Kayla Sujata

6/27/2022

The information from Cathleen's classes and the one-on-one we received over zoom really helped a lot when the big day finally came. Our homebirth was a beautiful experience and we're so thankful we found her online! The classes really boosted our confidence and allowed us to still attend childbirth education courses during a pandemic from the safety of our own home. We highly recommend her! 

Carole

8/18/2020

My journey to motherhood was a long one, several years and several losses before the pregnancy with my daughter.  I knew throughout the journey I wanted a doula and the potential to labor naturally, although I wanted to birth in a hospital given my history and age ("Advanced Maternal Age").  Cathleen was knowledgeable and calm throughout my pregnancy.  Her input on relaxations and processing fears, of which I had many, were invaluable.  I wound up with group B strep and my labor started with my water breaking, so I had to go to the hospital sooner than I had intended.  Cathleen and Allison came to the hospital not long after we went - it was great to have Cathleen working as a team so I knew we would have support!  My labor wound up being 31 hours.  Through it, Cathleen remained calm and encouraging.  She helped me to labor naturally for 21 long hours, and supported me in my choice for an epidural at that point.  She helped through the pushing and immense joy of my daughter's birth.  She supported my desires for the birth through the whole pregnancy and labor, and interacted wonderfully with the medical staff, which was so important to me and my husband.  The whole time we were all a team with the goal of a healthy pregnancy and birth.  I am so grateful that I was able to labor naturally but also to make informed deicsions about medical interventions and ultimately feel fortunate I did not have to have a C-section.  Cathleen and Allison both also checked-in postpartum, which was so helpful as I struggled tremendously with breastfeeding but wanted (and was able!) to make it it work.  I couldn't recommend Cathleen highly enough!

Selina Joyner

5/1/2020

As a first time mom, I was so thankful to have Cathleen by my side for the birth of my daughter. I cannot imagine how much more difficult going through the entire labor and delivery process would have been without doula support. Cathleen was knowledgeable, understanding, and supportive of my decisions. She helped ease my anxiety leading up to the big day, and made the process at the hospital much less stressful. 

Bethany Duron

4/30/2020

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed having Cathleen as our Bradley Method instructor. She was professional as well as flexible, going above and beyond to bring the class we so desperately wanted to our area (we don't have any instructors in our immediate area). Her instruction was thorough, allowing for any and every question we might have as new parents. We were able to practice relaxation, various laboring positions, and my husband received the instruction he needed to support me during the hardest experience of my life. No matter what your ideal labor and delivery might be, the principles Cathleen taught us are applicable and beneficial for every mom to be. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to work with her! 

Camille Livesay

4/26/2020

From the moment heard Cathleen speak about the experience of childbirth, my doula search ended. My initial decision to seek out a doula was two-fold. First, the staggering rate of maternal mortality among women of color is 3 to 4 times higher than that of White women and, as a Black woman, I knew I needed an advocate in the hospital with me. This was a topic Cathleen did not shy away from discussing, not try to candy coat, which was very comforting to me. Second, since my family is far I wanted a support system in case I went into labor early and my mom wasn't able to make it. I knew unmedicated birth was something I was interested in, but I had a lot of fear surrounding the process - and honestly, the pain. As a Bradley Method coach, Cathleen presented us with facts and resources to fully equip my husband and me with the tools we would need leading up to and during labor. She guided us with wisdom and gentleness throughout my pregnancy, establishing a foundation of trust and instilling us with nuggets of courage that affirmed we could do this! When I went into labor I felt ready for the unknown of the day. Because of our preparation I was able to labor at home for much of the process. Once we arrived at the hospital, Cathleen talked me through every step, offering support, information, suggestions and even a little tough love at the exact moment I needed it. IF YOU ONLY READ ONE PART OF THIS READ THIS: I believe Cathleen single-handedly saved me from an emergency C-section for which the medical staff was prepping me by asking my do the simple question “could she try to push?” My doctor hesitantly said yes, and in that moment everything turned around and I pushed out my beautiful baby boy. It might not sound like a big deal before you’re in it, I know, but having Cathleen as an advocate on your birthing team can truly change your and your baby’s life. I’m eternally grateful to the Charleston Childbirth team!

Erin O'Connor

4/25/2020

Cathleen was an invaluable part of my daughter's birth. As a first time Mom with many questions and some anxiety, she was there both before and after my labor to answer my many questions and recommend techniques and other professionals. I truly believe without Cathleen's help I would not have been able to make it through my labor without an epidural like I hoped to! Knowing she was there helped both myself and my spouse feel at ease and I was able to have a wonderful birthing experience.

Christina Garcia

4/25/2020

From my first meeting with Cathleen, she inspired confidence. She is exceptionally knowledgeable as well as psychologically and emotionally intelligent. In other words, when I had a question or medical concern, she not only had evidence based information, but she knew how to put me at ease. She also equipped me with the best ways to communicate my needs to my health care providers. I especially appreciate how dynamic she is. She does not reject anything because it's necessarily 'medical' or 'natural'. She never prescribed a way of dealing with something but gave me information so that I could arrive at my own decisions. I felt agency during my pregnancy and labor and I can't imagine anything more important. Her attentiveness and support during my post birth exceeded my expectations. Finally, Cathleen is a compassionate and generous person. I am forever grateful to her. 

Lauren Sims

8/21/2019

My husband and I agree that the best decision we made in our birthing process was hiring Cathleen. She was a great resource for us since my husband was abroad for half of my pregnancy. We also wouldn't have had a clue during labor without her. She had great suggestions that helped me significantly. I also thoroughly enjoyed the postpartum support. The belly binding and sealing ceremony was very relaxing and healing. We would highly recommend Cathleen to anyone who is considering her for their birthing process. 

Kelly Colangelo Parks

8/3/2019

Thankful! So very thankful for Cathleen! I always knew you had options when giving birth but was never educated on them or process, etc. Whether you want a natural/medicated/home/water birth, I REALLY recommend: 1. Taking Cathleen’s birthing classes. 2. Hiring Cathleen as your doula. I feel there are SO many women out there that simply do not know the birthing process and what is actually happening to your body. This class not only educated me but also prepared me, and calmed my nerves before my son came. Seriously! Take her classes and hire her! ESPECIALLY if it is your first birth or never had a doula with you at the hospital.

Long story short, I tried for an unmedicated birth. I ended up needing a C-Section after 3.5 days of contractions at home. Having Cathleen check up on me at any time of the day or night, really made me less afraid. Having her at the hospital, helped me get through contractions and contractions on pitocon! Knowing where to press my body and rub me was a LIFE SAVER! I really would love to try for a Vbac and because of everything I learned from Cathleen, I am more confident and less afraid for a second pregnancy. 

Thank you again Cathleen! 

Love,

Kelly & Carter

Emily T.

3/1/2019

My successful, unmedicated VBAC couldn't have happened without Cathleen and her doula partner, Zelle.  I lucked out and was able to work with Cathleen and Zelle just a few weeks before I was due (I moved to the area at 35 weeks).  The support Cathleen and Zelle provided while I was in labor was awesome -- from creating a calming environment in the labor and delivery room, using massage, counter-pressure and other techniques to ease labor pains.  During the most intense moments, as I was birthing my son, they were instrumental in reassuring me and cheering me on.  Cathleen has a wealth of knowledge.  She has a great way of making helpful suggestions, with her client's wants and expectations at the forefront.  The sacred bellybinding ceremony that Cathleen offers for postpartum is also a nice way to honor your pregnancy.

Christina Goddard

12/5/2018

Cathleen was such a blessing to my family and I. I made contact with her well into my pregnancy, informing her of my interest in having the support of a Doula. She made arrangements to meet with me that same day and has been with me every step of the way. I wish I had known Cathleen for my other two pregnancies as well. She is compassionate, kind, non judgemental and does not pressure you to go one way or another. She is extremely knowledgable in prenatal and postnatal care. I count it a joy and privilege that our paths have crossed. Thank you Cathleen!

Laura Husek Daratony

11/20/2018

Cathleen provided wonderful support for me all the way leading up to my labor and delivery as well as afterwards. I definitely felt completely prepared for a natural un-medicated birth. However, I found out at 38 weeks that my baby girl was in the frank breech position. Cathleen gave me a lot of great advice and information on natural ways to try and get the baby to turn. Although my baby never turned head down, I still had a very positive birth experience with a gentle cesarean. Cathleen continued to check on me days after my birth to see how I was doing. We really appreciated having her as our doula!

Amanda Baldwin

4/11/2018

Cathleen was a voice of reason and confidence during the most confusing and overwhelming time of our lives.  To quote my husband, "oh, she's here to help me as much as she is here to help you."  She empowered my husband to be a loving coach throughout my labor.  She prepared me with information so that I felt confident in my health care choices.

Of course, my ideal birth plan did not come into fruition. However, i have no doubt that without Cathleen at our side, I would have ended up with an unneccessary C-section. Instead I was able to successfully give birth naturally after needing to be induced early.

I am so thankful for Cathleen's classes that prepared me and for her presence during my labor.  We loved working with her!

Summer Zimmerman

3/14/2018

Cathleen came recommended by both word of mouth and a local licensed professional who works with pregnant women in her practice.  This was my third pregnancy and we wish we would have sought the services of a doula for our first two births as well.  With Cathleen's help not only was our third birth experience the LEAST painful but also the MOST rewarding and enjoyable.  I felt more calm, more confident, more reassured that no matter what happened each hour it was going to be within my wishes and/or that I was informed and prepared.  Cathleen offers both group classes or private lessons and we opted for her private lessons.  I'm an introvert and had two very different previous birth experiences at the Birthing Center and then at MUSC. Neither were ideal and with the relationship my husband and I built with Cathleen through our private lessons we had an exceptional birthing experience at Trident Medical Center.  That's right, at Trident!  The staff was professional and completely followed my birthing plan while honoring Cathleen's presence and voice in the birthing suite.  This service is priceless and we would pay again!

Charity Wadsworth

10/31/2017

Cathleen was great teacher! She made an extra effort to meet with my husband and I outside of her normal class times because we didn't live in town. We enjoyed having class with her complete attention and being one on one with her. She does a great job providing excellent materials both in and out of class. Because of her teaching, we were well prepared for our birthing experience. She also made herself available for texting, calling, and email. I would definitely recommend her as a doula or a birth class teacher for anyone.

Rosie Riddle

8/23/2017

Before meeting with Cathleen, I was very nerous and felt unprepared for the natural birth that I desired. After completing the series of Bradley Method classes with my husband, we both felt confident and in control of the birth of our baby. She was always available to answer questions and at the ready to meet at the hospital when it came time for the baby.

Cathleen is excellent at instilling confidence so you feel empowered. During my induction, Cathleen was an advocate for me with the medical staff. She knew what questions to ask and how to partner with the medical staff for things to progress smoothly and calmly. I am very glad we made the decision to have Cathleeen as our doula. I know I would not have had as great of a birth expereience without her.

C. MacInnes

2/11/2017

Cathleen was super easy to talk to and dedicated to helping in any way she could. She was never bothered by anything and was helpful in asking the right questions/ presenting  all the options to help give you the experience you want. She was knowledgeable and hands on throughout the labor process. She was never pushy and always positive! We had a great experience with Cathleen by our side.

Cornelia Tremann

2/6/2017

We hired Cathleen for the birth of our second baby. I had already had a natural birth with the first and wanted to work with Cathleen to be more in control and relaxed for this one. I was also weighing options for a waterbirth, and Cathleen was always very informative and balanced answering my many questions. I found her to be very warm, patient, and obviously dedicated to her work. She was super flexible with the scheduling of our private Bradley Method classes, coming to our home and working around our schedules so my husband could be there for the sessions. I ended up laboring by myself through the night, lying calmy in bed, breathing and relaxing through each contraction (as fate would have it, my husband was dealing with our toddler who had been woken up that night by outside noise and couldn't be by my side for most of the labor). All the practice I had done with Cathleen to learn how to fully relax and just let labor take its course really paid off! I arrived at the birthing center fully dialated and ready to go, Cathleen by our side. When the going got tough, she was the steady hand that helped me through. I would recommend her without hesitation. Thanks Cathleen!!!

Lindsay Moore

2/3/2017

Cathleen was amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed having her as our doula. She was very informative and helped us make sure we were making educated decisions at each point in our birth journey.  We had twin boys and she went the extra mile to review literature and research related to twin births to better understand our unique circumstances.  She was supportive and encouraging during the labor process.  We were very happy and thankful we chose to use Cathleen as our doula!

Tekesha Geel

4/26/2016

We love Cathleen!! My husband and I are first-time parents who wanted guidance for a natural birth if possible, but also a dedicated support person throughout our pregnancy. I contacted Cathleen very early in my pregnancy and we met to discuss her services and philosophy. We decided to do Hypnobabies classes on our own, but I can tell you that her birthing classes come HIGHLY recommended from other clients. Cathleen was an invaluable resource for helping us decide on a birthing plan, deal with necessary dietary changes and insane swelling, and formulating a clear picture of what birth might be like.

I went into labor with my water breaking at home on a Sunday afternoon. We immediately called Cathleen for guidance. Once we got to the hospital, it was a long rollercoaster of increasing contractions, medical interventions and no real progress. My husband benefited greatly from having Cathleen to discuss things with until she arrived at the hospital. Everyone at the hospital knew Cathleen and had wonderful things to say about her work. In fact, she had only just left the hospital a few hours before after attending another labor. After 2 full days of labor with water broken and a significant amount of pitocin, I ended up needing a c-section to bring my beautiful little girl into the world.

When we met with Cathleen a couple weeks after the birth, I told her that, despite my initial birthing desires, I didn't (and still don't) feel bad about the way I gave birth. I wasn't pressured into anything and Cathleen made sure that we tried everything available to progress naturally that I was comfortable with. She supported my husband and I every step of the way. We had a beautiful, calm birthing experience and we cherish Cathleen for helping to guide us down this new path. We recommend her whole-heartedly and without reservation.

Bess Allen

8/14/2015

Cathleen was an encouraging and knowledgable source of support and encouragement before, during, and after the birth of our first child.  I highly recommend her as a doula and recommend her Bradley Method classes as well.  As soon as I became pregnant I knew that I wanted a natural birth at a birth center and was eager to find a doula and childbirth class that would help me feel more prepared and confident.  I ended up having the positive and rewarding natural birth I had hoped for and feel Cathleen's Bradley Method classes in addition to her presence at the birth as our doula helped make that happen.  We loved Cathleen's classes.  Each class was a great time for my husband and I to connect, discuss, and prepare for the upcoming birth.  When our schedules seemed to make signing up for a class impossible, Cathleen worked with us to create a combination of private and group classes that worked for us.  She was very flexible and generous with her time offering one-on-one makeup classes for us when necessary.  From the moment I had signs of early labor, Cathleen was in constant contact with us providing guidance and advice.  When labor seemed stalled, she recommended a series of positions that were incredibly effective.  As labor progressed, Cathleen met us at the birth center and provided me with much appreciated pain coping techniques- she helped guide my breathing, used massage, rebozo, and aromatherapy- all which I found very helpful.  Most of all, she was a calming presence constantly reminding me that I could do it.  I wanted my husband to be my primary support person and Cathleen did an incredible job of helping him to help me, which I really valued.  Cathleen is passionate, caring, and knowledgable- we can't recommend her enough!

Emmaline Eble

8/11/2015

I'll begin by saying I would absolutely hire Cathleen to support me in future births, and will definitely recommend her to my friends. We originally hired Cathleen to help prepare us for a Bradley method birth, and assist me in dispelling hospital-related anxiety. The techniques she introduced, both during class and our private sessions, provided me with the "toolkit" I needed to feel prepared for birth. I'm immensely grateful, because I ended up having an emergency cesarean when the doctors determined I had HELLP syndrome. The techniques I learned from Cathleen helped me remain calm through the serious pain of liver failure; the questions we learned to ask helped us feel well-informed in a crisis situation; and the empowerment Cathleen encourages helped me feel confident in asking for what was important to me even though I couldn't have a natural birth.

Since things moved so quickly, Cathleen wasn't able to make it to the hospital until after I had already had surgery. But she was in constant text and phone contact with us as we talked with the doctors, and the timing of her arrival was perfect. She was in my recovery room when I came out of surgery; I was very disoriented, and she helped me focus and get my son latched for breastfeeding. She stayed for several hours helping my husband calm down after the scare we had, helping me get situated in the room and let go of some lingering fears, and helping us communicate our desires to the nursery nurses. Finally, she remained in close contact postpartum and was a reservoir of resources in the area. I had complications within the first two weeks, and she helped us find someone with extra breastmilk when I couldn't breastfeed for a bit, and guided me through the baby blues. I can't imagine going through that birth and postpartum period without Cathleen, and am extremely thankful for all her help.

Adrienne Frain

6/5/2015

Cathleen provided excellent training via the Bradley Birth classes as well as support throughout my labor and birth.  She was available throughout my pregnancy via email for any questions I had, and answered the phone when I called at 2am in labor.  She came to my home and guided my husband and I through the Bradley methods that helped me cope with contractions and went with us to the hospital where she helped make sure my preferences were honored.  Her calming presence and guided visualizations helped me work through the pain and focus on the end result.  Cathleen stayed with us until baby had successfully latched and made sure we were resting comfortably before leaving.  I would not hesitate to hire Cathleen for my next birth - her preparation and support throughout the process enabled me to have exactly the birth experience I had hoped for.  I would recommend Cathleen to anyone considering childbirth classes or doula services.

Diane Murray

1/19/2015

Cathleen was friendly, knowledgeable and professional.  She was actually our backup doula because our primary doula was unable to attend our birth.  We met her on Saturday to get acquainted and our son surprised us and came on Sunday.  It was great that Cathleen was able to step in on such short notice and provide support for us.  We appreciated that she was able to be there at our son's birth.