Kelly Burnett - Kelly Burnett, Doula

My husband and I planned a homebirth from the time we knew we were going to have a baby. What we could not plan was his departure to Basic Military Training. In September, we found out that his scheduled “leave date” was 2 days before our baby was due, and since I was a first-time mom, the risk of going past our due date was high. We knew that I would need a labor support person whom we could depend on to be there for the birth of our son. So the search for a doula began.

Kelly’s website caught my eye and we made arrangements to meet. I liked her from the start. She was easy going, relaxed, and she has personal experience – including her own four children. We agreed to meet a couple of times before the birth, once for her to see where the birth would take place and once for her to meet my mom (visiting from out of town) who would also be attending the birth.

As labor approached, Kelly gave great advice on when to call the midwife. Since I was a first-timer, I was in denial and did not think things were progressing as fast as Kelly thought they were – guess who was right...Kelly was! If she had not gently pushed me to call our midwife, the outcome of our birth could have been very different! After she arrived at our home, Kelly instantly put herself to work providing comfort measures for me, which she continued throughout the remainder of the labor. Kelly spoke gently throughout the birth, offering reassurance. After our son was born while the midwife was busy checking us over, Kelly helped my mom clean up from the birth, empty the birth pool, prep the laundry, and made sure I had food and icy water within easy reach.

Our son was born 5days after my husband left for Training. Kelly could not take his place, but she did fill a very necessary role, and I am very grateful to her for the support she provided during our birthing experience.

Posted 3/19/2013

 Dickens' Testimonial

When I found out I was pregnant, I was not sure how I wanted my delivery to go. Through talking to close friends and reading, I decided that I wanted to go through labor without any pain medications. I learned as I read about the birth process that our bodies are designed and created to help us go through birth and that we produce hormones to help us cope with the pain.
While I was feeling confident in my decision, I was nervous about the pain I would experience. My friend had recommended that I find a doula to help me.
I was happily surprised to read about Kelly on her website and to talk to her on the phone. We met and discussed my desires for a natural birth and how she could help me in the process. I felt very comfortable with her from our first meeting. Kelly came to our house when I felt I needed her to help me through the contractions and advised my husband and I when we needed to go to the hospital. Kelly was super helpful and such a calming, reassuring presence in the delivery room. Her reassurance and reminders on breathing really helped me push through the pain. I delivered my little boy an hour and 40 minutes after arriving at the hospital. I was able to have the natural birth I desired and am very grateful to Kelly for her help. I think she made the experience much more comfortable and calming for myself and my husband. I was so happy to have her there during the delivery. It made all the difference!
Kelly then visited me at home about a week later to see how everything was going. She helped support me in my breastfeeding and to see how both Truman and I were doing.
I would strongly recommend Kelly's services to any pregnant woman whether you desire to have a natural birth or not. Kelly is such a great encourager and helper through what is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life.

Sincerely,
Margaret Dickens

Posted 5/16/2012