Melanie Ewing

6/1/2017

Katie recently attended the birth of my fourth child. Though it was my fourth birth and would hopefully be my third natural delivery it was my first with a doula and after my experience with Katie, I'll never have another pregnancy and birth without a doula!

Katie is incredible in many different ways. First of all, she has a very thorough website and facebook page that gives a very professional impression and provides a plethora of information and resources for expecting parents. I really appreciated this when I was trying to find a doula.

In person, Katie is warm, friendly, calm and reassuring all at once. She always made me feel heard whether we spoke in person or by text. She was very responsive to my texts and supportive during the weeks leading up to birth.

Her presence at our birth was such a comfort. She has an excellent sense of what will help when! She had all the tools in her doula bag and somehow they were instantly out of her bag and in her hands just when I needed them! She was reassuring and encouraging during our birth and the time afterwards. She was also great to have because when I was offered an intervention that would have made my desired water birth impossible, she gave me the support/reminder I needed that I could say no if I wished. I'm really glad for that reminder. My husband also felt that her presence was a relief to him as well and he didn't feel the pressure of not knowing what to do to help. He also got to be right near me which I loved.

Right after birth, I had to go through some not so fun things because I had a bit of a hemorrage. Katie stayed through it all and was very empathetic and helped in a tangible way by helping to get baby latched and nursing.

Because of my overall experience, I would highly reccomend ALL expecting mothers get a doula and if you are looking in this area, have Katie! You won't regret it!

Sarah D'Alessandro

1/20/2017

I was pregnant with my first baby and knew that I couldn't read enough or talk to enough people to have the knowledge and experience that a doula might have. I had heard of doulas and thought it would be a great asset to a birth. But I was new to Ohio and had no idea how to find one or how i would find someone that I wanted to be present at such an intimate affair! Plus my husband was in medical school at the time and I knew he would be skeptical of a person coming in to be a part of things that wasn't a doctor or midwife.

My midwife recommended Katie and, after the birth, my husband and I both agree that she was the best thing that could've happened to our pregnancy and birth. Katie made us feel so cared for and helped us relax into the experience of pregnancy and birth. My husband felt so empowered to be a part of the birth and I lost any anxiety I had about not knowing enough to advocate for myself. I would recommend her highly. She's the perfect combination of sweet and tough, friendly and no-nonsense. We are moving away from Ohio soon and my biggest regret is that we won't be able to have Katie at our next birth.

Anna Neavling Bierce

3/4/2016

I want to thank Katie Immel on behalf of me,my husband,the other grandparents, my daughter and her fiance for the amazing journey she supported us all through,which was the birth of a beautiful ,healthy baby boy!! None of us can imagine what it would have been like without her.After researching Doulas , finding Katie and meeting Katie I soon realized she was going to be a gift to all of us.She came to the house 2 times after our first meeting at a coffee shop just so we could get to know her better and to answer questions that came up before the birth.During the LONG labor Katie was somehow able to keep us all calm and positive  until the miracle of the birth.I will jump at the chance to refer her to anyone and will encourage pregnant women that come into my life to concider using a Doula,one named Katie Immel of course!! You rock Katie!!

Eliza Miller

10/6/2015

Where do I begin??? Katie is wonderful! I wanted a doula for our second child - a VBAC birth.  I knew I wanted his birth to be completely different than our first.    Every step of the way Katie supported me.  When I was concerned about the ways my doctors were treating me, she was always available. When labor started, she quickly responded to texts.   She came quickly when we were ready for her to be with us.  She helped me and my husband labor at home for hours. She helped with position changes, heating pad, robozo, getting food and drink for me, and confidently talked me through each contraction.  At the hospital, she let me know of all my options, encouraged me, and stayed with me for hours afterwards to make sure I was ok.   Amazing, she's simply amazing.  My son's VBAC birth was made possible with her!! I would highly recommend her to anyone!

Ashley Beaudry

8/18/2015

I HIGHLY recommend Katie to anyone and everyone!!! Without Katie I do not know if my husband and I would have had the beautfiul unmedicated VBAC that we dreamed of! She is truly an angel! My husband and I love Katie...she became family the moment we met her! With that said...she will always be on the list of the top people to call when we get pregnant again!!! Love you Katie and Thank You!!!!

Lindsay Marx

2/8/2015

When my cousin mentioned hiring a doula to help is through labor, both my husband and I were unsure if that would be a good fit for us. After interviewing Katie, we decided that a doula would help me achieve my goal of a low-intervention birth. Leading up to delivery, Katie was available by text, phone and email for any of my "is this normal?" questions. When my active labor started, Katie came to our home and helped me out until my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart. Once at the hospital, Katie did a great job of anticipating my needs before I needed something. She kept me calm during my 18 hours in the hospital. She encouraged and helped my husband find ways to assist me, so he could be actively involved in the birth. She helped us make educated decisions, and she was so encouraging during my 3.5hrs of pushing. I truly believe that I would have ended up with an epidural without Katie there to support me - she kept me very calm and helped me believe in myself when I was doubting myself. She is so kind, compassionate and an amazing doula. She has truly been called to this line of work, and I can't say enough good things about having her as a part of our birth experience.

Amanda Ennis

3/10/2014

At 41, I got pregnant for the first time and knew I wanted to have a low-key, low-intervention birth. My husband and I liked Katie from the moment we met and knew she was the right partner for us. Despite the additional testing I was subjected to due to my age, my pregnancy went very smoothly and normally. I wish I could say the same about the delivery. Labor started normally and progressed uneventfully...at first. I was at 7 cm when I arrived at the hospital mid-afternoon and was looking forward to meeting my baby by nightfall. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the next morning dawned with the baby still inside. I seemed to get stuck just when things should have been accelerating.

As important as it is to have a doula at your side when things go smoothly, it is even MORE important to have one when things don't go according to plan. Katie was a godsend and things would have been exponentially worse without her. She never threw in the towel, helping me to try different positions, keeping my spirits up, working with my midwife to try and help me along, and commiserating as my birth turned into everything I didn't want: waters broken, epidural, pushing from the hated lithotomy position, and finally the dreaded c-section. While my midwife intimated I shouldn't be all weepy over a c-section the day after the Boston Marathon bombings, a remark that still stings, Katie totally got it: she understood how devastated I was and sympathized with me, and that meant so much. She took beautiful, tasteful photos that I treasure, and once my son was born, she helped him begin breastfeeding immediately and stayed with me until we were settled in the recovery room. She was with me for over 30 hours straight and was never anything but calm and positive. I can't say enough good things about her. She is smart, warm, caring, and knowledgeable, and I am so glad she was there for the birth of my son. Thank you, Katie.

Marcia Richards

3/9/2014

I had the pleasure of working with Katie during a recent birth of one of her clients. I am an OB RN with 29 years experience in OB and have had other doulas attend births at our hospital. Katie is the most professional, caring doula that I have ever worked with. She maintains a calm presence and keeps her client's best interest throughout the labor. She makes sure the client's wishes are well known to the staff and will do her best to follow that plan as long as it is best for mom and baby. When a client's labor doesn't follow the path that was hoped for, Katie keeps the client well informed and helps her to find other options. Katie is very informed on the many aspects of childbirth and her knowledge and skill is very refreshing. She made this client's labor a positive experience that left the client feeling very satisfied and empowered, even when her labor didn't follow the client's plan. I feel that Katie is a doula that I would LOVE to have attend every labor that I am a part of. She keeps the focus on the patient and not on herself! Thanks for giving such great care your clients and allowing me to be a part of it!

Corinda Michaels

1/8/2014

Having Katie at my birth was such a Blessing to my family and I! She prepared my husband and I in the weeks leading up to my labor and was just a very reassuring and encouraging presence during my pregnancy, labor and delivery. I really believe that she was an answered prayer. I was able to manage my discomfort and, with her reassurance, I was also able to manage my fear and have a childbirth experience that I loved. I absolutely would recommend Katie to any mamas considering a doula!

Ashley Doringo

12/22/2013

There are so many wonderful things I could say about my experience with Katie as our doula. I'll try to just stick to points that would be helpful in deciding to hire her. She is warm and comforting- for me this was important because I hired her for my first and only birth (so far). I wanted someone who could comfort me if I got scared, someone to reassure me of what I'm capable of- but in an empathetic and warm way- that is Katie! I also wanted someone who shared my faith. Birth is such an intimate and almost spiritual experience, I wanted to make sure I hired someone who shared the same beliefs as my husband and I- that is Katie! She also looks at birth the way I do, as do many of you seeking a doula. I wanted to go all natural, free of interventions, medications, etc, etc. she helped me to achieve that for the most part (I had group b strep, and opted to have my waters broken for me), helped me to write a birth plan, helped me to stick to it, helped me to make decisions during birth (What woman 16+ hours into labor is capable of making any decision without feeling overwhelmed?). Bottom line: With the help of Katie, I was able to deliver a 9lb 15oz baby boy all natural, no meds. She helped me to achieve the greatest accomplishment of my life, and I am so, so happy we hired her!

Sarah DiCarlo

12/18/2013

Hello, my name is Sarah Banzhof and I had the absolute pleasure of working with Katie this past summer.  She is by far one of the most genuine, caring people I have ever met!  I had always thought abiut "going natural" with the birth of my baby, but hadn't truly committed to it. Katie helped me so much by advising me to 100% commit to the thought of going natural instead of just "seeing hiw it goes." With her help, God's help and the help of my amazing husband, I had the birth of my dreams. Thank you Katie for all you have done for me and other mamas! You rock!

Sarah Hilliard

12/16/2013

I first met Katie when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. I had already hired her friend/associate to be my doula. My husband and I attended her birthing classes and I hired her to encapsulate the placenta. We both felt very comfortable with her and kept in touch via email/Facebook. She called dibs on being my doula for our next baby.

When I became pregnant the second time, just 6 short months after my first daughter was born, I immediately emailed Katie to tell her and book her for my second daughter's birth. She was a great resource to me during my pregnancy, she offered support and advice regarding breast feeding while pregnant and helped me decide on a new care provider since I had been unhappy with my previous one.

We were glad to have her at our side when our second daughter (quickly!) entered the world. Her calm words in my ear gave me the confidence to give birth even though the nurses were telling me to stop pushing (only because the doctor wasn't there yet). I had some complications a couple of weeks post delivery and Katie was just a phone call away.

I am happy to call Katie my friend and would reccommend her to anyone who is having a baby.

Rebecca Fox

12/13/2013

Hiring Katie to help us bring our first born into the world, was the best decision we ever made during pregnancy.  I knew I wanted to have an all natural childbirth from the begining, but needed to make some changes to make this a posdibility.  She helped my husband and I make some pretty big changes, late in pregnancy, in hopes of obtaining this goal.

Just before our birthing class, I was told that I was borderline for pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and might need to be induced.  Katie provided us with the necessary information to prepare for this possible outcome

A few weeks later this preparation paid off.  My provider decided it was time to schedule an induction at 39 weeks. After numerous calls with Katie and against my wishes, my husband and I decided we were going to show up for the induction and I was going to try and have an induced birth without pain medication.

Without Katie's help, I am not sure the induction would have been as successful as it was.  Before we needed her at the hospital with us, my provider did not do a good job of explaining the reasoning for needing certain medical intervention, against our wishes.  When Katie got there she helped to provide another voice for us and help us move forward and refocus on our birth goals.  8 hours later we had exhausted all comfort measures allowed for a pitocin induced labor and I was having trouble recovering ,in between, the ever increasing intensity of pitocin induced contractions.  I gave in and recieved an epidural after finding out I was 7 centimeters dialated.

Two hours later we welcomed our sweet little boy into the world.  Without Katie's help I am not sure I would have lasted 16 hours of my 18 hour induction, without any pain intervention. Our birth did not go according to plan but we still had a healthy baby. I would recommend her to anyone and plan on using her again for any future births.

Natalie Arnold

12/13/2013

Katie was a wonderful doula for my first natural birth for my second child.  She made my husband and I feel confident and comfortable in the months leading to my birth.  She was always available for support and questions. The day of the birth, she was there when I needed her and I felt she melded right into the process and did exactly what I needed with little to no words that that's what I needed. She doesn't have her own agenda as a doula. Her agenda is whatever a birthing mother (and father) need.  I highly recommend Katie!

Andy Richardson

12/13/2013

When my wife and I were expecting our first child, my wife took the time to educate me on the importance of having a doula and how much more comfortable she would be if we had one.  Her comfort was my primary concern, so we set up a meeting with Katie Immel.  From the moment we met Katie, we felt immediately comfortable with her.  She was open minded and very knowledgeable on how we wanted our specific birth (holistic birth, no drugs or interventions).  Katie made us feel confident in our decision to proceed the way we had intended.  When labor started, Katie was VERY helpful in providing comfort which allowed us to labor at home as long as possible.  When the moment finally arrived (actually EARLY morning), we contacted Katie to let her know we were going to the hospital and she was immediatly responsive.  She met us at the birthing center at 230am and had brougth things to help make my wife more comfortable during the active labor.  She came prepared with all of the comforting measures we could have asked for.  As a first time father, I would have been lost without Katie and my wife would have been REALLY stressed out.  My wife went through 23 hours of early labor and 5 hours of active labor before our daughter was born and Katie was a vital part of our birthing experience.  I cannot say enough great things about how supportive, helpful, and motivating she was and there is not a day that goes by where I can't imagine NOT having had Katie as a part of our greatest moment in the lives of my wife and I.  Katie was great and we consider her part of the family.

nicole hoover

12/13/2013

When i first found out i was pregnant i knew i wanted a natural birth. My boyfriend and I were browsing the internet and found Katie. After we had an interview with her,we really wanted her to be apart of our birth. She was AMAZING support,she never left my side and she did everything i needed her to and more. She most definitely knows how to care for a woman in labor,and even after. She was really grate emotional support for after birth,she was (and still is ) very kind,compassionate and respectful towards my choices,needs and wants. I will have her there for my next birth. :)

Jennifer Hubbard

12/13/2013

Katie was an awesome help getting through my labor naturally and acheiving a succesful VBAC. She was a great resource to me regarding labor preparation mentally, spiritually and physically. My husband raved about her after our birth and the vastly different outcomes & experiences from our first birth experience without a doula.

amanda kins

12/13/2013

I used Katie with the birth of my first son. From the first moment I met her I felt totally comfortable and knew she was the perfect fit for us. My birth was not going exactly as plan and I kept looking to Katie during the process. She was very comforting and put me at ease and was my voice during this unexpected time. Even a couple weeks after the birth, she was supporting me through breastfeeding and anything else I needed. I can not say enough about her and what she did for my family, she will always have a special place in my heart.

Rebekah Shipper

8/31/2011

I am so glad that I found Katie and that she was able to be our Doula. My labor started unexpectedly (7 weeks early) and in that moment, a lot of the preparation and plans my husband and I had made went out the window. Fortunately, Katie was with us every step of the way, helping us to still get the type of labor and delivery experience that was important to us. She knew that we wanted a drug free birth with as little intervention as possible, and we got it! She was there to encourage me to get up and move around during labor, she reminded me of different positions I could be in, and was there to help my husband comfort and encourage me. I also really appreciated how she was able to gently remind the nurses of a few of my wishes, such as delayed cord clamping and putting my son right on my chest after delivery. I am so grateful for Katie's help with my birth. I will make sure she is there for all my babies!

Kristen Maynard

8/30/2011

Katie Immel is not only an excellent doula but an extremely compassionate, thoughtful, and knowledgeable person. We hired Katie as our doula for our child's birth, and I can say that my birth experience was definitely better because of it. She exceeded our expectations, and I am so fortunate to have had her there to support me before, during, and after I had my first child. We would gladly recommend her as a doula. She’s amazing!

Kathy Krietemeyer

8/29/2011

jennifer schlager

8/28/2011

Well i would like to say Katie was a huge help and relief when i decided it was time to go to the hospital. She was kind enough to drive me while my baby's father waited for family to arrive and come to the hospital with them. she was such a great support, as daddy couldnt remember much of what he was taught in child birth class.. even after our daughter was born she hung around and helped me and even visited later. she is a great friend now and i would recommend her to anyone that wanted a doula. THANKS KATIE!!

Esther Nussbaum

8/27/2011

Katie was our birthing instructor/Doula when we had our daughter. We really wanted a natural birth and she did an excellent job of preparing us for that. When i went into labor, Katie was there for us every step of the way.  We felt competely prepared and ready for labor and delivery. When it was time for our daughters birth, she was there to help coach us through contractions and minor setbacks along the way.  She was there supporting our wishes when we felt the pressure from the doctor to use pitocin. We were able to acheive a natural birth (aside from episiotomy) on our time frame because we had her knowledge and support there with us. We had a fantastic experience with her and plan to use her again for any other children we may be blessed with. She is a wonderful doula and now friend to us and i recommed her services to anyone.

Karla Brown Carnahan

8/27/2011

Katie Immel went above and beyond the call of duty for myself and my family. She supported our every decision while constantly providing information to help make pregnancy, labor and delivery as smooth and manageable as possible.  Throughout our relationship with Katie, she was always very positive.  She is a God send for pregnant women and I feel bad for those who don't have her help and support during labor and delivery. We liked her so much we hired her twice and we could not have been happier! :)

Angelina Verginis

8/27/2011