Lisa Barrett

5/1/2024

I am so greatful to have had Kristi as my doula even though I had a c-section. At 34wks I checked into labor and delivery for contractions. My baby was breech and premee, so the doctors wanted him to stay in as long as possible to mature. My contractions never stopped, but I did not dilate. However I could not go home to labor because babies heart rate was having random drops and needed constant monitoring. I was on strict hospital bed rest with contractions at 5 out of 10 pain scale for 2 straight weeks. Kristi was amazing. She kept checking in on me and my husband. We were able to create a new birth plan around having a c-section since my little guy was not flipping and because of the strict bed rest I was not allowed to try any positions to encourage him to flip. Mentally it was very hard to be bed bound for 2 weeks at the hospital and I was having a hard time with it. Kristi continued to check on me to offer any support she could. Once I hit 36wks my contraction pain increased to 7 out of 10 and I was then starting to dilate and was at 4cm, so they finally took me for the c-section. The doctor allowed Kristi into the surgery room. She was able to hold my hand while they did my spinal, she made sure I always knew what was going on and made sure that my birth plan was being followed. She was my voice during a time when I was so consumed by what was happening I don't think I could have spoken up for myself. She also supported my husband, gave him guidance on how he could help and she took pictures of us during my procedure and of the baby after he came out. She went with my husband and son when they left the room; I stayed to be closed up. She got pictures of my husband doing skin to skin with our newborn and then when I was able to join, she helped me to try breastfeeding for the first time. She was amazing in every way and I would highly recommend her to anyone, even if you think you may have a c-section. I am so grateful to have had her on my birth team.

Lisa Barrett

4/24/2024

I am so greatful to have had Kristi as my doula even though I had a c-section. At 34wks I checked into labor and delivery for contractions. My baby was breech and premee, so the doctors wanted him to stay in as long as possible to mature. My contractions never stopped, but I did not dilate. However I could not go home to labor because babies heart rate was having random drops and needed constant monitoring. I was on strict hospital bed rest with contractions at 5 out of 10 pain scale for 2 straight weeks. Kristi was amazing. She kept checking in on me and my husband. We were able to create a new birth plan around having a c-section since my little guy was not flipping and because of the strict bed rest I was not allowed to try any positions to encourage him to flip. Mentally it was very hard to be bed bound for 2 weeks at the hospital and I was having a hard time with it. Kristi continued to check on me to offer any support she could. Once I hit 36wks my contraction pain increased to 7 out of 10 and I was then starting to dilate and was at 4cm, so they finally took me for the c-section. The doctor allowed Kristi into the surgery room. She was able to hold my hand while they did my spinal, she made sure I always knew what was going on and made sure that my birth plan was being followed. She was my voice during a time when I was so consumed by what was happening I don't think I could have spoken up for myself. She also supported my husband, gave him guidance on how he could help and she took pictures of us during my procedure and of the baby after he came out. She went with my husband and son when they left the room; I stayed to be closed up. She got pictures of my husband doing skin to skin with our newborn and then when I was able to join, she helped me to try breastfeeding for the first time. She was amazing in every way and I would highly recommend her to anyone, even if you think you may have a c-section. I am so grateful to have had her on my birth team.

Olivia

8/21/2023

Kristi was a fantastic doula!  My husband and I hired her just a few weeks before our baby's birth and she immediately began helping us prepare for the birth.  She sent helpful text messages and resources whenever I had a concern or question about possible pregnancy complications or birth scenarios.  Words I would use to describe my experience with Kristi and her work as our doula: encouraging, reassuring, competent, informed, equipping, and peace-giving.  She came to the hospital as soon as we called her upon the onset of labor and stayed several hours past the baby's birth.  My daughter's birth was a beautiful experience for me and I am so glad Kristi was a part of it.  She helped me advocate with the hospital staff for the things I wanted and did it in a kind and professional way.  I would highly recommend her. 

Jackie Jelen

6/5/2023

Kristi was amazing! I was extremely lucky to be able to take a childbirth class with Kristi and have her as my doula. She has a wealth of knowledge and is a respectful but attentive advocate for you in the hospital. There were times during my labor where we needed assistance from a nurse - Kristi was quick to ask for help and make it so my husband never left my side.

My goal with hiring a doula was to hold off on an epidural while prioritizing the health of the baby and me (mom). Kristi helped me get to ~8cm dilation with just comfort measures. From then on, the birth was extremely smooth and fairly quick for being a first time mom. She stayed with us from the beginning to the end and knew when to give us time alone and when to stay. 

I highly recommend Kristi!! I would use her services again - it was well worth the money! 

Stephanie Nguyen

4/14/2023

Kristi was a God send and amazing doula.  We are so glad we had her leading up to the birth of our first child and to have her present at labor and delivery. Kristi is so knowledgable and helped us decipher some of the complicated medical interventions that our OB clinic discussed with us during my pregnancy.  She is so knowledgeable about the hospital system, medical interventions, and strategies to cope with pregnancy symptons.  When we did not understand a specific medical intervention that our OBs discussed at our appointments, Kristi sent us evidence-based articles, talked through our options, and helped us understand the science before we made a decision.  She was consistent with communication via phone and text and visited us at our home (pre and postpartum) to help us with our pregnancy journey.  The birth plan session was the most helpful to us because we had a better understanding of our labor and delivery options.  Leading up to labor and delivery, Kristi sent helpful resources and affirmations to help calm us for the big day.  Although my labor and delivery did not go as we had hoped, Kristi was a calming presence in the delivery room.   She was aware and communicated our birthing preferences and even my spouse's aversion to needles and blood to the hospital care team.  We are so happy and honored to have Kristi by our side as we welcomed our baby ino the world.  

Maeve Smith

1/31/2023

I feel like it was fate when I met Kristi about 2 weeks prior to my due date (in reality ended up being 4 weeks before this baby wanted to come out!) and I can't say enough amazing things about my experience working with her! When I was initially pregnant with baby #2 I had briefly considered looking into getting a doula, but never fully pursued it and as the time got closer I really didn't know it would be possible to find one so last minute, that's where Kristi came in!

Thankfully she had a pretty clear December and was able to take me on as my doula. I couldn't imagine my birth without her and her guidance and suggestions. I was hoping to birth as long as possible before receiving any drugs if I came to that point. Kristi's expertise in different positions to try, ways to advocate for yourself and calming demeanor allowed me to have an amazing birth experience that I truely thought wasn't possible. She knew when to offer suggestions when needed, but also allowed for space for when my partner and I needed it. Even just the simplist act of constantly replacing a cold wet wash cloth on my neck during contractions made all the difference. With her guidance, and help I was able to deliver my sweet baby boy med free and I can honestly say Kristi was a big reason of how and why I was able to make it through. 

She is thorough in her prior meetings to your due date, helping me create a birth plan and think of options that I didn't even know were options. She comes prepared to help you advocate for yourself for medical decisions, and she is intentional in every step of the process. If we decide to have another baby I will definitely be reaching out to Kristi first thing! You won't regret having her there right alongside you during your birthing journey!