Karen Glasgow - The Catering Doula

We could not have been more pleased with our choice of Karen Glasgow as our doula. She was extremely knowledgeable, caring, and professional. From our very first meeting my husband and I were impressed with her punctuality. She arrived several minutes before the scheduled interview time, but waited in her car until the exact appointment time. Because my water broke two and half weeks early, we had only had one preliminary session with Karen before having to go to the hospital. Karen nevertheless quickly brought me up to speed on what I could expect from the labor and delivery process as she coached me through the contractions. Even though on some level I knew what to expect from the birth classes we had attended, having Karen there to remind me of the process was a great comfort. Karen’s assistance through what ended up being 35 hours of labor enabled my husband to get some needed rest at the hospital. When the process of labor and delivery differed from my imagined scenario and the birth plan I had created, Karen gently supplied me with information that enabled me to make good choices. She also knew how to talk with the hospital staff in a way that elicited the support and information I needed from them. Finally, when breastfeeding was difficult at first, Karen gave me the support to persist with pumping, with the result that eventually I was able to breastfeed my child. Were I to do this again, I would have no hesitation in choosing Karen as my doula. My husband and I wholeheartedly recommend her.

Posted 1/2/2012

We had wonderful experience working with Karen to deliver our first child. She has been caring, affectionate, and supportive like a family member to us; meanwhile, her knowledge and professionalism greatly helped us navigate through the birth process which could have been more confusing and nerve-wrecking for new parents like us.

Karen was highly prepared during the prenatal visit and provided us with a lot of very useful information that covered many aspects related to child birth. She also asked us to update her each time after I visited my OB doctor, and was very responsive to and patient with the many questions that I had. Throughout my labor, she was constantly in touch with us to closely track the progress before arriving at the hospital. We were also grateful that she joined us sooner at the hospital than the general rule of thumb (8-1-1); at the hospital, Karen gave me massages and helped us communicate with the nurses. When it was the time to push which was already past midnight, Karen played a key role together with the nurses in guiding me and cheering for me, which turned out to be very helpful to make the process quite efficient – it took me less than an hour and half to deliver the baby. Karen also took pictures for all of us after the delivery, which we cherish dearly.

We sincerely thank Karen for the irreplaceable help, support, and affection that she gave our whole family, and would strongly recommend her without reservation.
 

Posted 11/11/2011

As soon as my husband and I met with Karen, we knew she was the doula for us! She was the first doula we met with...that's how sure we were about her. We didn't bother to meet the rest on our list. She was so knowledgeable, informative, professional but yet so warm, comforting and even has a sense of humor. Just what we wanted in the doula that would be there with us at our first birth. And boy was she there for us! I believe up to then, I was the longest labor and delivery she had experienced! From the moment she arrived at the hospital until the the birth of my beautiful and healthy baby boy, she was always there for us...to comfort us, to remind me to breathe, to answer any questions, to being my advocate, to massaging, to motivate, to ease my worries and so much more. She knew EXACTLY what to do for any kind of pain or feelings I was going through. And of one the lifesavers: she taught my husband how to put pressure and ease my back labor pain....which he did for hours on end! But thank God for that because it was extremely helpful! When I reached the point and uttered the words "I can't do this anymore Karen"...she so peacefully and warmly said the words I needed to hear to keep me going strong.

Even though we weren't able to realize our natural birth plan but ended up with an emergency c-section instead, Karen helped us immensely through it all. I was so sad when she wasn't allowed to come into the OR with us, but I knew she was still with us even if she wasn't in the room.

Not only was she a true blessing at our son's birth but she even took the time to take lovely pictures!

Mr. and Mrs. Salaz

Posted 8/17/2011

Our experience with Karen was terrific! Her two pre-labor visits were informative and fun, and always wound up going long because we'd start talking about other things we had in common (we're both from DC, both educators, love Mystery Science Theatre, etc.).  I had wanted my labor to go as naturally as possible, but wound up having an induction which led to an emergency c-section. Before the surgery I was so upset with how things were going that I was getting hysterical, and Karen sat with me and said that it was ok to mourn the birth I wouldn't get, but that I'd still have a happy healthy baby at the end of it. It put things back into a healthy perspective and really helped me to calm down before the surgery took place. My husband was also pretty stressed out watching me freak out, and Karen can just magically maintain an aura of calm, which really helped both of us.

And her post-natal lemon bars are fantastic! :)

Posted 5/2/2011

Karen was the doula of choice for the birth of our first child. We both liked her immediately and preferred her over the other doulas we had met with. We felt empowered not only by the birth experience, but because we had all the information we needed to make informed choices. Even though it was medically necessary to deviate from our birth plan, we were able to confidently navigate the birthing process due to Karen's thorough and mindful approach to preparing us for the birth. She was able to answer any and all of our questions. Knowing that we would have her support during the most active part of labor gave us one less thing to worry about. We were able to focus our energy on a deeply life changing event that we are happy that Karen is a part of. She was an instrumental and vital support for my husband and me. The birth of our son was a moving and overwhelming experience that just would not have been the same without such a knowledgeable, capable and caring doula! We love Karen and would highly recommend her without reservation.

Posted 11/16/2010

 After the birth of our first child, which went exactly the way we wanted -- no epidural and minmal interventions, we really wanted to make sure we had a similar experience with the birth of our second child. My sister was our doula for the birth of our daughter but was unable to be with us for our second child. It was hard to imagine having a doula that we could be comfortable with as my sister. And while we know wouldn't be able to find anyone to replace my sister, Karen was an excellent doula and helped us achieve the birth we wanted. She was kind, supportive, well-informed professional and super reliable -- all the things you want in a doula. Our birth stretched over two different days at the hospital and Karen was there for both days. She did a lot of the physical work of back massages to provide counter pressure during the contractions and was extremely helpful during the pushing. Karen was an excellent choice for us and we highly recommend her to others.

Posted 9/24/2010

We are so happy that we worked with Karen. Even though we ended up having to do a c-section with our twins, Karen helped so much. She helped make Louisa as comfortable as possible before the babies came. We ended up laboring before the surgery and benefitted so much from Karen's support. She not only helped me support my wife, keeping my counts slow and relaxing, she also encouraged Louisa to relax thorugh contractions with her wonderful calm energy.

We really appreciated working with someone who knows her stuff, and in a few cases when we stumped her, she found us answers the next day from her valuable contacts.

Above all, Karen is a true advocate for her clients. When we needed family time, she cleared the room for us. She could read when we needed to be focused on only each other and made sure that we didn't have to worry about hurting our family members' feelings. That helped make our babies' birth day exactly what we wanted.

Posted 8/18/2010

Karen is the best doula ever! This is our second time working with Karen. Without a doubt my husband and I knew we wanted to hire her for the birth of our second son. We knew that without her help we’d be lost throughout the labor and delivery process. With her assistance, we had two amazing births! We are blessed to have had Karen as our doula. We love you Karen!

Jennifer & Marcelo Pedraza
 

Posted 8/9/2010

My husband and I were looking for someone who would support us through our son's birth in a way that meshed with who we are as a couple and how we were hoping this birth would go.  When we met Karen we knew right away that she was the one for us!  She came with a sense of humor that grounded us right away and put us at ease.   She guided us through our birth from the moment we met her with comfort, strenght and flexibility.  When the moment arrived, she was as excited as we were!  There were some complications in Oliver's birth and if it wasn't for Karen's accumulated knowledge about what was happening, we would have been nervous and fearful.  But Karen helped guide us to being calm and thoughtful about heading into a C-Section (not our birth plan).  She was essential in keeping me focused at a very exhausting point in the labor and stayed with me through the C-Section!   My Dr. said to me at the end of the birth how impressed she was with Karen!!  Oliver Carta Brown was born on April 27, 2010 by C-Section, surrounded by love and laughter.   We couldn't have done it without Karen.  She truly loves what she does and absolutely caters to the needs of the parents to be, we love her! 

Posted 8/8/2010

Where do we start? Karen's support before, during and post-pardum has been mo than I ever imagined when we first started looking into Doulas. We are not new-agey but are spiritual and practical. Karen's energy, knowledge and style immediately put us at ease. I had a sense immediately that we could trust her to advocate for us when/if the time came. She felt like a wise big sister. 

Karen exceeded every expectation we had. She met with us two additional times before our birth and taught us different breathing and position techniques as well as the birth process and possible interventions/problems that may arise. She always stayed longer just to chit chat and get to know us and in the process we became friends.My labor and delivery was successful and without much intervention. Karen was by our sides the moment we asked her to come - which meant she left her house at nearly midnight. She massaged me (wow, does she have a magic touch!), held my hand (as did my husband), communicated with our doctors and nurses, let us know how we were doing, took over fully for a period (giving my husband a chance to sleep in the middle of the night), tended to ALL my needs in a way that only a mother or sister does with love, and was the person to call the nurse in to check my dialation progression (knowing that my baby's head was crowning). And when the baby was born and daddy was busy crying and bonding along with me, there was Karen taking pictures and capturing those precious moments.

A few weeks later, Karen came by to visit us and brought home-made chocolate brownies!!!! (She knew we are chocolate addicts.)! She brought pictures and our Birth Story (that she wrote up)! We hope to have 2 more kids and we hope to have Karen with us during each. Bottom line -- Karen is a strong, intelligent, caring and wonderful person who is an experienced and excellent Birth Doula, and truly is worth every penney (and then some) of her fee. 

Posted 4/15/2010

Karen is the best! She's exactly the person you want by your side (beside your partner, of course) for your first or even fifth birthing experience.

 

From our initial meeting, we were taken with her calm, knowledgeable, nurturing and infectious good nature. During the interview and pre-delivery meetings, Karen worked closely with us to develop a birthing plan that fit our needs and desires. She was very good about providing us a full set of information from which to make our choices without ever pressuring us in a particular direction.

In the delivery room, Karen is a star! Her jovial nature quickly spilled over to the nursing staff resulting in immediate camaraderie. You’d be amazed at how much better you are treated when the nursing staff likes you and your doula. The nurses become just as strong advocates for you to have a positive experience as your doula. Karen’s coaching and guidance through labor and delivery were top rate. In our case, after 35 hours of labor including 3 hours of pushing, we truly believe that Karen was a pivotal component in preserving our desires for a vaginal delivery and avoiding a cesarean section.

We look forward to calling on Karen again when its time for our next child!

Posted 2/24/2010

Karen's support, warmth and love through the entire experience was exceptional, right from the start when we first met her. A tremendous ability to care, encourage and empathise, always on hand during labour, she was with us for 20 hours non stop. We can't imagine it without her. Thanks Karen, we love you!

Posted 2/24/2010

As soon as we interviewed Karen, we knew she was the doula for us. She was informative and warm, encouraging us to to follow the birth plan of our choice.

When labor started, we kept Karen informed of our progress, and met at the hospital at what turned out to be ten hours before Eleanor was born. Karen was there with us for the duration, helping Megan through every contraction. Karen also guided Megan through the difficult decision to choose a drug-assisted (vaginal) delivery, and, in the end, mother and baby were happy and healthy.

We certainly made the right decision to bring Karen into this very personal experience, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services in a heartbeat.

Posted 2/21/2010

 We couldn't have asked for a more skilled doula than Karen Glasgow.  We had a home birth and during labor I found that most of the pain I was experiencing was in my lower back.  All I wanted was for someone to throw their entire weight into pressing on my pelvis as hard as possible, and thank goodness Karen was there to do this tirelessly, patiently, and firmly for HOURS!!!  I didn't say much during my labor, but at some point I mustered up the energy to say, "Karen.  Promise you won't leave me, ok?  I need to know you are going to stay here!"  And, of course, she reassured me that she was there for the long haul.  Sure enough, when we later had complications and needed to transfer to a hospital, Karen came with us.  Despite a terrible hospital policy that allowed only my partner and midwife to be in the room, Karen stayed on hand in the lobby, and did everything in her power to be with us.  She was/is exactly the doula we needed!  I recommend her highly!!!

Posted 2/12/2010

My first son had been induced because the Doctor had felt that he was too small… so for my first delivery I had entered the hospital with gleeful anticipation not knowing anything other than what I had learnt at the childbirth class. However I was soon to realize that everyone at the hospital had his or her own agenda in regard to how my labor progressed - to hell to what kind of birth I may of wished for. So number for #2 I wanted it to be different so we contacted Karen.  As she drove away, at around 4pm, and my husband and I were agreeing that Karen was great and she was the Doula for us I started to feel cramps… Out of nowhere I was having contractions, 1 minute long 3 minutes apart. We called Karen one to say your hired and two to say you won’t believe this but I think we’ve gone into labor but we’re not sure what’s going on and what we should do next. In a whirlwind I got to the hospital where I was told that I was 8cm dilated and did I want an epidural. This is where I was so glad that Karen was there for me… she had driven straight to the hospital like a bat out of hell and was ready to get to work and be my advocate and tell me when I was having moments of weakness that I could do this naturally, I had the ability and strength and she was going to make sure that I was able to believe in myself enough to do it. I did. I met Karen that afternoon but felt that I had known her for years. We were so lucky that she had supported us and that I was able to have the birth that I not only wanted but one I could look back on and be proud of and feel privileged to have had. The natural high the next day to see my baby son made the pain the evening before all worth it. Thanks Karen, you were amazing and I would recommend you to everyone who will listen for being so kind, supportive, loving and knowledgeable everything you would want your Doula to be. Much love, The Nelson’s

Posted 1/7/2010

I gave birth to my son a little over three weeks ago, and thanks to Karen, I had a very satisfying birth experience. From our first meeting, her calm yet energetic demeanor and her knowledgeability let me know that I could trust her, and that I would be in good hands. She was extremely responsive and reliable, and was very thorough in educating me and my family about labor and birth. She told us what we could expect every step of the way, addressed our concerns directly and thoroughly, and made sure that we understood all the relevant medical terminology and procedures well before we got to the delivery room. Further, she presented many techniques to deal with contractions that proved very effective when I went into labor.

Karen was also wonderful at the hospital. She got there before I did, and worked with the wonderful nurse and the midwife to make sure that I got the birth I wanted. She actually did more for me than the midwife did. I had a cervical lip at 9.5 cm, but the midwife was content to let me push, which would almost certainly have led to cervical swelling and possibly to a c-section. To prevent this outcome, Karen simply shifted me into a new laboring position which moved my labor along very effectively. Thanks to her, I was able to deliver my son--my first child--in only a little over fifteen hours from the start of contractions in a completely natural, completely unmedicated labor. It was exactly what I wanted, and I couldn't have done it without her.

Posted 12/8/2009

It is hard to imagine what labor would have been like without Karen present, but I do know that it would have been much more difficult and likely ended with a c-section. At first my husband was very reluctant in having someone assist us as he thought he may be replaced in supporting me. However, as soon as he met Karen he said “I really like her and felt very comfortable with her”. Karen has that personality where you feel comfortable with her immediately and he knew she would be there to help us but not replace him. Karen was amazing; supportive, reassuring and knowledgeable, she kept both me and my husband focused and encouraged. When my husband had to temporarily leave the room, Karen was there with him and talked him through it. She also was very knowledgeable during my back labor and helped us through the pain - I definitely needed two people at my side.

I will definitely recommend Karen to any of my friends who become pregnant as we could not have had the same experience without her!

Thank you Karen,

Stephanie and James

Posted 8/23/2009

Karen is the most amazing doula ever!  She was so patient, kind, and calm in helping me go my through the birthing process of my first baby.  I decided to use Hypnobabies, and Karen went through the classes and got certified so she could help me even more with my decision.  I was very impressed that she cared so much to do that.  After many hours of labor at the birth center, I had to be transferred to the hospital for failure to progress and have a C-section.  I was hysterical- that is NOT what I wanted, but Karen was right by my side reassuring me that the most important thing is that my beautiful baby would be here soon.  I could not have done it without her, it was so wonderful to have a smart, compassionate woman and advocate by my side, along with my sweet husband.  She helped us both so much.  She went WAY above and beyond what I expected from a doula and I recommend her to everyone.  Her prices are very reasonable, yet she is worth more than money can pay.  I love her so much and she will definitely be at my next birth. 

Posted 8/21/2009

 I am a single first time mother so the support of a doula was very important to me.  I called Karen  and the instant I heard her calm soothing voice I knew I had found "the one"! She met me at my home the next day and impressed me not only with her calm demeanor  but with her knowledgeable yet very open approach to birth which was really important to me since I didn't know yet what my approach to pain relief during the birth would be and I didn't want to feel  like I let my doula down if I chose an epidural. She assured me she was there to support me in my decisions whatever they were and we began working together with the understanding that she would support me in using my my body and mind's natural pain relief mechanisms first and then move on from there if necessary.

      On the day of my birth Karen blew me away with not only her soothing calm presence but her sheer strength and power. She was my rock-physically, emotionally, and mentally and she allowed me to lean on her strength as much as I needed to and that was a lot!  She held my body up in various squatting positions and relieved the pain of transitional contractions in my lower back with the strongest pressure massages I have ever felt for hours.   After 23 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing  without an epidural I had to have a c section. The hospital usually does not allow more then one person in the operating room at a time but the nurses and my ob liked Karen so much they made an exception and allowed both my mother and her to accompany me to my c section. 2 weeks later she visited us with a delicious loaf of banana bread-just one selection off a menu she has prepared for new mothers to select from as part of her service as "the catering doula".  And  her rate is very reasonable! I can't recommend Karen enough-we are connected in our hearts forever!

 

Posted 8/10/2009

I really appreciated Karen's enthusiam and bubbly personality from the moment I met her. This was my 3rd homebirth and I really knew how I wanted things to be and Karen was very attentive to that and was very flexible as my needs changed during labor. I loved the satchel of fresh lavender from her garden, it was helpful to have that aromatherapy in between contractions. To see Karen in action you can take a look at our birth clip on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSL8AaJF49Q

Thank you Karen for your wonderful service!

Posted 7/15/2009

From the moment I got pregnant, I knew I wanted a natural birth. After many hours of research, I decided to go with a doula. I didnt even know where to start so I just started doing searches online. I came across Karen and we set up an interview. The minute I met her, I knew she was going to be the one. She made me feel comfortable and we were on the exact same page as far as the birth i wanted. After our meeting, I cant explain how excited I was to work with her and in the end, birth with her.

On the days leading up to my birth, we had many false alarms. Karen was patient and understanding and answered all of my questions. When June 20th finally arrived, she came to the hospital to be with me for the birth of our son. She coached me like no one else could, and was very encouraging when I wasnt progressing very quickly. After 30 hours of labor, and 2 hours of pushing, she was STILL by my side trying to help me get the birth I want. Reluctantly, I ended up with a c-section but Karen was there to remind me of my options and made every effort she could to be in the room with me during the operation. Unfortunately, due to hospital policy, she was unable. However, I got a call from her the next morning to check on me and to arrange our next visit.

Overall, I was VERY pleased with my experience! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone!

Posted 7/14/2009

Some people are so wonderful you can't believe you are lucky enough to come across them. Karen is such a person. We found her just 1 week before the birth of our 1st child. From the moment I talked to her on the phone I knew that she was the person I was looking for. You could feel the warm of her personality come thru the phone. When we met her in person that feeling only grew stronger.

She helped us with laboring techniques and gave us loads of information about the whole birthing process. She kept us calm while dealing with our nightmare of a doctor who wanted to incude labor for no reason at all. She was polite and professional while dealing with the rude and extremely unprofessional doctor. Finally we ended up having the natural, intervention free birth we wanted. Her encouragement and guidance helped me deliver my first child in just 37 minutes from the time I started pushing!

Karen did the entire 9 months worth of work in the 1 week. We were in a sitaution where we just wanted a doula - period. We would have hired anyone just to have a person there on our side against the doctor and hospital system. But what got in Karen was a angel. Even if we had the time to search for and interview a hundred doulas we still would have choosen her. She's that great. She's heaven sent.

XOXO,

Neeta, Josh and Baby Diya

Posted 6/10/2009

Karen was INCREDIBLE!  From the moment you open the door you realize she is warm, affectionate, and very easy to get along with.  She came to the house both before and after the birth and REALLY helped my wife out with many issues from breathing to strecthing to proper breastfeeding.

Where she was IRREPLACEABLE was during the birth.  My wife had prolonged back labor and she and Ana really bonded and she really helped carry her through contractions that were EVERY TWO MINUTES for ten hours.  While I was exhausted, Karen never gave up!

She will remain a friend of ours and we HIGHLY recommend her!

Posted 6/1/2009

My husband and I were hoping to find a doula who would enhance and assist us in the birth of our first baby.  When we met Karen, we were impressed with her compassion and laidback personality.  She listened to our personal desires for the birth, and firmly reassured us that she would serve us in whatever ways we needed.  We hoped for a natural, unmedicated delivery, and Karen worked with us to make that happen.

During labor and delivery, Karen was wonderful.  She helped me through each contraction and pain, encouraging me and coaching me.  She aided my husband as well, who wanted to be extremely involved in the birth process.  In the end, we were able to have exactly the kind of delivery we wanted, and Karen played a significant role in that happening.

We loved partnering with Karen, and would highly recommend her to other expectant couples!

Posted 5/16/2009

My husband and I were in the process of interviewing doulas to assist us with the birth of our first baby. We had interviewed 3 doulas prior to meeting Karen. Karen was the last doula we were interviewing before making our decision. Our door bell rings and there stands Karen. From the moment I saw her, I knew she was the one. Of course, I couldn't say "you're hired!"...Karen hadn't even said hi to us yet. We went through the initial interview and discussed all the general client/doula questions and information. After about 1 hour, our interview ended and Karen left. My husband and I looked at each other and just smiled. We both knew without saying that she was the one we wanted to work with. Later that day, I called Karen to let her know that my husband and I adored her and that we would be thrilled to work with her.

A few weeks later, Karen returned to our home to go over birth positions and the next time I saw her was at the hospital during my labor & birth. I had a natural - unmedicated birth and I could not have accomplished that without the help of Karen!! Through my entire labor, Karen was compassionate, nurturing and encouraging. She guided me through all my laboring positions and breathing. With her assistance, my husband also participated in my labor and the 3 of us truly worked as a team. There was one point during my labor where I wanted to give up and receive the epidural, but with Karen's loving and encouraging words - I focused on what I truly wanted and I was able to work through the pain. The end result...a beautiful baby boy through a natural - unmedicated birth!

There aren't enough words to thank Karen for her contribution to our birthing experience. She is truly what every doula should aspire to be - loving, attentive, encouraging and overall amazing!! Thank you Karen for being who you are.

With lots of love,
The Pedraza Family

 

Posted 5/8/2009