Kelly Kleiderer, RN, IBCLC, SNM Doula Profile

We met with Caitlin and Kelly both before the birth and Kelly was on call the day that our OB strongly suggested I go in to be induced (high-risk, past 40 weeks). I hoped for a natural birth and since I was not at all dilated and hesitant to go in thinking the induction would lead to a c-section. We called Kelly and she was a great help in thinking through all the questions we wanted to ask our OB and others before making the decision to be induced at that point.

On Wednesday afternoon, my water broke and contractions were coming more frequently – Kelly came to the hospital because we thought things would be moving along more quickly now. But, contractions slowed and on Thursday we tried mechanical dilation with a Foley bulb – my OB had mentioned this option before I went in and Kelly had done research on it too. The Foley worked – but only to 4cm – where I stayed all day Thursday even after moving on to Pitocin and 5 solid hours of strong contractions. Kelly was an essential support for my husband who was a great coach and having her there made us both feel constantly supported even though we were exhausted.

I had been wrestling with the question of if/when to get an epidural and if the OB would have to make the call to do a c-section. Kelly helped us ask the right questions to gather the information we needed to make decisions. In the end I got an epidural, they cranked up the Pitocin, I got some rest, and Friday morning I was fully dilated and pushing. Kelly and my husband held my legs and Kelly helped with warm compresses to lessen tearing. After our daughter was born, Kelly helped ensure she was able to latch and begin breastfeeding within 45 minutes.

Neither of us could have imagined how the birth ended up – nor can we conceive of the birth occurring without Kelly's assistance through all the ups and downs and decisions --she was truly helpful to both of us.

Kelly was our doula for the birth of our daughter Meredith.  Kelly works with her sister Caitlin, and we have been very happy with their work. We had meetings with each of Kelly and Caitlin prior to and after my wife's labor

My wife went into labor on her due date.  We called Kelly who was on call for that date.  She was extremely helpful over the phone - answering our questions with clear and helpful explanations.  As contractions continued to progress, Kelly checked in regularly and asked us if we would be more comfortable if she were to come to our home.  Though at that point we were not sure whether my wife was in false or actual labor, we asked Kelly to come.  She arrived and was very helpful in helping me help my wife and helping my wife directly with contractions.  When the contractons increased in speed and instensity rapidly, she suggested we go to the hospital (my wife was pretty much out the door at that point, anyway).  Kelly was invaluable with her cool head and previous experience, keeping us as calm as possible and remembering things that we were forgetting (e.g., a tooth brush for me during our stay at the hospital).

When we arrived at the hospital, Kelly helped my wife to get admitted and up to labor and delivery while I took care of parking my car and hospital administration.  My wife's contractions were quite intense by this point and i was very happy to have Kelly there to help.

In labor and delivery, Kelly continuously provided comfort to my wife and answered my questions about the labor, progress, etc.  I was very thankful for her kind demeanor, positive attitude and expertise (based on her experience as a registered nurse).  Kelly was a great help to both me and my wife.

i have to admit that I was a bit unsure of hiring a doula to assist us; however, after working with Kelly, I am absolutely confident that we made the right choice.