Sean is currently attending to the needs of her family and will resume her doula work again soon.
Sean Hoke, CD(BAI)
Birth Doula, Encapsulation Specialist
My Doula Journey~
I was born and raised in Kirkland, and continue live here with my husband, and our two cats. In June 2013, our first child was born still at 41w, due to a cord accident during labor. This incredibly difficult and powerful journey has done nothing but solidify my intense respect and compassion for the mother/child relationship, and the importance of having loving emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
In addition to wanting children of my own, I am “Auntie” to many in our very large family and circle of friends. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by babies and children, and through this, I have discovered my calling as a doula, realizing that I could put my love of women, babies, and growing families to good use.
My birth philosophy is based on the firmly held belief that every woman should feel safe, empowered, and educated to make the decisions she feels are right for her body, her baby, and her birth experience. I feel that it is my job to help educate women in their choices, but to never speak for them; to physically and emotionally assist during labor, but make sure that husbands or partners feel capable and comfortable to do the same, and to never take their important place; and to assist families in making this beautiful transition.
In May of 2012, I became a Trained Birth Doula, and am currently working towards certification through Birth Arts International.
I was born and raised in Kirkland, and continue live here with my husband, and our two cats. In June 2013, our first child was born still at 41w, due to a cord accident during labor. This incredibly difficult and powerful journey has done nothing but solidify my intense respect and compassion for the mother/child relationship, and the importance of having loving emotional and physical support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
In addition to wanting children of my own, I am “Auntie” to many in our very large family and circle of friends. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by babies and children, and through this, I have discovered my calling as a doula, realizing that I could put my love of women, babies, and growing families to good use.
My birth philosophy is based on the firmly held belief that every woman should feel safe, empowered, and educated to make the decisions she feels are right for her body, her baby, and her birth experience. I feel that it is my job to help educate women in their choices, but to never speak for them; to physically and emotionally assist during labor, but make sure that husbands or partners feel capable and comfortable to do the same, and to never take their important place; and to assist families in making this beautiful transition.
In May of 2012, I became a Trained Birth Doula, and am currently working towards certification through Birth Arts International.
Trainings and Certifications
Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification w/Karen Strange ~ January 2014
Birth Arts International Birth Doula Training Workshop ~ May 2012
Discover Yoga Prenatal Fair ~ Presenter "What is a doula?" ~ March 2012
Birth Arts International Birth Doula Training Workshop ~ May 2012
Discover Yoga Prenatal Fair ~ Presenter "What is a doula?" ~ March 2012
Birth Doula Rate is $750 - Inquire about sliding scale and discounts for low income and returning clients.
Click HERE for Sean's Birth Availability
Click HERE for Sean's Birth Availability
Client Testimonials for Sean Hoke
July 2014
We received a recommendation for Sean from a mutual friend, and instantly felt at ease when we met. She has a soft giggle and warmth in her smile that helped bring a sense of calm to my husband and I. We planned a home birth, and wanted a Doula to help guide is through the adventure. Sean's experience and confidence was one of the important factors that led to our successful first birth experience, and we are so thankful that we had her by our side. it was a very blessed, surreal, and mystical experience! In preparation for the birth, Sean was available at our desire to answer questions, meet with us at our house, help us emotionally prepare, give guidance, and reassure us of our birth plan. She quickly became best friends with our dogs, and became a comfortable visitor in our home, which was a very important thing for us - for our home birth crew to peacefully blend into our environment.
Sean helped me through the difficult transition labor, helping me breathe, reminding me what I needed to do each time with patience and care. Her hands and voice became a focal point that accompanied me along the waves of each contraction. She was very attuned to the labor process, accepting of what I needed, and reassuring that we were on the right path. We are so very thankful that we had no complications, and honestly believe Sean had a lot to do with the great birth outcome because of her peaceful nature and confidence.
We would highly recommend Sean!
~Mama C and Baby M
December 2013
My husband works very long hours and I knew he would not be available for birthing classes to attend with me, so I knew I needed a doula with us when we had our first child together. I didn't want to go in to labor completely unprepared, hiring Sean was the BEST decision I made to assist us with this journey. From the start she was always available with information and always got back to me quickly. I had originally planned to labor at home as long as possible and try to keep my birth experience as natural as I could before going to the hospital. I had to ditch that plan when my water broke first without contractions, my OB ordered me to the hospital within a few hours. I ended up having pretty much the opposite of a birth experience than I originally wanted, but having Sean there kept me calm and made me feel more at ease about needing to change the plan. She was wonderful about trying to keep me as comfortable as possible and also keeping my husband calm too. I would tell every woman, HIRE A DOULA to assist you in your birth experience and if you want an excellent, caring, fantastic, patient, kind, extraordinary doula, then hire Sean! She will blow you away with how much she is there for you! Birth is an investment, and you want the best with you when are taking in this journey. Sean is it! :)
~Mama S and Baby T
November 2012
We hired Sean early in my pregnancy after meeting her at a birth fair and hitting it off famously. We found Sean to be a great resource during pregnancy about what to expect and how to approach labor. I also found it a huge comfort to have her nearby and a person I could rely on when I got close to my due date, as my husband works several hours away and is gone during the week.
As it turned out, I had a c-section, and while at first we were unsure whether having a doula in that situation would be as worthwhile, I'm so glad we had Sean there in the OR with us. Neither of us were as mentally prepared for the procedure as we thought, and having her calm presence in the room with us was invaluable. Plus I think she was as excited about our son being born as we were. Sean is enthusiastic, supportive, and very helpful and I would recommend her to anyone considering a doula.
~Mama J and Baby
January 2012
I first met Sean when she arrived in my hospital room when I was already in active labor. She showed up as a back-up doula, and was only supposed to be there for a few hours. She immediately made me feel comfortable with her, even though I was having seriously painful back-to-back contractions at the time we met. She sat there with me, held my hand, comforted and encouraged me the way I needed her to. She also helped me change positions and offered assistance when she saw fit. Even though this was our initial meeting, she met me where I needed to be met. Usually, when you first meet someone, you want to get to know them. We held off on that until later, and she encouraged me to rest between contractions rather than asking me a bunch of questions. It felt good to trust her judgement and professionalism, and she also trusted me to know my body so that I could express my needs. She obviously loves being a doula, because she ended up staying the whole time (about 24 hours from the time of arrival to the time birth). I had a very long, hard labor, complete with severe back labor. I am certain I would have ended up with a c-section if it weren't for Sean and my primary doula supporting me 150%, never wavering in their care, compassion, professionalism, laughs, fun (when appropriate), and uplifting support. I plan to reach out to both of them to be present at subsequent births.
~Mama J and Baby B
April 2011
Having Sean at the birth of my fourth child made a lot of difference. I had just moved into a new house a few months before, and I was feeling a lot of instability in my life. I was confident I could just plow thru it, and having homebirthed three babies at home before, that it would be okay. But really, I was scared and lacked confidence in my surroundings -- definitely not the space I needed to be in to have a good birth. When Sean arrived at the house on the day of the birth I immediately became calmer. Her presence was assuring and reassuring every time she talked. When we got into contractions that I could no longer handle well on my own, her touch helped me stay focused without having to think about it. I was able to simply let the experience happen. What a blessing! When she reassured me she would keep me grounded, and make sure I didn't feel like I was drifting off or feeling unsafe I believed her instantly. There was no doubt in my mind she would do just that, so I was able to just forget the rest and trust in her support. Her presence was amazingly calming, and I could feel her respect for this process, for my family and household, and for the new person about to come to the outside. What a blessing she is in my life!
~Mama J and Baby G
November 2010
Sean was our doula at my third birth, which was our second home birth. We really didn't know why we chose Sean to be there, feeling that we had things well in hand but somehow I must have known she'd be just the right person. When my birth unfolded much faster than I had expected she was a really calming influence when it was very important to have that. The speedy birth and best birth position took me by surprise and I had a bit of panic, Sean was right there with a whole lotta chill and a little bit of cheerleader to get me through. Our daughter was born, and she made me amazing placenta super pills. I cannot even bring myself to take down her note to turn off the dehydrator which she had put on my fridge because it makes me smile everytime I see it. She's great at this. Thank you Sean!
~Mama B and Baby M
We received a recommendation for Sean from a mutual friend, and instantly felt at ease when we met. She has a soft giggle and warmth in her smile that helped bring a sense of calm to my husband and I. We planned a home birth, and wanted a Doula to help guide is through the adventure. Sean's experience and confidence was one of the important factors that led to our successful first birth experience, and we are so thankful that we had her by our side. it was a very blessed, surreal, and mystical experience! In preparation for the birth, Sean was available at our desire to answer questions, meet with us at our house, help us emotionally prepare, give guidance, and reassure us of our birth plan. She quickly became best friends with our dogs, and became a comfortable visitor in our home, which was a very important thing for us - for our home birth crew to peacefully blend into our environment.
Sean helped me through the difficult transition labor, helping me breathe, reminding me what I needed to do each time with patience and care. Her hands and voice became a focal point that accompanied me along the waves of each contraction. She was very attuned to the labor process, accepting of what I needed, and reassuring that we were on the right path. We are so very thankful that we had no complications, and honestly believe Sean had a lot to do with the great birth outcome because of her peaceful nature and confidence.
We would highly recommend Sean!
~Mama C and Baby M
December 2013
My husband works very long hours and I knew he would not be available for birthing classes to attend with me, so I knew I needed a doula with us when we had our first child together. I didn't want to go in to labor completely unprepared, hiring Sean was the BEST decision I made to assist us with this journey. From the start she was always available with information and always got back to me quickly. I had originally planned to labor at home as long as possible and try to keep my birth experience as natural as I could before going to the hospital. I had to ditch that plan when my water broke first without contractions, my OB ordered me to the hospital within a few hours. I ended up having pretty much the opposite of a birth experience than I originally wanted, but having Sean there kept me calm and made me feel more at ease about needing to change the plan. She was wonderful about trying to keep me as comfortable as possible and also keeping my husband calm too. I would tell every woman, HIRE A DOULA to assist you in your birth experience and if you want an excellent, caring, fantastic, patient, kind, extraordinary doula, then hire Sean! She will blow you away with how much she is there for you! Birth is an investment, and you want the best with you when are taking in this journey. Sean is it! :)
~Mama S and Baby T
November 2012
We hired Sean early in my pregnancy after meeting her at a birth fair and hitting it off famously. We found Sean to be a great resource during pregnancy about what to expect and how to approach labor. I also found it a huge comfort to have her nearby and a person I could rely on when I got close to my due date, as my husband works several hours away and is gone during the week.
As it turned out, I had a c-section, and while at first we were unsure whether having a doula in that situation would be as worthwhile, I'm so glad we had Sean there in the OR with us. Neither of us were as mentally prepared for the procedure as we thought, and having her calm presence in the room with us was invaluable. Plus I think she was as excited about our son being born as we were. Sean is enthusiastic, supportive, and very helpful and I would recommend her to anyone considering a doula.
~Mama J and Baby
January 2012
I first met Sean when she arrived in my hospital room when I was already in active labor. She showed up as a back-up doula, and was only supposed to be there for a few hours. She immediately made me feel comfortable with her, even though I was having seriously painful back-to-back contractions at the time we met. She sat there with me, held my hand, comforted and encouraged me the way I needed her to. She also helped me change positions and offered assistance when she saw fit. Even though this was our initial meeting, she met me where I needed to be met. Usually, when you first meet someone, you want to get to know them. We held off on that until later, and she encouraged me to rest between contractions rather than asking me a bunch of questions. It felt good to trust her judgement and professionalism, and she also trusted me to know my body so that I could express my needs. She obviously loves being a doula, because she ended up staying the whole time (about 24 hours from the time of arrival to the time birth). I had a very long, hard labor, complete with severe back labor. I am certain I would have ended up with a c-section if it weren't for Sean and my primary doula supporting me 150%, never wavering in their care, compassion, professionalism, laughs, fun (when appropriate), and uplifting support. I plan to reach out to both of them to be present at subsequent births.
~Mama J and Baby B
April 2011
Having Sean at the birth of my fourth child made a lot of difference. I had just moved into a new house a few months before, and I was feeling a lot of instability in my life. I was confident I could just plow thru it, and having homebirthed three babies at home before, that it would be okay. But really, I was scared and lacked confidence in my surroundings -- definitely not the space I needed to be in to have a good birth. When Sean arrived at the house on the day of the birth I immediately became calmer. Her presence was assuring and reassuring every time she talked. When we got into contractions that I could no longer handle well on my own, her touch helped me stay focused without having to think about it. I was able to simply let the experience happen. What a blessing! When she reassured me she would keep me grounded, and make sure I didn't feel like I was drifting off or feeling unsafe I believed her instantly. There was no doubt in my mind she would do just that, so I was able to just forget the rest and trust in her support. Her presence was amazingly calming, and I could feel her respect for this process, for my family and household, and for the new person about to come to the outside. What a blessing she is in my life!
~Mama J and Baby G
November 2010
Sean was our doula at my third birth, which was our second home birth. We really didn't know why we chose Sean to be there, feeling that we had things well in hand but somehow I must have known she'd be just the right person. When my birth unfolded much faster than I had expected she was a really calming influence when it was very important to have that. The speedy birth and best birth position took me by surprise and I had a bit of panic, Sean was right there with a whole lotta chill and a little bit of cheerleader to get me through. Our daughter was born, and she made me amazing placenta super pills. I cannot even bring myself to take down her note to turn off the dehydrator which she had put on my fridge because it makes me smile everytime I see it. She's great at this. Thank you Sean!
~Mama B and Baby M
