Hillary

12/26/2024

I'm so thankful I had Kimberly with me when I gave birth! My husband and I had our first child during COVID. Kimberly helped so much with calming our nerves and explaining what to expect in the weeks leading up to the birth. When the big day arrived, I had trouble progressing through my labor, but with Kimberly's coaching, my labor went much faster. When I gave birth, she was right there holding my hand and supporting me.  

Confidence

12/11/2024

My birth experience with Kimberly was a remarkable one. I was trying for a VBAC for  my second pregnancy in 2021. I reached out to her, and she was a great source of encouragement to me. She deligently followed up with me regularly, educating me on  different exercises that would increase my chances for a natural birth.  She also has this positive mindset which I couldnt help but admire. She had a way of making me feel relaxed, removing every form of anxiety.

When I went into labour , I informed her and she  arrived at the hospital even before I did, and was with me all through, supporting in the best form as needed. She supports you effortlessly, patiently, and to me, that is how you would know one who has passion and joy doing their work.

She is well experienced to provide the best support to any pregnant mom, and  I would always recommend her if given the opportunity. 

Brittany Patterson

12/8/2024

Being pregnant with my first child, terrified and overwhelmed was an understatement.  The alarming rate of black women dying during childbirth did not help my anxieties either.  A friend of mine reposted one of Kim's doula posts and I had a conversation with my husband and we agreed that for peace of mind, we should look into getting a support person through this journey.

We met with Kim and right away we clicked with her.  I thought that I would just be receiving birth support, but we got so much more.  From the Lamaze classes to the multitude of information and the prenatal visits, Kim really made us feel at ease with what was about to be a life changing moment for us.  After our meetings with her, we felt more educated about pregnancy, childbirth, and especially postpartum care.  The things that people don't talk about as it relates to pregnancy, she did.  On top of all of that, Kim gave me the confidence to advocate for myself when I went to doctor appointments - THIS WAS LIFE CHANGING FOR ME.  I'm not sure why I was previously nervous or scared to ask my doctors questions, but Kim made sure that I knew it was ok and NECESSARY to ask questions!

During my home birth that was transferred to a hospital birth, Kim and her back-up Doula, Leslie, were with me all the way (I had a longgggggg labor).  I always felt supported and I know that it was because of them that me and my husband were really able to focus and make the decisions we needed to make to ensure our baby made it earth side safely.

Following our birth, Kim also offered postpartum care services that I definitely took advantage of.  Did I mention that her prices are great!! Insurance should really cover Doulas because I don't feel that they are just a luxury but also a necessity.

Kim wasn’t just our Doula, she is family now!

Thank you Kim and Vela Haven,

Love

Branden, Brittany, & Amina

Francesca Adain

12/6/2024

Testimonial for Kimberly Marie, Doula at Vela Haven

I had the incredible privilege of working with Kimberly Marie from Vela Haven during my pregnancy and birth experience in 2020 during the chaos of COVID, and I honestly can’t imagine going through it without her. Kimberly's calm and compassionate energy made me feel seen, heard, and supported. Her knowledge, experience, and intuition as a doula are unparalleled.

She was there for me every step of the way, offering guidance during pregnancy, helping me prepare emotionally and physically for birth, and being a constant source of comfort and strength through labor. When things got tough, Kimberly knew exactly how to support me, whether it was through comforting words, breathing techniques, or providing the reassurance I needed to stay focused and empowered.

What I appreciated most was how Kimberly honored my birth plan while always remaining flexible and responsive to the unfolding circumstances. She never once made me feel rushed or pressured; instead, she always helped me to feel in control, calm, and connected to my body and my baby. Her gentle, yet confident presence gave me the peace of mind I needed to navigate such a monumental experience.

Thanks to Kimberly and her unwavering support, I felt fully prepared, safe, and cared for during one of the most transformative moments of my life. I can’t recommend her enough to anyone seeking a doula who truly embodies empathy, professionalism, and a deep passion for helping families thrive.

Thank you, Kimberly, for being the amazing doula that you are. I’m forever grateful for your guidance and support through this journey.

Milana and I love you!!!!

Donna Chesney

12/5/2024

Where do I start! Pregnancy was a journey! I really was not sure what to expect because every pregnant woman’s journey is different. It certainly helps and makes a difference to have someone like a Doula on that journey with you. Lucky for me, I found Kimberly, who embarked on that journey with me from my second trimester onward. She introduced me to her book, “My Pregnancy Haven” which was most helpful in knowing what to expect and recording my experience along the way. Kimberly also supported me by helping me to figure out what were some of the things I would need for myself and baby, and helped with my baby registries. She organized my breastfeeding consultation and accompanied me on grocery trips in my third trimester. She provided invaluable knowledge and empowered me to make decisions that were best for me and my baby during my pregnancy and delivery. I recommend her services to anyone that’s pregnant. Thank you Kimberly, you’re a blessing!

Kerlisha Sookan

11/22/2024

Kimberly,  provided reassurance, knowledge, wisdom and care throughout our pregnancy and birth for our first baby girl. My pregnancy for my first daugter was high risk and and stressful but kim helped kept me calm. It was no doubt that she would be our first choice again for our second pregnancy.  Now as I'm in my third trimester, I feel very safe with her and is fully aware of everything happening. Soon our second baby will be here and my #1 doula is ready for her welcoming! I don't know how I could've handled it without her support. There was always a wonderful balance between professionalism and nurturing support.  I highly recommend Kimberly as your doula.

Brittany

11/17/2024

Kimberly was an excellent doula and teammate since day one! She was always checking in, communicative, on time for our scheduled support days. She also sent resources and went above and beyond to connect us to resources even post-partum. Highly recommend her! 

Kristi Love

2/7/2021

I am so glad I went with Kim as my Doula. I do NOT know what I would have done without her by my side. She was able to handle me and I'm a lot. I asked so many questions. I experienced anxiety and doubt. I was all over the place. But Kim im always reassured me. Even in her soft spoken voice, she was direct and stern. She empowered me. She is a professional person however; she made me feel like I was talking to a close friend. The closer it came to my due date, she was even more available. I truly thank God for how our paths crossed. Even with a partner, I not only wanted her, I NEEDED her to get through my pregnancy and labor and delivery. Kim is patient, kind, informative, encouraging, and skilled. She is more of an holistic Doula, another bonus. She made me make decisions. She provided evidence based info and her opinion. I was never told what to do, even though I wanted her to tell me. Lol. Listen, she is great and you  need her. Period. Talk to her before you decide. I knew  during our consultation that she would be my Doula.