Kathleen Kelso

11/26/2024

Keisha was our doula for our first child's birth in November of 2024 and neither my husband nor I can imagine going through labor without her. She was an incredible resource during pregnancy, a calm and reassuring presence during labor and delivery, and offered us crucial support postpartum when our son was readmitted to treat jaundice. Keisha has a gift for making people feel seen and heard and we absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for support in the birth process. 

Quinn

11/16/2024

I wanted to wait exactly one month after giving birth to write this(and I still forgot to put some things). lol 

SO AGAIN! 

Words can't describe this genuine soul who helped me give birth, Keisha, is nothing but awesome, humbling & kind. She sacrificed her birthday, to be with me while giving birth! So her and my baby are bday twins! 

She not only made me feel worthy, of being able to have a natural birth, but capable as well. She listens to honor you, my contractions were not textbook and my husband & I were very unsure so she came over and stayed with me as I labored for about 15 hours finally making it to the hospital at 7cm. I was very nervous about having an natural birth, but I knew that was something that I wanted to have. And I was the first of my family to ever have one. I just didn't know how but Keisha allowed me to have that space of a uncertainty, but also reassuring me at the same time. I definitely recommend Keisha. This is my first child ever and she made me feel safe strong and able. She is very knowledgeable on the Baby aspect as well, I tested positive for GBS. And she was able to give me a piece of mind, but also give me knowledge. She work well with my midwives and making sure that I'm was talking to them and that they are respecting my wishes As well as Making sure I felt heard. If you are looking for a doula, who is realistic humbling down to earth and real, Keisha is that girl!!! and is the way to go. She won't sugarcoat anything, but she will be real with you and that's the type of Doula. I feel that everybody wants and needs. 

Jennifer

11/1/2024

Keisha was a wonderful birth doula. I hired her for my second birth after having a terrible experience with the birth doula from my first birth. This time around, I knew exactly what I was looking for, and that was Keisha. She is an excellent listener and has a great memory. I felt like she truly heard me when I spoke honestly about my feelings and concerns. When I went into labor at 3 in the morning, she responded promptly and reminded me of our plan at the hospital. When I started progressing quickly at the hospital, she helped me advocate for myself and the things I wanted. Once she arrived, she was such a soothing presence. I felt at ease while giving birth despite the pain. Just knowing she was there for me was a huge relief. I wish I could have her in my life for more than just the birthing experience, but she is just a text away and we still chat every now and then. Keisha is the best!

Emma Arata

10/14/2024

One of the first pieces of adviced I received when I got pregnant was to work with a doula--I'm glad I took this advice and grateful to have found Keisha. Keisha was supportive through my entire pregnancy, checking in after appointments as well as recommending MyBirth's Labor and Delivery class (also very worth taking as a first-time parent!) As we got closer to my due date, we discussed my birth preferences at an in-home visit. Keisha knew exactly what questions to ask to get to the core of what was most important to me about my labor experience, and how she could support both myself and my husband in making sure we had as close to our desired experience as possible, while also being honest and transparent about the possibility that we may need to be flexible in the moment as plans often have to change while you're in the thick of labor.

During labor, Keisha was absolutely essential in keeping me grounded. She was an excited cheerleader in the moments I needed that energy, as well as honest and straightforward in the moments when I needed that type of tone and support. So many parts of labor feel like a blur, but one thing that I vividly remember for all of it is Keisha's face near mine, coaching me through every moment. She got me over the finish line of the unmedicated labor I really wanted, advocating for me the entire way--and then was there afterwards to support with breastfeeding, what to expect postpartum, and offering any other type of support we thought we might need.

I really can't over-emphasize how grateful both my husband and I are to have had the opportunity to work with Keisha. My labor is an experience I can look back on knowing it happened the way I wanted, in large part due to Keisha's support and advocacy. I absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a doula!

Allison Waggoner

2/5/2024

Like many, I initially questioned is a Doula was for me. However, as my pregnancy progressed, the uncertainties started to overwhelm me. Around my 28th week, I chose to hire Keisha due to her empowering and compassionate nature. Leading up to my birth, Keisha provided tailored resources that accommodated my schedule and learning preferences. Her support not only made me feel prepared and strong but also ignited my excitement.

As we approached my due date, unforeseen complications emerged, and I was diagnosed with preeclampsia upon arriving at the hospital for induction. The following 72 hours of labor were challenging. Despite being surrounded by a trusted OBGYN and a supportive team of nurses, Keisha played an indescribable role during that time and beyond. She served as my translator, sounding board, support system, my husband's support system, and my cheerleader. The birth, though both traumatic and beautiful, was made so by her presence, and I am eternally grateful for all she contributed to me and my family. Keisha is an exceptional doula, clearly driven by passion in her work. I cannot express enough praise for this remarkable woman!

Natalie Taylor

1/16/2024

Keisha was an absolute blessing during both the birth of my son and daughter. In the midst of a challenging 37-hour labor for my son, Keisha's unwavering support, guidance, and calming presence made all the difference. Her expertise helped me navigate through interventions, and her soothing personality created a peaceful environment even in the ups and downs. During the birth of my daughter, I was fortunate to experience a natural birth without any interventions, and Keisha played a crucial role in guiding and educating me throughout the process. Her ability to provide reassurance and knowledge made me feel empowered and supported! Keisha's presence not only aided me but also allowed my husband to be truly present for me in a way that was deeply impactful. I am immensely grateful for Keisha's dedication, expertise, and the serene energy she brought to both birthing experiences. She is not just a doula; she is an invaluable source of strength and comfort. I wholeheartedly recommend Keisha to anyone seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable doula for their birthing journey! 

Natalie Taylor

1/16/2024

Keisha was an absolute blessing during both the birth of my son and daughter. In the midst of a challenging 37-hour labor for my son, Keisha's unwavering support, guidance, and calming presence made all the difference. Her expertise helped me navigate through interventions, and her soothing personality created a peaceful environment even in the ups and downs. During the birth of my daughter, I was fortunate to experience a natural birth without any interventions, and Keisha played a crucial role in guiding and educating me throughout the process. Her ability to provide reassurance and knowledge made me feel empowered and supported! Keisha's presence not only aided me but also allowed my husband to be truly present for me in a way that was deeply impactful. I am immensely grateful for Keisha's dedication, expertise, and the serene energy she brought to both birthing experiences. She is not just a doula; she is an invaluable source of strength and comfort. I wholeheartedly recommend Keisha to anyone seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable doula for their birthing journey!

DeAijha Oliver

1/5/2024

I have nothing but great things to share about Keisha. We moved to VA 2 months before my expected due date and she was willing to take us into her care.

She was knowledgeable and answered all of the questions we had throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. Although I had to have an emergency C-section, she quickly made her way to the hospital to comfort my husband and later myself when I returned to the room.

She is very kind and supportive. Everything that I needed throughout my experience. I would definitely recommend her services. 

Kayla & Dan

6/26/2023

Working with Keisha was one of the best decisions we made in our prenatal and parenting process. Keisha has a unique and remarkable mix of skill and competence that grounds her (and grounded us, too) - with genuine humility and compassion. She was clear in helping us have the experience we wanted, and showed this through her incredible listening and regular checking in. She also had a wealth of experience and information in the prenatal, birthing and postnatal process that she shared with us generously and naturally when it would be helpful and digestable for us.

When our baby stayed breach, she provided space for us to process this, as well as information on the potential realities we could be facing. When we had gotten over our shock at looking at a likely c-section after planning for a natural birth, she gave us more detail typical procedures done, as well as local resources and specialists that could help our baby flip. She accompanied us so skillfully and gracefully throughout this process. Keisha prepared us for potential realities that might come our way without overwhelming us, and was prepared with additional resources once we expressed readiness for them.

Ultimately, our (very long baby) was (understandably) not able to flip and we had a planned c-section. With Keisha's help, our experience leading up to the c-section and the surgery itself were filled with meaning and were powerful in ways we hadn't imagined were possible. She supported us as a couple, and my husband and I as the birthing individual and partner.

As a caring professional who is a bit of a perfectionist, it is not easy for me to trust others to accompany me. I knew I would need a doula who would be grounded enough to share hard truths even when I didn't want to hear them, or in crisis or stressful situations. Keisha clearly and easily has this capacity and strength, paired with such warmth and gentleness. I could not recomment working with Keisha enough.

Quynh

4/3/2023

Keisha was just the doula we were looking for. She was very knowledgeable and she guided us through each step to help us prepare for birth. She was always calm, present, and personable while being very professional, which made it easy to communicate and connect with her. We appreciated the time she took to truly listen to our needs and concerns and addressed them all. 

We can't imagine how we would've gotten through our labor and delivery without Keisha. She came to the hospital as soon as we needed her and immediately worked to comfort us, from helping with contractions to making the room feel relaxed. She stayed by our side the whole time. She was really sweet to set up the extra hospital bed in our delivery room for my husband to get a break and to sleep for a bit while I was laboring. Meanwhile, Keisha was with me, providing counterpressures during my contractions and helping me get the extra medical attention I needed when my epidural wasn't doing its job. During my four-hour delivery (!!), she worked closely with my OB and nurses to ensure everything went smoothly. It really felt like she was an extension of their team. These are just two of several wonderful examples of how attentive Keisha was. 

Overall, we are so grateful Keisha was a part of our birth journey. We were hesitant to work with a doula, in general, and now we are so glad we did and it was with Keisha. We can't recommend her enough. 

Brian, Melody, Sky

9/1/2022

We could tell immediately that Keisha was the right doula for us, and she was irreplaceable when our labor and delivery did not go as planned. Keisha was flexible and generous with her time, and her calming presence and extensive knowledge put our family at ease during the entire pregancy. Brian especially appreciated the care she took to make him feel included and a part of the birthing process.

Keisha also took amazing photos and video during the labor and delivery that we will treasure forever.

We highly recommend Keisha!

Ashley Coles

6/30/2022

Keisha was a tremendous asset and support system throughout my entire pregnancy and my husband and I are so glad we hired her! From the begining, Keisha made sure we were always informed and explained what it looked like to advocate for myself. She provided my husband with tools that allowed him to feel comfortable supporting me throughout this process, but also made him feel included and reinforced how essential he was.  Keisha responded quickly to any of my questions and any advice she gave was always reinforced by my medical providers - this highlights just how accurate and knowledgable she is. You can trust Keisha to provide evidence-based information to ensure you make accurately informed decisions every step of the way.  Keisha was the only doula we interviewed and right away we knew there was no better choice. We are grateful for Keisha's support and know we could not have picked a better doula!

Marshall (The Father)

6/15/2022

At first as the father, I was unsure about paying money for help with what I felt was the most natural processes in life which was giving birth. However, I was willing to do anything and everything necessary to make this process as easy as possible for my wife. After all, it was her first child. So, I hired Keisha. From the beginning, she was helpful and an asset. She inundated us with information and knowledge that made us aware of exactly what was taking place with my wife’s body and the baby growing inside of her the entire time, making me an expert birth partner. When my wife went into labor Keisha was there every step of the way with support, ensuring that both me and my wife were ready and capable of pulling off a natural labor. When things got difficult, and I almost lost all of my Daddy Doula superpowers, she swooped in to help me fight any demons of doubt and frustration with her expertise and cool calm professionalism. I can honestly say that I don’t know how I would have handled this experience without her. And the money I paid was money well spent.

Marshall & Javon Brooks

6/15/2022

WHAT A GOD-SENT! 

From day one which was our initial meeting Keisha brought to the table a wealth of knowledge. We had not yet secured her services and yet here she was not holding anything back because whether we used her services or not, she wanted us to have the best experience and outcome on our journey.

With her on board we learned how to advocate for ourselves, on those rough days and the good ones too she was a phone call away. When doctor appointments and preference plans didn’t go as we planned she encourage me and assured me that things would work out, when my husband needed to tap out she was right there, when what was supposed to be a natural birth turned in an emergency c-section she was right there, when a couple of days in the hospital turned into a week, she was right there, when happy days turned into postpartum emotional rollercoasters she was right there and even now after the last payment has been paid, the last visit has been made Keisha aka My doula is still here as a doula/friend.

What she bought to this journey was priceless and invaluable and we are forever grateful for her. If you are looking for a doula or thinking about getting one, please look no further Keisha is the real deal, full of compassion, love and knowledge and will definitely be an asset to the journey of pregnancy into motherhood. Because of her I was empowered, fierce and encouraged throughout this journey.

Kylie

1/27/2022

Where do I even begin? I'm not sure I would have survived labor emotionally or physically without Keisha. We hired Keisha late in my pregnancy, and my only regret is not finding her sooner. She educated us so much and walked through every possible situation and intervention prior to my labor, which allowed us to walk into the hospital with more knowledge than most. She is the calm confidence anyone would want to have with them during labor, and she brings a sense of peace and joy with her, too. Keisha listens so well and asks all the right questions to help you process your decisions. I never felt like she was trying to sway me one way or the other, and she remained very unbiased as she gave me the necessary info to make decisions for myself and my baby. She taught my husband how to be the best support for me, and coached both of us before, during, and after my labor so well. She always says "once your doula, always your doula," and I believe she truly means it. Her sincere heart and love for this work is so evident - you need Keisha in your birth plan (and really just in your life!).

Madison

12/9/2021

I have too many great things to say about Keisha and how she helped to turn my pregnancy and labor & delivery into an incredible experience. I began looking into getting a doula when I was told by an anesthesiologist that an epidural would most likely not be a good option for me due to a prior surgery. I found Keisha and started getting guidance and support for an unmedicated birth. During our in-home visit with Keisha, my husband and I both found her energy and very calm prescence to be just what we were looking for to guide us through our upcoming birth experience. Keisha met us at the hospital after I went into labor and I found it very comforting to have her there as another familiar face (besides my husband) right by my side through the entire process. Her coaching, encouraging words and sense of calm were major factors that contributed to my success. She visited us in the hospital the next day and then did an in-home visit one week later. As a first time mom, having her there as a resource after our first week at home was very comforting.

If you are looking for a doula I HIGHLY recommend Keisha. She provided us with an invaluable experience and I know that I would not been able to navigate an unmedicated birth as smoothly without her by my side. Thank you for everything Keisha!!! 

Courtney Perdue

11/30/2021

Keisha is amazing! As a second time mom hoping to not relive some of the stress and trauma from my first birth experience, my husband and I decided to hire her. My sister had used her and spoke so highly of her experience, I knew it would be the best decision. Throughout my entire pregnancy Keisha provided wonderful guidance and assurance. Her calming presence during a very fast and intense delivery was absolutely the exact thing I hired her for! When the 4 other people in the room were encouraging/coaching me, I needed to be able to just focus on one voice. She provided the tools and confidence to get it done. I'm very thankful for Keisha. I got my VBAC! 

Poppy M

10/28/2021

I think three words come to mind when i think of my entire experience with keisha through pregnancy and birth; confidence, relief and control. From the moment my partner and I decided to have a baby I knew i wanted to have a doula. I have had anxiety since my middle school years and knew that with being a first time mom this was likely to increase. I also had read about unnecessary medical interventions and wanted to have someone there advocating for me and help me advocate for myself so I could feel in control. Keisha filled us with support and knowledge, when in doubt text keisha was frequently said in our house. Because of my confidence from keisha i knew i could handle labor and didn’t fear when learning how dilated I was at my 36 week appointment. She encouraged me to relax and enjoy my time at home, my partner and I bonded, talked about our baby to be and were riddled with excitement rather than fear. However, when i had to have Pitocin, the pain was too much for me, I remember my partner calling her as i cried in my L&D bathroom and the relief I felt as soon as she said hi, again we went over my options and I decided to get the epidural; relief. I labored for several more hours and as time for delivery approached Keisha came to our side. The second she stepped in the room, I could breathe easier;relief. keisha validated the hell out me, for listening to my body and doing what I needed for me, my baby and my partner. Lastly control, because of the confidence and knowledge that keisha presented us with I felt so in control of my birth and decisions, I knew she would advocate for me and that I could advocate for myself, thus making for an anxiety free as possible birth. She is the most calm and welcomed presence in a room. I didn’t know I could come out of birth with so much pride and admiration for myself. 

AC

6/13/2021

Working with Keisha was one of the highlights of my experience being pregnant and giving birth as a first time mom. When I met Keisha I was struck by her calm energy and very clear experience and knowledge of all things birth. I always looked forward to chatting with her after my appointments, and she shared many helpful resources along the way. She was always open to what I wanted to do and I felt confident that she would advocate for me and support me in any way. On the big day I was immediately comforted when she met us at the hospital as I knew she would have ideas on how to help me cope. In the end I really enjoyed my labor (I never thought I would say that!) and a lot of that is because of Keisha's calm encouragement and words of affirmation. My husband also appreciated that she was there to free up his energy. Keisha took awesome photos that I'm so glad I have! I also appreciate the support she has given me postpartum. I highly recommend Keisha to anyone looking for a knowledgeable doula to enrich your birth experience. I'm extremely grateful to have met Keisha during this life changing experience. THANK YOU, Keisha!!

The Robinsons

5/17/2021

Keisha was absolutely amazing. Her calm presence and years of birthing experience were invaluable to my husband and I throughout pregnancy and in labor. We expressed our desires for an unmedicated birth (but we also remained open minded) and Keisha educated us along the way about pain management techniques, labor exercises, the birth/labor experience—you name it, she is literally full of knowledge that she shares in such an easy to understand way. Even in moments of worry about what to expect as a first time mama, she always made herself available to listen and share encouragement. We ultimately had the unmedicated birth we desired because Keisha showed my husband and I how to work together throughout our birthing experience, which was an amazing experience we will cherish forever. We literally couldn’t have done it without her.

Sarah Hill

3/26/2021

To say that Keisha had a postive effect on my birth experience would be a huge understatement. I cannot imagine what this journey would have been like without her thoughtful expertise and care. My husband and I had not really considered hiring a doula until we attended a virtual birth class hosted by Keisha. We loved her energy and views on the labor and birth experience and decided that it would be valuable to have some extra support during this time, especially during COVID-19 and the lack of other support people in the hospital. Keisha helped us feel so much more confident going into the birth experience. During my very long labor she was intutive enough to know what was going on with my body and what positions would help me welcome my baby without needing other interventions. I walked away from the birth of my daughter with an incredible experience that I can reflect on postively for the rest of my life. Without Keisha I truly do not believe I would have had only positive feelings. Working with her was the best decision for our family and I would recommend her to others in a heartbeat!

Andriele Venson

3/1/2021

Well I'm going to start by when we went to meet the doulas! Keisha got a lot of my attention because of her energy and she seemed to know a lot as well! So my husband and I decided that she would be the best doula for us! And we were right! Since I hired Keisha, she has always helped me feel comfortable. Every time I left the doctors office I would call her with all my questions and she would always politely answered them! The days I didn't feel like I could do it anymore she would always remind me that I could! So the day I went to the hospital to give birth I felt so safe because I knew she would be there to help me! Since Keisha got to the hospital I didn't worry about anything else she knew what I wanted and what I needed! She helped me feel strong all through labor! And also she took the best pictures while I was going through labor! It's soo good now to look back and see all of them and all the memories and a photo can bring! I appreciate Keisha with all my heart for everything! She was awesome! I can definitely say I had an amazing experience becoming a mother ?? All because she helped me go through it!!! Thank you Keisha for everything!!  

The Johnsons

2/18/2021

Keisha was a pleasure to work with during our pregnancy and birthing journey. She was the first and only doula we interviewed and automatically knew we wanted her as our doula.

Our journey did not go as we planned, to say the least, however, Keisha was always there to provide support along the way. Though not physically present for our labor and delivery she was ever-present; she maintained constant communication with us during the process, providing direction and support throughout. Keisha was able to arrive immediately after we gave birth and provided us with love, support, and anything else we needed. Being miles away from our families, it was really refreshing to have Keisha and her vibrant energy there with us.

Keisha’s service did not stop after birth; during our postpartum period, not only did she check on us periodically to ensure we were doing okay both mentally and physically,  she also answered any and every question we had providing us with resources as needed.

Keisha was just who we needed during our journey. ??

The Johnsons

2/18/2021

Keisha was a pleasure to work with during our pregnancy and birthing journey. She was the first and only doula we interviewed and automatically knew we wanted her as our doula.

Our journey did not go as we planned, to say the least, however, Keisha was always there to provide support along the way. Though not physically present for our labor and delivery she was ever-present; she maintained constant communication with us during the process, providing direction and support throughout. Keisha was able to arrive immediately after we gave birth and provided us with love, support, and anything else we needed. Being miles away from our families, it was really refreshing to have Keisha and her vibrant energy there with us.

Keisha’s service did not stop after birth; during our postpartum period, not only did she check on us periodically to ensure we were doing okay both mentally and physically,  she also answered any and every question we had providing us with resources as needed.

Keisha was just who we needed during our journey. ??

Beth Kirchner

2/15/2021

Keisha, thank you for your amazing support throughout my first pregnancy. Knowing I had you to lean on was such a relief to me and Ryder. I appreciate your seamless transition to having Gabrielle step in when needed, giving her all the information beforehand so it felt like I knew her all along. I really just can't thank you enough - you are amazing at what you do!!

Amber & Michael

12/20/2020

Keisha is the calm before, during, and after the storm. 

My husband and I met with Keisha early in pregnancy and she helped us find care providers that fit with the birth experience I had envisioned. I wasn't particularly comfortable with my OB and was hoping to switch to a midwife. As we all know, life doesn't go as planned! I had to remain with my OB due to cholestasis; the diagnosis and sudden change of plan were a lot to handle, but Keisha put my mind at ease. I was so thankful to have her to listening ear and caring heart in the most vulnerable parts of pregnancy. Keisha helped me write out questions to ask for my weekly visits and ultrasounds; these questions led to conversations with my providers that ultimately made me really enjoy being cared for by that team! I've always been one to accept the medical professional's opinion, and Keisha helped give me the confidence to simply ask "why" so I could understand their plan for my (and baby's) care.  At my last visit, I told my OB and NP I felt really good about being induced and that my doula (and MyBirth) had really prepared me. Their response: That's amazing - when we're all able to work together, that's how we save womens' and babies' lives. 

We took a birth course through MyBirth at Keisha's suggestion and it was INCREDIBLE. It was so in-depth and we felt incredibly prepared and informed going into the hospital. For delivery, Keisha was in constant contact with my husband, helped me labor unmedicated to 9cm, and counted me through pushing. I have such a positive association when I think back to giving birth, and so much of that is attributed to Keisha!! 

Our son ended up in NICU for five days which was incredibly hard, but Keisha shared resources with us to help get us through! We are so incredibly thankful for everything Keisha did for us and I cannot recommend her enough! She will make you feel heard and empowered! 

Adrianne & Jonathan

11/21/2020

We sought out a doula after I began growing frustrated with my Prenatal care. I felt like I wasn’t being listened to & the birth experience I desired was becoming less of a reality. As I did my own research about pregnancy, the maternal death rates amongst black women were alarming and that lead to some anxiety. About halfway through my pregnancy & after a lot of research we decided that hiring a doula & utilizing a midwife would be the best option for us. Working with Keisha was like a breath of fresh air. I felt informed throughout my pregnancy. I truly appreciated all of the educational resources she gave us, and her patience with my many questions. She was SO calm while I was in labor, which was exactly what my husband and I needed. I was able to have the epidural free, vaginal delivery I wanted because of Keisha setting a calming atmosphere, encouraging me to move & reposition, supporting my husband & informing us both about everything going on, & telling me I can do anything (which meant the world to me!). Keisha helped me feel confident & empowered throughout my pregnancy and delivery; she will always be an important part of our birth story. I’d recommend her to everyone

Mary

10/13/2020

Short version: Keisha was amazing and so crucial in making our baby's arrival as peaceful and happy as possible. HIGHLY recommend hiring her.

Long version: We had to change our care provider abruptly due to COVID, long story, and found Keisha only three months before our due date. I was working full time+ and had little time to study up on what to expect, and Keisha basically did that work for us, sherpa-ing us through with a ton of useful information, and nothing extraneous (which was my biggest problem trying to do research on my own -- 10,000 different opinions, many of them baseless. Very annoying and time-consuming to sift thru). When our "birth plan" changed abruptly, she guided us through that, too, keeping us sane and calm. She's full of great ideas to help distract you when you need it and focus you when you need it -- for example, having lavender essential oil during critical moments was surprisingly super calming. At one point we had a randomly huge patch of free time before a stressful part, which was plenty of time for me to get nervous and start to freak out, but she came up with fun games that really helped us stay chill and pass the time. Then she visited us at home afterwards -- wearing a mask -- which was so helpful and reassuring also, as I really needed the guidance on breastfeeding. She is very great at adapting to what you need; she heard the language we were using about our pregnancy/birth and mirrored it back to us. That may sound minor, but I find a lot of the rhetoric around childbirth very alienating / weird, so it was actually very important and helpful for me. All in all couldn't imagine a better experience. 

Shakia

7/22/2020

3 words to describe my experience with Keisha. Comfort, confidence, empowering

Having a doula, in general, is like having a right hand during pregnancy. Pregnancy can have you distracted and forgetful and miss some pretty important details. Keisha made sure all the boxes were checked. We went over everything in detail so that I was knowledgeable, not only about birth, but about the specific hospital I planned to deliver at. Her connections in the community really made my labor room team like a dream! Everyone worked seamlessly together and it allowed me, my baby and my birth shine. Decisions had to be made in the moment and I felt so supported having a Keisha assist with talking things through. She motivated me when I started to feel less positive. I can’t say this enough: having a doula is a must-have for pregnancy and having Keisha especially was one of the best decisions I made.

Katelyn + Chris

6/30/2020

We last minute decided to hire a doula and when we interviewed Keisha we just really liked her down-to-earth vibe and felt comfortable with her. With us being late to the game, Keisha really stepped up and met with us at our home to get us up to speed on our birthing education. She made herself available anytime we had questions or concerns or if I just needed to cry - she was supportive and warm in every interaction we had with her. 

Our situation was unique because our due date was in March (2020) right when COVID-19 was ramping up and the hospital was starting to be restrictive on the number of people allowed in the delivery room. Keisha was prepared to join us physically for the birth of course - but with everything going on and my pregnancy anxiety through the roof, we opted to have Keisha as our virtual doula, and she was both flexible and extremely helpful. She was a critical part of our birth story - her coaching calmed me through during my unmedicated birth. She could even tell over our video call that I was going into transition before the nurse and midwife (who were present in the room) could... She suggested my cervix be checked and voila! I was 9.5 cm dilated and within a few moments I was pushing. We really were and are grateful for the insight and support that she gave us before, during, and after the birth of our baby girl. Thank you Keisha for your magical words and calming nature! 

Tamika and Sean Sangster

5/29/2020

Keisha was by far the absolute best to work with. She was so supportive, very professional, knowledgeable,  and understanding, we are forever grateful that she was there for us. I would recommend her to anyone that's looking for a doula with experience and always available if you need her offering words of encouragement. 

Chanthorn and Patrice Kong

4/17/2020

Did we enjoy having Keisha Graham as our doula? Absolutely, yes! Picking Keisha was the best decision that we made when we started our pregnancy journey. Keisha made us feel comfortable during our first meet and greet. It didn't feel like a business transaction at all. Talking to her felt like she was a good friend of ours. She's so cool and down to earth. We told her our birth plan and she gave us a lot of useful resources and information. Keisha stays in contact and checks up with you during the entire pregnancy. When it was time for labor and delivery, we called and Keisha showed up at a moment's notice. She helped guide us along the way, while insuring that the hospital staff stuck to our birth plan. Dim lighting, soft background music, and accent lighting were few things she did to help set a calm delivery room. Keisha played a huge, positive role in helping us deliver our baby. We are forever thankful and grateful that she was our doula. She wanted what was best for us and we highly recommend her.

Maggie

3/29/2020

It is hard to begin to describe how thankful I am that Keisha was our doula. I was late to the doula game. To be honest, it seemed like another thing to coordinate while I was overwhelmed with work and pregnancy. But I am so grateful that I got myself together in my last month and brought Keisha into our process (this means it is not too late for you to get a doula!). I read all the books and took all the classes and listened to podcasts about birth, but nothing can really prepare for the craziness of birth. Labor and delivery were like nothing I had read or heard about--irregular contractions went on for 68 hours total with odd spurts of progress and stalling. Keisha helped me get through it all. I largely credit her with my ability to follow through with a vaginal birth. Just a sample of the things she did for us: 1) was on call basically all the time for questions; 2) came to my house to help me labor there, and went with us twice to the hospital (once when I had been contracting for 24 hours but found out I was only 2 cm dilated, so I made the decision to go home); 3) stayed awake overnight during my labor so my husband and mom could get cat naps; 4) provided a bunch of soothing things that exist only in the hazy corners of my memories of those days but I know made a big difference in the moment, like warm washcloths, calming scents and music; and most importantly, 5) helped us understand options, ask questions of our healthcare providers, and make decisions throughout the three-day process. I so highly recommend Keisha to all of my expecting friends, and I recommend her to all of you strangers reading this. You will not regret it.

Audrey & Dean

3/27/2020

Working with Keisha was a magical experience! Her calmness and experience were most helpful in what can be a very high anxiety/stressful time. We knew when we first met her that we would work well together and she was for sure a very important player on our birth team. Her awareness of knowing when to say something or when to just be present is something I admire. Looking back on the big day, I'm still in awe of how she just knew what we needed and when we needed it. I will be forever grateful for the space she gave me and the push I needed to have the birth experience I wanted.

Joanne W

3/27/2020

Keisha is an amazing doula! She supported us during pregnancy by checking in before/after doctors appointments, providing helpful resources and information relating to pregnancy and birth, and simply listening/answering our concerns and questions and providing reassurance when needed. 
I am so grateful that we had Keisha present for the birth of our son! She listened to our desires for a calm and peaceful low intervention birth at the hospital and really helped us achieve this desire! She stayed with us through the night and provided positive affirmations to me when things got intense. She guided me to try different positions to get more comfortable and made sure I stayed hydrated and fueled during labor. 

Keisha is truly a full service doula not only providing labor support during the birth of our son. She served as a photographer capturing the precious moments during and right after his birth that I will cherish forever. She was an interpreter between the hospital nurses and midwives and my husband and I making sure we understood everything that was being communicated/offered to us. She was a coach, not only for me but for my husband as well helping him help me. She provided lactation support in that first hour after birth, as well as during postpartum visits. 

Postpartum Keisha continued to check in and make sure I was doing ok both physically and mentally. Again she was a reassuring voice and answered our questions and provided helpful resources for us as new parents. 
Keisha will always hold a special place in my heart and will be one of the first people I call if/when we get pregnant in the future!

Jasmine Bates

1/29/2020

There are not enough words to express my appreciation for Keisha.  Our family was so blessed to have her calm, reassuring energy with us every step of the way through my last trimester and delivery.  I planned to have an un-medicated labor in the hospital with Keisha and the midwives by side.  Unfortunately this did not happen and I ended up with a c-section and a week-long stay in the hospital.

Like I did initially, you may be thinking “If I end up having a C-section, a doula is a waste of money.”  Let me be the first to tell you that you are very WRONG.  I think I relied on Keisha more because of my extended hospital stay and c-section.  I went to the hospital on Sunday and labored off and on until Wednesday morning.  During this time, Keisha came to see me each day with goodies in hand from healthy snacks, to adult coloring books.  I was extremely unhappy with the medical care I was receiving in the hospital.  I cried.  I was angry.  I was frustrated.  I was exhausted.  By the morning of my C-section, I felt defeated and like my body failed me.  Keisha foster an environment in my hospital room that was safe in allowing me to express each of these emotions.  She always reminded calm and never made me feel like I was wrong for experiencing such a wide range of emotions and feelings.  She suggested questions that I should ask the midwives and doctors; continued to reassure me and always reminded me that I was strong and was doing going a great job; and, she allowed my family and friends to correspond with her via phone and text so I could stay in the moment and focus on my little one’s safe arrival.

Should you get a doula—ABSOLUTELY!  But, if you want an amazing, thorough, knowlegable, caring, sister-friend doula, then you need to get Keisha. 

Andrea

10/13/2019

My husband and I finally decided we wanted to higher a doula going into the third trimester. At our interview with Keisha we immediately felt comfortable and at ease and knew she was the perfect fit! While our birth didn’t go quite as planned, Keisha was there throughout the entire long labor supporting not just me but my husband as well, offering him the breaks, guidance and reassurance that he needed as they both supported me through labor. Can’t imagine having done it without her!

Shanique

8/11/2019

My husband and I are SO  grateful that we had Keisha as our doula! Once I found out that we were expecting I knew I wanted the support of a doula. I began my search and came across Keisha’s profile and immediately knew I wanted to interview her! After our interview I knew she was the one, there was no need to interview any other doulas. Her calming demeanor, knowledge and down to earth personality  was an instant match and just what I envisioned for my pregnancy labor and postpartum period.  

Throughout my pregnancy Keisha checked in with me frequently, providing evidence based material that helped me to be more informed and confident when making decisions.

I strongly believe I was able to attain my goal of non medicated birth to Keisha. Her words of affirmation and encouragement leading up to my delivery date and her presence during labor reminded me that I was capable of doing this! She was very mindful of my husbands role, guiding him on how he couldve best supported me and reminding us to advocate when necessary. 

Despite not being able to labor at home like planned Keisha also did a great job setting my hospital room up with soft mood lighting while diffusing lavender oils and herbs which helped me to relax tremendously and be one with my body.

I can literally go on and on but I’ll stop here and say that Keisha is an amazing doula and my family and I are soooo happy that she was with us during this journey! As long as Keisha is available we look forward to her support for baby #2!

Britlin

7/17/2019

So many great things to say about Keisha! We loved her down to earth personality, and added sense of humor. She is so easy to connect with and really showed a personal interest in mom and baby's physical and mental well being not only during labor, but also during pregnancy and postpartum.

I attribute acheiving my goal of a natural childbirth (no epidural) to Keisha. When the time came she was just the right amount of support and kept me going without being too pushy. She really listened to what I needed and even knew how to best support me without me even having to say anything most of the time. It eased my fears to have her there to not only advocate for me during labor, but my husband's as well as she was able to guide him in how to best support me. Keisha was there every step of the way and my labor and birth of my baby were everything that I hoped for thanks to her! She was amazing to work with and we feel so blessed to have the labor we both imagined with a big thanks to Keisha. A lot of people ask if a doula is worth it, and my answer is always 110% yes if they are anything like Keisha! We will definitely be checking her availability when baby #2 comes along in the future :)

Brianna

3/12/2019

Having Keisha as my doula has been amazing and well worth it. This was my first pregnancy and I wanted to have as much support as possible. She was the first and only person I interviewed and I automatically wanted her as my doula. She made me and my boyfriend feel super comfortable as well as made us feel at ease with my unexpected c-section. Keisha was very informative, resourceful, and eager to do whatever we needed her to do. She goes above and beyond. I would definitely recommend her as well as use her again for future births. 

Mary

3/7/2019

Keisha was our doula for our first birth. We had no idea what to expect and it was great to have her with us when my labor picked up very rapidly and I was in a lot of pain. She is trained in acupressure which help tremendously. It would have been much more difficult without her than it was with her. 

Osita

3/3/2019

As I type this testimonial, tears are streaming down my face. My daughter, who is 5 months today, sits beside me chewing on one of her bibs (I think she's teething!). Every time she looks at me, with her wide, bright eyes and angelic smile, my heart becomes abundantly filled with joy and gratitude. She's my first child and every thought of her takes me back to the day she was born. I recall what a blessed experience and day it was for me, in so many ways. The strength and covering of my God shined brightly on that day, and Keisha was one of those rays of light that made that time the most memorable and most beautiful experiences of my life. 

Her presence, knowledge, character and compassion wrapped me and my fiance every so tightly throughout the process of working with her, from pregnancy to labor and delivery. She was accessible, on time and supportive. She helped to foster a comforting, encouraging and stress-free environment for me and my fiance. I endured a 40-hour, non-medicated labor and natural child birth and she supported me and cheered me on the whole time. She held my hand during the moments I needed it the most - literally. She even helped by baby to latch onto my breast right after birth. She was a true blessing to me and my family and I will always remember her -- for being there, for connecting spiritually, for caring and loving so deeply through her work. 

As I type this, I'm watching my daughter kick her legs playfully and listening to her talk her precious baby talk, and I can't wait to tell my daughter all about one of our angels who was there for us in those incredibly special moments - our doula, Keisha.

Kathleen McLachlan Geddy

10/18/2018

My husband and I are first time parents. We knew very little of the birthing process and decided to look for a doula half way through my pregnancy. Keisha helped me tremendously through a very lengthy and exhausting labor lasting nearly three days. Her words of encouragement and helpful advice helped me progress at home for as long as I was able. She came to our house and helped me get in positions to make me more comfortable and demonstrated ways my husband could help me through the pain. She was available 24/7 by phone to provide further support. When we finally arrived at the hospital, she created a calm, soothing environment by putting up string lights and setting up an aromatherapy scent diffuser. She worked well with the midwife, who she knew previously. The midwife felt my labor had stalled because the baby was not in the correct position, so Keisha helped me get in positions to encourage the baby to move, which she eventually did. Keisha ensured that I remained hydrated and had snacks to help me keep my strength. She also brought a crock pot to keep warm towels in, as well as olive oil, to help ensure that I didn't tear badly during delivery, which was one of my biggest concerns. I ended up having a wonderful birth experience at the hospital. We are so grateful for all of her support and encouragement!

Lindsay Ebersole

8/30/2018

My husband and I decided to hire a doula a little bit later in our pregnancy, and I was a little unsure if it would still be beneficial since we didn’t get to connect with our doula from the beginning of our pregnancy.. but it was the absolute best decision ever! We met Keisha when we were 32 weeks along and immediately knew we wanted her to be part of our story. As first time parents we didn’t really know what to expect or how our experience would go. Keisha is so knowledgeable, encouraging, and calming all at once. We told her we wanted a no/low intervention birth and she provided resources and support that made us feel so empowered to have that birth. When I went into labor she gave us reassurance about where we were in the laboring process and provided tips for getting through the stages, all of which allowed us to labor at home for most of the day. She came to check on us in the evening and provided calming words of encouragement and physical relief during my contractions while also supporting my husband as he got us ready to go to the hospital. We originally planned on having our OB present for the birth, but when that became a questionable option Keisha was able to connect us with the midwives, and that turned out to be such a blessing! When we got to the hospital Keisha got to work setting up a calm environment of lights and aromatherapy, took over for my husband to assist with monitoring the baby so he could support me, and continued to support us both as we progressed through a pretty fast labor. She worked so well with the midwife, and I am certain it is because of the two of them we were able to have the birth for our daughter we so desired! Keisha continued to provide support after the delivery, asking all the right questions to help us really process all that had unfolded. My husband and I sing her praises to anyone in the area considering a doula, and look forward to working with her again as our family hopefully continues to grow.

india dawson

7/22/2018

Keisha Graham was(is) our Doula and I can honestly say we couldn't have pulled off delivery the same without her present. My husband and I are first time parents and knew very little of this process. Keisha was always available for us and forth coming with the information we needed! She continued to remind me that I was supported and that is what I truly felt under her care. The morning my contractions started Keisha came over and she and I went for a walk, witch turned out to be the best decision that eased my daughters arival. She helped me to do most of the laboring at home before going to the hospital, just as I wanted. When we showed up to the hospital I was 6 centimeters dialated and feeling more empowered than ever. She set a relaxing atmosphere in the labor room with string lights and aromatherapy. Keisha also helped me stick to my birth plan witch can be easy to stray away from in the heat of the moment. A natural birth with absolutely no medication was in my plan but I had no idea I could actually achieve it. We started off not fully understanding the role of a doula and now I can not imagine any birth of ours without her. I will forever be thankful for her energy on such a legendary day for my family. First birth or 10th birth, every woman needs a doula like Keisha.

Farin sethi

5/17/2018

My doula was hired later on in my pregnancy and worked with me last minute to get all the information I needed to make the right decisions. I was pregnant past 41 weeks getting very close to 42 weeks. I was very fearful of having another c-section and really wanted to move forward with a successful V-BAC. She encouraged me and believed in my body doing exactly what it needed to.

I knew right away when I met her that she was the right doula for me. I actually met with two doulas that day and was very concerned about the price and skeptical if I needed a doula. On the first meeting she gave me exercises to do to help encourage the laboring process, despite my cynicism. She was very positive and I knew right away that she was the perfect fit for me. Honestly, hiring a doula was the best decision I made and worth every single cent. I truly think you need the support emotionally that a doula can provide to help with a successful birth. Women really understand each other and give the neccessary attention to what an expecting mom maybe going through.

Keisha always went above and beyond and knew what my needs were. She randomly dropped flowers on my porch to encourage me to let me focus on blossoming - which when it died I was devastated - so I bought more tulips. Which really helped me take my mind off when I was going to deliver.

The day of my induction - which happened accidently because my midwife luckily broke my water by checking me - which was possibly going to happen inevitably - my doula was there and set up the whole ambiance to mentally prepare me for the birth of my beautiful daughter Aria. She was there with me the entire time I needed her. She helped me have a successful V-Bac without an epidural which I wasn’t sure I could really do! I truly had a great team to help me during this process.

Briana Glasgow

4/7/2018

Keisha was everything that we were looking for in a doula. My husband wanted to have an active role in my labor and delivery, and Keisha made it happen. She was so helpful getting me water, putting on music, setting up a calm environment, and just making sure every ran as smoothly as possible. It allowed my husband to stay by my side at all times which we both loved. We had a wonderful birth experience, and we are so grateful for all the support Keisha gave us.

Esther Henderson

1/16/2018

Hiring Keisha as our doula was by far one of the best decisions my husband and I made when we found out we were expecting. I knew I wanted a low intervention birth, but didnt know much about what role doulas played in that. When we first met with Keisha, she first ask us what were some of our birth plan wishes and how she would meet our birthing needs. Throughout my pregnancy, Keisha checked in on us and kept up to date with our appointments and how the pregnancy was going. She also checked in on our emotional state as well. Fast forward to when I was admitted to Labor and Delivery, Keisha came in to set up the room with low lights, aromatherapy, and just to set the overall zen tone I was looking for. This really helped me to stay calm and in a trance throughout labor. When I went into active labor, Keisha was right by my side helping with different comfort measures. She also pushed me to trust my body, trust the process, and reasssured me that I could give birth without medication. She was nothing short of phenomenal. I am so thankful that she was by my side during the most important moment of my life.

Renee Larsen

10/3/2017

In addition to a lengthy labor Keisha was present a couple weeks beforehand for an external cephalic version, to turn baby from breech position. Keisha was wonderful at connecting, easing anxiety and concerns in the moment through meaningful, personal conversation and breathing guidance. She remained upbeat and calm. Her support at postpartum visits was valuable. Baby's due date was close to dates demanding on my husband's career; it was a very positive experience to have Keisha present on our team. She allowed my partner to rest and provided guidance practicing strategies we learned in birth class. She never pressured us about decisions and worked well with nurses and doctors.

Neeka Green

6/29/2017

Keisha was an awesome doula for my sixth birth.  My previous births were medicated and one c-section.  I was determined to do it natural this time around. She came to my home thorughout my pregnancy asking, me what were my expections were for my labor.  Also what did I expect from her.  The day of my labor, the doctor had to give me inducing medication, because  my water broke 24 hours prior and contractions had not picked up.  Keisha made sure I drank water so I wouldn't be dehydrated.  She put a heat pad on my back to help me deal with the pain.  We used the birthing ball, walked around the room to help move things along.  Soon I was in transition and the contractions were non stop, Kiesha knew from our previous talks when I don't talk I am in a lot pain.  So she rubbed my arm as my husband pushed on backed. It was what I needed to get through labor and soon my son was born without the use  pain medication. I was so happy and couldn't have done it without her.  I want to add that she advoctaed for me when the nurse tried to do internal monitoring bc the machine wasn't picking up my contractions.  Kiesha had been keeping track of them and was able to tell the doctor the information.  He took her information and told the nurse, there was no need for intervention. If I said I am having contractions then he will believe me and not the machine.  Kiesha changed my point of view of doulas and I belive it's a must have!!!

Monique Gathers

5/7/2017

I was pregnant with my second child, so I pretty much thought I was a pro at giving birth (LOL).  The morning of July 26, 2011 I woke up with excreciating pain.  I called Keisha to let her know that I thought I was in labor.  When we arrived at my doctor's office, I was immediately turned away and told that I was experiencing Braxton-Hicks.  Thankfully, Keisha was knowledgable and experienced enough to know that wasn't the case.  She took me to the ER where I was admitted onto the labor and delivery floor.  By this time, 47 minutes had passed and I went from 0 to 10 cm in what feels like instantly.  Before I knew it, I was crowning with no doctor or nurse in sight. The lack of care I received was mind blowing. Thank God Keisha was there to deliver my babygirl.  She was there with me throughout the entire process, holding my hand, allowing me to yell profanities, all while coaching, relaxing and encouraging me the whole way through.  I don't know what I would have done without here and can't imagine going through another preganacy or birth without her.  We plan to have another child within a year and Keisha will defitnetly be there with me.