When my husband and I first met with Kathryn, we immediately felt a connection and knew she would be wonderful to work with through our birthing experience. Her friendly, calm, and motherly personality offered us comfort as we approached the birth of our second baby!  Kathryn was always available when we needed support during the last few weeks of pregnancy, and we appreciated that she doesnt over-book herself so that she can give each client the attention they need, especially when labor/delivery comes along. What we loved most about Kathryn was her experience working with hospital staff; she helped us navigate the system and make educated choices along the way.  After having a bad experience with the birth of our first baby, we are so happy we chose to hire Kathryn for our second.

Posted 2/25/2015

Having a doula is something that I didn't hesitate about at all. Kathryn was a wonderful help from the start till the followup appointment and was always available. She had her bag of tricks she used during labor which really helped. Funny thing, I didn't want to be touched during labor, but this foot massage technique she used, oh I loved it. Really helped calm me down. She provided relief to the family members who were there supporting me as well which they were very thankful for. It is also nice to have an extra set of ears/eyes to help you out if you have a birth plan. Doula's are wonderful and Kathryn was so sweet and supportive!! 

Posted 1/17/2015

Kathryn is a wonderful doula. She was at the birth of both of my children, and with her help I was able to deliver naturally both times, with no drugs!  She was available to answer questions and is very encouraging and knowledgable and kind.  She gave me peace of mind during labor, and I was more confident knowing that she was there to coach me along with my husband.  I highly recommend Kathryn if you are looking for a devoted and compassionate doula!

Posted 5/7/2014

I wish I had known Kathryn when I had my first child four years ago.  Had I even known what a doula was back then, I might not have ended up with a cesarean.  For my second birth, attempting a VBAC, I knew I had to have a doula on my birth team.  Kathryn's name kept popping up everywhere from a friend's recommendation to online groups to my own research.  So we met with her and knew right away that she was the one we wanted to work with.  She is so kind and caring, answered all our questions and was very reassuring that I could definitely have a successful VBAC.  Unfortunately, due to unforseen circumstances, I ended up with a repeat cesarean, but I am positive that had I been able to go through the entire labor process, we would have been successful with Kathryn's help.  I was so grateful to have her there in the operating room, along with my husband.  She took pictures and delivered them to us on a CD and even made up a little timeline for us to always remember the events of the day.  My husband and I agree that if we ever decide to have a third child, we will definitely be calling Kathryn again!

Posted 4/21/2014

When we first met with Kathryn DiPalma, we were so excited.  We met her at a local Starbucks prepared with all our questions and she had such a positive energy about her and we were so impressed that we knew she was a match for us right away.  This was our first pregnancy so we wanted to be as prepared as much as possible.  We wanted to have a natural birth with no drugs and of course this did not go as planned.  My labor went about 30 hours long...and Kathryn was there the whole way with us.  She stayed up the whole time and let my husband get some rest while she was there for me for anything that I needed.  After our whole birthing experience we were so glad to have had her there and couldn't have done it without her!  I would definately recommend Kathryn DiPalma as a doula!  We know even for our next pregnancy we definatley want her there with us.  

Posted 1/18/2014

Kathryn was such a loving, supportive presence at the birth of our son. We connected with her immediately upon meeting her, and appreciated the time and effort that she invested answering our questions and helping to educate us about labor and birth during my pregnancy. My husband and I have a very close relationship and we were looking for a doula who could be a supportive part of our birth team without interfereing with our connection with each other. Kathryn artfully stepped in to help at every moment when we needed extra energy or extra hands. We had a very long, completely unmedicated labor and Katryn's gentle touch and strong, quiet presence were a huge asset in helping us to manage our process and have the healthy, natural birth we were hoping for.  We hope to have her attend the birth of our next child!  

Posted 1/11/2014

Kathryn is an excellent Doula. She was recommended by a friend and we have had several other friends choose her for their birth experience as well. My husband and I interviewed several doulas and were drawn to Kathryn's warm personality and her maternal vibe. She seems like a kind aunt or cousin with bonus birth knowledge. My husband and I were very well prepared for our birth but it was very nice to have her when things started to "get real" when I was 9 1/2 centimeters dilated and the medical team had decided to break my water to help move the delivery along. She came prepared with her doula duffel bag of tricks with included massage tools and other items to help provide a calming atmosphere and move the delivery along naturally. It was a nice contrast to have someone in the delivery room that was on our "team" for a natural birth. We had a very traditional OB and nursing team at Clovis Community Hospital (which is the more progressive birthing hospital in town with it's own birthing center) who clearly need to open their minds about trusting a woman’s body to do what it is designed to do. In the end I did end up having a half dose of a narcotic to help me through transition labor and regain some control (I was crawling out of my skin) but have no regrets. Kathryn was completely supportive and objective about my decision. Kathryn also took some nice photos of our healthy baby boy right after delivery and my husband cutting the umbilical cord. I would certainly recommend her to other mama's who are interested in having a natural (or near-natural in my case) delivery.

Posted 7/30/2013

I knew that I had to have Kathryn on my birth team my next pregnancy after she contacted me via my husband offering to help me deliver my stillborn son. Although I declined at the time, I knew by this that being a doula was not just a job for Kathryn; she genuinely cared for the women she encountered and had the courage to be there in the most difficult situations. The next time I got the pink lines, I knew who to call! She met with me and continued to follow up on me throughout my pregnancy, making sure I was okay spiritually, physically, and mentally. Fast forward to the birth, I'd been induced early and she was there making sure I got settled. It was a 30 hour process, and with an epidural that failed, Kathryn was that light at the end of the tunnel that helped me to know I was going to make it, even without pain medication. I left that experience feeling empowered and I consider her a "grandma" of sorts to my son. I will never go without a doula again!

Posted 7/26/2013

Kathryn was absolutely wonderful and beyond helpful- I can't imagine having gone through our first birth experience without her. She has an extensive lending library, is always available to answer any questions you have, is extremely knowledgeable and a great bridge between you and the doctors- helping to achieve the birth experience you desire. I highly recommend hiring Kathryn to be a part of this momentous part of your family's life.

Posted 4/29/2013

 Kathryn was such a blessing to our family. We did not have a doula with the birth of our first child in 2010, but connected w/ Kathryn soon after and knew we had to have her for our second. Throughout my pregnancy, Kathryn prayed for us, and checked in on me regularly. She also answered any questions and calmed any concerns I had throughout the pregnancy, or directed me to someone who could. She also offered videos and books to help. 

When "D" day came, Kathryn was the calming and nurturing presence I needed to get through labor. I lost my mom in 2009, so I never had her to help me through labor. Kathryn obviously didn't replace my mom, but she made me feel loved and cared for the way a mom would. She also thought of things to help (as my labor the 2nd time around was WAY more painful), like something as simple as finding rags & wetting them with cold water and putting them on the back of my neck & my forehead (which may sound simple, but it was SO helpful, and we [my husband and I] never would've thought of). She also helped me get control of my breathing by having me visualize my contractions as waves rushing over me. She also helped equip us with information about what our options were. My first labor was 18 hours w/ pitocin and an epidural and it was terrible. My second labor was about 5 hours, it was much more painful, but so much more natural and I loved it. I was able to pull my daughter out myself, have immediate skin to skin time, and breastfeed within 5 minutes of my daughter's birth. She never left my side the entire time we were there.

The other amazing thing that Kathryn did for us was capture the precious moments in photos (that we could not have taken ourselves), as well as keeping a log of all that happened. I just love Kathryn, she really is a beautiful and loving person, and her presence alone was a relief to me. I highly recommend her to all my girlfriends (and pregnant strangers).

Posted 2/16/2013

We loved having Kathryn be our doula for Thomas' birth.  This was our second baby, and after a rough induction on baby #1, I wanted to feel like I had more control, awareness and confidence the second time.  My husband wanted me to bleed less, hurt less and for him to feel less helpless in the labor.   Happily - we got all those things!  Kathryn talked me thorough countless contractions, fed me ice chips, rubbed my back, brought her beloved birthing ball, made small talk with my mom, and let me squeeze her hand REALLY hard while it took 45 minutes to get my epidural placed.  She was respectful of our own family time, my mom being involved, yet she was clearly there for ME.  She felt like a second warm, smart, direct mom-type in the labor room.  I'd recommend her in a heartbeat!!

Posted 2/10/2013

Kathryn is a very caring and knowledgeable Doula.  She never made me feel like I was bothering her when I called or emailed her with all sorts of questions.  I had one night of false labor followed by the next time of true labor.  Each time I updated her she never made me feel like she was "waiting" on me and I felt no pressure from her.  Once at the hospital she was very supportive of my labor and let me work on things the way I wanted.  Thankfully I didn't have back labor this time and didn't need lots of back counterpressure but if I did I know she would have been right there for me.  Kathryn was very supportive and caring throughout my entire pregnancy, labor, and after.  I have really enjoyed getting to go back and read the labor breakdown timeline she created for me and of course the special DVD of pictures.  All in all I am so thankful to Kathryn and I know you will love her too!

Posted 9/10/2012

About 30 weeks into my pregnancy I suddenly got very nervous about the birthing of my first baby. I decided to look into having a doula and see if was right for me. We met with several doula’s but Kathryn’s clear love for babies and enthusiasm for being a doula won us over immediately. My intention was to go natural birth, labor at home as long as I could, no drugs, etc…. but turns out the little one had something else in mind. On my due date we found out our little one was breach and my healthcare provider would not deliver breach babies naturally. When I shared this news with Kathryn she was very supportive and provided some ideas/options to consider. Ultimately I ended up having a scheduled C-Section, but with the information she provided I was at able to ease into accepting the C-Section instead of feeling like it was my only option. Once the C-Section was scheduled I couldn’t help but think do I really need a Doula? The reason I went in search of a doula in the first place was to help with natural birth, but now that wasn’t happening. But once again somebody had something else in mind for me. I could not have been happier to have Kathryn at the hospital to provide information to us help make our decisions, advocate for us and generally support my husband and me. I had some challenges after the birth of my little girl with latching and breastfeeding and Kathryn was right there lending support. In the days, weeks and months to come I experienced post-partum depression and Kathryn kept in touch with me, checked in on me and gave me great referrals for a lactation consultant and post-partum doula. Also have to mention how much she genuinely cared for my little girl and enjoyed holding and rocking and “loving on” her (as Kathryn would say). Would I recommend Kathryn? Absolutely! She has a passion for what she does and it shows. –Susan & baby Georgia (born Nov. 29, 2011)

Posted 8/5/2012

Kathryn was there for us for over 26 hours during our labor. She gave us information we needed and helped us to communicate clearly with medical personnel as well as helped us to brain storm what would be a best decision in our labor process. She was very considerate for our preference, culture and decision making process. She had experience with RNs who were assigned to us during our labor, which helped us to be more calm and be able to trust RN's suggestions in making hard decisions. Over all, she made our life a lot easier during our labor. She came by our house three times (two before labor, one after baby was born) with lots of information. At our last meeting after the birth, she provided with a timeline of our labor experience and lots of great pictures which memorialized the birth of our first daughter. We are pleased to have Kathryn as our doula. It made huge positive difference in our labor experience. If and when we will have another child birth, we would ask for her help again.

Posted 5/19/2012

Having Kathryn as my doula was great.  When I first met her I knew she would be the motherly type that I would need to prepare myself for the birth of my daughter.  My previous birth experience, in which I did not have a doula, proved to have left some emotional scars.  Working with Kathryn helped me identify some of the issues I needed to overcome and discuss with my husband to also prepare him for the birth.  Before the birth, both of us felt much more prepared than we did for the birth of our son.  

From the time I knew I was in labor until we decided she was really needed in the delivery room, my husband and/or I were in constant contact with Kathryn via text as we live about 45 minutes from the hospital.  Although the birth of our daughter went very quickly and Kathryn was only there for the last 30 minutes or so of labor, I was glad she was there at that time. She helped me to concentrate and get through the most difficult time of the entire experience.  Kathryn stayed during my recovery and even took some photos during the birth an immediately following that i willcherish forever. I highly recommend Kathryn as a doula. If we decide to have more children I will definitely be hiring Kathryn again.

Posted 5/12/2012

Kathryn is an amazing doula! Upon meeting her, I instantly felt comfortable with her as if I was talking to a favorite aunt. I knew right away she was the doula I wanted to use for my second pregnancy and birth. I respect and greatly appreciate that Kathryn never imposed her views on me regarding what is right or wrong for a birth experience. She always listened to me, asked questions, and followed my lead. Kathryn's calm, composed manner was a huge asset during labor when she helped me to use visualization and breathing techniques. With her help, I was able to acheive the birth I wanted. My only regret is that I did not have Kathryn at the birth of my first child!

Posted 5/8/2012

Kathryn DiPalma is without a doubt an angel on earth. I contacted Kathryn towards the end of my very difficult pregnancy. I had gone into pre-term labor with my second son at 26 weeks and was placed on bedrest, by 27.5 weeks I was placed on strict hospital bedrest due to IC and early labor ( I was 4cm/80%/-1) before 28 weeks. I remained on hospital bedrest until I delivered at 32.6. I was referred to Kathryn by my close friend who knew Kathryn through family, My very first contact with Kathryn was a mere week before I ended up delivering, but at the time we did not know that. Throughout my pregnancy I had considered a doula but wasn't sure if it was "for me" since I intended to have a medicated birth. As my difficult pregnancy progressed I felt I needed the experience and comfort that a doula could provide, not only to me but to my birth partner as well. From the moment I met Kathryn she was like a second mom to me and a life-saver. We had a face-to-face meeting and a week later I was calling her at 530am to PLEASE come to the hospital to help me with my delivery. The entire time Kathryn was focused on me, my birth partner and our son. She was there to keep me calm when I needed her, she ensured I had everything I needed at all times, she was a strong voice when I didnt have my own to use and most of all was a beacon of peace in a chaotic situation. My delivery went perfectly and I truly believe that alot of that had to do with Kathryn. There is no doubt in my mind that if ANYONE asked me about a doula I would and will say "USE KATHRYN". I can't explain in words the peace she provided both myself and my birth partner and she will FOREVER be in our hearts and a huge part of my son's birthday. She is family and will always remain that way.

Posted 4/14/2012

 We found Kathryn through her amazing newborn class which was listed on her website. Upon meeting her we immediately knew we wanted her to be a part of our birth. Her expertise was invaluable to us throughout the entire journey. Before Eowyn's birth she assisted in creating our birthplan. In addition, her daily emails were informative, answering the hundreds of questions running through my mind, as well as offering much needed encouragement. We could not be happier with the way Eowyn's bIrth went due to her support and knowledge. Her calming influence and ability to reframe doctor-jargon helped put our minds at ease. Looking back, I am not sure I would have been able to accomplish my all-natural birth without a doula there to support me.  I highly reccommend Kathryn to assist with your precious birth!

Posted 4/11/2012

My original plan was to have a home birth with Jacque Moschella and have Sarah, her assistant come and be my doula. I went into labor 10 days early and Sarah was out of town at her cousins wedding and was unable to be there. So She found Kathryn and had her come to replace her.

When she arrived i was already done with transition and able to start pushing. So really it was perfect timing. 

Kathryn did an awesome job holding my up in the tub, keeping me hydrated, as well as keeping the waters clean:) I had a very good experience and the birth was rather quick and easy. I have to say after labor is where she came most helpful. While assisting Jacque she was quick to replace sheets on the bed and clean and blow dry stains. She was awesome!!!

Turns out, that it was her first home birth experience! I was amazed how calm and confident she was being her first time. 

Kathryn also came and visited us about a month after the birth to offer support and nursing guidance, which was very sweet and thoughful.

I definately recommend Kathryn for her doula services. She is a sincere and very tender hearted lady, ideal for a birth atmosphere.

Posted 1/14/2012

I found Kathryn on the DONA website, and after we had our first phone conversation, I knew I wanted her to be my doula.  She showed support and concern from the beginning, which was important to me since my husband and I were living in the southern California at the time. Kathryn sent emails checking in on us during our planning/moving phase to the central valley.  When we finally met in person, she proved to be an amazing woman in person ~~ caring, responsive, and passionate about her job.  

On the day that I went into labor, Kathryn was at another birth.  She rushed to our hospital soon after we arrived, and since I was already 8cm dilated(!!) I don't remember much other than, the support that she and my husband provided were essential to me giving birth naturally, with no pain medication!  A week after delivery, she visited us in our home and among other things, gave me with a timeline of events she'd written down during my labor.  This was especially meaningful because it's a time I'll never get back and one I want to remember positively. 

Kathryn is a superwoman in my book, an Auntie to our son, and we are so thankful for her presence during the birth of our first baby!

Posted 1/11/2012

During our first meeting, Jason and I knew Kathryn would be a great doula. She had a calm presence and a wealth of knowledge which was just what we were looking for. From answering questions to borrowing birth books, Kathryn has been there for us. During our visits, she helped us prepare our birth plan and eased my fears of having a hospital birth. She also made sure Jason felt involved.

As I started to feel what I thought were false labor contractions in the evening of November 5th, I called Kathryn to assess my condition. She could tell just from my voice that this was the real thing. In the morning my water broke, so we headed to the hospital. Kathryn showed up  a little while later with her bag of goodies. While I labored she helped keep us talking, knew where to get water and what to do when a machine in the room beeped. This part of the birth was calm and relaxed even with no pain medication!

Once I was fully dilated, I had no idea how to push or how to fully let go and deliver the baby. I was scared and tired. Kathryn gave me encouragement and coached me through the delivery stage. I believe it was by Kathryn’s lead that my husband gained confidence to help me through the pushing. At 5:27 pm on Nov. 6th, I gave birth to Clara Elizabeth Smith. Kathryn helped her latch within an hour, and since then Clara and I have been successful breastfeeding couple. During the postpartum visit, we enjoyed the discussion from Kathryn’s chronicle of the birth. This was something that has been an important part in my mental recovery.

As I look back on these events, Kathryn was an essential part of our first birth experience. She answered our questions and calmed our fears. She gave me confidence to get through the final stages of labor. From the prenatal visits, labor, and postpartum visit, we learned so much from her and had a truly positive birth experience. I now consider Kathryn DiPalma my guardian angel of birth.

Posted 12/17/2011

My husband and I decided for our first experience of labor and delivery we wanted someone to support and lead us. I had some prior fears of pregnancy and delivery. I wanted to avoid a situation of unmanaged pain that would lead to a fearful and stressful delivery. We were planning for a natural birth that would be managed through a calm and peaceful setting of breathing and pain management techniques. I know Kathryn from my church, she is truly gifted for this service. Her open and welcoming personality makes it easy to share with her your wishes and expectations of your birth experience. Kathryn offers wonderful support, coaching, experience, and knowledge to you and your partner during your pregnancy and delivery. Her reassuring words of support and encouragement helped me in my most trying time of delivery. Kathryn is a special friend and she has my highest recommendation. We will be asking Kathryn to support us again as our doula when we are ready for a second baby!

Posted 11/18/2011

 Kathryn was a tremendous help during labor.  I can not express my gratitude enough for her help!  I wanted to have a natural birth with no meds and I never could have done it with out her.  She was so calm throughout and knew just how to help guide me and my husband through the labor process.  She had a handout comparing labor pains to waves which helped both of us get through the hard ones.  I knew that the intense pain would end eventually and I could rest which made it possible to breath through each contraction and my husband knew what to expect contractions to be like.  The birthing ball was also so helpful and I spent most of labor on the ball which made my contractions much easier to bare.  She was also very helpful in preparing for birth.  I never would have thought to bring chapstick to the delivery but it was a lifesaver.  We also enjoyed the many DVD's she had on birthing options and ways to prepare for labor.  My birth experience was exactly how I wanted things to go and much of that I owe to Kathryn!

Posted 9/27/2011

My husband and I hired a doula because we were unsure he would be able to be at the birth due to his job, and it was a relief to know someone would be there with me. We had also taken Bradley Classes and wanted someone who would respect our wishes. Kathryn was exactly what we were looking for. When the day came, she met us at the hospital and was very helpful. My Labor was long, and unfortunately ended up with a C section delivery... but i am confident we had done everything we could to deliver naturaly. The end result was the important part... Healthy Baby! We were greatful for the support kathryn provided. I'm confident that if we decide to have another child, we'll be giving Kathryn a call.

Posted 6/26/2011

I was looking for a doula and meet with about 5 different ones and when I met with Kathryn I new that she was going to be my doula from the begining. She was very loving and caring from the first time that I met her. I was looking for someone that could be their if my husband was unable to make due to his work and also someone that could help me through this part of my life due to I wanted to not have any medication ( I did end up getting it anyways) and Kathryn was the one that I choose. From the begining she said that this is my birth and what ever I wanted is what she would do. In the birth of my doughter she was great I called her at 11:00pm and she walked me through what I needed to do and when we got to the hospital and were settled in and making some progess she was right their by my side doing everything that she could to keep me calm and make sure that my husband was eating and taken care of as well. When we do have our next child we will be using Kathryn again we love her very much for everything. Kathryn was not just our doula but now she is a part of the Kleinknight Family.

Posted 6/20/2011

My husband and I do not have any family in the country and we were looking for a Doula to provide support during the birth of our first child. We met with Kathryn and we connected right away. She was a help from the very beginning and provided educational material to us during my pregnancy as well as advice and support. During the birth of our daughter she was wonderful. She was there right from the hospital check in and stayed there throughout a very long labour, all the while offering support and encouragement. Afterwards she gave us copies of photos she took during the labour, as well as a written memory of the birth. It was such a special thing to have. She also visited us post partum to see how things were going and offer advice and tips.We will always have a special place in our hearts for Kathryn and it would not have been the same experience without her involvement. Every woman truly needs a Doula and I would recommend her services to any expectant couple.

Posted 5/24/2011

Kathryn was a blessing and godsend in our challenging labor and delivery.  From the first time I met her, I knew her calm and gentle approach would be exactly what I needed.  I was in labor for approximately 30 hours and faced various complications in our hospital birth.  She was with me from the start, holding my hand, guiding me through visualizations and relaxation, helping me get in positions, and giving my husband much needed breaks to go grab some food or make phone calls.  I remember a moment when I was exhausted from the labor and was trying to get some sleep.  I opened my eyes and felt alone in a strange setting, but then I saw Kathryn quietly sitting close by, and I was able to relax.  I am forever grateful for her presence with my newborn son.  My husband was in the operating room with me during my C-Section, and her loving hand and soothing voice with my newborn baby boy soothed and comforted him so that he was never alone. She hasn't disappeared, either! She continues to support and communicate with me after my delivery and I know Kathryn will not just be my doula but my lifelong friend. 

Posted 5/15/2011

Dear Kathryn,

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of the birth of our first child, Ian Asher. When I think back on his birth and the months leading up to it, one of the things I remember most is your strong guidance and calming presence. As first time parents, we didn't know what to expect and had a lot of questions and concerns. You met with us several times and checked in on us many times before the big day to alleviate any fears we may have had. Just knowing that you would be there with us to guide us through labor and delivery put both of our minds at ease.
And then he was on his way here! You were there helping us every step of the way, exactly what we needed, suggesting different ways to make it through the contractions until I was ready for an epidural. Then came the three hours of pushing! You were right there next to the bed with us the whole time, helping and coaching us. When Baby Ian finally arrived, I knew it was a special moment for all of us.
Thank you so much for sharing in this exciting and beautiful time with us. I cannot imagine having gone through it without you.

Adam and Kayla Price
 

Posted 4/30/2011

Kathryn is absolutely a gem. I bonded with her from the first day I met her. She's real. To her, being a Doula is not just any job. She spent a lot of time getting to know me and my husband first . She's positive, caring, very inquisitive. At the time of delivery, my husband and I were definitely clueless. It was so refreshing to have her next to us. She advised me to rest up in between contractions because I had a lot of work ahead of me. Work? What work if I already had an epidural, right? Wrong! Had I not followed her advice, I don't think I would have had the energy for the final stage of my delivery, yes, pushing! It took 30 minutes of pushing, and my beautiful baby was born. And I seriously didn't feel tired, thanks to Kathryn's warning. Since the delivery, Kathryn has visited us several times and has shown great closeness to our family. She will forever hold a special part in our hearts. Thank you, Kathryn!

Posted 3/14/2011

When my husband and I learned of our pregnancy, we felt  excitement and blessed anticipation. Very quickly, however, feelings of fear set in. As a first time mom, I was experiencing a lot of anxiety over the new experience of birthing a child that I would soon be embarking on. We chose Kathryn as our doula because she exhibited such wisdom about pregnancy, the delivery, and what to expect of life with a newborn.
 

Kathryn was  available, day or night, anytime I had a question. Whether it was as gross as sending her a picture text  asking "Is THIS my mucus plug?", or as deeply emotional as calming my fears of if I was going to be a good mother, she exceeded my needs every time.
 

Kathryn was so loving and patient in teaching us what to expect that when delivery day came, we felt well prepared, and the fears that once clouded above our heads, were gone. She did an amazing job of making sure we understood all of our options in the hospital and did everything imaginable to make our birth plan a success.
 

My labor took 31 hours- Kathryn was there to cheer us on the entire time. She maintained an upbeat attitude and kept us from getting discouraged when things were progressing slowly. After 3 long hours of pushing, our baby was finally born naturally, and I am 100% confident that if Kathryn had not been there, I would have been forced into a c-section.
 

Not only did Kathryn support me through the entire process, but she also gave my husband the tools HE needed to feel comfortable and be the ultimate support system for me. Kathryn is a part of our family now, and I will most definitely use her as my doula for every baby that I bring into this world. Kathryn didn't just help get me through a pregnancy and delivery, but she taught me how to be a loving,confident mother, which is truly the most beautiful gift of all.  

Posted 3/14/2011

I am a mother of three and for my third delivery my husband was being deployed to the east coast so I was hoping for support during the birth of our third child. I found Kathryn and I was happy to find that she is a very sweet and kind person. Kathryn was very patient and helpfull during the birth of my son. She almost seemed to read my mind as to what i needed from her. My husband amazingly was able to make the birth and was pleasently surprised as to how much support and assurance she gave us. My husband was able to take moments to himself because he new that i would be cared for. If i do have another child i will be calling on Kathryn and i will gladly recommend her to anyone who is looking for the support of a doula.  

Posted 12/29/2010

My husband and I were told Kathryn had her doula license while pregnant with our second child.  The birth of our first child, Levi ended up being a C-section.  I decided shortly after his birth I wanted to attempt a VBAC with our second child.  We felt a doula would allow us more time to spend together during the birth process, to be more relaxed and have someone to advocate for us if necessary. 

We met with Kathryn a number of times before the birth and she was always encouraging and willing to answer any questions.  We were pleased she took on our family, as the due date was close to Christmas. 

During the labor process Kathryn was very helpful, as she knew the answers to questions I had about the labor process (I did not labor as far with my first).  She helped me focus on my breathing, when I would panic.  Having her present made things more comfortable for me and my husband.  For me, it felt like I had my mom in the room.  I knew that she would not let me endure anything that was not necessary and she was going to support me in whatever decisions I made regarding the birth process.  For my husband, having her there allowed him to be relaxed and not stress thinking about what he should or should not be doing for me.  I could tell he was more at ease during this birth than with the birth of our son.

If we have a third child we will pick Kathryn again.  We were very happy with our experience.  We successfully had our daughter, Leah Susanna on 12/7/10 via VBAC (Kathryn's first VBAC).  We would like to say, "Thank you Kathryn for helping make our birth process very positive."  We will be passing your name along.  I can say this birth was enjoyed much more than our first.  This will always be a fond memory for us. 

Posted 12/22/2010