Kelly Downum Doula Profile

I would highly recommend Kelly Downum as doula. Her calming presence was apparent and made me comfortable from the first time we met. I appreciated her thoroughness and organization in our meetings prior to my son’s birth. She was informative, gentle and confident about the birth process. Her assurance about choosing whatever may be best for myself and my son was helpful – she helped me to be informed while reminding me that I knew what was best for my son. This assurance and gentle guidance did not end when my son was born; she continued to be there after his birth. Kelly was open to various plans that I had along the way, even when I was indecisive about certain things. She got to the hospital before we did and was a welcoming, calming presence. Though my father’s son and I are not together, he chose to be there for his birth. I think that she was a huge help to him, and he commented a lot after the birth about how great she was – stating that everyone should have a doula. If he needed to leave for a minute or go do something we both felt it was ok because Kelly was there. I can’t recall exactly, but I don’t think she ever left! If anything seemed unusual or caught him off guard he could look at her, and she just reassured him with a look and he knew not to worry. I remember them conversing about various things that the nurses or doctors may have said. She was there for him as much as she was for me, and that was so helpful during an atypical birth situation. After Zayden was born, Kelly didn’t run out the door. Even though she arrived at 7:45 pm and Zayden was born at 3:52 am, Kelly didn’t leave until 6:00 am. She stayed and made sure we were all settled in and doing well. Despite the long night for her, she came to visit and check in before we left the hospital. She came by the house for a visit as well, which was priceless. I was able to ask any questions I had. It was very nice to see her again, especially from the comfort of my own home.

Best friends. Practically family. Surrogate sister. Kindred spirits. Kelly was all of those things to me before the birth of my third baby. After she held my hand during a joyful and wonderful birth, she has added a new title, one that will forever be etched in my heart… My doula. Her knowledge, calm, and love blanketed my family as we welcomed our baby to the world. With Kelly by our sides I felt the empowerment of unconditional support and knew that with her help we could enjoy the peaceful birth that our baby deserved.