Kelly Wise ~ Doula & CBE Doula Profile

I decided that a natural birth was exactly right for me. I wanted to experience my daughter being born. I didn't want to be numb to all the sensations of a child coming into this world, a child that I had created and held within me for the very longest (and shortest) months of my life. Plus the medical benefits or eliminating side affects from the pain meds were something I could not dismiss! After I decided I wanted a natural birth I started doing all the research I could on tips and tricks to naturally reduce pain levels. I do know myself though, and I was smart enough to know that once I was in pain I would not remember a single thing. I was introduced to a doula one day and I thought "This would be perfect for me, I would have the support I need, and the knowledge I need." So I set out to find one, I was introduced to a doula I had liked and was comfortable with when it got close to my due date she went out of town to see her daughter and newest grandchild. She gave me the number to Kelly. If I had gone into labor while she was gone I was to call Kelly to be my support. I ended up being scheduled for an induction just a few days later. I called Kelly as soon as the first contraction hurt. She was there very shortly after. Her support and knowledge throughout my difficult labor and delivery was more than I could have ever asked. she made a great focal point and was there with every contraction reminding me to breath and relax. anytime something changed with my induction or my contractions she helped me understand what it meant and the best decisions to make. She had a lot of helpful tips to bring on contractions but to ease the pain of them. When the time came that I had to have a caesarian she helped me to calm down and to understand the rationalization of it. She was the exact supportive birth partner I needed she was receptive to my needs and want 100%. When I have another child I would be lucky to have her services again.

 Part 2 of 2

The time came to deliver and we rang Kelly. She met us at the hospital and prepared to stay as long as necessary. John’s back was giving him serious issue and he was exhausted after my labor stalled out after twelve hours. Kelly had been easing me through exercises to help my labor prior giving John a break when he needed to get some air. John laid down to rest and Kelly stayed by my side, helping me breathe through contractions and assisting me with exercises. Then the doctor came in and threatened a C-section (it is important to note this was not my regular O.B.). I panicked!
Both Kelly and John helped calm me down and Kelly reminded me I was not in distress and baby was not in distress, so I could say NO!!! John seconded her opinion and we continued to focus on helping my labor progress. Not going into the gory details, Kelly stayed by my side the entire time. She kept me calm. She kept me focused. She was incredible. And then, our baby was born, and it was beautiful.
Later, after Kelly had gone home, the doctor dropped by and asked how long Kelly had been a Doula. He said she was one of the best he had ever worked with, like

 Part  1 of 2

The birth experience is important and yet misunderstood. I know I did not understand how important it was until I had severe mental trauma after delivering my twins. It was not my doctor; it was my nurse and the other hospital staff. After finding out I was pregnant (can you say oops), I was not sure I could handle another negative birthing situation. My husband, however, was concerned and spoke to our doctor about my fears and concerns. We came up with a plan and decided we would play it by ear and hope for the best. Then, while spending some much needed one on one time, my husband decided to steal a food tray full of tastiness at Paradise Bakery.
That was our first encounter with Kelly. She caught him and then he heard our number on the speaker, woops. On her way out, she stopped by our table to chat for a moment. In less than fifteen minutes, she had John, my hubby, re-thinking his position on breastfeeding and me re-thinking mine on cloth diapers. John stealing her food was one of the best things that could have happened to us during our pregnancy. Kelly introduced us to the idea of a Doula.
She was thinking about becoming a D.O.N.A. certified Doula at that time and part of the certification process was attending births. We exchanged information and after doing a bit of research, I contacted her. We met a few times and we would talk about what I wanted the birth experience to be like and how her classes were going. John was not overly pleased I was thinking about bringing another body into the delivery room, but he wanted me to be as calm as possible and “if you need her to be there, then she can be there, but she will not be taking my place.” I hear this sentiment often referred to by husbands/partners who are not as familiar with a Doula’s role. John will now be the first to tell you, he was wrong.