Jenn

3/10/2023

I moved to Kelowna in June 2022 and our little girl was due a month later. We weren't planning to be in Kelowna for her birthday and so finding a doula from a distance felt tricky as a first time mama. When I met with Kristi over zoom, she shared her experience, passion and some podcasts recommendations. The podcasts were what drew me in ?? we met with Kristi shortly after our arrival in Kelowna and she felt like a friend. We walked and talked and discussed my ideal birth, currently concerns, she shared her experiences, and listened with empathy and understanding. During my labour, Kristi was key! My husband was supportive but didn't seem to understand as he wasn't going through it. Kristi coached him along, supported me with tools, tips, and all the strategies. I felt completely safe, reliant and comfortable with her. I truly feel I couldn'y have done it without her gentle words of encouragement, coaching through breathing and touch. I hope to never give birth without her. 

Christine Matte

8/6/2022

Kristi was the most generous and genuinely supportive soul I could have had by my side for my medically and emotionally complicated pregnancy and post partum. She gave advice when I asked for it, encouragement when I needed it, and silent support just by being so unconditionally caring about my well being and my experience. She always remembered when I had appointments and would text me before or after to check in and she was there for me in person or via text on an ongoing basis any time I needed her for way longer than I expected. She is a clear communicator and has good boundaries but also feels like a friend. She lent us books and a TENS machine, sent us resources for birth planning, took photos for us during the birth, and was available and willing to do anything I needed or asked during our post partum home visits. Kristi is truly gifted and meant for this work. ??

Ryan Pownall

6/3/2022

I just wanted to say a great big thank you to Kristi McCarty for being there for the birth of our first baby boy. From the first day meeting Kristi it felt like we had known her our whole lives. She was kind, lovely,  down to earth and a great listener. I couldnt have asked for a better support person to be present with us from the start of labour, all the way through the birth and well into the wee hours of the morning. Kristi was not only knowledgable, she was genuinely kind, compassionate and attentive with my wife from start to finish. She was extremely respectful of Jennys birth wishes and also helped to maintain her dignity and privacy throughout the birthing process. Kristy came well prepared with a variety of comfort techniques which were an integral part in providing excellent care while labouring at home and in the hospital. Kristy has a calm quiet presence, a fantastic sense of humor and is extremely hard working, patient and selfless. One of the best characteristics about Kristi was her willingness to teach me how to help Jenny during contractions with hip squeezing, allowing me to be present and helpful and an active part of the birthing process. Not only Did Kristi get to our home very quickly with very little notice but she stayed and laboured with Jenny from 10 am until 1050 pm when our baby was born, as well as stayed well into the early morning hours helping us move from the birthing suite into our overningt room making sure we were settled and comfortable. I would 100% have Kristi involved in our care if we are fortunate to have another baby. I couldnt have asked for a better Doula or individual in Kristi McCarty.

Thank you so much,

Ryan :) 

Mandana Ghanyei

6/22/2021

Kristy was such a joy to work with! She has a very calming presence and I knew I would need that during the birth of our daughter.During labor, I was in "labor land" so I don't remember much. But I do remember her whispering encouragement to me and holding onto my hips to ease the pain. She worked in tandem with my partner and I felt supported throughout the entire labor and birth. After the birth, Kristy made a house visit when we got home to offer some support as well. She also loaned me some great books, which really helped when I needed to reference something. If you are looking for a caring, compassionate, calming support system before, during and after the birth, then Kristy is your Doula.

Talia

11/25/2020

Kristi is so easy to get along with, she made me feel comfortable from the beginning. She is very supportive and knowledgeable, hiring her as my Doula was the best decision I made.

My baby was born 2 weeks ahead of his expected due date and Kristi was there for me, and my husband, every step of the way. I had an undiagnosed breached baby and was sent to the hospital for an emergency c-section, instead of the natural birth I had planned at the midwife birthing suite. This news was a bit shocking, Kristi helped calm both me and my husband as this intense decision was made and in process. Her support at the hospital, for as long as they allowed her due to COVID restrictions, was deeply helpful.

For anyone considering a Doula as support with their birth plan, I highly recommend working with Kristi. She is absolutely incredible!

Brittany-Ann Roy

11/15/2020

Being able to express the feelings we have towards Kristi in words is going to be tough as no amount of words are going to be able to truly live up to how amazing she is. 

Kristi has now been our doula for both of my pregnancies. The 1st labour with our son was a whopping 34 hours with lots of traveling between my home, the birth suite & the hospital. Despite the tiring long labour over 3 days Kristi was there by our side and her support was phenomenal. Having her there gave us a sense of calm and allowed for my partner to get rest. She was open to all my weird or specific requests and always offered kind suggestions to help with my labour. 

Our second pregnancy we didn't decide to go with a doula until 2 weeks before my due date. Kristi was open to joining us in our birth journey so late and we are so grateful she did. We chose to have our son at our labour so having an extra person there-especially Kristi was a life saver. Kristi has a calm motherly energy about her that shows in the way she guides you through labour. She has encouraging words, a soft voice and gentle hands for light massages. Having Kristi as our doula a second time around was incredibly special and helped set the calm loving environment we aimed to experience in our home birth.  

Brooke Foster

9/23/2020

I am not sure if there are enough words to truly describe just how awesome Kristi is! We feel so lucky to have found such a perfect fit and could not be happier that she was a part of the biggest day of our lives.

She is organized, experienced and professional, which was obviously what we were looking for in a doula but she turned out to be so much more. Kristi had a way of instantly making us feel calm and relaxed, like we were hanging out with a good friend we have known forever. She is a great listenter and answered all of our questions without any judgement and was always available in case we had more. 

During my labour, she was the soothing voice getting me through contracts, helping me be as comfortable as possible and she was there just as much after the birth to see how I was adjusting and if she could help. Not only was she there for me, she was just as supportive to my Husband who also loved having her as a part of our birth team.

I would highly recommend Kristi to anyone looking for a Doula!

Meagan McTeer

1/11/2020

We didn't decide to get a doula until I was quite late in my pregnancy. My husband wasn't sure if we needed it, and frankly, I wasn't either. It was our first baby and we had no idea what to expect. We met with Kristy and I tried to play it cool, but I immediately knew she was our gal. She is so warm and compassionate. She has four babies of her own, so I knew I could trust that she was prepared for anything.

I ended up going into labour right at 37 weeks.. the actual day Kristi went on-call for us. Thank goodness. I was home alone in full active labour when she came flying up the stairs to help me. She knew immediately that this was the real deal and we had to move to the hospital ASAP. I felt safe with her.

I arrived to the hospital fully dilated so I had no options for pain medication at that point. I swear, Kristi was my pain relief. She saved me that day. I don't remember much except Kristi, with her calm soft voice, telling me to relax my shoulders and breathe. Her voice was the only thing I could hear. I was fully in tune with her and she was guiding me through my labour like an absolute goddess. She was quiet, but at the same time she knew exactly what I needed and jumped right in without hesitation. She was also very helpful in telling my husband what he could do for me.

She was my guiding light that day. I don't know how I would've done it without her there. She even took some pictures that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those first photos of my baby.. the look on mine and my husbands faces.. my placenta!

Her postpartum care was wonderful too. I texted her every 5 minutes those first few days. I even sent her pictures of my baby's naked butt asking if it was diaper rash. She was there for me at all times. 

She was an absolute angel and if I ever have another baby, she will 100% be there with us again. I cannot say enough great things about her. We love you Kristi!

Allison

6/3/2019

Kristi is an amazing doula!

The first time we met with Kristi, I felt instantly at ease and connected. She is a great, non-judgemental listener and took careful note of our birth plan. Kristi is incredibly calm, gentle, and  kind. She met with us several times before the birth and was available to answer questions leading up to the birth. I had a long labour - 36 hours from the water breaking until delivery, and Kristi was there from the early stages of labour until the very end! She never wavered and was a solid, calming support the entire time. Not only was she amazing with hip squeezes and hand holding, but she was very supportive of my husband, helping him park our car and navigate our birth bag. Kristi also visited us several times post-birth to help with the baby.

I would highly recommend Kristi to anyone looking for a doula!

Saara Labib

7/24/2018

Where do I start? Kristi is an AMAZING doula and has been an angel before, during and after my birth. I cannot say enough good things about her. She is one of the most warm-hearted, kind, pure and professional I ever met.

Then the birth – I underestimated before getting pregnant and having a baby how important a doula is.

When I went into labor she came to my house right after my husband’s phone call. She gently guided me with soothing and comforting words throughout contractions. I found this really helpful and very relaxing during labor. When I reached transition I was naturally doubting myself and a little frightened but Kristi was there to comfort me and reassure me that everything was going to be OK.

I had a very long 3 days of labor and I went to hospital 2 times and sent back home because I wasn’t ready to give birth. Kristi came back home with me each time and set right beside me in the bed and comfort me all night. I found myself only wanted her to comfort me. looking into her eyes when the pain of contraction came each time was the most calming, soothing and loving, I honestly cannot recommend her enough.

I know wholeheartedly that my labor would not have been as beautiful without her and if I have any more children in the future I will be asking her to be there again as I cannot picture any birth without her loving and supportive presence.

Thank you again, Kristi, from the bottom of my heart! You made my labor the most amazing experience of my life and I will never forget it. You are an angle which I will forever cherish and keep. I love you, respect you and adore you with all my heart and soul.

Emma Ferreira

6/6/2018

Kristi was AMAZING!

Unsure if my partner was going to be able to make it to the birth of our baby girl due to having to work out of town, my midwives recommended seeking out the attention of a Doula. As this was nearing the end of my pregnancy we had to make a decision quickly. I was a bit skeptical at first and I told Kristi about my apprehension. She was not one bit pushy and let me take the time I needed to make a decision. It was the BEST decision we made.

I started feeling labour pains very early into the morning, one text to Kristi and she was right over! Throughout my labour process she was the motherly hands I needed to get through the worst of it all. Driving home from the hospital after having our baby my partner even mentioned how amazing it was to have Kristi there to help me and help him through the labour process. She knew the right times to include him and what I needed before I even knew.

Kristi also provides the best postpartum care months after baby has arrived! I have and would highly recommend Kristi to anyone considering a Doula :)

Jo Leslie

3/25/2018

When I found out I was pregnant, I was single, my family was living 3 provinces away and I didn't have a large support network. I knew pregnancy and labor were going to be an experience I've never been through before and I was overwhelmed and nervous. The public health nurse I was assigned suggested finding a midwife or doula to help support and guide me through this experience.

When I read Kristi's web page, I got excited because she talked about empowering women around birth and labor and the trust that is involved. Having struggled with anxiety for most of my life, trust is a huge component for me when it comes to myself and others.

When I met with Kristi, I instantly knew she'd be a calm presence throughout my journey. We met many times throughout my pregnancy to go over information, calm my fears and have a laugh and I truly valued her companionship.

On the big day, things didn't go quite as I envisioned with my labor but Kristi was there to reassure me, guide and soothe me. We were able to alternate and make full use of the different techniques Kristi and I had gone over and I will forever be grateful for the hip squeeze! I commend Kristi for keeping up with my contractions and the hip squeeze for over an hour! The circumstances of what happened during my labor were unexpected and traumatic but having had Kristi there, we made it through together.

In the days, weeks and months following the birth of my son, Kristi was there to answer questions, came by for house visits and even gave me a tutorial on how to use the baby wrap she lent me!

From the lows to the highs, the laughs and the cries, I am extremely blessed and grateful to have had Kristi be a part of this beautiful and crazy journey into Motherhood.

She will always have a special place in my heart and in the memories of bringing my son into this world.

P.s. What happens on the maternity ward, STAYS on the maternity ward :)

Sarah Lebeter

1/5/2018

We were fortunate to have Kristi as our doula for our second baby and cannot rave enough about the incredible care and support she provided to our family. Finding ourselves unexpectedly without a doula two weeks prior to our due date, Kristi took the time to immediately meet with us and learn of our family’s birth needs and desires; she made it a priority to learn about my fears surrounding labor and delivery and what techniques I find most calming in times of stress and discomfort. The ease with which we were able to chat with Kristi, and our 2-year-old daughter’s immediate fondness of her, let us know we had found the perfect support person for our son’s birth.A week and a half after meeting Kristi I went into labor. We contacted Kristi late that night and she immediately responded to our texts and met us at our home as soon as we requested her support. The minute she arrived she did everything in her power to lesson my discomfort; I will forever be grateful for her hip squeezes, gentle touch, and calming reminders to breathe and relax my jaw. All through labor and delivery Kristi assisted myself and my husband in whatever manner we needed and she always knew just the right thing to say/do. Kristi’s amazing support even continued in the days, weeks, and months following the birth of our son. She has assisted us with our questions/concerns about newborns, breastfeeding, and community resources.Kristi holds a special place in our memories of our son’s birth; she is a calming, genuine, and grounded person who we highly recommend to anyone searching for a labor and birth coach. Kristi made an uncomfortable and scary experience feel so much more manageable and helped to create a happy, special, and memorable experience for me and my husband. I attribute the positive birth experience of my second babe to our wonderful doula, Kristi, and would happily endure labor and delivery a third time round so long as Kristi was by my side!

Joshua Dodgson

8/1/2017

I HIGHLY recommend Kristi. She helped my wife and I out at the last minute and was an incredible support. She honoured and respected our wishes when it came to our birth plan, was extremely helpful through the whole labour and delivery, and continues to be an amazing support to our family (even 4 months after our son was born). As this was our second child I was a bit skeptical about the need for having a doula, but I'm so thankful for Kristi and that she was there for my wife and me, and wouldn't have done it any other way even if I could. Having had some experiences with a couple of other doulas in Kelowna (one of them unfortunately isn't practicing as a doula anymore cause she was great too!), I can't say enough about how amazing Kristi is or highly I recommend her.  Thank you so much for everything that you've done and continue to do to support us, our children and our family Kristi - you're amazing!

Lavonne Petrin

5/7/2017

Kristi was an amazing doula ! She was knowledgeable about the options and processes of labour and birth. She is a natural listener. Kristi is approachable and the kind of person that you feel comfotable around when you met her. Kristi was supportive before, during and after the birth of my baby. She cares greatly about her own family as well as the people she gets to know. Kristi was good at multi tasking, she took amazing photos at my birth as that is what I requested and at the same time was very supportive and attentive to mine and my babies needs. Kristi would have  helped advoacte my wishes to the hospital staff if I needed. She is very nuturing and I would recommend her as anyones doula. If I have another baby I will be using Kristi as my doula.

Trina Schoenit

4/11/2017

My fiancé and I met Kristi about half way into my pregnancy. The first thing that grabbed me was her mention of Ina Mae's book, Spiritual Midwifery. I felt a connection right away as I was just delving into the book myself. I knew that we'd share similar principles about the birthing experience. After meeting for a coffee with Kristi, my fiancé and I were just in love. Kristi was so warm and reassuring. I explained to her how difficult my pregnancy had been and her compassion and empathy meant so much at that time. She is after all a Mumma to four gorgeous babes herself!! Kristi met with us a few more times throughout the duration of my pregnancy. We talked at length about what was important to us for our birthing experience and Kristi wanted nothing more than to help us realize our dream for bringing our babe into the world. She was a great resource for knowledge. She was so interested in how I was feeling and so readily willing to help wherever she could. My labour ended up being a long ordeal. Days of false alarms. I became frustrated and discouraged at times and Kristi kept in close contact, continually offering support and the kindest words of encouragement and great advice! When it was go time Kristi was on her way as soon as I said the word - coffees in hand! My labouring experience at home was beautiful. I quickly realized before we even left for the hospital that I didn't want Kristi to leave my side. Her presence was super reassuring. She stayed so calm and her energy was perfect. She guided me quickly into finding my rhythm, my 'birthing song' and my safe place through the intense pain. To be honest, my idea of a totally natural, vaginal birth was flipped on its head. Through epidural and a caesarean Kristi made me feel like a true Mumma warrior - she made sure that even though things didn't unfold as I'd planned, my birthing story could still be beautiful. And it really was. This lady is a rockstar and one awesome human being.