. My labor was long, a whole three days, and finally born early Saturday mornging (Nov. 27th). Sheilena impressed me when she stayed by my side all three days, did not even go home once, she slept on my couch even. She will get snacks for you at the store if your labor is anything like mine. It was a pleaseure to share my birth experience with her. Great around family and friends. Thank you Sheilena! You got this future momma

— Mayson

Sheilena was my doula when I was pregnant with my first and only child so far. She was very supportive and there for me throughout my pregnancy and still is till this day my daughter is almost 8 months now. Honestly I was scared I didn't know what to expect the thought of labor freaked me out and I wanted to go all natural in the tub I didn't think I could do it all the horror stories I heard about the pain but Sheilena reassured me that I could and my body was made to give birth but she made sure I knew she would support me with whatever choice I chose to make. I personally am a very shy individual but she made me comfortable and supplied me with plenty of resources I was pretty prepared before my daughter arrived and was able to do that all natural water birth I dreamed of doing one day she's amazing. I would recommend her if you want support but want to be in complete control she's a great choice she stood by me and respected my wishes another plus is she was pretty much available she didn't take too long to get back to me when I'd text or call I appreciated that as well she is good at what she does and has a lot of technics and resources under her belt

— Malisha

My name is Kaitlyn Johnson and Sheilena helped me through my pregnancy from beginning to birth and beyond. She went over and above what I had expected. Whenever I had a question, even about something small she was just a call or a text away. Regurdless of the fact that she had just had a baby shortly before I got pregnant she gave me her undivided attention and helped me feel safe and secure during a time of constant change and worry. During my birth she kept me moving and reminded me to breathe when she could tell I was wavering. Her help and guidance was always positive and uplifting. Even after the birth she stayed in contact and made sure I was taking care of both myself and the baby. I continued to seek out her advice and counsel about both baby and family matters. She has always given me sound counsel. She is passionate about what she does, you can tell this is more than just a job for her. It's a calling. Anyone who finds themselves with Sheilena as their doula is truly lucky and will receive the best of care. During my next pregnancy I hope to have her by my side once again.

— Kaitlyn Johnson