Life-changing experience. Shakti Births took my fears of pregnancy and birth away in a matter of weeks both as doula and HypnoBirthing coach. It's truly amazing. I can't thank you enough, Tamryn. I’m now ready for baby No 2. See you soon 😇

Tamryn was and is incredible! I was on the fence about getting a doula - because you don’t know what you don’t know your first time around. But I can say without a shadow of doubt that the BEST DECISION of our birth plan was to have a doula - and that doula be Tam.Tam went over and above; what I can recollect from my birth was how safe and capable she made me feel - she was encouraging, gentle; she helped me stay above the water when I felt it was getting too much.More so, Tam helped my husband feel apart of the birth and not like he was just there. Tam guided him to massage me or help me through contractions.Thank you, Tam! We seriously appreciate you & hopefully we will see you again soon for baby number 2 😉❤️

For anyone reading this ...GET A DOULA 🙂 I know that many people question whether they would actually need one or not (including myself), but I am so thankful and glad that I decided to go ahead with Tamryn. I can honestly say that the only reason that I am successfully breastfeeding exclusively is because of her. I am a dietitian, so breastfeeding I would think, would come naturally with the knowledge that I had but in all honesty, even with the knowledge ... breastfeeding DOES NOT always come naturally.My journey started with a very strong intention to have a natural birth. I made up my mind and I was not going to change it. We contacted Tamryn and since that day, she made herself available 24/7 for any questions we had, and helped us prepare for the big day. She gave us confidence, shared so much of her knowledge with us, prepared us for things which didn't even cross our minds At 39 weeks, I unfortunately had to give up on my big dream of having a natural birth. Having a caesar, I didn't think that having a doula would be so valuable. My thoughts were "If I don't need to push, I don't need her there, right?" This is not true. After being in theater for the caesarean, because of all the medication they gave me, I cannot remember ANYTHING for the 5 hours that followed. I was awake, but completely unaware. Sadly, I don't remember the skin to skin contact or the first time I fed my baby. But what I do know, is that Tamryn was there all the time and actually latched my baby on me to feed and facilitated that whole process while I was completely zonked out. What I take from this is that ... She knew just how important it was for me to want to breastfeed exclusively, so she made sure that it happened. I am so grateful to her. Having worked in hospitals myself, I know for a fact that I would not have gotten that same support from the nurses and I probably would've ended up with a bad latch, poor milk supply, my baby's sugar would've been low and I would've been forced to top up with formula. It is small decisions like having a doula at your side (whether natural or caesarean) that impacts greatly on things that you honestly can't put a price on ... like feeding your child.Tamryn was supportive, not once made me feel judged, her calm and caring personality is infectious, being in her presence makes you feel calm in what I would say is possibly the most stressful time of your life, and I am so glad that she was a part of our journey. I will forever be grateful and would definitely recommend her.

We used Tamryn as our doula; she was recommended to us by the Doula Association of SA. She is incredible. I wouldn't have been able to do this all without her. She is kind, caring and goes far beyond the extra mile to help, guide and educate you on everything. Highly recommend her, and if we ever have another child she will be first to know about it. Thank you for everything 💜

If you’re thinking of having a doula by your side at birth … this is your sign! Do it, I promise you will not regret this decision.Tam is incredible and the support you and yours will receive will be beyond your expectations. From helping us put together a birth team who would be willing to travel to a farm, to HypnoBirthing, for letting me cry on her shoulder and howl when I needed to, to being a solid rock for myself and my partner the whole way through! *I was in labour for three days - Tam was by our side the entire time!Tam, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. For encouraging and protecting my inner power the whole way through ❤️

I gave birth in February 2022 to my third born. I'd had 2 previous normal births in a hospital setting and for my 3rd, I decided to get a doula for the first time. It was the absolute best decision I'd made in this pregnancy!I wish I'd gotten a doula for my other two! I received immense support and advice from Tamryn during my pregnancy, and so much of encouragement during the labour and birth. Not forgetting the postnatal support as well. It was like having a person to speak to who understands what we're going through!These are some of the things Tamryn did for me which I feel is really too much, going above and beyond the call of duty:1. Always answered my questions and advised me of my concerns with very knowledgeable and well-researched info. She's extremely competent! Tamryn met me at a place convenient to me for our introductory meeting, and answered my questions, actually listened to my concerns and was just a very pleasant person to interact with. 2. Prenatal appointment to draw up a birth plan. Tamryn visited me at home and we sat through a birth plan discussion which lasted more than 3 hours! She's too kind, soooo patient and very calm! 3. Tamryn constantly liaised with me on WhatsApp, and reassured me when I was going through a very stressful episode during the last few days of my pregnancy. 4. My labour was quick! She communicated with my husband and made it to us before the baby arrived and managed to help me get through the last few intense contractions. 5. She created an ambient birthing environment by decorating the room with candles and lights. 6. She was quick and experienced to realise when the baby was coming, and sprinted to get the midwife just in time! She would've probably delivered my baby considering how fast the birth was ... 😁 7. She took lots of memorable pictures and videos of the whole experience. 8. Tamryn did SO much more during the labour and birth, and post-birth ... massaged my back during contractions, obtained info from the midwife and relayed it to us, kept my husband calm and explained everything so nicely, heated our food, assisted me with the bath after birth, made the salt water mixture for rinsing after birth, rinsed my clothes, and so many other details I'll omit, but really she was an asset to have amid the chaos of the speed-labour and birth 😀 9. Postnatal home visit and support - Tamryn helped me with breastfeeding support, sent me tons of reading material, and contact info of specialists, etc.My birthing experience was beautiful. I feel like I've learnt so much from this experience, and that's all thanks to Tamryn. She was my support person through the pregnancy, birth and post-birth. I now feel like every woman should have a doula during the birth and this shouldn't even be optional!No fee or thanks would ever be enough to express my appreciation to Tamryn for this experience 🌸

When I think back on my/our pregnancy journey I am truly thankful we chose Tam as our Doula.Not only was she extremely professional BUT also caring, generous, motivating and compassionate throughout my pregnancy journey and our birth. If it wasn't for her I would most probably NEVER have had such a wonderful, redemptive birth. 💛🧡❤️Tamryn suggested that we attend her Hypnobirthing classes (thank you, T) WOW, and was this a HUGE game changer! I will definitely recommend doing the classes! The extra knowledge, tools & techniques we learned was a great advantage for the pregnancy & day of birth. She even took the most precious photos that we can cherish forever.She answered all our questions, supported us and guided us in the right direction. Tamryn held my hand right up until the end and having her definitely made every aspect of pregnancy and birth much more calm and enjoyable. Postpartum, she is also such a resourceful gem 💎 and still willing to help and assist wherever she can. Thank you so much for everything, Tamryn!

Tamryn was my doula in August of last year. Prior to my son’s birth, my partner and I also completed the HypnoBirthing course with her. She was extremely helpful and always available whenever we had any questions or concerns. She did not only support me on the day that baby was born but also before, with many questions, and after, during recovery and with breastfeeding. Her presence made me feel calm and in control. I remember afterwards needing a couple of stitches and just holding her hand and looking at her, she understood and knew what I was going through. Having her there was invaluable. In my opinion, everyone should hire a doula! You won’t regret it!

GET. A. DOULA. And not any Doula, Tamryn in particular! I literally contacted Tamryn while I was 6 weeks pregnant 🤣 I knew I wanted to go the natural birth route and needed so much guidance. Tamryn literally started assisting me with my questions before I even decided to use her. She really does this for the passion! Tamryn was also exactly who I needed as part of my birthing team. She matched my energy so well and really helped my hubby support me. From answering my millions of questions, to doing my HyponoBirthing course, to being the greatest support on my birthing day - I couldn't recommend her more! I cannot wait to use her for my 2nd pregnancy one day ❤️

I set out to have an unmedicated natural birth and opted for a hospital birth with a gynae who is pro-natural. After getting some recommendations, we went with Wilgers Hospital. As a first-time mom, I decided to get a doula for the extra support. When I was still looking at a couple of doula options, I made contact with Tamryn Schmahl of Shakti Births, and from the first email I sent to her, she was extremely supportive and gave me advice and information that I needed – and I knew there was no one better suited to support us. I went into labour on Saturday at 41 weeks and it started quite slow, with contractions far apart. On Sunday when I woke up, the contractions were getting closer and closer, and Tam then joined us. To cut a really long story short, my birth ended in an emergency C-section on Monday, 6 September. Tam was there throughout my labour, first by phone and then in person throughout. During this time, Tam not only helped me manage the pain of labour, but supported me and hubby, debriefed with us, calmed us down, listened to and reassured us. She was there until the very end. I can never put into words how invaluable having Tam with us was and can never thank her enough. Having Tam with us was a blessing.

I couldn't have asked for a better Doula! Tamryn is so selfless and caring. She truly goes the extra mile for her clients. She makes sure that both parents are doing well and tries to meet all our comfort needs. On the day of my delivery, Tamryn was the one who went out to get myself and my hubby snacks. She made sure that the room was organised by laying out all the blankets and clothes. She liaised with our birth photographer to make sure that she arrived on time. And all at the same time, she managed to ensure that she was there to provide counterpressure during all my contractions! She truly is an angel. I believe that my birth wouldn't have gone as smoothly without her. Thank you, Tam!!

Choosing Tamryn as my doula was the best decision I made during my birth journey. We did the most incredible HypnoBirthing course with her, too. She is so incredibly kind and generous and was by my side throughout my pregnancy. Even when my original birth plan had to change and I had to have a C-section, she was so supportive and the calming presence I needed. As moms, we also need love and support and, in addition, her postpartum visits gave me the nurturing I needed. She is the absolute best and I recommend her 100 times over.

We had an incredible birthing journey with Tamryn. We did her HypnoBirthing course and honestly, the course doesn’t just prepare you for birth but also equips you with life skills necessary to raise a child and support you in the happy and stressful times! My husband and I also connected on such a deep level as the course works extremely well to incorporate the partner of the mother and give them just as if not more of an important role to assist the mother before, during and even after childbirth. Highly highly recommended. Tamryn also goes above and beyond to support her couples. We could not have prepared better for the birth of our child thanks to her!

We had the online group classes with Tamryn for the HypnoBirthing and learned so much. I would recommend it for all the new parents, even of it's your 2nd time! It is well worth the time, and the resources she shares will make you much calmer and well prepared for your little one. We had Tamryn as our doula as well and couldn't have done it without her. She is not just there for the pregnant wife, but also for the anxious and questioning husband! 😁😁

What an incredible journey! My husband and I did a five-week course with Tamryn. I started off the course incredibly fearful of natural birth, as most woman are, influenced by years of media and lack of parents being able to make their own choices during birth. This course gave us back the power and confidence to make the best decision for our family. It set my heart and mind at ease that I already have what it takes to birth my baby calmly and gently into this world. It also further strengthened my husband and my bond through the course work and visualisations of this amazing journey we are embarking on together. At each lesson Tamryn always put in more than expected. The course also focused on other aspects such as the history of birth, the fourth trimester and breastfeeding. Tamryn's passion is tangible, she has become a friend and someone we can trust and rely on in one of the biggest events in our lives. We are so grateful for the opportunity, thank you!

I was connected to Tamryn early in my pregnancy and she became my doula at that point. One of the best decisions we made during my pregnancy! We also took the HypnoBirthing course with her and learned a lot in preparation for our son's birth. This also helped my husband prepare and answer his questions too. Tamryn has been such an amazing resource and support during my pregnancy and postpartum. She also networked and connected us to additional practitioners when we needed them – finding my midwife, a chiropractor for me when pregnant and for our newborn, and a lactation consultant. We live in another country and traveled to South Africa to give birth. Tamryn went above and beyond by helping us with questions and resources as we prepared to live in South Africa for 3+ months. When my entire birth plan had to change last minute, Tamryn was the calm, reassuring, and understanding voice to help me process what to expect next, and process the whirlwind of emotions afterwards. Following this entire journey, Tamryn now feels like a good friend - even like family. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula!

Tamryn has been AMAZING! I had a C-section (while initially wanted natural birth) but despite what we can think, a doula is so needed, even for C-section birth! I was so lost, confused, tired and in pain after the birth. Tamryn guided me towards each step regarding pain relief, meconium, breastfeeding, skin to skin, and so on. She stayed with my husband and I as long as we needed her (between 5 and 6 hours!). I would have been so lost without her ... really. Thank you again, Tamryn!

Tamryn is passionate about what she does. For her this is not just a job, it really is a passion and it shows in her interactions with the people she works with. She's prepared to go the extra mile to support and help her clients ... I went into my birth feeling so informed, so relaxed and 100% supported!! Even though my birth story didn't go as planned, she was there to support and make me feel comfortable with the change of plan ... I couldn't imagine doing this without her ... The pre and post visits were just as amazing. And she even helped latch my baby to make breastfeeding easier!! And even after 3 weeks of having my baby, I'm still able to message with any questions or concerns!!! I can't thank you enough for all your support throughout this journey, Tamryn!! 💜💜💜

My wife and I just completed our HypnoBirthing course with Tamryn. We are having our first baby. This course helped us with all the necessary preparations. It is a brilliant course that paints the true picture of what birth should be like. I am confident that the course will have a positive impact on our birth, and I also know that what we have learned in the course can be used in our everyday lives. As a first time dad, I feel more prepared, and I know that I have acquired the necessary tools to aid my wife in birth. Thanks so much for the great course 👌👍

Tamryn is professional in her work and pays attention to detail to understand the family that she is supporting. As a trained doula myself, it was a no-brainer to have a birth support person for my birth. I was in labour for 20 hrs, starting on New Year's Eve. Tamryn was not phased about potentially celebrating New Years with a woman in labour; she was there to support me and my husband in our journey to bringing our son into this world. She set up our labour room at Genesis Clinic to be as homely as possible, and for that we appreciate the thoughtfulness. ❤️❤️❤️ She assisted in taking my birth video and pictures – memories that I will forever cherish. One of our special moments with her is when I was in transition and my contractions were getting stronger ... Being a black mom, I had braided my hair and the hair was irritating me. I had a doek on to keep it intact; however, the doek was falling off and I needed assistance to tuck in my hair. I briefly asked Tamryn to tighten my doek for me and she humbly responded that she didn't know how😂😂🤦🏾‍♀️ She learned on the spot to tighten my doek and we had a light moment during a hectic time of my labour. Birthing needs support and Tamryn comes highly recommended. Thank you, Shakti Births! 💕💕

Tamryn was such an asset to have by my side during my pregnancy and our beautiful Amelia’s birth. Having you apart of our birthing team was worth it, the emotional and physical support that you gave on the day was exactly what we needed. When hubby had to take a breather or fill in forms you were always by my side. That extra support was needed and appreciated, I felt like a had a close friend by my side at all times, thank you for being who you are.

I couldn’t recommend doing a Hypnobirthing course through Tamryn enough! We did an online group course. She was patient, clearly explained everything and was open to answering any and all questions we had. She is super knowledgeable and made the classes interactive and fun! We learnt a huge amount and it’s helped us to feel excited and prepared for the birth of our baby, after feeling rather unprepared and nervous before. Loved it!

Tamryn is amazing! Not only does having a doula at your birth make a world of difference, but she's there for you leading up to and after the birth as well. We were so comfortable with Tamryn from Shakti Births - she really put in dedicated time and effort to get to know us, what we like, how we would like our birth to go, and answered all questions we had from the beginning. She's got a huge knowledge base and explains all things birth and baby in a way that calms you and helps you to tackle any situation. We couldn't have done it without her, and we will continue to recommend her to everyone! 🙂

At 7 weeks pregnant, I contacted the most phenomenal Doula on the planet! Tamryn was one of the first people to know I was pregnant. I've always known that I wanted a Doula, my husband had no idea but made every effort to learn and after some research agreed with me. I've also always known that I didn't want to go to a hospital for the birth of our baby. I think I actually told Tamryn that the hospital my OB/GYN practiced at was sterile, cold and felt like a sausage machine. I had my fibroid surgery there, and I didn't want to experience birth in the same manner.Our first meeting with Tamryn set into motion a plan that focused on treating birth as a sacred, beautiful process. Tamryn is that little bit extra that takes a birth experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Without her at our side during this process I dont believe we would have had the birth experience that we did. She is a living, breathing advocate for gentle birth in every possible way.We started our Hypnobirthing course with Tamryn sometime in November 2022. It was one of those courses that we both loved doing because of how present you are required to be in your pregnancy. Sometime during this course Tamryn taught us to speak to our baby, and I did so very often. I would listen to my favorite music, devotionals (Naat Sharif), quranic verses etc daily. To this day when we need to soothe our now 6 month old, she responds to what I listened too during my pregnancy. She really is my 'Desi girl'.When my waters released on the 31 Jan 2023, I messaged Tamryn and I really knew the value of a Doula. She kept both of us incredibly calm and present. As first time parents having a third calming, reassuring voice around you changes everything. I didn't have a single bit of anxiety because I knew that I had surrounded myself with the absolutely best birth team in the world. Our baby was welcomed into the world via c-section (she was breech) with such grace and care Tamryn helped me breastfeed our princess and to this day it's an experience I will cherish forever.I'm forever grateful because every thing I wanted to happen with my birth did. Tamryn was an integral part of helping us figure out what we wanted, how and with who we wanted. And then she helped us make it happen. My husband loves having Tamryn in our arsenal. He very proudly speaks of our birth because he was involved. Having Tamryn is like having a secret weapon everyone knows about.With the help of Tamryn and the course she presented we had an absolutely phenomenal birth and I will cherish it forever. Tamryn helped us dispel certain myths, helped us feel empowered as parents and helped us welcome our biggest blessing with gentleness, calmness and so much love.If you want the birth that surpasses every expectation of how beautiful this process can be just do it. Do the Hypnobirthing course and get that DOULA! It is very very worth it!

We hired Tamryn as a doula, and also decided to take the HypnoBirthing course from her. I'm so glad we did-- it has made a huge difference for me. I started off feeling quite nervous/afraid of the childbirth process, but with the support of Tamryn, as well as the HypnoBirthing course, I am feeling much more calm, prepared and excited about the upcoming birth of my first child. Because of Covid, my partner and I opted for a private class. Tamryn was extremely accommodating. She was willing to come to our house or do sessions via video. She's extremely competent, makes evidence-based recommendations, and is enjoyable to be around-- I know we made the right choice in selecting Tamryn to be our doula!

Tamryn is a wonderful HypnoBirthing practitioner, and I wish she lived closer so she could be my doula as well 😀 She is always keen to help and share insight and knowledge. I would definitely recommend doing a HypnoBirthing course with her!

I delivered my second son at Genesis. Tamryn filled in on short notice when my original doula ended up getting sick on the day before I went into labor. She was wonderful. She listened and provided the support I needed during labor and after birth. I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience. I highly recommend her.

Great doula services. We really appreciate your kind heart during delivery and continuous follow-ups after birth ... You are the best, Tamryn!

We were initially on the fence about hiring a doula. My husband had concerns about feeling sidelined and uninvolved in our baby's birth but wow are we so glad we had Tam join our birth team.Tam goes over and above in making you feel seen and at ease, even if your birth takes a turn you weren't expecting. Her home visits are like counselling sessions and make you feel excited and ready for the birth. No question is too silly and answered with so much love and patience. She provided so much breastfeeding support. Tam, thank you so much- you are one in a million.

5 stars is not enough for Tamryn at Shakti Births. I started my pregnancy journey convinced that I will be doing a ceasarean and after choosing Tamryn as my doula and doing the hypnobirthing course, I naturally birthed my daughter without an epidural. It was such an amazing journey and Tamryn was pivotal along the way. I wouldn't have had the confidence to do it without her. Her assistance on the day was just amazing and so supportive. She took care of me as how a mother would her daughter. I was comfortable, felt safe and I knew her attention was on me whilst everyone else correctly focused on my baby. In addition she also helped my husband along the way and ensured he was also supported and enjoyed the process. Thank you Tamryn for being part of our pregnancy journey, we couldn't recommend you enough!

Hopefully this could be a review that convinces someone to get a doula. I always knew I wanted to hire a doula, but I didn’t know how great the impact would be on my birthing experience. We added the HypnoBirthing classes, and when I tell you the techniques changed “the game”, I am not exaggerating. I have never been so determined, calm, and completely aware and trusting of my body. Even though my birth ended in a C-section, my 18 hours of contractions was the most empowered and beautiful experience of my whole life. Tamryn at some point of this journey felt like family more than anything; she is extremely hands on, attentive, and knowledgeable. She will make you feel like you are her only client, which is what most first-time moms need. I don’t want to give a lot away because I feel every woman has to have their own unique and beautiful experience without someone else experience clouding their judgement. When it comes to Shakti Births, I would recommend them any day and use them over and over.