Felicia Mackay

4/3/2024

Katherine is a phenomenal doula and a very special human!

From the moment we first spoke her passion and knowledge about pregnancy and birth were extremely apparent. Being first time parents both my husband and I had many questions, and Katherine answered all of them with compassion and expertise.

When she first visited us at home for our prenatal appointment it immediately felt like a friend was coming over, which was important for me as I wanted to be thoughtful about the people I had with me during my birth. Her calm and assured energy instantly put me at ease and I knew that energy would transfer to the birth as well. 

At the time of my birth Katherine was also later into pregnancy herself and I believe it acted as a superpower for her because the way she physically and emotionally was able to support both me and my husband during labor was profound. She was our first call when I started experiencing contractions, she was with us at our house during early labor, she drove  the 45 minutes to our birthing location with us, and she was with us for the entirety of my very long labor.

Her knowledge and ability to communicate and advocate for me during labor was such a gift. There were a few times during labor where my instinct was telling me something that was slightly different than what was being presented to me by the rest of my birth team, and Katherine picked up on it immediately and acknowledged it, made me feel seen and heard, and encouraged me to trust myself. The physical support she offered during birth kept me feeling embodied during the more difficult moments and safe in my body.

I experienced a beautiful, transformative, and magical birth of my daughter and I owe so much of it to Katherine’s expertise. You can tell she is truly called to birth work and is masterful in her ability to support mothers. I would recommend her to anyone looking for doula support during their birth!

Madison

3/22/2024

Katherine was my doula for my second child, born in June 2023. My first was born via unexpected c-section, and while I was hoping for a VBAC for my second baby, I wanted to make sure I stayed in a headspace where having a second c-section wouldn't feel like a failure or a disappointment. I felt that having a supportive doula who could keep a relaxed attitude towards my birth would help me -- and it did! Katherine was a perfect fit. 

I felt heard and supported throughout my pregnancy and especially near the end, when I made the choice to have a repeat c-section instead of an induction. I was confident and clear in my decision-making, in part because I had been able to discuss my feelings, fears, and desires with Katherine in the weeks leading up to that choice. 

Katherine has an extremely calming and kind presence. She was a wonderful addition to the OR and provided wonderful support throughout my c-section. Afterwards, one of the nurses asked me how long we had known each other -- she assumed we were old friends because of our rapport! I feel that's the perfect testament to Katherine's abilities as a doula: your relationship with her will become so personal and familiar that your nurses will assume you have known her for years! 

Having Katherine by my side throughout my pregnancy and birth helped keep me confident in my ability to make the right choices for myself and my family. 

Thank you Katherine! 

Allison Greene

3/26/2022

I’m so grateful to my past pregnant self for hiring Katherine as our birth doula! 

She is incredibly kind, warm, empathetic, as well as knowledgeable and passionate about birth. Throughout my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, she was an invaluable resource and constant source of comfort. 

My pregnancy and birth took many unexpected twists and turns but Katherine never missed a beat. When we encountered health concerns that pivoted my birth plan from a home birth to a hospital birth via induction at 38 weeks, she was in constant contact, supporting me and my partner through the difficult transition and explaining what to expect. Her confidence put me at ease, and when the big day arrived, we felt prepared mentally and emotionally. She was a great advocate for me at the hospital and empowered me to advocate for myself. She reassured me that I could still have a positive and beautiful birth experience at the hospital, and, with her help, I did!

My postpartum period was made easier by Katherine’s continued support, checking in to see how I was healing and providing medicinal herbs and other supplies, as well as tips for newborn care and breastfeeding. I felt so cared for by her, I can not say enough good things. Katherine is fantastic, and I highly recommend her as a doula!

Jackie K.

1/24/2022

Katherine was a great and crucial addition to my birth team. I loved having someone to talk to leading up to birth; she helped me through a provider change in the middle of my pregnancy, talking through the options and making informed suggestions. I especially loved having her available when my labor started. She integrated seamlessly with my partner and my sister as I labored at home -- and later with the midwife and the nurse team at Henrico Doctors' Hospital. I was so grateful for her support after the birth, too -- the hospital and home visits -- where she had helped with breastfeeding and made sure that I was doing well. Katherine is warm, empathetic and a delight to be around. She's an excellent doula, and I strongly recommend her.

Jenny Speight

1/11/2022

My husband and I were incredibly satisfied and appreciative of the doula and postpartum doula services Katherine provided our family. I do not know what we would have done without her help bringing our first child into this world. Katherine truly went above and beyond.  In the weeks leading up to my birth, she provided helpful recommendations and tools to get us ready. I loved her evidence-informed approaches. I found out at 34 weeks that I had ICP and Katherine was ready and willing to provide support to us earlier than we planned and in ways we were not anticipating. My induction took place at 37 weeks and Katherine was so flexible and ready to step in when we needed her. At the hospital, Katherine played an integral role working with the medical team and helping me and my husband cope throughout the journey. From recommended positions, to encouraged advocacy for my needs and wishes during a long labor, Katherine was there.  She was a source of comfort, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge which provided such reassurance to us.

With Katherine as our postpartum doula, I had much needed help in my first weeks as a new mom. Katherine provided wonderful care to our newborn son when breaks were needed. Katherine had such a calming presence and very engaging interactions with our son. I felt so grateful to have the same doula that helped bring my son into the world help us care for him in his early life. It was great to have Katherine’s consult and recommendations for newborn care and breastfeeding. I am still nursing my son going on 6 months and I do not think I would have made it through my early challenges without her encouragement and recommended resources. Katherine was very mindful and accommodating of our family’s needs even helping with light house work. I especially appreciated her concern for our family during COVID, she was always masked and washing hands while in our home. Katherine is wonderful. 

Emily V

12/28/2021

It is hard to put into words how happy we are we asked Katherine to join our birthing team. Katherine was WONDERFUL. She kept up with us at every point during the pregnancy. She helped us with our birth plan and focus on our goals during labor.

The night my water broke, we called Katherine immediately. Even though it was very late, she kept in contact with us all through the night, coaching me through some tough contractions. She recommended getting in the shower, which was incredibly helpful for coping. She arrived at our house early the next morning, and helped us as the contractions got closer together. She helped us decide the right time to go to the hospital, and stayed on the phone with us as we made the drive. Katherine was so calm even though I progressed fast during this final stage of labor. As I got into the delivery room and started to push, Katherine was by my side. Constantly offering me sips of water and encouraging me. My husband wanted to catch the baby, so Katherine took his position and sat behind me and physically supported me as I birthed my daughter. My daughter needed a little extra help, so we were unable to do skin to skin immediately, but Katherine was constantly checking on my baby and coming back to me with updates. Katherine stayed with us until we were all settled and latched. She kept up with us through the next days at the hospital by video call and text. I really loved when Katherine came to visit us at home a few days later. It was so therapeutic to talk about the birth together.

Before we met Katherine, my husband and I were unsure if we would hire a doula; if we would get enough out of the experience. Looking back, there is no way we could have achieved our goal of an unmedicated birth without Katherine. Having her help for some of the decision making fatigue, made the whole experience worth it. If I am lucky enough to get pregnant again, Katherine will be one of my first calls to have her on our team again

Ravneet Kaur

12/24/2021

Katherine was absolutely the best! I didn't decide to have a doula till about 3 weeks before my due date and somehow she still made it work and we formed a great relationship. I wish I had gotten her sooner. She was so helpful and kind during the hospital stay and stayed with me the entire time, it was a very long labor (1st time mom). She's fun, smart, kind and knows what shes doing. I'd highly recommend her to anyone looking for that extra support person in your corner during this integral part of giving birth. I plan on having her by my side for my future children as well :)