Kathy Tellstrom CD, DIP CBEd, CPD, Parent Educator Doula Profile

First, let me say that even before my labor, Kathy was amazing. I called her CONSTANTLY with questions and she always had a calm, warm voice to sooth my worries and explained everything perfectly. I felt prepared for my labor. Because of health issues, I had to be induced. Kathy arrived at the hospital right away in the morning to be there with me and my family. The nurses got things going about 8am, and what we thought would be long day, turned into 33 hours of labor, 4 hours of pushing, and an emergency 2 hour C-section. Not once did I panic though, because Kathy was there every step to tell me what we were doing, why we were doing it, and what I could expect next. At night when everyone else was so exausted that they couldn't even think straight, Kathy didn't sleep. She stayed up all night and took care of everything I needed. Because I was induced, and the baby had to be monitored constantly, i wasn't able to move around a whole lot, but Kathy convinced the nurses to let me take a couple laps around the hall a couple times, and even helped me try to sit in a warm tub for five minutes or so a couple times. Kathy explained thing so well that I always knew what to do and how urgently to do it. There was no panic or anxiety involved. Through 4 hours of pushing, she was right beside me counting, and when my son got stuck and they told me I had to have a C-section, she explained everything and comforted me when the epidural wore off before they were ready for me to go into surgery. Everything she does is doone with love, experience and excitement. She is the best at what she does, and I don't recommend having a baby without her. I know I never will.   

Kathy is simply wonderful! Our baby son required an emergency C-section in October 2008, despite efforts to follow a personalized “Bradley Method” birth plan. I wanted doula care last minute, and ended up with two outstanding doulas. My local doula also called upon Kathy, who volunteered to drive all the way to Green Bay to assist in making me feel in control and comfortable.
Kathy arrived with a goodie-bag for us filled with baby blankets, supplies, and aromatherapy body lotion. Given my history of migraine headaches, Kathy used her personal experiences to keep headache-prevention at the forefront of our minds. She acted as a bridge between family and the hospital staff and stayed with us every step of the way. I particularly remember walking the halls with Kathy. Despite the circumstances, staying mobile was a top-priority. We sat, bounced, and rocked back and forth on birthing balls together while she shared encouraging words.
Doulas are also there for the father-to-be or coach, supporting their essential role. My doulas instructed my coach in acupressure therapy, to help induce labor naturally. It really did help! I couldn’t be more thankful to have such great help bringing my son into this world. No matter what your situation, it’s your birth, and with a doula like Kathy you’ll never feel overwhelmed. No matter what type of birth plan you envision, Kathy has the compassion and skills to help you realize it.
 

I have used Kathy's services with both of my children.  As a young parent, she taught me step by step what to expect while in labor and also calmed my anxiety during my postpartum recovery.  Although my second child was a planned C-Section, Kathy was at the hospital with us (bright and early) and was able to take pictures of our new addition that may have been missed if she hadn't been there to support us.  I highly recommend Kathy for all doula services and I personally can say that she has helped my family out significantly. 

My experience with Kathy was wonderful. She made everything so much more relaxed.The night that I went into labor I felt off. Around 8pm I called Kathy with bad back pains.She said take a shower to see if that helps and she would be there shortly. So I did and it helped.The second I got out of the water all the pains were back again.By the time Kathy got to my house she could tell that it was time to have the baby.So we got a sitter and my husband home.By 11pm I had no clue what was really happening and we were at the hospital.Kathy stayed by my side the entire while.I could hear my husband calling his family in El Salvador.Kathy made this time so nice and relaxed as possible since my husband speaks mainly spanish it was hard for her to talk with him.However she did a wonderful job.I don't remember much else except when it was time to push she was still by my side and I saw my husband in the corner.That was his choice.See in El Salvador the fathers don't play that big of a role in the labor part.They usually have plently of women there that help out.So he just stood there watching on.After the delivery Kathy stayed for a bit and just let us know what the doctors/nurses were doing and what they were saying.Overall, Kathy being a part of my labor team was very important to us.If I had to do it all over again I would not change a single thing.She even prepared a "Birth Story" with pictures and minute by minute recap of what happened.If I get pregnant again I will be calling Kathy and getting her to Doula again for me. She never asked questions that I was not comfortable answering.Never once did she make me or my family feel pressure, taken advatage of or afraid.With Kathy every silly question was nothing for her to answer. She was always more than willing to help out and get the answers I needed as soon as she could. Thanks so much to Kathy being at my side I was able to have a wonderful labor and delivery with no complications or regrets.

Kathy was my doula with my third pregnancy--I didn't even know about doulas with my first two children, though I now wish I did. She is my doula again with my fourth pregnancy (due in September).  I would never again consider pregnancy, labor and delivery wihtout a doula, Kathy is just awesome!!  She makes herself available to her clients at all times day and night.  She supported me throughout my pregnancies and my labor.  She encouraged me to walk to help labor progress, to sit in the tub to relieve back pain, and she used counterpressure to relieve back pain as well.  She has included my husband in ways that make him a very productive part of pregnancy and labor.  She never questioned my decisions or judged me for them, when I was ready for an epidural she supported me whole-heartedly.  She helped me with breastfeeding questions after my child was born.  She also helps her clients in any other ways possible (as a newly single mom pregnant with my third child she was able to find me a bassinet, clothing and diapers for my newborn as well as clothing for my 2 older children).  Kathy is an amazing woman who is full of so much love and support to give.  She has become a true friend and from day one has been more than a doula, she's taken a truly vested interest in myself and my family, wanting to know how the kids and my husband are doing, calling to see how my pregnancy is doing.  She doesnt mind being woken up at two in the morning with a concerned mom calling because she may be in labor (she understands that false alarms happen and is always so gracious about it) or because she's concerned and needs advice about her newborn.  Kathy is the best!!