Katie

3/6/2022

At 36 weeks pregnant, I found mysef in a bind as my doula had to break up with me due to surgery. I was SO grateful for the Universe/God sending me Ginnie. I know in RVA it can be hard to find someone wonderful available on such short notice. I contacted A Brighter Birth and in less than 12 hours, I had an email from Ginnie following up. We met over Zoom shortly after, and then she came to my house to meet in person and go over birth and all the things. I really appreciated her quick replies, and I definitely felt at ease and comfortable around Ginnie. I had met a few other Doulas, and I definitely felt like Ginnie was truly invested and cared about me and my child.

When I was in labor, Ginnie never left our side. She went with us from the birth center to the hospital, and was there working with me, my husband, and the L&D nurses the whole time. When needed, she'd be right there cheering me on, or a quiet support taking the back seat in the room when things were calm. I am happy to say I can call on Ginnie for anything birth/mom/parenting/postpartum related (literally anything!) and she will answer right away. If she doesn't know the answer to a question, she'll research and follow up when she does. 

I'd definitely recommend working with Ginnie! Thanks for such a wonderful experience. My 3rd birth but 1st with a Doula! :) 

Lucy Hager

1/30/2022

Let me start by saying I can’t possibly say enough good things about Ginnie Kurtz. I spent most of my pregnancy scared of giving birth. I took a childbirth education class with Brighter Birth and participated in a group type prenatal care with VCU and neither of them made me feel prepared for the toughest task I would face in my life up to this point. Ginnie has the calming energy and patience needed to deal with a strong personality like me.  She listened to all my concerns and wishes, and when push came to shove in the delivery room she stepped up and made sure my birth plan was protected. She ensured I was heard, and my wants respected.  She was able to explain in detail what the mid-wives were suggesting and work through the risks/rewards of each scenario.  My mid-wife wanted to break my water. Ginnie was there to re-enforce that I did not wish for that to be apart of my birth and she was there to stand the ground. I felt safe having her there. Without Ginnie, I may have given into anything to silence the people in the room.  She advocated for me when the pain was too much for me to do it for myself. She was by myside the entire time, so my partner Matt had a chance to rest.  She kept suggesting ways to keep me physically as comfortable as one can be during active labor. With her help, Matt and I feel like we handled the stress of birth gracefully.  Our birthing experience would have been much different without Ginnie and not for the better.  Looking back, my birth was just the way it was supposed to be.  I am proud of my birth story and Ginnie is a main component of that.  Every woman should have a doula in their corner of that delivery room.  Do yourself a favor and work with Ginnie.  She will always have a place in my heart, and I guarantee you too will love her if you have the opportunity and pleasure to work with her.  

Lucy Hager/Matt Stella-Baby Cameron ??