Kimberly Sebeck Doula Profile

Kimberly was a fantastic resource throughout my entire pregnancy.  We hired her early on (around 12 weeks along if I remember correctly), and were therefore able to ask many questions through email/phone and take the classes she offered.  She also helped us form and edit our birth plan.  Emails were always answered within a few hours.  Of course the biggest role was her help during labor.  My labor experience didn't go as we had all planned (infection that ultimately let to a c-section), but Kimberly offered up different ways to try to keep me comfortable throughout the whole process--19 hours of natural labor.  I was so impressed that she stuck around the whole time, even after the section she came into recovery to see me and make sure I was doing ok.  I really felt supported!!  If we are still in Knoxville for the next pregnancy, I would want Kimberly there for that one as well.  Especially now that I will face VBAC issues in the future.  All in all, we had a great experience!

Kimberly was at the homebirth of my third daughter. I had known Kimberly from our local ICAN chapter. I had just started helping out as a co-leader right before the birth. Originally, I wasnt planning on having anyone at the birth other than my midwife and her assistant. But when my midwfie called and said her assistant couldnt find a babysitter for her 10month old daughter I got a bit worried. My last birth was only 2 hrs long and I knew this one would be short too. But when she called back saying Kimberly could come I was so relieved! I knew Kimberly would be a great help for me and respect my wishes. I had discussed with my midwife that I didnt want a lot of hands on support, I prefered to be left alone. When they got to my house, they didnt make a big fuss. They came in, set up and waited with me. Every one in a while I would get offered a glass of water and get a few words of encouragement. It was exactly what I wanted! I knew she was there if I needed her but she didnt force herself to be more involved than I wanted. Thats the sign of a great doula, they will do as little or as much as each mother needs. It takes a great doula to know what a mom's needs are and what will help her the most, even without ever discussing a birth plan with her. Kimberly is a great doula and educator. She has a passion to educate and help women through the most beautiful time in their lives. Anyone would be lucky to have her assist them at their birth.

I met Kimberly after we took her Birthing class. This was my first pregnancy so as most new mom's-to-be are I was a little nervous about the whole experience. Kimberly explained what to expect and how to manage things in a way that was very easy for my husband and I to understand. We walked away from the class feeling very prepared for labor and delivery! She made sure that we had her phone number and email just in case we had any further questions after the class. My labor was not at all how I "planned" it. My labor and delivery were both very complicated and our son ended up spending three days in the NICU. After our precious little one was here I had a lot of questions about nursing. My son had issues with nursing and Kimberly was very willing to help with nursing questions and herbs. My pregnancy included kidney stones and severe pre-eclmapsia. Needless to say about was not eager about getting pregnant again. So three years later when we were surprised with our precious daughter I immediately called Kimberly. I wanted to do everything that I could to have a healthier pregnancy so I hired Kimberly as our doula. She helped me with diet changes to help prevent kidney stones and pre-eclampsia. I am happy to report that I had a totally healthy pregnancy! My labor was uneventful and wonderful because I was so healthy I was able to a completely natural delivery! I contribute all of that to Kimberly being a wonderful doula!!! I still use her for nursing questions and help with herbs. If my husband and I were going to have more children I would use her without a doubt! She is amazing and wonderful!!!!

After much research, I ultimately decided on Kimberly as my doula.  I was really impressed with the number of women she had assisted in their attempts to have a VBAC.  And her experience definitely showed during the delivery.  She really helped with pain management and this allowed me to stay at home as long as possible and avoid getting to the hospital too early.  She kept me calm and focused during labor and was present without being to much of an interference.  When the labor became difficult it was great to have her there as another opinion and just as a calming influence.  Without her I know I wouldn't have had a successful VBAC.  Thanks Kimberly!!

I hired Kimberly after interviewing with a couple of other doulas and felt she was the right match for my family.She made herself very available to me in the weeks leading up to the birth, and I even harassed her a few times through the pregnancy with minor questions which she was quick to answer with an educated response.  I felt very at ease with her and manay times she calmed my nerves.We had discussed my fears about going natural and she made it clear that she was NOT a Natural- Nazi, however she does appreciate a natural birth. She was extremely supportive during my labor and used some breathing and relaxation techniques which worked wonderful for me. I made it to 5 cm and then felt like I should get the epidural, so I did, and I actually layed in Kimberly's arms practically as they did it. I dilated quick to 10 cm. My daughters shoulder got stuck during delivery (known as shoulder distosia sp?) and the nurses had to sort of lean on me and I had to push very very quick to get her out, everyone was screaming at me, and all I could do was look at Kimberly's calm face, gently telling me to push and that I was doing great. She was amazing.  My daughters shoulder did not need to be broken and she was 100% healthy.  Kimberly stayed after the labor and got her happily onto the breast.  Her job was complete and I was beyond satisfied with her performance.  I also hired her for postpartum work. She is magnificent when it comes to the calming touch.  So many times I was at wits end, Kimberly would hold the baby and within minutes, she was soundly asleep in the arms of  "her best friend" (the name I have dubbed Kimberly with since Sydney loves her so much).