Hailey

11/18/2024

Kelly is absolutely incredible. The support, advice, and care she provides during pregnancy and labor/birth are invaluable. My husband and I weren’t sure if we really needed a doula, but we’re both so grateful that we hired Kelly! It made the experience of welcoming our first child so much more smooth than it otherwise would have been. A hospital birth was required for us for safety reasons, but I wanted to remain as intervention-free as possible, and having Kelly there helped make that happen. We are so grateful!

Ashley Krolak

11/8/2024

Kelly was an absolute god send! I knew from the first time meeting her that she was going to be my doula. She was very warm and comforting from the get go. I could easily confide in her and ask her any questions. She is very knowledgeable and helpful in all aspects. She is positive, upbeat, and caring. I knew I could count on her when the time came. She laid on the hospital floor for 12 hours when were very unsure of what was going to happen and never left our side. During my birth she was my coach and motivator. She put both my husband and I at ease the entire time. We fully trusted her and both could not imagine another birth without her! 

Gabrielle Willingham

10/23/2024

I have had the blessing of having Kelly by my side when delivering both of my baby boys at home. Kelly is phenomenal. She is a perfect combination of everything you need- the “you can do it” motivation of a coach, the knowledge and ability to help you at your most vulnerable of a nurse, the by your side energy of your best friend and the nurturing and comfort of your mom. She knows what I need before I do and it feels like she can read my mind and feel what I am feeling. After my first experience with her I spent a lot of time praying that everything would work out for her to be there for my second. I don’t know how other women give birth without a doula, specifically without Kelly. She has a God-given gift for helping women have their babies.

Hailey hazar

10/6/2024

I am so thankful to have had Kelly Sunshine at not one but TWO of my deliveries. She was my biggest advocate but also her support and techniques guided me to the finish line each time. She was encouraging and hands on to make sure I felt supported in all ways possible. Her counter pressure techniques and helping get me to different positions to achieve the birth I dreamed of without medication, I couldnt have been done without her by my side! My husband was also relived to have her with us in a time where he wasn't sure what to expect we had her expertise to rely on! Oh and the beautiful photos she captured was just the cherry on top! Those alone are priceless!! 

Amanda Noetzelman

9/14/2024

Kelly was absolutely incredible and there's no doubt she had a hand in creating the best possible birth experience for me. From the first meeting, she made me feel so confident in my choices and ability to prepare for the birth of my dreams. She provided honest recommendations on providers and was very responsive to any questions I had throughout pregnancy. She went above and beyond, even finding an opportunity to connect with my midwife and express my concerns prior to birth. My birth was very quick, which could have felt chaotic and scary, but Kelly was with me every step of the way to reassure me. She was amazing at explaining the hospitals processes and dumming down medical jargon so it was more easily understandable. She offered amazing physical and emotion comfort and support throughout my unmedicated birth. She even captured some amazing photos in the very short time she had given my quick delivery. I would highly recommend Kelly to any mom looking for doula support in the birth!!

Annabel Barraza

9/10/2024

My experience with Kelly was phenomenaI.  I can truly say that I am not sure I could have done it without her support and advocacy. She supported me in more ways that I can describe. While I labored at home, she gave me several positions so that I could rest while I had mild contractions. As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she got to work and knew what to do to make me feel more comfortable. She prepared the tub and helped me labor in it for hours. She gave me sips of water, she placed cold cloths on my neck and helped clear my sinues. She explained everything that was happening and advocated for my wants with hospital staff. She walked me through every step of the birth of my first-born, and I am eternally grateful for her support. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I made. 

Trina Blankenship

8/29/2024

Working with Kelly Sunshine was an incredibly transformative experience. From the very beginning, she provided unwavering support, compassionate care, and a deep understanding of my needs and emotions. Her calming presence and knowledge helped me feel empowered and confident throughout the entire journey. Kelly played a crucial role in making my birth experience not only more positive but also healing, especially after the trauma of my first birth. I can’t imagine going through this without her, and I am eternally grateful for everything she did to support me and my family. Kelly Sunshine is truly a remarkable doula, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a caring and dedicated birth partner.

Christine

7/29/2024

We have been blessed to have Kelly be our doula for all three of our children's births. She is absolutely amazing and you will not regret hiring her as your doula. She is so confident, knowledgeable, compassionate, and always knows exactly what to do/say throughout the birthing process. She has helped me and my husband feel more confident and secure in our birthing experiences. She has helped me in managing labor pains, feeling confident and not give up, giving valuable and experienced advice when something unexpected happens, and always showing up with a positive and compassionate energy. After 3 births with Kelly, we consider her a vital part of the growth of our family. Thank you Kelly for everything you've done for us! 

Kendall Gossman

7/23/2024

Kelly has served as my doula for both of my births. I had a C-Sect with my first son in 2021 due to his breech positioning, and even though it was not the birth I had planned, Kelly was an amazing support through the process and assured me that a VBAC would be a possibility for my next pregnancy. When I found out I was pregnant with my second son in 2023, I reached out to Kelly right away as I was very intent on having a natural VBAC and knew I wanted her partnership through the process. She was an incredible support and resource throughout my entire pregnancy which resulted in the most wonderful, peaceful, natural birth in June of 24. She knew how important it was for me to have an unmedicated VBAC and she counseled me and guided me throughout my pregnancy to ensure I met that goal. We had frequent check-ins following OB visits and she is super attentive and responsive as needs and questions arise throughout the pregnancy journey. She spent several hours with my husband and I during a visit in the third trimester to discuss what to expect during labor/birth and helped me create my birth plan and even offered a guide on what to pack in my hospital bag. When the time came, I felt so confident and prepared for birth. Kelly is incredibly hands on and present during birth. She instills so much confidence in you that you feel empowered and entirely capable of natural birth. She navigates all of the moving parts beautifully including coordinating with nurses, staff, and helping the husband cope! She had incredible synergy with my OB which made everything so seamless. Thanks in large part to her, my natural, unmedicated VBAC was an incredible success and was truly the birth of my dreams! I am still reliving the entire experience 6 weeks later. She is definitely someone you want on your team during pregnancy and birth and I can't speak highly enough of Kelly Sunshine! I look forward to working with her again during my next pregnancy!

Eliza

7/18/2024

Kelly is truly my guardian angel. I was able to have my dream birth because of her despite several roadblocks along the way. Leading up to the birth Kelly was responsive and had a great program that helped me feel prepared but in the final two weeks as I had to make several difficult decisions Kelly was my husband and my rock, she helped talk us through everything without judgment and ultimately we landed on decisions that were right for us. On my daughter's birth day Kelly jumped in and her expertise allowed me to have the unmedicated birth I planned and gave my husband support so he could be there for me. She worked with my midwife and hospital staff. If you are planning to have an unmediated birth or just want extra support hire Kelly!!! 

Rachel

7/12/2024

I enjoyed having Kelly as my doula for the birth of my second baby. Her experience, familiarity with the hospital, and birthing expertise were all very comforting leading up to and during the birth. I hired her because I tried for a natural, birth center delivery with my firstborn but ended up having an emergency c-section. I wanted to do everything I could to avoid a second c-section and also have the best chance at a natural birth. I achieved a natural VBAC! I am grateful for Kelly's help in guiding my husband and I throughout the parts of the birth process that I didn't experience the first time, bringing a sense of calm, and believing that I could achieve the birth that I wanted.

Allie Swanson

6/2/2024

My husband and I had the most amazing birth experience with the support of Kelly Sunshine. We are beyond blessed we had Kelly as our doula. From the initial consultation, we knew Kelly was the right fit for us with her calm demeanor and excitement towards a supportive birth. Kelly has not disappointed, she was always available to answer questions throughout pregnancy. We met with her at our home around 36 weeks, at a time I was feeling anxious about birth, the conversation and plan she discussed made me feel empowered and excited about labor and delivery. She  supported our wishes for an unmedicated birth and helped us envision how we saw the day going. Come due date, Kelly was with us ever step of the way. She calmed me when I was anxious when contractions started in the early morning. She spoke to my husband when I was focusing through labor at home. She followed us to the hospital when ready. I was extremely focused through active labor but had a few moments to thank Kelly for being there for us because I knew I would not be in such a calm state without her presence. She truly was a gift from God for us. She encouraged me through the whole birth and made me feel so empowered. (Apparently I was her 1200th birth!) this speaks to the wealth of knowledge she has. Additionally, She took some gorgeous photos of our birthing experience and also wrote a whole timeline of our day- which truly is special to have. Our birth experience would not have gone so smoothly and been so memorable without Kelly. Even after birth she has checked in to support the difficulties of postpartum- helping be find lactation support, chiropractic care, and just someone to talk to about how I'm feeling with my ever changing hormones. I will hire Kelly again and again and again! I highly recommend sunshine doula services!! 

Breanna Penrod

5/26/2024

I switched OBGYN practices half way through my pregnancy and was wanting to have an all natural labor experience. It was recommended by my midwife Ellie Tan that I consider using Sunshine Doula to help me reach my goals. I had a zoom meeting with Kelly Sunshine and instantly felt that she was meant to be my doula. Whenever I had a question during my pregnancy I was able to send Kelly a text message and would receive an answer. When I was in the hospital in labor Kelly helped me get into positions and helped coach me through each contraction. She used so many different methods to make sure that I accomplished my natural birth. While helping hold my body as I was pushing she also took amazing photos of my labor and they are frame worthy. Kelly spoke positive words as I struggled during labor and stayed by my side until the end. Kelly helped me accomplish my goals and I told my husband that I do not want anything for Christmas or my birthday but next time we have a baby to let me hire Kelly again! I would highly recommend Sunshine Doula to anyone looking to hire a doula for their labor she delivery. 

Breanna Schmidt

5/24/2024

Kelly is amazing! She was absolutely incredible throughout our home birthing process. Her calming presence and expert guidance made us feel supported and confident every step of the way. She provided invaluable emotional and physical support, creating a serene and empowering environment. She quickly jumps into action and is extremely knowledgeable with her wealth of experience. We couldn't have asked for a more compassionate and skilled doula to help us welcome our baby into the world.

Jalin Gregory

5/23/2024

Kelly was exactly who I needed to get me through my beautiful home birth. She gave my husband and myself the emotional support we needed. When I had to go to the hospital for stitches Kelly was my advocate and handled everything for us. She also helped me learn to breastfeed and made my placenta capsules the day after our birth. We were blessed by Kelly's help and will most definitely hire her again. Thank you thank you thank you. 

Kamryn Janelle

5/10/2024

I cannot say enough how thankful my husband and I were to have Kelly with us for my first birth!

Throughout my pregnancy she was responsive about any questions that I had and never made me feel silly for asking. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and it shows in her work. 

When it came time for me to deliver, my husband and I were both so relieved to have Kelly with us. She knew what was going on every step of the way and was able to talk us both through what to expect before anything happened. The nurses at our hospital were great, but it was amazing to have someone be there just for us who was keeping in mind the things that we wanted out of our birth. I was nervous about the delivery the whole time I was pregnant, but having Kelly made me feel empowered and ready to have my son! 

Thank you so much Kelly, we had an amazing birth experience because of you!

Nalani

5/7/2024

Kelly Sunshine and team were absolutely fantastic! Prior to birth, I met with Kelly and she displayed this sense of calm/compassion that eased my anxiety about labor and gave me the courage to pursue a natural birthing experience. During labor, Kelly and Danielle knew exactly what my body needed , physically and mentally, to get me to the finish line. In the hospital setting, they advocated all my wants and needs to the medical staff. There were a handful of times that I recieved push back from the nurses but Kelly and Danielle were there to push for what I wanted and find solutions. Hiring Kelly and her team was the best decision we could have made! 

Alexys McQueary

4/17/2024

Kelly was absolutely amazing! I truly do not know if I would have had the birth experirnce I had without her. I wanted an unmedicated birth and a positive birth after having some trauma with my first pregnancy/birthing experience. She made this second time around so perfect! I would recommend her to anybody!

Molly Fine

4/5/2024

Kelly is wonderful!

Kelly was our Doula twice, once in 2021 and most recently in March of 2024. I had two extremely different labors and deliveries (just how it naturally progressed) both experiences were slightly out of the ordinary, and Kelly’s experience, guidance and relationships played a key role in us having positive outcomes!

Kelly is an excellent doula, and you will have a better birth experience working with her!

Bonnie Kelsey

2/16/2024

Hiring Kelly was one of the best things I could have done for my pregnancy and delivery. It is because of her I was able to have a vaginal delivery. She coached me through the tough decisions and was there to answer all of my questions. I can not recommend her and her services enough. The first meeting with her was the best "prenantal class" we could have taken! She covers it all and helps you feel more at ease for what's to come! Thank you Kelly for everything! 

Katina Jonovich

2/12/2024

I was not planning on using a doula this pregnancy since I haven't reaped all that a doula could provide in the past, but Kelly was the perfect doula for me and an amazing resource for our family! I had so many nerves with this pregnancy and she was there to answer all of my questions. I have used previous doulas, but with my labors being so quick I never really was able to use them during the labor. Kelly went to the hospital with us and was incredibly helpful to my husband on how to best help me. She was calm and that allowed me to relax throughout my labor. She captured moments and memories that I had never gotten with my previous babies. I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone who is pregnant and looking for a doula. If we have another baby, I will definitely be utilizing her doula services again. 

Lindsey Meredith

1/28/2024

We have hired Kelly twice and could not be happier with our experience. She is the best support during labor - the thing I appreciate most is that I never had to think about my positioning or what to do next. She knew what my body needed when I couldn't have made those decisions for myself. The birth timeline and photos are icing on the cake. I joke with my husband that if I had to choose to have him or Kelly there during labor, the choice is not going to be him (but seriously). Thank you Kelly!

Taylor Kriske

1/26/2024

As I lay in bed with my newborn, I constantly think about my birth. I found Kelly through my sisters who used her daughter as their midwife to deliver their babies. Kelly was beyond amazing from the beginning. I was nervous almost my entire pregnancy about labor and delivery, and Kelly instantly relieved my mind. It's something about Kelly's demeanor that just feels like a fresh of breathe air. She's very calming and relaxing, which is what I needed. Any time I had a question she was there, any time I needed help getting an appointment with my midwife, she was there. She was there for me and my husband every step of the way, and I couldn't be more thankful. I don't know that I could have gotten through labor and delivery without Kelly. When I was in the thick of it, she helped me get to the finish line. She knew my birth plan, and helped me stick to it. If there's more babies in the future for my husband and I, I already know Kelly will be my doula again.

Nicole Rubino

1/4/2024

I would give Kelly all the stars in the world, she took me on as a client 2 weeks before my due date even though she was completely booked up. She made my birth experience for my husband and I such a blessing and I would have NEVER been able to go unmedicated without her. Laboring at home and knowing when to go to the hospital, helping with different laboring positions to her helping me apply counter pressure on my back during contractions and telling me I can do this when I wanted to give up were only a few ways she helped me through my labor. We love you Kelly!! Highly recommend - The Rubinos

Challis Pascucci

12/21/2023

Kelly supported me through my second birth and I don't know what my husband and I would have done without her! She advocated for me and ensured I was comfortable through my second unmediated delivery. The pictures she captured were amazing and tell the perfect story for our special day. Would recommend her to anyone! 

Kerry

12/21/2023

Kelly was so incredible for the birth of our son.  I am a first time mom, and it was so nice to have a resource to go to for all sorts of questions.  She was present the whole time for our birth and explained everything that was going on, which helped me out greatly with the anxiety of just not having done this before.  She took some beautiful photos for us also. We had such a wonderful experience with her, highly recommend for anyone looking for some great support and knowledge at your birth! 

Glenda Morgan

12/9/2023

Kelly was referred to me by a family member and a doula was highly recommended especially for my first child and I am SO glad I had Kelly by my side. She was informative and helped me understand the labor process as well as talk to both my husband and I about what to expect, what to do, and how my husband could best support me. With her guidance and support I was able to mainly labor at home, and have a comfortable and smooth labor experience in the hospital as well. During delivery, Kelly worked so well with my midwife to ensure my baby boy arrived safely and even efficiently. Out of all the things I educated myself on, pushing during delivery was something I did not get right the first time. Thankfully, Kelly didn't give up on me and had me try different methods of pushing. She remained patient as I tried a few different ways and in less than 45 minutes my baby boy arrived. Kelly supported every decision I had about an unmedicated birth, answered every question, and just as importantly remained realistic during the entire process. It was such a comforting feeling knowing that I had my midwife fully focused on the safe arrival of my baby, and Kelly fully focused on ensuring I was taken care of, as comfortable as a mom could possibly be during labor and deliver, and mentally strong. 

Thank you so much! 

Natalia Bell

11/20/2023

Wow! Kelly was such a blessing with getting our baby boy delivered. She was there every single step of the way, literally never left my side.  I was able to find my most deepest strength with Kelly's support. My husband and mother also we're beyond amazed of the work we did together and loved how she supported them too. We thank you again! 

Rachel Moghina

11/15/2023

Kelly has been an incredible support for me during my last four labors-- two of them at the hospital and two of them at home. I cannot imagine my labor without her and I am confident that they were easier, calmer, and quicker because of her.  

She's a fantastic coach, with a toolbelt of ideas to help labor progress.  She gives the best hip squeezes during the more intense contractions!  Her encouraging words help me feel calm and safe and capable.  Her faith in God is a treasure to me-- I feel safe and welcome to pray and worship because she's right there to do so with me. 

One specific example of Kelly's skilled helpfulness is from my last labor.  I felt like things were stalling because the opening of my cervix was way back.  I asked her and my midwives if they had any suggestions.  Kelly did a 3-4 "belly lifts" during contractions to help readjust things, and I finally felt contractions hit the next level!  Baby was born very soon after;  I was so thankful that she was equipped to help me that way!

Another treasure for me was how welcoming and encouraging Kelly was about having my 3 girls present with me during labor.  I was hesitant about the idea, but warmed up to it when she shared how special and bonding it could be.  During my actual labor, she made them feel so welcome and helpful as she taught them how to understand what was happening and how to be comforting to me. Having them there was my favorite part of this labor!

I could go on with a long list of specific ways that Kelly has been an incredible support to me, my husband, and my children during labor, but I'll end by saying that we recommend her to ALL of our AZ pregnant momma friends. 

Heather M

11/13/2023

Kelly was so great to have on our birth team for the third time! she helped us find doctors that aligned with what we were looking for, chiropractors, gave me the information and tools I needed to have a smoother labor, and was an advocate for me in my births. Once labor started she was always the first to greet us at the hospital and helped checkin go quicker. She helped me find different labor positions so I could be more comfortable and baby could get in the right spot. She always knew exactly what I needed to ease the intensity of contractions and make it through my births. 

Isabel Ponce

8/30/2023

if you're on the fence about hiring a doula and especially hiring Kelly I'm here to say she's amazing and having someone there to support you and also guide your partner is so helpful! She was very clear at communicating and also provided so much information that was helpful during labor and afterwards. She's such a kind soul and so genuine. You're going to love it and your partner will be able to provide more help without getting on your nerves! It's worth it !! 

Quincy Robinson

8/30/2023

Kelly Sunshine is absolutely amazing! She made me feel so comfortable and confident leading up to the big day and provided so much helpful and informative information, putting my husband and I at ease. She was always quick to respond and made you feel like you were her one and only client. I had a scheduled induction, so on delivery day she was constantly checking in and providing advice along the way. Once she got there she was litearlly my LIFE SAVER. Contractions started to really pick up and she was able to talk me through each one, coaching me on how to breath and putting me in positions that helped the labor progress. She applied counter pressure in all the right areas and was there for every single contraction. I wanted an unmedicated birth and Kelly supported that 100% and made sure to be my advocate in the delivery room. When things got hard and I tried to give up, Kelly believed in me and motivated/pushed me to move forward! I have never felt so much love and support! I am using Kelly for every single one of my births and would and will recommend her to everyone I know! 

Jamie

8/26/2023

I am eternally grateful for Kelly’s support through 4 pregnancies. Each birth unfolded better than expected, thanks in large part to Kelly. My 1st pregnancy, I knew I wanted a natural birth but didn’t know anything about the process, so I joined a Bradley Method birth class and hired Kelly as my doula to prepare myself for what was to come. I learned a tremendous amount in that class, but once labor began, everything I thought I would remember escaped me. The all-consuming reality of labor took over; thankfully, that's when Kelly showed up. With her calm and reassuring presence, it felt like my guardian angel had just walked into the room. She was hands-on and knew just what I needed at that moment and in each moment that followed. I labored at home until Kelly decided it was time for the hospital. Once there, she talked me through every contraction while simultaneously coaching my husband on how best to support me. Equally as important, she advocated for me and my baby with the hospital staff. Her knowledge and support gave me the confidence I needed to deliver my baby naturally and according to my birth plan. When I found out our 2nd baby was on the way, I enthusiastically asked Kelly to be part of that journey, too. During my 3rd pregnancy, Kelly suggested that I was a great candidate for home birth. I was intrigued but my husband was terrified, so she sat with us and addressed each of our questions and concerns, one by one. We woke up the next day with clarity; a home birth was our new plan. Kelly helped us pivot by introducing us to an amazing midwife. My 3rd and 4th babies arrived at home in a dream-like setting surrounded by my incredible birth team. Home birth was more comfortable and peaceful than I imagined it would be, and I never would have endeavored to do it if it hadn’t been for Kelly’s encouragement. Kelly is a blessing, a phenomenal doula who became a dear friend in the process, and I cannot recommend her more highly!

Kristen

8/10/2023

Kelly was our doula for both of our pregnancies and we had an incredible experience with her. Especially on our first pregnancy, not knowing what to expect, she helped us navigate the various decisions we had to make regarding our birth preferences, and she was by our side all day to provide comfort and support during labor. She also took some beautiful photos of both births, which we will cherish forever. We 100% recommend Kelly! 

Anna

7/28/2023

Kelly was everything I could have hoped for and more as she supported me and my partner through a very emotionally taxing birth. As this was our 5th baby we knew it would be a potentially fast labor but having lost our daughter at 20 weeks (a very traumatic birth experience) not even a year prior I knew I wanted as much support from someone who has experience with moms who have lost and gone on to have babies after loss. She knew exactly what I was hoping to accomplish and gain back from this birth experience and she supported my goal of going non-medicated. I felt fully supported and was able to reclaim my own empowerment of the birth experience and welcome our beautiful rainbow baby boy into the world. Thank you Kelly! You will always be a positive light on our birth experience. 

Ashley Cline

7/27/2023

I can't say enough good things about working with Kelly! When I first heard about her services I was unsure what I needed as a first time mom but after talking with Kelly it was clear that having her as our doula was the right decision. It was such an overwhelming and anxiety provoking experience giving birth for the first time but having Kelly there every step of the way reminded me that I was not alone and I had the calm, nurturing and knowledgeable support I needed to get through it. My husband also felt like Kelly was a lifesaver and we were both so immensely grateful to have her on our side during this experience. Kelly is compassionate, knowledgeable, level headed and professional... she's everything you need in a doula and I would highly recommend her services. I will definitely be using her again when we decide to have another child! Thank you Kelly for all you did and for making this such a special experience for us, we are eternally grateful to God for you! 

Felicia Goldsworthy

7/16/2023

Having kelly as our doula was the most amazing experience and life changing. Since day one of hiring her she was always there to answer any questions or concerns. No matter what time of day she was always there for my husband and I. She reffered me to an amazing chiropractor during my pregnancy which helped so much. She also helped us find an outstanding OB/Midwife who met our goals with how we wanted our birth to go. Kelly also offered an amazing doula package that came with items to help me heal after birth. During the birth at the hospital she was right there by our side and helped us achieve our natural birth that we wanted.  Kelly overall was an amazing doula and we dont know what we would have done without her. 

Katie P

7/3/2023

Kelly was an essential part of my birth team. I used Kelly for both of my births - both at hospitals (one at Shea, one at Banner UMC), and both unmedicated. Kelly is such a steadfast and knowledgeable doula - her presence and support at my birth gave me peace of mind and confidence. She works seamlessly with the hospital staff and helped me and my husband "fill in the gaps" as I moved between nurses, or when we were left alone in triage. She told me what to expect next and gave me clear and helpful directions so I could navigate the most challenging parts of birth. As I screamed "I can't!" Kelly told me I was strong, and that my baby was close - all the pain I felt was my baby. Kelly not only told me what to do when I needed that, but listened to my desires so I could have the birth I wanted. Kelly is so skilled at her job, it's hard to do her justice in a review post. On top of all the support you get prenatally and during birth, her photos are PRICELESS. I've come to learn that very few doulas in the valley offer the quality photos she does, and birth photographers charge way more. I highly recommend everyone have a doula, no matter your birth, and Kelly is extremely confident, kind, supportive, and helpful (physically, emotionally, in all ways!). It's a blessing that she is a part of both of my birth stories. 

Luana Strugari

6/30/2023

I initially reached out to Kelly because I planned for an unmedicated birth and I wanted an advocate and support during the birthing process. While my birth ended up being medicated, I can honestly say my labor experience was extremely positive only due to Kelly. Not only did she help me find a birth team/hospital that worked for the birthing experience I wanted, but once labor started, I don’t know what I would’ve done without her guiding me through my pain.

Birth was a crazy experience but I remember a lot of laughing and feeling completely relaxed through the active part of labor, which was my main desire when bringing my daughter into this world! If I ever decide I am crazy enough to go through this process again, Kelly will be on my team again, whether I do home labor, unmedicated, medicated or c-section. Thank you again Kelly!

Kia

6/22/2023

Praise God for Kelly and the gifts she has & blesses others with!! I found Kelly at almost 37 weeks pregnant. I was so anxious about my birth due to hearing things about the hospital I planned to deliver at and the OB I was with, and had yet to find a doula that relieved any of my fears. I called Kelly as my final hope and within minutes I had texted my husband saying that she was a gift from God and we needed to do whatever we could to work with her. Kelly was able to give me peace of mind through her confidence, knowledge and compassion, that wherever I delivered we would have a successful natural vbac. She also got me in the next day with a midwife and made sure I had everything I needed to switch practices and hospitals at 37 weeks pregnant. Once labor started I'm so thankful I had Kelly to text and get reassurance from that everything was going how it should. She communicated & coordinated with my midwife constantly and met me right at the hospital parking lot. It's clear that all of the L&D staff knows and loves Kelly. My birth itself went very quick but I'm so thankful I had Kelly there for reassurance and support. She also took the best pictures that we will treasure forever. We love Kelly and can't recommend her enough. I wish I was having another child just to work with Kelly and my midwife the entire pregnancy! 

Lorene

6/11/2023

Kelly was truly an answered prayer!! Cannot say enough good about our experience. As first time parents having Kelly by our side meant the world, and the way she comforted us and guided us honestly gave us the birth we had prayed for. Both myself AND my husband felt so cared for and watched over and you could just tell Kelly has this God given gift of being a doula. She knew how to respond to hospital staff, when to coordinate with our midwife, and when it was go time for us to head to hospital as our birth happened faster than expected! Forever grateful for you Kelly!! I will never forget what you were for me during my labor!

Jutah Meucci

6/10/2023

If you are reading this, you have found your doula!! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Kelly, she is truly a blessing to our family. We chose Kelly over others because it was so clear that she has immense knowledge of birth in all ways. She knows everything about every topic, and when it came time for my birth I was so incredibly happy to have her in my corner. My goal was to give birth at home but ended up at the hospital, and Kelly followed me there and advocated for me like a family member. She made sure I ended up at the best hospital, with the best team and the best care. I am terrified of needles and needed to have an epidural and I will never forget Kelly holding me in her arms giving me the strength to mentally get through something that absolutely terrified me. My husband is equally as grateful for Kelly and we both agree we couldn’t imagine our birth experience without her. She is truly one of the most incredible and inspiring women I have ever met. Worth every penny, in fact I felt the care I received was worth double in price. 

Caitlin

5/2/2023

Kelly was instrumental in having the birth I was hoping for! I decided to work with Kelly at the beginning of my pregnancy, and halfway through, I realized I was not aligned with my OBGYN. Kelly validated my concerns and connected me with other providers that would honor the birth preferences I had. I am so grateful that she provided these options because I ended up having the best care team! I felt supported and heard through my pregnancy and I wouldn't have had that experience without Kelly. Additionally, Kelly's network has been a tremendous help throughout pregnancy and postpartum - her recommendations for Chiropractic care, accupuncture and breast feeding consultants have made a world of difference! If you are considering a doula, I highly recommend you work with Kelly - she goes beyond the support you'll have during labor and birth; she is a crucial part of your care team and experience throughout pregnancy. Thank you for all you've done, Kelly! 

Katy M.

4/29/2023

At first, I was pretty fearful about the labor and delivery process and Kelly was EXACTLY what we needed to help my husband and I confidently navigate the final months of pregnancy and to create a positive birth experience. Kelly has a very calming presence and a wealth of knowledge and experience that made her an excellent support both before and during my Son’s birth.  In addition, due to the number of births she has assisted with, she was very familiar with our hospital’s staff and procedures which was very helpful when my labor progressed more quickly than expected and we arrived at the hospital in need of immediate assistance.  We highly recommend Kelly if you are searching for an experienced Doula!

Sheridan

4/25/2023

We are so grateful to have had Kelly as our doula. From her ability to walk us through the various interventions surrounding birth during our prenatal meeting, to her knowledge of comfort measures during labor, to her calm and encouraging demeanor, it was clear throughout my pregnancy and delivery that she is an incredibly experienced, compassionate doula. We especially appreciated her outlining our options each time we were presented with a decision during labor. My husband and I are convinced that Kelly was the singlemost important factor that enabled me to have the unmedicated VBAC I desired. I highly recommend!!

Carolina

4/19/2023

Kelly was referred to us by some close friends, and from the moment we first talked to her, she positively impacted our journey.

She keeps things simple, which we appreciate in a world of inconsistency and overwhelming information. She has excellent resources in the community that helped us with needs along the way.

Her support before, during, and after birth was invaluable.

To top it off, Kelly is a fantastic photographer who captured moments throughout the birth of our first baby. 

Meghan

4/6/2023

My first pregnancy ended in an unexpected c-section. When I became pregnant with my second, I knew I wanted a different experience. I sought out a VBAC supportive provider and began to search for a doula. As a nurse, it was very important to me for the Doula to be someone who worked well with nursing staff, and had a good reputation with the nurses. I posted on a nursing forum and the recommendations for Kelly were overwhelming. It was clear she had the respect of bedside nurses. We were lucky enough that she was available for our expected birth month. We felt so prepared and even excited as our delivery approach because of Kelly’s support. When the time came to deliver, Kelly made our birth, a calm and smooth process. We felt like celebrities when we went into the hospital because of her experience, expertise and her relationship with the staff. With her and my providers help, I was able to achieve the VBAC that I had been dreaming of for my whole pregnancy. This kind of delivery makes me want to experience it all over again. We cannot say enough good things. Birth does not have to be scary!

Jordan Skowronek

4/3/2023

Kelly Sunshine is the best! She was my doula for my third and fourth babies and I cannot begin to describe how much she helped me during both births. Both times were very similar; they were very fast and hard labors and she knew what I needed when I didnt. She helped include my husband and did everything for me that I needed her to do! Kelly was always available when I needed her and she felt like family to me during my pregnancies. She was very quick to get back pictures and timeline which I didnt expect, but I appreciated! Kelly and my team was the best decision I made during this pregnancy. Thank you, Kelly!!

Kendall Faber

3/29/2023

I could go on and on about Kelly and how much of a difference she made during my second birth experience! I was a Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC) patient hoping for a VBAC after a fairly traumatic birth with my son back in 2021. I knew this time I wanted a doula and wanted to assemble the best birth team I possibly could. I luckily found Kelly to be highly recommended by other C Section moms and booked her as fast as I could. My husband was a bit skeptical of paying for a doula, but after insisting that this is what I wanted, he agreed. Fast forward to my successful VBAC and a beautiful birth experience with my baby girl, my husband now says Kelly was worth every single penny and HE would not go into labor and delivery again without us having her! He's even told some of his dad friends to hire her when their time comes haha

I was able to get to 8-9 cm unmedicated with Kelly's support and I felt confident every step of the way that she would help me make the best decisions for me and my baby while managing my pain. Even though I was hopeful for an unmedicated birth, because of Kelly I felt sure and happy with my decision to opt for the epidural in order to finish progressing effectively and rest prior to pushing.

Kelly also provides wonderful services like a written birth timeline, checks in regularly via text, and takes BEAUTIFUL photos of the whole experience. Again, we are so happy to have found her and look forward to hiring her for our next pregnancy and birth, and will continue to recommend her to our loved ones. Thank you for everything Kelly!

Sarrah

3/23/2023

We cannot say enough good things about Kelly! She was my doula for my second baby and I am SO grateful I had her. She is very knowledgeable, supportive, and extremely helpful. She knows exactly what you need before you even do lol. She made my birthing experience so enjoyable and something I will never forget and I will forever be grateful for her. She is an advocate for you and baby and will be your number one fan along the way. She was with us from the moment we arrived at the hospital until we were checking into our recovery room. I couldn't have done it without her. Hire Kelly! You won't regret it. 

Andrea

2/15/2023

From the moment I met Kelly, I knew she was supposed to be on this journey with me.  You can sense her kindness and true sincerity.    Her knowledge and confidence made me feel powerful and strong!  After 2 previous c sections, my birth ended up being fast and seamless.  I feel Kelly's expertise on positions and breathing really helped lead me to this outcome.  She also provided memorable photos that I'll cherish forever.  Thank you Kelly for your dedication to the birthing world.  It truly is a better space with you in it!

Nikki Hoppe

1/4/2023

This was our second time using Kelly as our doula and once again it was such an incredible experience! I transferred from a home birth to the hospital for my first birth and was really hoping to deliver at home this time. Kelly helped me work through the trauma from my first birth and supported me exactly how I needed to be supported to give me the home birth I had been hoping for this second time!

She also came to the hospital with me for a tear that couldn’t be repaired at home. To have her guidance and help navigating the hospital made the trip so short - we were back home in 2 hours in time for baby brother to meet his big sister before bedtime. 

The photos she takes are absolutely stunning and capture the most beautiful moments. We also loved getting the birth timeline to remember all the details that get swept up in the moment. We opted for the VIP package, which I highly recommend! The TENS unit was a life saver for back labor plus all the additional postpartum products, placenta encapsulation and IBCLC support you get make the postpartum recovery so much better. 

We can’t recommend Kelly and Sunshine Doula Services enough! 

Brittany Simon

12/19/2022

Kelly Sunshine is absolutely incredible and I would highly recommend anyone I know who is pregnant to work with her. Kelly really walked us through the labor process and at our 37 week meeting with her my husband walked out saying "I'm so glad she's going to be with us". From that point forward, Kelly was a sounding board for any questions I had about the labor and delivery process. Kelly made me feel so at ease and comfortable. Kelly was a wealth of knowledge and a huge asset to have by my side during labor. 

Paul and Paola Bibby

12/15/2022

I will start with saying our first delivery did not go as expected and resulted in an urgent C-section.  The recovery was tough and we really wanted to do everything we could to go for a Trial of Labor after Cesarean (TOLAC) or a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) on this pregnancy.  We decided to try the services of a doula for this reason. 

Kelly came highly recommended by several friends and our physician team as well.  Having her on our team was invaluable and some of the best money we have ever spent, period.  She was an invaluable resource during the pregnancy, especially being an emotional and spirtual support to my wife at several stages of the pregnancy.  I am convinced without her help that we would have ended up having another c-section.  However, with her expertise we successfully completed a VBAC! AMAZING!

Throughout the whole pregnancy and the day of labor, she was incredibly responsive and supportive.  She honestly helped me (Husband Paul) as much as my wife with support.  On the day of Labor she showed up to our house prior to going to the hospital, helped my wife in the car, and made sure she was comfortable which may have been a small thing, but I believe it speaks volumes of her caring heart.  During the hospital stay, she advocated for us several times with the medical team and "translated" the medical language to a simple husband such as myself which was helpful. She also was an incredible labor coach helping my wife "push" more effectively.  Overall, we couldn't be happier and more thankful for Kelly's help and support!  We will certainty be asking her for help should we be blessed with another child down the road.  If you are on the fence about obtaining a doula, I highly reccommend Kelly.    

monique wagner

11/22/2022

Words cannot describe the level of comfort and support Kelly provided me on my dream to becoming a mama, from her introduction meeting, her availability throughout your pregnancy, and advocating for your perfect journey.
The pictures and written timeline of your birth captures a beautiful love story on how you met your precious gem, seeing you through postpartum and delivering the essentials within 48 hours to aid in recovery. Even when I could not follow my birth plan through, Kelly was still there to help guide me through one of the most serene moments I could have ever imagined
thank you will never be enough but I am forever grateful to have met Kelly at such a wonderful time in my life!!

Sammi Schaefbauer

11/21/2022

My Husband and I don't know what we would've done without Kelly for our first birth! She was everything we needed! Calm, collected, understanding, strong, honest, and encouraging. She was not only amazing support for me while in labor but also for my husband and showing him how to help me when needed. 

Chantel Stevens

10/22/2022

Kelly instilled confidence and assurance in me from the very beginning. She has a special way about her to ease all your fears with always the perfect explanation. I got my all natural dream VBAC & couldn't have done it without Kelly on my team. She was a huge blessing to me. Thank You Kelly. 

Samantha Fitch

10/10/2022

I can't say enough good things about Kelly. Having her as our doula was such a blessing- she was absolutely instrumental to making our birth experience a wonderful one. I came in for an induction, and Kelly was there with me every step of the way. Her years of experience were also helpful to me, as she knew where I was in labor when even I didn't know. She knew just what to say and what to do to keep me centered and focused, and I was able to have the birth I've always dreamed about. After having 2 cesareans, having a good experience was very important to me. Not only was she there for both my husband and I, but she managed to take beautiful photos and write a detailed timeline with a lovely personal note. I have no idea how she did this while being by my side 100% of the time. She gave me her hand to squeeze before I even knew I needed it. We are so lucky to have had her, and she will forever be a part of our birth story.  I highly recommend her, and if we do have another baby we will definitely use her again. She's an amazing doula and a wonderful person!

Sallie

10/5/2022

Very glad I hired Kelly to provide guidance and support in my birthing experience. Doing so helped lessen the load and fear that I had, and gave me reassurance and got me through the tough moments with more strength. It was also great to get pictures and the placenta encapsulation and tinctures. Thank you Kelly, Can't say enough good things!

Lauren Herod

10/3/2022

My husband and I could not have had a successful natural birth without Kelly Sunshine. She was always available throughout our pregnancy and had such good information and tools during our 36 weeks appointment. She was a lifesaver not just for myself during labor but also my husband. She was able to guide him on how to best help and support me as well as being there to support and lead me through each part of labor. From essential oils, to massage and supportive words to the direction and reminders she gave to the nurses and doctors in the hospital, it was all incredible and invaluable. Hiring a doula service and especially Kelly Sunshine was worth every penny and I literally could not imagine making it without her. Thank you Kelly!

Ashley Downs

9/14/2022

From the moment I met Kelly it felt like we had been friends for a lifetime. Her confidence and encouraging spirit gave me the confidence to follow through with the kind of birth my husband and I had been planning. I'm the first in my family to have hired a doula, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Sunshine Doulas are not only experts in their field but also some of the most friendly, down-to-earth women I've ever met. Kelly arrived at the hospital right after we did and was by my side the entire labor and delivery. She helped with pain management and offered suggestions of different laboring positions to try - all of which were very helpful. She took beautiful pictures during labor and delivery, freeing my husband to stay by my side and encourage me and watch his first child being born. After the birth, Kelly stuck around to answer any questions we had, to make sure we were recovering well and to take a few family photos. We couldn't be happier with our experience and postpartum follow up visit with Sunshine Doulas. 

Katie

9/14/2022

I'm not even sure where to start with writing about my experience(s) with Kelly. This was my second birth with Kelly and I will start by saying that I COULD NOT have done it without her. 
The moment I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, the very first thing I did was call Kelly to let her know we're having another baby. I did not want to chance her not having availability if I waited! I immediately sought her advice on a new provider as mine had retired and I was seeking a completely different birth experience from my first (which was a medical induction). 

She presented me with multiple options including home birth, birth center and midwife hospital birth. It's truly incredible how many people she knows in the birth world, her compassion and her knowledge. The quality of Kelly's care and work are unsurpassed. 

She was there for me throughout my pregnancy and ultimately made my unmedicated hospital birth with a midwife a reality. While in labor she provided so much guidance and support while also sharing in laughs and stories. Just when I thought I couldn't do something, she reminded me that I absolutely can and I DID! If you are looking for a doula, RUN to your phone and interview Kelly. You will not be disappointed (ask any birth worker in the valley and they'll know and love miss Kelly Sunshine)

Thank you Kelly for everything you've done for me and my family. We love you ??

Julie

9/4/2022

Kelly is truly AMAZING. We had no idea what we were getting into with our first child and Kelly helped every step of the way. She is so knowledgeable and supportive to both mom and dad, that she alleviates almost all anxiety going into the process. I could never imagine doing it without her!

Taylor Simshauser

8/23/2022

I can't say enough about our experience with Kelly Sunshine. I will start by saying that my husband was a skeptic of the whole doula idea, but after our birth he is the first one to say that he feels everyone should have a Kelly Sunshine at their birth. I went into my birth with a very clear idea of what my ideal birth plan would be and kelly made sure every point was executed exactly to my wishes. Kelly is the right combination of warm, motherly and kind, but also gets down to business, YOU CAN DO IT, encouragement that you need when things get real. She trusts the birth process and the women's ability to birth, she lets you do you BUT also knows exactly when and where you need counter pressure or words of encouragement. We are done having babies, but Kelly makes me want more because I will spend the rest of my life wishing I could experience the birth we had with her again. 

Jordan

8/20/2022

Having Kelly as our doula turned out to be one of the best and most important decisions we made regarding our birth “plan.” As a first time mom and private person, I originally wasn’t interested in having a doula and I am so glad that I decided to go for it. The resources Kelly provided throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods took so much of the burden off of me and my partner. I truly believe that the birth of our daughter would have gone so, so differently without Kelly there to help make big, hard decisions and coordinate our transfer from a planned home birth to the hospital. Kelly went above and beyond for us, and the connections she has built from being the amazing birth worker that she is made what could’ve been a traumatic experience something that I feel content and at peace with. We are forever grateful for Kelly and hope that she is still working as a doula when we decide to have another!

Kristen

8/13/2022

Where do I even begin? Hiring Kelly was hands down the best decision my husband and I made when planning for the birth of our daughter. As a first-time mom, the only thing I was certain of was that I wanted a doula by my side and I couldn't have selected a more nurturing, attentive and competent professional than Kelly. When my homebirth resulted in a hospital transfer, Kelly's experience in the field and dedication to her clients shined. It was like having your mom, a personal body guard and the most motivating sports coach all wrapped up into one. I also had the pleasure of having Danielle at my birth and she was equally wonderful. Though we had never met, there was no question that she was in my corner. I cannot recommend Sunshine Doula services enough. No matter the turn your birth takes, I promise you will be well taken care of with this team at your side.

Aly Kirkpatrick

8/8/2022

We hired Kelly within a few weeks of learning we were pregnant because I knew I wanted her apart of our birth and that she fills up quickly!! Throughout my pregnancy, Kelly supported us through an unexpected provider change that ultimately led us to homebirth. She was amazing at offering us encouragement and periodic check ins to see how I was doing. She met with us around 36 weeks and gave us so much helpful information for birth, postpartum, and newborn care. Our son came early @ 38 weeks- my water broke in the middle of the night. We called her and she arrived soon after my contractions were gaining intensity. She stepped right in and helped me with different labor positions, hip squeezes (amazing!!), belly lifts, and breathing. She was such an encouragement to me through each contraction. When I got to the "transition" phase, my husband was behind me and she was in front of me, holding my hands, and talking me through it...it was such amazing emotional support for me!! Our whole experience with Kelly was just amazing, I really believe she was the reason why I achieved an unmedicated birth. There were many moments I felt like giving in but her expertise & knowledge of physiological birth is what helped get me through. We can't recommend Kelly enough!! 

Eden Craciunescu

8/2/2022

Kelly's services were outstanding. The support she provided and and maintained throughout my labor and birth made the whole thing possible. She helped me labor completely naturally at home and was the encouragement I needed the whole time. Not to mention her support of my husband as well- all the way to her helping me rinse/brush my hair in the shower after delivery. My Mom couldn't be present for my baby's birth as she lives out of state, but having Kelly there was second best. I truly felt cared for and empowered by Kelly. And the photos we received from my birth were incredible! I am so happy we will have them forever. I would recommend her to anyone, for any kind of birth you are hoping for. You will be in good hands, and she will advocate for you and your desires. My husband and I are so grateful to her!!

Thank you endlessly, Kelly!

Eden & Jonathan 

Hailey

7/28/2022

Kelly Sunshine was the key to my beautiful birth story! As a 3rd time mama I knew "what to expect" but I wanted to attempt an unmedicated delivery but knew if it came down to really wanting it to also have the option. Kelly supported me through so much and guided me with each contraction that even with the pitocin flowing at 20 I was able to deliver without an epidural!! She was so sweet and her attention to detail from years of experience went above and beyond my expectations! She captured such beautiful memories for the first moments and my only regret is not meeting her for my prior two babies! I will undoubtably hire again if we decide to grow our family! 

Marisa Minyard

7/27/2022

I cannot recommend Kelly enough. She came highly recommended from a handful of people when I inquired about hiring a doula and I am so glad I reached out to her. From the first meeting with her, I felt like she was someone I had known for a long time. She was sincere, warm and validated all of my feelings regarding my traumatic first birth. She ensured me she would be the support I needed in my second pregnancy/birth to have a completely different experience. Kelly got me into one of my most highly regarded midwives in the Phoenix valley and that was a huge game changer. She was there for questions during my pregnancy and from the moment I went into labor until I gave birth. I call her my guardian angel because I was about to give up and she helped push me to accomplish my goal of an unmedicated birth. Without her, I wouldn't have had the absolute best birthing experience. If you want a doula for your labor/birth, Kelly HAS TO BE your first choice.  

Lillian Blosser

7/7/2022

I can not recommend Kelly enough. I came into this second pregnancy wanting something completely different from my first, specifically a non-medicated labor and delivery. From the very begining, Kelly was on board with what I wanted for this birth. She was always there to answer any question or adress and concern I had throughout the pregnancy. 

When I went into labor, she took over and made sure that what I asked for with this birth was made clear to all hospital staff we came in contact with. She helped answer questions nurses had while I was in the middle of contractions. She became this strong force that was behind myself and my husband, supporting us both through the labor and delivery. 

In the end I had the labor and delivery that I asked for and had always wanted, and I can not thank Kelly enough for the experience I had. I would use her again in a heartbeat!

Stephanie Gastonguay

6/8/2022

Kelly Sunshine is absolutely amazing! There truly are no words to describe the calm, comfort, strong support she provides before, during, and after labor. She has the ability to distract from the pain and help focus on whatever stage of labor it is. She has extraordinary passion, extensive knowledge, and a ton of experience that really shows in multiple aspects, from the process of labor, to her comfort in communicating with the hospital staff, to postpartum/breastfeeding assistance, and genuine concern for her mamas. I have had Kelly present for all three of my births and I cannot describe how invaluable she is. You definitely need her on your team!

Christine

5/28/2022

Kelly is truly irreplaceable! Kelly was our doula for two of my births, one in the hospital and one at home. She helped my husband and I few informed and knowledgeable through every step of the birthing process. She is so sweet and intuitive. I felt like she knew what I needed without me having to say anything. When I had really challenging moments, she knew exactly how to support me. I honestly felt more confident in myself that I could get through labor and delivery because of her support. She also gently guided my husband on how to support me with each stage of labor. My team and supports felt seamless. I would highly recommend Kelly and I also know a few other people who had the same experience with her! She is truly gifted and passionate about being a doula!

Merrill Schneider

4/20/2022

My husband and I planned on a lovely homebirth. We wanted no interventions, no epidural no Pitocin etc. We daughter the services of a doula to help me with pain managment in labor and guide us through the homembirth process. This was our first child. We never in a million years envisioned the birth of our son to go as it did.  At 36 weeks I showed signs of pre-eclampsia and was advised by our midwife to go straight to the hospital. We were induced that day. After I met the doctor who would deliver our baby and the epidural went in I started to question whether Kelly really needed to come or not. I wouldn't feel anything so why would I need a doula. I could not have been more wrong!! Kelly was a godsend throughout my entire labor and beyond. She provided immeasurable comfort to me and my husband and acted as liaison between us and hospital staff. She helped us understand the options we were faced with and make the best decision for my safety and our babies. We cannot imagine going through this experience without her. She turned something really scary into a beautiful birth story. Wether you're planning an unmedicated home birth or the traditional hospital route, you will want Kelly by your side. 

Ashley Newell

3/18/2022

Having Kelly as our doula for the birth of our first baby was the best decision my husband and I made during my pregnancy. My husband said that he would have paid quadruple what we paid to have Kelly there. As first-time parents, there were so many parts of labor and delivery that were unknown to us, and it was such a comfort knowing Kelly's vast experience and knowledge in that world. Kelly is so warm and kind, while also extremely knowledgable and capable in what can sometimes be a high-stress situation. She supported us so well as I was laboring with excellent coaching and encouragement for both me and my husband. When my labor progressed quicker than I had originally thought, she rushed to the hospital to arrive before us and figure out parking, a wheelchair, and checking in. She communicated with our midwife so that she also knew when to arrive as well. There were so many other behind the scenes things I know Kelly did, and I didn't have to worry about any of it because she was there. Because of Kelly's efforts, what could have been a stressful final part of labor was pretty seamless. Kelly also took gorgeous photos of the labor and delivery and captured priceless moments for us that we never would have seen otherwise, including our baby's first minutes in the world. She also wrote out the timeline of events from when the labor started to our baby's birth, which was so much fun to read and relive with my husband a few days after the birth. Overall, I think everyone should have a doula for their birth to make it more enjoyable and manageable, but I can't imagine there is anyone better than Kelly.

Emily Bonneau

3/16/2022

I absolutely loved Kelly Sunshine and the amazing, thorough, caring assistance that she provided myself and my husband. She ensured that we felt prepared, and comfortable with the prenatal through the birth process. She was very instrumental in helping us through the labor and birth of our daughter. It was so comforting to have her there to help us and advocate for me and my well-being. I truly believe that my delivery went as well as it did because of her calming influence, supportive advice, and comforting of myself and my husband. She has great post natal follow up as well. I would highly recommend her to anyone else, and will definitely be utilizing her again next time. She is very caring, calm, helpful, and compassionate. Best decision I ever made in my pregnancy. 

Marisa Schmidt

3/7/2022

Such a great doula and experience she was there for me through it all and was so comforting when labor started she never left my side! You can't go wrong with Kelly! Thank you!

Nicole Isfan

3/3/2022

Kelly is an amazing individual. She followed up with us throughout our pregnancy and provided us with much needed information regarding the birth, pre and post partum as well as nursing. She worked side by side with our midwife team which made things so much easier on us. We decided to also have her provide our placenta encapsulation services. She is AWESOME! Would highly recommend her services.

Bethany Smith

2/22/2022

We were looking for a very different birth experience with my second child and Kelly provided this! It is hard to beleive I had a completely natural birth and it has been so much easier to recover from.. Loved having the pictures and birth timeline to go with the experience. 

Michaella Blake

2/22/2022

With my second baby, I chose to have a homebirth and I knew I didn't want to do it without a doula. Kelly encapsulated my placenta with my first, so she was my first call. I had some anxieties about my homebirth espeically after having a traumatic experience in between babies. Kelly was so understanding and encouraging and supportive. We hired her that day! 

Throughout the entire process, Kelly has been an invaluable resource. At one point she and I had a miscommunication and she handled it with such graciousness, understanding and love. She made me feel so comfortable. My labor progressed very quickly and she got to me as I started to transition. The minute she walked in the door she was helping me through the pain, reminding me to breathe and encouraging me every step of the way. In moments of anxiety, I looked to her for comfort and she was always there with a wink, a smile or a word of support. I don't know how I had my first child without her and I can't imagine having my second without her.

Morgan Ostwinkle Jones

2/20/2022

Kelly Sunshine has been my doula for 3 babies. Before I was pregnant the first time, I knew I would want a doula when the day came to have a baby. I looked into my options and easily landed on Kelly Sunshine. She has so much experience, raving reviews and is well known and loved in the Phoenix birth community. She ensured that I was informed and empowered through my 3 very different births. As a full time veterinary student, I had different goals for each birth based on our circumstances and she always worked with me to explore all options and make whatever I decided possible. Kelly can move mountains for her clients. I was successful in 2 unmedicated hospital births and 1 home birth, thanks to her support. I have told all my pregnant friends that a doula is a must for birth, regardless of the type of birth or goals. Even if I had a planned, scheduled C-section, I would have Kelly by my side. Since witnessing Kelly support me, my mom and husband even tell everyone about the necessity of doulas! This is a big deal, because prior to my first birth, they were both confused on the role of a doula. Now they can't recommend it enough. During labor and delivery, Kelly helped both of them support me to the level I described to her ahead of time. They appreciated having clear direction in an intense situation, otherwise full of unknowns (if Kelly wasn't there). I have loved all 3 of my birth experiences even when things didn't go as planned. I genuinely feel that it's because I was supported, informed and empowered by having Kelly present. I trust Kelly whole-heartedly and cannot recommend her enough! 

CF

2/17/2022

Kelly is amazing! Her intuitive nature was exactly what i was looking for in a doula - she knew exactly what i needed to do and hear, and really kept me positive and focused when i was starting to despair. Kelly made sure to check on me throughout the end of pregnancy, and really made me feel that i had the best support team for my birth.  I was unsure about having a natural homebirth but as soon as i met Kelly, i became more confident that I could do it with her support. I was blessed with a short labor but she was there through it and stayed for many hours after helping us settle. Thank you Kelly!

Traci

2/11/2022

During pregnancy, Kelly was always easy to reach and responded prompty.  And she was my hero during labor and delivery!  As soon as she showed up I felt much calmer.  She knew exactly what positions to put me in to help make every contraction so meaningful and bring my baby closer to me.  I would absolutely recommend her to anyone I know.  She is seriously the best!  I wish she could help coach me through all of life's challenges!

Kristin vasquez

2/7/2022

Kelly is nothing short of amazing.  After our 1st birth with her we grew such an amazing connection as well as friendship that to us we just had to have her apart of every birth. If you are looking for someone who knows there stuff...advocates for you and gives you any level of support u need kelly is it. We are truly blessed to have found her

Sarah Catherine Tremp

11/16/2021

I can go on and on about Kelly! She is truly a amazing person and doula. This was my fourth pregnancy, and I really wanted to have a home birth. I was very nervous as I have never given birth at home, let alone done it naturally! Ek! I got in contact with a midwife, and she highly recommend me having a doula. I never thought of having a doula and didn't really know what it was all about. Luckily, my sister in law told me about Kelly and her experience. I contacted Kelly and asked allll the questions, even when I felt the questions were "dumb" she was so informative and helpful, it made me actually super excited to give birth! Not to mention her bubbly personality just makes you feel incredible. On the day I went into labor, I was nervous but as soon as Kelly came she made the atmosphere so calm and gave me so much peace in mind. I was ready and could do this! She knew how to keep my mind at ease, which positions helped with labor, played music, just everything to have a relaxing labor. The ending I feel was my favorite part, I got unfocused as it started to hurt, and Kelly looked me in the eyes said "look at me! You got this" and instantly I was focused and welcomed my amazing boy into the world. Truly a wonderful event, I wish I could have given birth like this every time. I really owe a LOT to Kelly, I mostly likely would have wanted to give up and certainly don't think the birth would have been so amazing without her. Highly recommend her to everyone wanting a incredible birth. 

Gabrielle

11/3/2021

Kelly was the perfect doula for us. My first birth experience was traumatic so I was quite nervous going into things this time but Kelly reassured and encouraged me all along the way. She made sure I knew the options I had and the pros and cons of each option but ultimately she supported me and the choices I made going into this birth. It was so encouraging having her physical, emotional, and spiritual support throughout our labor and delivery. It ended up being such a redeeming and beautiful birth experience and there’s no doubt in my mind that having Kelly there played a large role in that.

Brianna

10/19/2021

Kelly is amazing. This was my 3rd birth with her as my doula. She is knowledgable, calm, offers suggestions and helpful tips to keep the birth moving while respecting mother's wishes. I am so thankful she has been present for each birth experience!

Grace Anderson

10/18/2021

Wow! What can I really say? I truly feel that my birth experience was so smooth and positive because we had Kelly with us. My husband was having a hard time watching me go through contractions and Kelly was right there through it all. Not only was Kelly a seasoned, pro Doula and advocate during birth, she also provided pre-and post care like a total champion. The encapsulated placenta, the birth timeline, the birth photos - everything is more than we ever would’ve expected. Sunshine Doula services is 100% the way to go. We hope to have more babies and we wish to have Kelly there along those journeys as well.

Brittany Villwock

10/14/2021

We initially sought to hire a doula to assist us with our goal of VBAC and were referred to Kelly by our midwife. Kelly blew our expectations out of the water! From our first virtual meeting, I knew Kelly would bring the type of calm, steady energy that we needed.

As my pregnancy drew to a close, Kelly sweetly and patiently answered all of my last-minute, anxious questions and made me feel fully supported going into the birth. When my birth plan changed while I was in labor, Kelly was able to articulate and advocate for my wishes. She gently led my husband in how he could best support my labor so he was able to do so confidently. Since she had a great working relationship with my midwife and the L&D nurses, she was able to negotiate for my wishes without me having to move my focus away from my contractions. And vice versa, she was able to communicate to me what the staff needed from me when my contractions were the most intense. As a bonus, having pictures of my son's birth is invaluable and they still make me emotional after the fact.

Ultimately, I was able to achieve my goal VBAC with Kelly's support. I went into my labor feeling calm and prepared and was ready to manage my (mild) discomforts post-birth once we got home. I highly recommend Kelly to any family seeking doula support.

Molly Fine

10/13/2021

After researching our area and asking around, we hired Kelly with Sunshine Doula Services. We were thrilled with the info and support we received throughout the pregnancy and birthing process. We planned a hospital birth, so I wanted to make sure we had someone there that would help us through the process and help us advocate for ourselves. Of course our labor was not quite what we had planned, but having Kelly by our side helped us tremendously, and we thoroughly enjoyed our hospital delivery! Kelly has the knowledge and expertise to help you feel confident in your pregnancy, labor and delivery decisions, and she will provide you and your partner the emotional support you need during this wild and wonderful time. Thank you, Kelly!

Heather Heckathorne

10/10/2021

Kelly was so wonderful to work with. We had planned for a homebirth and ended up needing to transfer to the hospital and she was with us every step of the way. Her experience and knowledge was extremely helpful and I can’t help but think our experience in the hospital wouldn’t have been as smooth without her presence. Kelly added a sense of calm confidence and helped us navigate the steps at the hospital. We had a specific birth plan regarding personal choices and she helped us agent what we wanted at the hospital. She stayed with us the entire time and took beautiful photos of the birth. I can’t say thank you enough, she was such a blessing to us and our baby girl!

Gabrielle

10/6/2021

Kelly was amazing to come alongside me during my birth experience. As a first time mom who wanted to have my baby naturally at home, I faced a long intense labor of over 44 hours. Kelly felt like family in my home and never made me feel like a burden. She stayed by my side all that time, and I benefited greatly from the squeezes and maneuvers she knew that could both help my baby move naturally into postion and ease my pain. Her expertise was apparent and she was definitely my advocate. There is very little privacy in labor (as we all know), and I felt completely comfortable with Kelly. She was sure to direct my husband to be sure that he was taking care of himself, as well, while she stayed by my side. At almost every contraction my thought was "where is Kelly?" Because when my eyes locked on her I knew we'd get through it together. When my labor was dragging on and the thought that I may need to transport to the hospital in order to get an epidural and rest was brought up, Kelly believed in me and my thought that I could finish naturally. She took charge and directed the room, prayed with me, and eventually coached (and literally cheered) my son into the world. Her placenta encapsulation and tincture, as well as other great products that I purchased were professionally done and very beneficial. I don't want to have another baby without her! 

Megan Searles

10/6/2021

Kelly was one of the best decisions we made for our birth! I felt like I was able to be open and honest with her from the beginning and that was so important to me. She also had so much experience and knowledge with the hospital we were going to deliver at, as well a the OBGYN practice that I was going to. I felt so much comfort knowing she had experience with each OB that I could technically deliver with. I was terrified of birth and delivery, and she gave me confidence that I could do this. 

She gave us so much knowledge throughout the pregnancy and prenatal process- we went into the experience feeling confident that she would advocate for us and what we wanted our birth to be like. She came to the hospital immediately when I was admitted and helped me through the epidural placement, and changing positions to help progress my labor as needed. It was like having an extra nurse on hand, which was so beneficial during COVID times. I was able to progress quickly and deliver in just about 12 hours. I was scared of birth and she gave me confidence up until the very last push that everything was going to be great and pain free (which was a goal of mine!). 

After the delivery, she made sure we were set up to spend the next few days recovering in post partum. She helped immediately with skin to skin, golden hour, and even breastfeeding for the first time. She gave us tips on what the next few days in the hospital would be like. 

We were so happy with our decision to hire Kelly and will definitely be using her again for our next baby! It was a great first time mom birthing experience and we are thankful for Kelly to helping make sure of that. 

Diane Howard

10/4/2021

I have had the pleasure of using Kelly Sunshine for my both of babies! She was so calm and supportive to whatever I needed and I was so confident having her by my side. I reccommend anyone to have a birthing pro like Kelly at their side!

Samantha Kim

10/4/2021

Kelly is one of the most amazing people we have ever met and we were so blessed to have her coach us through the births of both of our daughters. She empowered both myself and my husband during the labor and delivery process and because of her knowledge and help, I was able to have two incredible and memorable birthing experiences. We can't thank her enough for her support and I am always recommending her services to others. 

Crystal Hammack

10/2/2021

Kelly truly made my whole birthing experience all that I expected and then some. This was our first time and she was so easy with explaining everything to us. We also loved her personality and appreciated how well we meshed with her. She has a way of making you feel like you're  family and that you have known each other forever. I also appreciated her techniques that were better than the drugs I had in previous births. I would highly recommend her to all! 

Melissa

9/18/2021

Kelly was amazing!  I had two fast intense labors and she really helped to make sense of it all for me.  She just knew what I needed, as far the right pressure, the right words, the right movements.  Also reassuring, everyone at the hospital knows her and obviously loves having her around!  It makes everything just so much more comfortable.  I would say, an unexpected benefit was how much she helped my husband.  With her focus on me, and  her calm support of both of us, he was able to be present in a way he wouldn't have been had he had the stress of being my sole support person. 

Linda

9/1/2021

Kelly was a godsend! I was attempting an unmedicated vba3c and I found a provider who would let me attempt it. I asked my OB what else I should do to prepare to try and have a successful vbac. He suggested getting a doula. Kelly came highly recommended. I was on the fence of whether I thought it would be worth it. Seriously, definitely 100% worth it! I told my husband that I don't think we would've had a successful vbac if she wasn't there to support, guide, & coach us. He fully agreed. From the consult to our 1st meeting to our time in the hospital, Kelly had the energy & expertise that I wanted & needed. For whatever reason my strong, consistent contractions didn't start until she got to the hospital. I think they were waiting for her. Lol! When she arrived she immediately came to help me get through each one. She knew when it would be good for me to get into different positions or be in different locations to labor. There's no way I could have made all those decisions on my own or had the energy to think about stuff while going through labor. I am thankful that Kelly was there & I could follow her lead & suggestions. She knows what she's doing & worked well w/ the hospital staff & my OB. A point came when I was pushing & there was a chance I needed to transition to a c-section. I was also almost ready to give up & wondered if I should transition. That's when Kelly kicked into high gear & really encouraged, coached, pushed, and believed in me to finish the race. She was aweseome! She knew what I needed and I am so grateful she helped me to the end to get the birth that I wanted. Kelly was "on it" for the big things, and the "smaller" things like having music ready or a having a towel with essential oils to help soothe & calm, or offering me food and water. I am forever grateful for Kelly & how supportive she was in the whole process! I am so glad that I decided to invest in a doula and specifically her! 

Stephanie Cervantes

7/6/2021

Kelly is the absolute best! She's an expert in all things baby. I didn't really know much about "doulas" or what they do before I got pregnant. I'm so thankful my fiancé found Kelly for us. She helped me so much during labor and delivery and has the best recommendations for babysitters, chiropractors, postpartum doulas, etc. you name it. Thanks so much Kelly! I can't wait to see you again in 2 years to help with baby #2

Katie

7/2/2021

Where do I even begin? Kelly was hands down the best decision we made surrounding the birth of our son. Although I did not get the have the birth I envisioned when we initially hired Kelly, she was there for me throughout my entire pregnancy and was INVALUABLE during my labor and delivery. She has incredible connections, endless resources and is full of information that others won't tell you. I genuinely believe she shaved hours off my labor and delivery by being there and helping me advocate for myself. I will be hiring her again for my next baby and will be using her recommendations for other care providers as well. I also think it's important to mention that my OB said there is only one Doula she will work with, and that's Kelly! You will not be disappointed in having Kelly on your team. Thanks, Kelly! 

Desiree Retzlaff

7/2/2021

Kelly was available throughout my pregnancy. She cared what I wanted out of my birth. I had desired homebirth from day one but had decided to go with traditional OB care - until a couple of different factors had me wanting to switch providers at 20 weeks. Kelly knew I was hesitant so she gave me options. She knew OB's, midwives that would mesh well with my desires & she was willing and ready to help me find the right provider. She eased my mind as I advocated for better care. She reassured me & prayed with me when I second guessed my decision & ultimately she helped me find the team that made my dream birth a reality. She remained in contact with me, especially as we got towards the end of my pregnancy. I went into labor late at night. I was convinced it wasn't "real" labor. When I called - she answered right away despite it being so late. she immediately knew based on just a phone call and came my way. As soon as she got to my house, she didn't even take time to survey what was going on around us. She was immediately all in for me comforting me, squeezing my hips, surrounding me with love & encouragement. She spoke encouraging words over me as she helped my husband quickly set up the birth tub. She helped my husband find his role in the chaos. She knew where I was at without me having to say a thing - she knew what I needed before I did. And she was able to help both my husband and I find our groove & calm. She supported us both, took beautiful photos, and showed genuine happiness when our girl entered the world. We felt like we'd known her forever. she was a member of the family just as filled with love at the arrival of our daughter as we were. kelly knows how to help you both advocate for the birth you desire. Her heart is full of love that overflows onto you at your most vulnerable, she really does know what you need before you do. She is an invaluable member of your team! 

Sarah C

6/15/2021

I would not have been able to get my VBAC without Kelly! My first birth was an unplanned c-section after an induction and 2 hours of pushing. I left that experience feeling very defeated and vowed to have a different experience for my next birth. During our initial consult Kelly suggested a VBAC supportive provider and I switched to her, which was such a great decision. The day before my due date I started having mild contractions and I was in communication with Kelly through out the day. She helped talk me through a contraction once they started getting more regular but could tell by talking to me on the phone that it wasn’t time to go to the hospital yet and suggested I get some rest.  I ended up waking up later that night with strong contractions and she coached me through them. She was going to meet us at our house to help us labor at home longer but my contractions started getting really intense and she suggested we go to the hospital. She stayed on the phone with me the entire car ride and helped me breath through the contractions and calm me down. She also had called my midwife, who was waiting for us at the hospital parking lot. I was checked and I was at a 10cm and Kelly helped me get into position and I started pushing. She also made sure to bring my husband over to me when I was calling for him. Unfortunately there were a few concerns with baby heart rate and he was op but Kelly and my midwife stayed calm and continued to coach me and move positions and baby rotated and I was able to push him out in 25 minutes and he was completely healthy. During pushing I was wanting to give up and the nurses were talking about c-section or vacuum but Kelly and my midwife stayed calm and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. Even though this birth was complicated, I left feeling completely empowered like I could do anything. Thank you Kelly!

Lindsay

5/27/2021

We had a wonderful experience with Kelly as our duola.  I went into labor in the evening, and she was available by phone throughout the night to help me get through early labor at home and decide when to go to the hospital.  Kelly met up with us in the triage room, comforted me during my strongest contractions, and kept me calm while I got an epidural.  She took photos of the birth, and she helped my baby get a good latch for his first time nursing.  Kelly had a great rapport with the nurses at the hospital.  And best of all, she kept the atmosphere calm in the delivery room--exactly what I needed.  

Sarah

5/13/2021

Kelly Sunshine is the Mary Poppins of doulas. She helps your labor and delivery go down in the most delightful way, and she has a bag of tricks to solve any problem. Nauseous? She's got peppermint oil. Hot? She's got a fan to cool you off with. Thirsty?  She's on it.  Kelly is calm, confident and in control. She is right there with you every step of the way, from squeezing your hips and swaying with you, to telling you when you are at the peak of a contraction, to encouraging and empowering you. Kelly helped me be informed and advocate for myself and ultimately have the unmedicated birth I had always wanted, all the while making my husband feel included in and valuable to the process, and being extremely helpful to the doctor and nurses, who were all singing her praises afterward and even asking for her business cards.  My only regret is not using Kelly during the birth of our first child!  We're forever grateful to Kelly, and highly recommend her.

Rachel Lavy

5/7/2021

Kelly was my doula for my third labor because she was so amazing as my doula at the labor for my second child.  I remember thinking to myself if she was not available, I would not be able to give birth without the epidural.  I needed her by my side in order to to have an all natural birth- without any drugs.  Fortunately, she was available and I was able to have my dream labour which was quick, controlled, and not too painful.  Even after my labor, Kelly was available to answer questions about breastfeeding issues.  Also, the pictures that she took at the labor are incredible and capture the moment.  Thank you Kelly!

Emily Garcia

3/3/2021

Kelly made me feel comfortable from the first time I met her. The most important thing for me when choosing a doula was feeling supported 100 percent. Kelly came straight from another birth to mine as soon as she could. When she arrived I was 5cm and baby wasn't in the ideal position. Kelly knew exactly what positions to try to get baby to shift and she supported me through all of them. Laboring while on the toilet was hard for me but her voice and my husbands hands were what got me through. Throughout my labor I always had loving hands on me. She captured beautiful photos of my labor and son's birth that I will treasure forever. I am so grateful that Kelly was a part of my birth team! 

Sarah

1/29/2021

Kelly is incredible. We chose to include a doula in the births of all three of our children. After a mediocre experience the first time, we found Kelly through word of mouth from several friends and family members. We were in great hands with her during the births of our next two daughters. She helped prepare me to ask questions that my OB visits regarding the GBS testing. She helped me prepare for labor during the weeks before, checking in and supporting me through the last weeks of pregnancy. I was 1 week late both times and she was encouraging and provided ideas to help bring on labor. On birth days, she was professional and loving. She knew when to join my husband and me and knew when it was time to go to the hospital. All of those questions you and your partner have are so tough to answer in the throws of labor. This is precisely why having Kelly on your team is crucial. Whether or not your birth is at home, at a hospital, medicated or unmediated, vaginal or a section, Kelly is key in the experience.

Once at the hospital, Kelly (and therefor my husband and me) were treated very well. I bypassed triage both times simply by Kelly telling the staff I was at least 8cm dilated (which I was both times). She knows this spot on without a vaginal check, solely from experience. During labor at the hospital, a hospital nurse came into my room and asked Kelly for suggestions and help for her patient in the room next door. If that doesn't say it all! The nurses are asking her for assistance! 

Gabriela

12/28/2020

Kelly is the most amazing doula. I can't imagine giving birth without her expertise and wisdom.  Her knowledge of hospital protocol, birthing positions, techniques and pain management during an unmedicated birth are unparalleled. She is a valuable addition to any birth team. 

Georgina

12/16/2020

This was my second time having Kelly as my doula. After the wonderful experience I had with my second baby, achieving the natural unmediated birth I had hoped for, I knew I wanted to have Kelly's  guidance and support again with my third baby.  Because of Covid restrictions, the hospital policy allowed only one support person with me during labor & delivery. Knowing how invaluable the support and guidance from Kelly was in those moments, I knew hands down I would benefit from her doula services again.  I am so glad she was there coaching me through the contractions (over the phone and in person) and advocating for me when I needed it most. She encouraged me when I felt unsure of myself in the most painful and difficult moments of labor. She knew just want to say and do to help motivate me and keep me focused on birthing my baby the way I wanted to. So thankful for her expertise and wisdom, her knowledge and experience. And her kindness and personal care made all the difference. I highly recommend Kelly to any expecting parents, especially those who are seeking a very personal and empowering birth experience. 

Leah C

12/9/2020

Kelly came recommended by my OB and was the best doula I could've ever asked for. She provides so much of her own knowledge and access to science-based information ahead of the birth I felt empowered to make informed decisions regarding what I wanted for my birth. When my due date came and passed she provided much needed support without judgement when I was unsure of how I wanted to proceed due to outside pressure vs what I wanted for my birth. When it was time to deliver with a Pitocin induction, Kelly was readily available for consult the night before to ensure I got enough rest and was ready for what was to come. Day of she was there for my husband and I beginning to end and there was no way either of us could've done an unmedicated birth without her. When I was spiraling she pulled me back, snapped me out of it and got me to focus. When I felt like I couldn't go on she was there to remind me my baby was almost out all I had to do was push. She helped my husband console and support me through labor and somehow between all of this was able to document our labor with amazing pictures. After labor, we have been in touch to ensure we are adjusting ok and her salve and herbal bath sitz are life savers. Kelly is truly a gem and I can't imagine my birth story without her being a part of it. 

Samantha

11/19/2020

You are probably putting so much effort into prepping for your baby, but don't forget that you and your partner also need lots of love and support! That is why you need a doula! I am SO grateful that I found Kelly. She is kind, compassionate, and extremely knowledgable. I was pregnant during the COVID pandemic and with all of the correspondeing restrictions, I was starting to lose hope that I would be able to have the natural birth experience I had always wanted. When I talked to my doctor about doulas, she immediately recommended Kelly! Kelly's prenatal home visit put both my husband and I at ease with all the information we needed about labor, the hospital, and postnatal care. When baby girl decided she was ready to arrive, Kelly calmly met us at the hospital. She managed interactions with hospital staff effortlessly while still helping me through every single contraction. She was also a tremendous support for my husband. There were moments when I honestly thought I couldn't handle another second, but she was right there without judgement and filled with love to tell me that I absolutely could keep going! She also knew every possible trick to help make me more comfortable and to get the baby into a better position for delivery. I honestly can't imagine anyone giving birth without someone like Kelly. She literally saved my entire pregnancy and labor experience. I felt so supported, especially after birth at her postnatal visit. If you have been considering a doula, hire Kelly! You will be so grateful you did! 

I also want to mention that I was so lucky to also get to work with Danielle during my labor since she was at the hospital at the same time for another delivery! She was so helpful and supportive and kind during my labor and you will love her, too! You seriously cannot go wrong with Sunshine Doula Services. :)

Lindsay Wray

11/19/2020

Kelly cannot be recommended highly enough, and I was very relieved that Covid-19 didn’t take her away from my birthing experience in this wild year! She absolutely made the birth of my second child as wonderful and memorable as the birth of my first. I will forever be indebted to her for her guiding presence.

Kelly is extremely knowledgeable. From pregnancy to breastfeeding and post-partum care, she has vast resources and reliable, scientific information available for her mommas. She also has a very deep understanding of the labor and delivery process, and is very in-tune with what a laboring mom needs and wants.  Kelly has seen it all, and is ready to tackle any concern, obstacle, or surprise that comes a momma’s way.

Kelly is well connected in the birthing world. She knows the industry and its players very well, and is comfortable giving fair and impartial insights on care providers, IBCLC’s, hospitals, midwives, etc. She has built a solid professional network, which bodes well for all mommas, and allows them to have the “inside scoop” on the birthing community.

Kelly is also “partner friendly”. My husband never felt out of the loop, second fiddle, or that he was not wanted or very needed in the process. She is such an advocate for partners and helps keep them providing support, comfort, and guidance. When we found out that we were expecting our second, he immediately told me to hire Kelly, almost more so for his benefit than for mine!   

If I can successfully convince him to have a third, Kelly will once again be our first call. It is definitely the easiest decision a momma can make!

Kristin vasquez

11/5/2020

Kelly was amazing, she was more like a great friend than just our Doula,  it was an instant connection and we were so honored to have her there at the birth of both of our girls. We adore Kelly and wpuld recommend her over and over again. She really advocates for you and gets things done,  you worry about nothing

Sara B

11/4/2020

We have used Kelly for two births now and would highly recommend her to anyone. Kelly was the perfect support system that I needed as a woman. She works well with getting husbands involved and helping the husband help you while in labor and or takes care of you and your husband while your husband hold your hand, in our case. Kelly and I had talked in depth of what I wanted for my birth, especially with my second as it would be an unmedicated VBAC, and what happened with our first that I didn't like and what I did like. Kelly was an encouragement and also the drill sargent that I needed to get through our labor and delivery. She was the person to tell me no when I asked for pain meds becasuse that is what I wanted for my birth. She kept us moving when we needed and let me rest when I needed. She is a great source of information and support through your pregnancy, labor, delivery and even postpartum. 

Brandi

11/4/2020

My experience with Kelly was nothing short of WONDERFUL. I had a c-section with my first child and knew right away if we were to have more children I wanted a vaginal birth. From that point I did all the research and so many things mentioned hiring a doula which I was clueless about. I found and interviewed a few doulas I met through social media (and this was all during covid stuff). My interview with Kelly was over facetime but I knew immediately she was the one for me. She was confident and funny and I could tell she not only knew her stuff when it came to birth but she was passionate about it too. AND and was pumped about helping me get a VBAC. I was pretty calm most my pregnancy and did not need a lot of care or talks until my last 2 weeks when the anxiety set in- and she was there to reassure me. Honestly up to this point I was kinda still wondering why I needed a doula when I would have my midwife and husband but kept on because thats was all the podcasts said to do. ha! when it came to labor though- THANK THE LORD I HAD KELLY. Seriously, she was hands down my biggest help, my favorite person, and my angel. She had me in different positions, did counter pressure, and sensed my needs. I swear I loved my husbands and midwives help but its Kelly that really helped me through the dreaded back labor and everthing that happened that night.  She was the one who gave me some much needed tough love when I was feeling too weak to push and needed someone to get close to my face, look me in the eyes, and tell me to PUSH NOW and that I was strong enough to do it. She also stayed after the baby was born a long time to chat with us, answer questions, and help navigate dealing with hospital stuff which was so brilliant. I swear my husband and I recommend her 150% and we would hire her over and over. 

Teylor Carr

9/2/2020

Where to even begin! Kelly is extremely knowledgeable and you can tell she really loves what she does. I found her on Instagram and after our first meeting I knew it was a match. I booked her on the spot. This was my second child and my husbands first. We really wanted to feel supported and have a overall different experience then what I had my first time around. She definitely listened to our wants and needs in the kind of birth we wanted. Gave us great information and details of what to expect during the pregnancy and delivery. Her VIP package included a lactation consultant which has been a huge life saver!  Due to covid and my experience with my obgyn not being the greates she suggested us looking into a home birth. It was the best descision for us to switch and I couldn't be more thankful to have a doula who really listened to our wants and needs and opened us up to something we never gave a thought to. I am excited for her to become a midwife she will be amazing. I couldn't give her more praise. 

Brittany

8/30/2020

Kelly was an incredible doula! She did a great job making my husband and I feel comfortable. She was supportive during labor and delivery. She stayed to help us even after the birth. She took amazing pictures and a great time log of labor!

Jordan

8/30/2020

Kelly was absolutely wonderful. She supported us through the ups and downs of plans for home birth but after plans changed, I was most grateful for her during labor and delivery. I originally hired her because I wanted to have the best chance for a normal delivery at a hospital with a lot of protocols and she did exactly what I needed her to do and more. My labor was fast but she arrived exactly at the right time, she kindly suggested new ideas to the nurse so that I could labor without being hooked to the monitor and was able to get in the tub. One of the wonderful things about Kelly is she has a great relationship with the nurses so there isn't any of that awkward tension of nurse vs doula that I've seen before. With such a fast labor, I felt a little out of control and dramatic because I was in denial that things were moving that fast and she constantly reminded me I was doing it correctly and it was just happening quickly. She helped me with positioning and breathing through contractions, and most importantly, she knew what I needed before I even had to ask. I just felt safe and calm knowing she was there able to advocate for me and the only thing I had to do was have a baby... and that alone comforted me the most. I will forever be grateful for her during my daughters birth. 

Katie P

8/16/2020

Kelly was everything I wanted in a doula and more. I wanted a hospital birth with as little medical intervention as possible. Kelly was recommended to me by my OB. In fact, she was the only doula my OB would work with. She said Kelly was amazing to work with, that all the nurses and medical staff knew her and she worked seamlessly with them. My OB was right!

Kelly is dedicated to evidenced-based practices, and gave us great information from our very first consultation! She's calm, compassionate, and direct. We had a consultation with her, texted a bit throughout my (uncomplicated) pregnancy, met with her a few weeks before I gave birth, and then had her come to the house when labor really started. 

I spent a long time in early labor, but was very comfortable in early and active labor thanks to the TENS unit I received from Kelly. Once in labor, she gave me great coaching over the phone, and came over an hour later as my contractions picked up. She heard my concerns and desire to go to the hospital. She immediately started directing my husband how to prepare for transport and what to expect (during the time of COVID). She took the reigns in a way that let my husband take care of what he needed to, and be fully present and supportive during what can only be described as the worlds worst car ride (in transition!). My birth was fast and furious, and I would have been very stressed with all the questions and swirling wires and options had Kelly not been there. Kelly worked completely seamlessly with the hospital staff and helped me understand some of the questions and decisions. I'm so grateful she also wrote down our birth timeline!

Through her VIP package I was hooked up with one of the best IBCLCs in the valley. I felt fully supported from pregnancy through early postpartum with Kelly and the IBCLC!

From my experience I can say that if you want a non-medical feeling hospital birth, Kelly is the doula to hire!

Kim

8/4/2020

I can’t say enough good things about Kelly. She was absolutely essential to our birth story and I don’t think we could’ve done it without her. Not only did she help us prepare for the big day in advance and make herself available for questions, but she also helped when I had a coronavirus scare and was instructed by my doctor to go straight to the hospital. Kelly used her contacts at the hospital to make sure my husband could come with me and helped calm me down as I was terrified that I was sick and also was going to have to give birth that day, weeks early. (Fortunately, I did not have the virus or have to deliver that night!) She had an answer for me in minutes. I think it is a true testament to her character and efficacy that she is so well respected by doctors and hospital staff. Of course, Kelly also shone when I was actually in labor. She suggested different pushing positions, making my efforts more effective, to help my sunny side up baby make his way out naturally and without intervention. She also supported us in the best ways, guiding my husband at times, and whispering words of encouragement in my ear when I thought I was spent. Finally, the photos and birth timeline were a joy to receive, especially during a time when family was not allowed to come to the hospital. 

Erica Altamirano

8/4/2020

Thanks so much Kelly for all your encouragement and support. I wanted an unmedicated VBAC and you helped me achieve this goal. With COVID going on we had to make the tough decision to either have Kelly or my husband in the room during Labor and Delivery. We felt confident in Kelly and knew I would be in the best care with her so the tough decision was made to have Kelly in person and my husband was FaceTime’d in. Before Kelly arrived I was nervous and scared since they were inducing me with Pitocin and placing a cook catheter in to help me dilate. After about 1/2 hour of having the cook catheter in I told myself to just get the epidural because it was painful. Kelly arrived soon after that thought and immediately I felt peace. She was by my side the entire time and showed me how to manage the pain from within. Her breathing with me was a huge help and she never had me in one position. All the moving around helped pass time and I wasn’t focusing on the pain. It’s almost like she knew exactly what my body needed and I’m glad I trusted in her. Labor pains started around 9am and by 4pm I was ready to push. After 10 mins of pushing my baby boy was here. I cannot be more happy with the support Kelly gave me. She helped me feel empowered and capable of trusting my body to do what it was designed to do. For that I’m forever grateful. In my personal opinion a Doula should be there at all births just like a Midwife or Doctor. They make a HUGE difference and work hand in hand with the nurses. I could tell there was much respect between the medical staff and Kelly because they all worked together to make sure I was in the best and safest care. Thanks Kelly for knowing your gifts and helping others achieve their goals during labor. Your an amazing Woman!

Nikki Hoppe

8/2/2020

Having Kelly for our Doula was an absolutely incredible experience. She not only supported us through our pregnancy journey and a challenging labor/birth, but also opened up her network of experienced professionals (Chiropractor, Midwifery team, Lactation Consultant) to help us build a wonderful team of resources.

One of my favorite parts of labor was how much it bonded my husband and me under Kelly’s guidance on how my husband could best support me. She helped to create such a wonderful connection between us! 

Additionally, I credit her knowledge and experience during labor to helping prevent us from having a c-section. She understood exactly what positions I needed to labor in to help reposition my baby girl, who’s incorrect position was preventing me from progressing. She also supported us when we had to make the difficult decision to transfer from a home birth to the hospital, and came to the hospital with us to help us navigate birth in that environment. 

Finally, the photos she took throughout our labor and birth were absolutely beautiful. They captured all the emotion and documented our experience perfectly. I can’t recommend Kelly enough - she was such an integral part of our entire journey and I can’t imagine going through that experience without her!

Lynn Jacinto

7/27/2020

I chose to have a doula present at my birth because I really wanted a natural, unmedicated, low intervention experience. I chose Kelly after interviewing multiple Doula's because of her knowledge and reach in the birth/postpartum community. She seemed to have endless information and contacts for whatever I might need. She also has the ability to provide a kind but "tough love" approach (I am sure she is able to cater her approach to individual needs), but that was what I needed and she amd I knew it. She was available and supportive before birth, guided me in different directions with the changing landscape due to COVID19. We ended up with a home birth and I truly feel Kelly was instrumental in shortening the duration of my labor by hours. She was, and is still available weeks after the birth of my daughter if I need anything. I would recommend Kelly to any pregnant woman no matter what your birth plan is. She will help you by providing education, resources, and will advocate for you. 

Niki Byard

7/24/2020

I can't imagine my labor experience without Kelly & I hope I never have to in the future! She is the aboslute BEST in the biz! She was the biggest help to us every step of the way, from initial meetings during my pregnancy to days after my birth. It was my first baby and I was SO nervous about labor prior to meeting Kelly, but instantly after our first meeting my husband and I both looked at eachother and said, "100% yes, she's amazing!"  She provided more knowledge about pregnancy/labor than my doctors, baby classes and Google combined. She prepared me/us for what was to come and brought a huge sense of comfort to our experience. Once I went into labor, I felt like I knew exactly what I needed to do. She was on the phone with us as I labored at home and she met us at the hospital as soon as she knew I was ready to go. I can't even put into words how she helped me during L&D at the hospital, partially because I was dilusional at the time but mostly because words won't do it justice. But I do know one thing, I could not have done it without her (and my husband would say the same thing). She's kind, funny, real, and so easy to talk to! My husband's #1 recommendation to anyone having a baby is now, "hire Kelly Sunshine." She was just as much a help to him as she was to me, and we are both eternally grateful for her! We consider her a friend and just pray she'll be available for the delivery of our next baby!

Elma

7/16/2020

I can't put into words how amazing it has been to have Kelly as my doula 3 times now. She is very positive, calm and most of all very knowledgeable about birth. We hired Kelly in 2013 and again for two more births because she's very good at her job. All 3 of my births were very different from each other and she was instrumental in proving us with good support. I can't recommend her enough. 

Ruby Rivera

7/16/2020

I’m very grateful to have had Kelly as my doula, she was very supportive during my pregnancy as well as during labor and delivery, she’s very knowledgeable and I don’t think I would have stuck to my plan of having a natural birth without her there. I can’t recommend her enough!!

Loren

7/2/2020

Kelly came highly recommended and after I interviewed her I knew she was a good fit for me. I really wanted to have an unmedicated birth which I was not able to do with my first. Kelly had an add on option which included evening primrose, red leaf tea and herbs to bathe in with baby after birth. I think all of those things, in addition to walking daily was a big help. Once I started having contractions, I called Kelly and she was there for phone support and then once I was ready, she was at my home. We followed her to the hospital and she was familiar with all of the procedures at the hospital, putting myself and my husband at ease. She was an excellent advocate for me. With her guidance, I was able to fulfill my goal of having an unmedicated birth. She had me in the tub and breathing and humming through the contractions. In addition, she got some really amazing pictures of my labor, delivery and little one. I would highly recommend Kelly to a friend that wanted a similar experience. 

Tracey & Tim McCormac

6/19/2020

Kelly was an exceptional support role during my pregnancy, birth and post partum. Having a baby during a pandemic was not easy, there were fast and quick changes to my birth plan that I was not prepared for or expecting (I know this happens to most mom's without a pandemic in the mix). However, we accepted what was happening outside of our control and Kelly amended the experience so she still could be present for me without actually being in the room due to new hospital rules only allowing one support person with you. Happy to have my husband with me by my side, Kelly was with me the ENTIRE time on facetime. She helped my husband get things in the room to better support me, she coached me through labor, and she was able to get a video of me birthing my daughter! She even helped my husband get my placenta to her in the parking lot so she could still encapsulate it. Kelly became especially helpful when we had some post partum questions - she answered us every time and referred us to her resources as needed. I'm so grateful to Kelly for making my experience feel even more special despite all odds being against us. Having a doula with me through birth wasn't an option for me, it was a necessity! If you're looking for a doula, do yourself a favor and meet with Kelly- I bet you'll hire her on the spot!

Kalie Tenorio

6/1/2020

I have had Kelly at the birth of both of my babies and I honestly can't imagine going through labor without her. She is so knowledgeable because of her extensive experience (I was her 700th birth!) My second labor was a bit more complicated than my first. Baby was born sunny side up and I had several weeks of pre-labor contractions. Kelly gave reassuring advice about different exercises I could do to help turn the baby and move labor along. On the day of my birth, I had a check-up with my midwife, and they discovered I was 5-6 cm dilated (woah!), but still not in active labor. Because it was my second birth and I was 45 minutes from my hospital, we decided to get me checked in to the hospital and break my waters to move things along. With the help of Kelly, my midwife, and some wonderful nurses, I was able to have a second unmedicated birth. Kelly has a calm reassuring presence and is also strong and confident when necessary. She has a way of reminding you of your own strength in the difficult moments. I would recommend her to anyone, even if you already have a "support person". My husband was an active participant in both of my births and Kelly worked alongside him seamlessly. He always comments on how glad he was that we had her there to support us. It allowed him to confidently focus on me while Kelly quietly spoke with the nurses, filled up the tub for me to labor in, or brought a cool washrag or a cup of ice. When it came time for me to move to a different position, Kelly would jump in to lend her experienced touch. Kelly is also the one who referred me to my midwife and is the reason that I gave birth at Banner Del Web instead of a closer hospital. Without her help and the support of the team that she works so closely with, there is a good chance that my second child would have been born via cesarean section. If you're on the fence about whether or not to hire a doula, they are undoubtedly worth it, and Kelly is the very best in the valley!

Rachel Hindman

5/29/2020

Hiring Kelly Sunshine as our doula was one of the best decisions my husband and I made for our birth. She gently guided us through not just our pregnancy but also through the crazyness of the caronavirus and all of the complications that brought for our birth. We ended up choosing a homebirth because of hospital restrictions and she lead us to the most amazing midwife team! She supported me throughout the labor and gave me the strength and encouragement I needed to have a natural birth of a my 9.4lb son. Our labor plans changed from a  hospital birth, to a homebirth with Kelly and our midwives and we wouldn't change that for anything! It truly was a blessing to have her guidence throughout our pregnancy and delivery! We couldn't recommend her enough! Thank you Kelly! 

Tori Wason

4/20/2020

The first meeting we had with Kelly we connected with her. My husband wanted nothing to do with a natural birth until meeting Kelly. We have 3 kids, but learned so much from her for our 4th. Unfortunately, our baby was born during the height of COVID19. Rules changed and I had to choose between my doula and husband. I was a wreck and Kelly communicated with my husband and then came over to meet about options. She brought me my favorite drink and snack and went way above and beyond what was in our contract to try to make my experience what I wanted. In the end, we felt it was best to have Kelly in the room during the labor and delivery. She was so supportive in such a vulnerable time and I wanted to give up so badly, but she encouraged me and got me through the natural birth i wanted. I still text Kelly updates and keep in touch. I wish I would have met her for my other kids, but am so happy I was able to use her for our last. 

Chelsea Weighner

4/12/2020

I met Kelly 4 years ago during a birthing class she was teaching. I was 38 weeks pregnant with our first daughter. It was that night that I learned want a doula was, and what they did during birth. Being so late in my pregnancy we didn’t think we would be able to hire a doula. My husband and I have talked about how much we wish we would have looked into hiring a doula more and knew if we were to have any other children we would have a doula at the birth.

When we found out we were pregnant with our second child I emailed Kelly immediately. She came to our house for the initial meeting when I was only 6 weeks along. I felt so comfortable with her and was so excited to go into labor and give birth to our daughter.

Hiring Kelly was one of the best decisions we made. She was so supportive in everything we wanted. She knew exactly what to do to make me more comfortable during labor, she had me go into different positions to more labor along. She was so encouraging. I had the birth I always wanted, and that is because of Kelly  

If I could do my first birth over I would have hired Kelly. I have told everyone I know how awesome it was having Kelly at my birth and that everyone needs to hire her. There is no way I could have done it without her. Thank you Kelly for all you have done for us and helping bring our sweet girl into the world!

Sharma

4/8/2020

Words cannot even begin to describe how amazing Kelly is. I literally have tears in my eyes as I write this. My experience was one that I will never forget. Kelly is the best at what she does and she LOVES it and her clients. She brought me so much comfort throughout my whole pregnancy. She was quick to answer my questions and concerns. When I got diagnosed with gestational diabetes she helped me deal with the emotional struggles that I had. She was truly a gift from God! During the delivery, although so scary, I felt so much peace knowing she was there with me through all of it. She makes you feel empowered! She is also very knowledgeable and will encourage you to make informed decisions.  Whenever I met with her, I never felt rushed and she made me feel like I was so important! What I wanted for my birth plan changed a couple times during the course of my pregnancy and she supported all of them. She was worth every. single. penny. I will only have her at my future births. If you’re looking for a doula, look no further. Whether you are wanting a hospital birth with an epidural or a home birth with a midwife, choosing Kelly as your doula will be one of the best and smartest choices you will make!

Katelyn Cantu

4/3/2020

I couldn't imagine my birth experience without the support and expertise of Kelly Sunshine. She was knowledgeable, loving, and was a rock during the entire labor and delivery process. She was so confident, which was incredibly helpful for this nervous, first time mama. I intended on birthing without an epidural, but when I ultimately decided that it would help me to relax and progress to 10cm, Kelly was only supportive and encouraging. She didn't once make me feel like I had failed for making that decision. She made me feel like a super woman and I walked away from my birth feeling strong and empowered. Kelly is amazing!!!

Teagan Schudel

3/31/2020

Working with Kelly and having her and her experience as part of my pregnancy, labor and birth story is one I will never regret. We met with Kelly early on in our pregnancy, about the beginning of the 2nd trimester. As first time parents, we wanted to be sure we were in the best hands and were exposed to the best resources for the best pregnancy, labor and birth that was in our control. We had heard of Kelly from a friend of ours who had Kelly as her doula for both of her children. From our very first meet and greet, Kelly stole our hearts with her down to earth personality, passion for what she does and wealth of knowledge. COVID19 brought an element of surprise none of us were prepared for. Because of this, very important parts of our birth plan (like having my husband and Kelly present at the hospital) was in jeapordy. Kelly was able to seamlessly guide us through this time with ease. She was a major sigh of releif through the virus pandamec, she guided us through the hurdles that frequently poppped up before us because of the pandamic, and she fought for us to have the birth plan we desired. The many hospitals and mid wives were not able to do what Kelly was able to do for us during this time and we are so greatful for that. Our son is now a few days old and we are all home safe and healthy! Looking back at my experience, I am so happy we had Kelly as our doula and highly recommend her if you are currently looking for a wonderful support person and highly educated indivudal to have in your corner during your pregnancy and birth experience!

Natalie Foster

2/14/2020

Kelly made the total difference in our birth experience, helping me to feel confident about our birth decisions, the in-hospital care we received for our baby, and providing the best level of care throughout labor for mama, daddy, and baby. We know in our hearts that although we COULD have done it without her, that it HIGHLY likely would not have been the present, emotionally safe, fluid, easy, beautiful, and well-informed experience that we had. Labor was a smooth process with her there, and Mom and Dad were well able to connect and feel the level of love and support between eachother, very likely to an enhanced degree as we were able to concentrate on what we do best, loving and supporting each other while Kelly handled the things that she is an expert in. This was something I was concerned about from the beginning as I didn't want the doula to "replace" my husband, but this was so not the case with Kelly. She also was very attentive to my physical needs, providing massage and perfect encouragement when the contractions got rough and throughout the epidural process. I also cant say enough about the pre-birth explanation and all of her helpful tips, salves, teas, and other preparatory and post-partum ideas and items. I do have to wonder if we would have perhaps given birth late, gone to the hospital or gotten an epidural too early, or ended up with a C-section without her coaching us from the beginning. It was great to know what the heck was happening during such a blur of a time, as well as have the complete record of events and even photos to boot. So grateful. Everything was awesome, thanks again Kelly! 

Natalie Orne

2/12/2020

Kelly was sent from above - another doula I was using had a conflict last minute so I reached out to Kelly with less then a weeks notice. She made herself available to talk late at night to calm me and said it didn't matter her scheduled - she'd be there and make it work. She helped guide me every step of the way. Her knowledge made our delivery smooth and the most amazing surreal experience I thought was only possible in my dreams. I'm forever grateful for her! 

Joanna

1/25/2020

I can’t say enough about how wonderful Kelly is and the support she provided throughout my pregnancy and labor & delivery. My husband said it best when telling friends about our baby’s birth, “Our doula is awesome, she’s worth her weight in gold!” (Seriously, he really said that). We had the birth experience we wanted and have an great birth story thanks to Kelly and her knowledge, warmth, strength, and mad skills!! 
Our baby was breech and my original OB would only do a C-section. Kelly scheduled an appointment for us with a doctor experienced in breech delivery and we changed doctors at 35 weeks in order to have a natural birth as planned. No matter how many babies I have, Kelly will be my doula for all of their births! Her ability to help my labor progress and support me as I worked through contractions was phenomenal. I believe it made all the difference and got me ready to push. She worked with the hospital staff and was an advocate for what we wanted, always putting our safety first. She was honest about what was happening and our options to choose the procedures and medication we wanted to ensure nothing was done that we weren’t comfortable with. I am beyond grateful that I found Kelly and that she was part of our journey! If you're looking for a doula I highly recommended Kelly Sunshine! 

Samantha Newman

12/16/2019

I used Kelly for my first baby and I knew immediately that I wanted her for my second. She is truly amazing and so experienced and knowledgeable. She listens to you and will advocate for you and your husband during labor which is especially important for first time parents. I have been able to have two pain med free births and I could not have done so with out Kelly. I highly, highly recommend her if you are looking for the best in the Phoenix area. She is so much more than just a doula, I think of her as a lifelong friend and will never forget all that she did for me and my babies. 

Felicia Sparkes

11/16/2019

I first met Kelly in 2016 when I was 36 weeks pregnant with my first child. We were late to hiring a doula, but lucked out that she had some availability open up for us. We knew from our first meeting with her that we made the right choice hiring her to support our labor. We felt completely out of our element, but Kelly was with us every step of the way. She is extremely knowledgeable about labor: how to get things moving along, how to work through contractions, how to ease some of the pain, how to help/encourage partners be supportive through labor, but she's also extremely knowledgeable about hospital options: what they provide for labor and delivery and even the nurses and staff at various valley locations.

My first birth experience wasn’t at all what I’d hoped it would be, but Kelly was a steady support system through every difficult contraction, through our eventual epidural, and she stayed by our side through my 23 hour labor.. despite coming directly from another labor just before! When we found out we were expecting a second baby this past year, we knew we wanted Kelly by our side again. Since I wasn't satisfied with my first birth experience, Kelly helped me find a new provider that was better aligned with my birth desires. When it came time for labor, everything moved very quickly. Kelly helped me work through every difficult contraction, hummed and groaned along with me when things felt unbearable, and her unwavering encouragement helped me keep going even when I quietly felt like giving up. She is incredibly nurturing and supportive. She truly feels like a part of our family. We couldn't be more pleased with our experiences with her, nor could we possibly be any more grateful.

Brianne Tremp

8/17/2019

6 months after giving birth to my first daughter with Kelly's assistance, I found out I was pregnant again!  Kelly was one of the first phone calls I made.  With her help, I was able to forgo an epidural with both of deliveries.  Kelly was not only key to having the labor and delivery I wanted, but she was also so supportive throughout both of my pregnancies.  When I was losing hope of going into labor naturally with this pregnancy after being induced with my first, Kelly kept encouraging me.  When I finally did go into labor spontaneously and was heading to the hospital, Kelly woke up in the middle of the night, met my husband and I on our 30 minute drive and followed us to the hospital, meanwhile talking me through the contractions on the phone.  She also worked with the nurses and my midwife ahead of time to make sure the hospital was prepared for me... that turned out to be crucial as I delivered 53 minutes after arriving at the hospital!  Kelly's use of her doula magic while I was in transition and pushing at the hospital made it possible for me to stay controlled and engaged  I can't imagine ever giving birth without Kelly there to help me through it! 

Sara Richards

7/15/2019

This was our second time hiring Kelly Sunshine and she is absolutely wonderful! Both of my births have been so quick that having her advice and expertise have been what kept them positive experiences. She is supportive from day one and is extremely knowledgeable on the ways to prepare for labor as well as laboring. She can anticipate your wants and needs during labor and I love that she is there for us and doesn’t leave our side as the hospital staff comes and goes. She’s not just supportive of you but knows how to encourage and include your partner. My husband who is both a skeptic and rather closed fisted with our money will tell you that Kelly is incredibly worthwhile investment. She is extremely positive and professional and I love all the services she provides! We will be hiring her for all our future births.

Jane Toomey

6/20/2019

Working with Kelly was amazing. I went into early labor while she was vacationing in Mexico, and she got up extra early the next morning to make it back in time for my delivery. Having Kelly in the delivery room with me made everything run so smooth. She knew exactly what to say and how to encourage me. While I was having trouble pushing out the first twin, she grabbed my hand and it put on my daughters head and said "that is your baby you are almost there". It was the most magical and most memorable moment of my entire delievery. I would reccomend Kelly to any family that is looking to hire a doula. 

Jacqueline

6/6/2019

I don't even know where to begin with trying to explain how helpful and crucial Kelly was in the labor and delivery of our daughter. I had an unmedicated birth and my daughter was 9 lbs. 2 oz., and it was because of Kelly's expertise that I was able to deliver her naturally (without a c-section) and without tearing. Her knowledge of positions to put me in while laboring made all the difference. Her raport with the doctors and nurses made it so my boyfriend and I could focus on eachother and our baby. I'm so happy that she was a part of our special day. She calmed fears before delivery by having us fully prepared and knowing what to expect. I have already recommeded her to every pregnant friend I have and if we have another baby, we won't want to do it without her. Thanks again, Kelly!

Lauren K

5/22/2019

I tapped three different networks in search of a doula, and all three - including my overly matter of fact OB, said Kelly Sunshine. When I met her, I understood why. Kelly has the gift of comfort - meeting her is feeling like you gained a new best friend or found a long lost sister. She is a doula with no agenda other than to support, educate and lift you up. I knew that I wanted to attempt a natural childbirth. At my six-month appointment my OB asked if I would be having a doula. As a first time mom having no idea what I was getting into, I shrugged off the suggestion as my husband mouthed to me “what’s a dew-la?” I didn’t think I needed one for a successful natural birth, but ran across a statistic about c-sections performed to benefit a doctor’s schedule and was floored - my research led me down a black hole of hospital birth standards and potential consequences; by month 7, I was on the scramble to find a doula as I knew in my heart it was necessary for me to have unbiased information during delivery. I interviewed other doulas who made me feel terrible for choice in OB and birthing at a hospital. With Kelly, there was none of that. She understood *our* needs and provided us ample education and down-to-earth communication. Kelly is known and respected in the L&D community. Her knowledge of practitioners and nurses was pivotal in my delivery as she knew the on-call doctor was “c-section happy” and we were able to strategize ways to keep him at bay. She talked us through the whole birthing process and provided us the support we couldnt have guessed we would need. We look back on our birthing experience with no regret - this is thanks to Kelly!

Steph H

5/8/2019

We had a crazy fast birth (2hrs!) with our second child and Kelly was amazing getting to us as quick as she could. We were at home and didn’t have time to try and make it to the hospital but Kelly talked us through everything on the phone while on her way and after arriving at our house only minutes after baby was born she helped with immediate care while we waited for a midwife to arrive. I had some complications after the delivery with bleeding and Kelly stayed with us assisting and encouraging us. She was an invaluable part of our child’s birth and we are forever grateful. 

Lidia K Stephan

4/20/2019

My husband and I were fortunate enough to have our son and our baby girl both born with Kelly at our side. I could not have done it without her! Each experience was completely different, and her skills and expertise were needed at both. Most recently, I returned from being overseas for my job with complications. Kelly was the first person I contacted to start helping me with my return and preparations for the birth of our baby girl. I was a mess when I was told that our baby had basically stopped growing at 37 weeks. Being the caring and professional Doula that she is, Kelly arranged everything--from my healthcare for return to a birthing plan and my follow-ups with the doctor for delivery! She was my comfort and solace during one of the scariest times in my life.  I had a difficult labor too, no epidural (my choice) and induction, but she was there by my side supporting me every moment of the way for several hours. She helped ease my pain not just in moral support but through tactical exercises and positioning, and working with my midwives and doctors with a plan of action. Her rapport with the midwives, doctors, and hospital staff is excellent which is why she has an outstanding reputation. To top off everything she did for us, she also took the most amazing pictures at delivery that have helped complete our birthing story. Thank you Kelly for the comfort, expertise, voice of reason, and understanding you provided throughout this pregnancy and delivery and the one before, Your patience, willing to help, explanations about things happening to my body when I least expect, was what helped me get through some trying nights. You are a gem of a doula and so happy my sister and I have had the privilege of having our 4 babies born with you as their doula. We are forever grateful.

Ana McCarty

3/19/2019

I am late in my review. Almost a year late. Giving birth is one of the most life changing experiences a woman can ever go through. It has taken me this long to finally be able to sit and really think and absorb my birth story. If you are a mom already you know having a baby will keep you busy and in your toes.

Before being pregnant I had no idea of the ride that pregnancy was going to be. There are so many things that change. My son being our first baby, I knew I needed guidance. I knew I wanted a healthy natural birth. After attending a birth prep class where we met Kelly, I was like oh man we need her! There is a certain vibe you get from Kelly from the moment you meet her. There is this reassurance that she has your back.

After meeting with Kelly in our initial appointment, once again I felt reassured. From the beginning she is very honest and straight forward of what to expect when working with her. It was so nice that she also acknowledged my husband the whole time. While being pregnant yes, the mom is the focus and we tend to forget about the partner. But not Kelly! She addressed both of us. She guided us through the stages of labor, what to expect and what we could do. Once closer to the due date she was there to help me ease any concern I might had. Her guidance and knowledge helped me achieve the labor I wanted. She helped me put my birth plan together. Went over things I personally had not even thought of. Kelly is knowledgeable and experienced. She is a game changer!

If and when baby number two comes, Kelly will be one of the first person to find out because she is getting booked. I cannot imagine labor without Kelly again. She was more than I can ever ask for and I am forever thankful for her services and care.  

Celeste

3/12/2019

Working with Kelly for our home birth was spectacular! What drew me to her was not only her immense knowledge and experience with birth, but also her willingness to help with our other children during our birth if needed. While my husband was busy feeding and getting our other kids ready to leave for a friend's house, she was mindful of what they were eating or doing to report back to me. 

She made sure I stayed hydrated and changed positions frequently. She truly helped bring my baby down in a comfortable position. I felt deeply cared for. She was even so helpful and accommodating to my midwives. They all loved her and kept commenting how great she was. I loved that she would hold my hand, or offer counter pressure when I needed. But she also made sure my husband was right next to me and involved as well. 

I did Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis with my birth and Kelly was more than willing to learn and use the different language and cues and techniques to assist me during my birthing time. She was also willing to read me prompts if I needed her to. She was also very helpful with putting on the tracks I needed played out loud. 

I love so much that she took photos of the birth for us. I will forever get to cherish those. 

Overall, Kelly is so knowledgeable and has much experience. I felt like she knew what I wanted or needed before I even knew myself. She lights up the room with her smile and brings much peace and comfort. If we have a 5th baby, we will definitely hire her again.

Brittany Henritze

3/7/2019

I can't say enough about how amazing Kelly Sunshine was in the process of preparing for and giving birth to my beautiful baby boy. I was hesitant about getting doula and the additional expense involved given the huge wave of baby expenses coming at me, but when I talked to Kelly I knew right away I wanted to work with her and that she would be a great fit for me and my family. From the first phone call, all the way to her follow up after my son was born, she was a critical and beautiful part of bringing him in the world that I would never want to do without. As a first time mom, there were so many things I didn't know and so many decisions I didn't know I even had the freedom to make. Kelly empowered me in preparing to be a mother by asking questions and encouraging me to think about what I wanted it all to look like, providing organized and personalized information about the process and the choices/options involved, and made herself available to answer questions or process through things, and was always thoughtful, kind, and warm. During the birthing process, she was the perfect champion - taking charge, cheering me on, and doing things/offering suggestions to help get me finish strong in the way I envisioned, but all in a way that my mother was able to be the primary support person. She handled my delivery day so beautifully and went above and beyond to make me feel safe and supported in every way so I could just focus on having a healthy delivery. Her knowledge and expertise of the birthing process, latest news and "who's who" in labor and delivery in the valley, and her connections are impressive and comforting. No matter what new first time mom anxieties came my way I knew I was in good hands and had all the information I needed to make the best decisions for my son and I. My family and I are SO GRATEFUL for Kelly - the memories I have of having my first child are so much more beautiful because of her. She is the best! 

Kimberly Goeman

2/27/2019

We have used Kelly for the birth of our two children. Her experience, knowledge and the help she provides is priceless. She was able to troubleshoot with me as I experienced weeks of prodromal labor with both babies, helped me hope with pain in ways my husband just didn't have the experience or knowledge to, and made sure my birth experience was as easy as childbirth can be, and was a major key in achieving a VBAC! In addition, she provides a birth timeline/story to reflect back on (everything is so hazy during it that it is nice to look back on and see what happened when), and photos I will cherish forever. I also got my placenta encapulasted both times through Kelly.

Kelly has become a friend, and I will simply not birth without this amazing woman! 

Nikol

2/22/2019

Working with Kelly was amazing. She was extremely informative and helped my husband and I know what to expect prior to the birth, and was there to support us and give her extremely knowledgeable advice and support throughout the birth. The staff at the hospital all spoke very highly of her and recognized her as a peer. 

Lindsay Hampshire

2/21/2019

My husband and I had an amazing experience working with Kelly for the birth of our first baby.  Kelly came to our house twice--once to meet us and again at 36-weeks to discuss labor and delivery.  She was confident, calm, and warm.  When I went into labor, I texted her updates until it was time to go to the hospital.  I was 6cm dilated and needed an epidural as soon as I arrived.  My contractions were strong, and Kelly got me into a seated position for the epidural.  I leaned forward onto her shoulder, and she kept me calm.  Once the epidural was placed, she moved me into different positions so that labor would continue to progress quickly.  She provided gentle touch and eye contact and answered all of my questions about what washappening.  It had been my goal to labor at home for as long as possible.  It only took 5 hours after arriving at the hospital for baby girl to arrive.  Kelly stayed an extra hour after birth to help with the first latch for breastfeeding.  My husband, who had been unsure at first about hiring a doula, said he wants to hire Kelly for any future babies. :)

Nikki Butler

2/19/2019

My husband and I hired Kelly to assist with our labor and delivery for our first child. I knew I wanted to deliver in a hospital, however, it was really important to me to have the most natural experience as possible and avoid any interventions, especially a c-section (unless in need of an emergency, of course). Friends of ours recommended Kelly to assist us in carrying out our birth plan, and my husband and I repeatedly say how Kelly was worth EVERY penny.

Kelly has so much experience working with several hospitals and providers in the Valley. When we had our first meeting with Kelly, I was uneasy about the doctor and hospital I had chosen; Kelly instead gave her experiences working with my doctor and hospital and recommended a midwife and hospital that better suited our preferences and what we were looking for in our pregnancy and childbirth experiences. I can't say enough how this advice truly changed our experience for the better.

Additionally, Kelly not only prepped us with what to expect during labor, she was actually so hands on while I was going through painful contractions, literally! I did not receive an epidural, and instead referred to Kelly as my epidural! She worked with my midwife and the hospital to ensure that I got a delivery room with a bathtub, which was a huge help in reducing the pain and pressure of my contractions. She took INCREDIBLE photos documenting the birth of our baby boy, which we will cherish forever. And she even helped me with nursing my baby for the first time.

Kelly really cared to take the time to establish a relationship with us and let us know that we could call her for anything at anytime. Having Kelly on our team was the best decision we made! I'm convinced she is the reason our birth plan was carried out perfectly and we will absolutely hire Kelly for our future babies!

Brianna

2/17/2019

Kelly is wonderful. With my first, I did not think having an unmedicated birth was possible. There were many moments when Kelly played a crucial role in pain management and educating me on the labor process. Had I been elsewhere or not had her as my advocate, there is no doubt that my first birth could have ended as a c-section. Instead, I had a save, rewarding experience without any unnecessary medical intervention.

The best part of having Kelly as my doula was that she helped my husband and mom feel involved, important, and find their irreplaceable role during the long labor process.

The moment I found out I was pregnant again, I sent Kelly a text! Although the second birth was much quicker, she provided pain management (this time with a TENs Unit!) and helped me have another beautiful natural birth experience. As a cherry on top, Kelly takes wonderful photos of the birth and later writes a birth story with specific timeline details. In the craziness of labor, it is wonderful to have photos and a reliable story to review with all the correct details.
I recommend Kelly to all my pregnant friends! Regardless of what kind of birth you want, Kelly will help you achieve it and be your advocate throughout the labor process.

Her placenta capsules and tincture are amazing as well! I got them after both pregnancies and notice a HUGE difference in my milk supply as well as emotional stability when I take them. So thankful for Kelly and all she does!

Lindsay Wray

2/15/2019

Hiring Kelly was, by far, the best investment I made in my labor and delivery of my first born. I highly recommend her services to anyone having a baby in the greater Phoenix area. Kelly was originally referred to me by my OB/GYN, and I was delighted that she was available for my delivery in late December (Due dates around Christmas can be tough!) Kelly is very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and highly regarded in the birthing community. Her resume speaks for itself. We had consistent contact throughout my pregnancy and she was always available for questions or concerns. She was able to navigate me through the hospital protocol, pre-registration, and admittance during active labor with ease. It is clear she has earned respect from the staff on labor and delivery floors at local hospitals, and with numerous OBGYN practices. With her steadfast guidance and unrivaled expertise, I was able to have the exact birth experience that I had envisioned and look back very fondly on my delivery day.  She also provided a birth timeline, priceless photos, and a litany of great resources for labor, delivery, and recovery at home. If there is another pregnancy for me in the future, she will be the first call I make.

Lou Wise

12/18/2018

We had the honor and pleasure of having Kelly’s help for both of our children’s births (2014, 2016). During our first pregnancy,  my husband and I decided that we really wanted to aim for a natural birth but also birth at a hospital with our obstetrician. Our OB/Gyn‘s office recommended a few doulas that they had previously worked with but after calling and speaking to them all, we decided that Kelly was the best fit for us and we were excited to meet with her. After meeting with Kelly, we were instantly comfortable with her extensive knowledge, experience and calm and reassuring demeanor. We knew we wanted her help througrout the entire exciting but unknown journey. Kelly answered all of our questions and had us reflect on what we wanted our birth to be like and what was important to us.  Kelly’s recommendations and guidance throughout the pregnancy was an amazing adjunct to our obstetrician‘s advice. On the day our son was born, I texted Kelly in the wee hours of the morning for her guidance until we met her at the hospital a couple of hours later. My labor was intense and quick and Kelly was right there to reassure my husband and I. We couldn’t have been more relieved to have Kelly by our side during that time as well as 2 years later with our daughter‘s birth. Kelly is wonderful and knowledgeable and listened to our birthing requests. She took beautiful pictures and wrote very sweet birth stories for our children, that I treasure. The placental encapsulation and herbal soaks helped tremendously during my recovery.  I cannot imagine our birthing journeys without Kelly! 

Stephanie Sedlak

11/26/2018

Kelly is nothing short of amazing! I've delivered two babies with her - the first was a scheduled induction with no pain meds, and the second was a completely natural birth. Both experiences were amazing with Kelly. She not only knows all of the staff at Scottsdale Shea where I delivered, but she is clearly well-respected and loved by the nurses and staff. In fact, my OB refuses to work with any other doulas other than Kelly and her team!

During labor, Kelly knew exactly what I needed at all times and was right there through the hardest parts. She helped my husband be involved too, and captured some beautiful photos of us during labor. From my first consult with Kelly there was an instant connection. She is very responsive and communicative leading up to labor, helped us have an awesome all-natural labor & delivery experience, and goes the extra mile to check-in post-delivery... there is a reason she is one of the most sought-after doulas in Arizona! We love Kelly!

Brittany Hover

11/8/2018

When people asked, why are you having a doula? I gave the answers I had read about and observed at my cousin’s birth. She is a coach, a cheerleader, an advocate, etc. All these things are true of Kelly. It wasn’t until I labored and delivered my daughter that I knew the reasons you need Kelly there. She has a sense of what a laboring mother needs. She could tell I wanted to be left alone and coached my husband how to assist me during the hard parts. For me, the pushing phase was the hardest. I was near the end, exhausted, and wanting to give up. Kelly could tell I was running low on steam and had the words and encouragement I needed in the moment to push until the end. Fast-forward to me finding out I was pregnant again and there was no doubt in my mind Kelly would be there! I was nervous about birthing naturally again, but knew there was no other way I was giving birth. I knew I would need her support and encouragement the second time around. While I was texting her in labor she knew it would go faster and had a feeling I was close. My husband and I were waiting for my parents to arrive to watch our daughter, and labor came on fast. Kelly picked me up and drove me to the hospital because there was no time to waste. At the hospital, she once again, knew just what I needed. She held my hips to assist with my contractions and gave me sweet, encouraging words. She was the one who could tell I was ready to push. I was scared about the pushing phase again, because I was not a fan the last time. My water had not broken. I told her I was scared and she assured me if the doctor broke my water it would take one push and my son would be here. She calmed my nerves, made me feel at ease, and ready to have my son. It happened just as she said. Kelly is a Godsend for pregnant women. From the beginning of your pregnancy to the birth, she will enhance your journey and deepen your experience. She is a truly wonderful and gifted doula.

Courtney Distaso

10/15/2018

Kelly was the best decision we made for the birth of our first born! She is thoughtful and attentive. Her knowledge and experience are undeniable! She catered to mine and my husband’s needs and questions flawlessly.

It was so comforting to have her over the phone guidance during the contractions in the comfort of our own home, then in person advancing labor in the hospital, and finally when our birth plan went awry she was able to confirm c-section will likely be our healthiest way to deliver. It’s reassuring to know that everything that can be done has been from the perspective of someone not under the hospital or doctor’s instruction.

She truly wants the very best experience for all of her mothers and we are so grateful we got her referral and invested in our own peace of mind by booking Kelly!

Sarah Bennett

10/9/2018

My experience with Kelly far exceeded my expectations. Kelly was by my side through every step of my labor and provided unparalleled support both physically, mentally and emotionally. The biggest gift that I would say she provided to me was the feeling of physical and emotional safety throughout the entire process. I was a first time mom and did not know really what to expect with Labor and I felt So secure having her by my side. I cannot imagine delivering my daughter or any future children without her. Her energy and expertise is clearly god-given - I truly believe she was called to do the work that she does. My husband and I are eternally grateful that she was a part of the most incredible experiences of our lives. 

Emily Tufo

9/18/2018

Kelly Sunshine is amazing and helped me have a successful VBAC!

She believed in me when I doubted myself. I almost elected to have cesarean after an obgyn told me I had a narrow pelvis; she coached me through my anxiety and fear.

This was quite the feat because I am an emergency room nurse and often think in worse case scenarios.

Her style is professional yet warm and compassionate. She is confident, very knowledgeable, and detail oriented. Kelly worked beautifully with the other nurses, the midwife, and my family. She also happens to be a fantastic photographer!

Kelly was a key player on our birth team and helped make my son’s birth a healing, empowering, beautiful experience. She was also very helpful postpartum. I would hire her again in a heartbeat.

PS: Kelly seems to have rock star doula status in the valley so book her ASAP!

Nicole Kehres

9/17/2018

Kelly, Sunshine Doula Services, was the best decison we made for this labor/delivery. I have wanted to have a natural birth experience for all of my kids but having Kelly there was the only reason I could go through with it. I felt calm, prepared, supported, and encouraged throughout the entire process! She kept me focused on the end goal and was never pushy, annoying or anxious. She took control of every situation and I felt confident that nothing would get in the way of a positive experience. I cannot recommend her enough and can't imagine having another baby without her! 

Ashleigh Fall

9/17/2018

This was my second birth where Kelly was my doula.  Both births were very different.  The first was a c-section with twins, and this last one was a vbac with one baby.  Kelly was an asset in both births, but especially in my vbac.  As labor prgressed and things got rough, we decided to call Kelly in even though the nurse said it was too soon.  Thank God we did!  I truly don't know how people manage labor without someone like Kelly there.  Before she got there my husband and I were struggling through each contraction, but once she arrived and coached me through each one, and how he could support me, it made them a little easier to get through.  Additionally, having her there to explain things to me as labor progressed eased any anxiety and worries that were coming up.  Not only that, but she documents you labor in a birth story and take pictures of the occasion, which were so valuable.  Worth every penny.

Amanda Heitz

8/29/2018

I never knew that I would want a doula, but now I know I'd never want to do this without one . . . and not just any one: Kelly Sunshine is the best! From our first meeting to our post-partum visit, Kelly was a tremendous advisor, advocate, and cheerleader. She is 100% committed to making sure that the birth experience is as positive as possible based on your needs and preferences, and is a wealth of knowledge to help you figure out what your preferences are if you, like me, have no clue going in! She isn't pushing an agenda and understands that every mom and every birth is different. 

I could write several paragraphs about what a difference Kelly made for my family, but with limited space, I have to be brief. I had a grueling birth experience and would have lost my mind without Kelly. Our son was a week late and had to be induced. The preliminary drugs shot me right into intense street-fighter labor. Kelly coached me through until I progressed enough to be admitted and not turned away at the hospital. On our way to the hospital, she called L&D triage to let them know we were coming so that a room could be made ready, nurses assigned, and (most importantly to me at that point) the anesthesiologist could be alerted. I labored for around 16 hours, dilating all the way and pushing for three hours before the doctors determined that a C section would be necessary as baby's head was stuck and his heart rate was dropping. Kelly was with us every step of the way. It was like having an extra L&D nurse whose sole responsibility was my comfort and emotional well-being. She is a consummate professional and made such a good impression on the medical staff that the OB/GYN was happy to vouch for her being allowed into the OR as an exception to hospital policy. Kelly was right there to take pictures of the baby and hold my hand as I shivered through the procedure. There was so much less fear and anxiety for my husband and me with Kelly by our side!

Jacqueline Aranda Castillo

7/25/2018

Kelly was an amazing doula. From our fisr meeting she was personable, informative, kind, funny and made a connection with both me and my husband. She  offers a wide  a breathe of services.  She had a good relationship with my LD nurse and knew relevant services and resources in the community. If I choose The VIP package she offers a post partimmlit that was essential to my healing process. Allnof this and she was just what I needed during the birth process. She knew what she was doing and knew how to motivate me to achieve my birthing goals. I would highly recommend Kelly and will use her again should the need arise. 

Natalie Ochoa

7/19/2018

I highly recommend, Kelly! I have now used her for 2 births -- the first, a beautiful natural birth with no epidural and the second an long hard labor resulting in a scary emergency c-section. No matter what the situation, Kelly is God sent gift for mommas through this time. She takes the pressure off the dads so they can just be present with mom. She has built amazing relationshps with hospital staff all around the valley and it comes in very handy ;) I would hire her over and over -- she's worth every penny! 

Nina Tinsley

7/18/2018

Kelly was our doula for both of our births, and she was absolutely invaluable both times.  I had an epidural with the first and an unplanned-unmedicated delivery the second time, and Kelly's support and guidance in both cases was critical.  This past time, she provided guidance and reassurance through the end of my pregnancy, and she coached me through my horrendous contractions on the phone while she hurried to meet us at the hospital.  In what could have been a nerve-wracking time, she was a calming presence, and she continued to coach me through delivery.  Her birth photos are STUNNING, and her post-partum follow-up made me feel so cared-for.  I have recommended Kelly to several of my friends, all of whom have had amazing experiences with her as well.  Kelly brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as a supportive, loving, and accepting presence to pregnancy and birth.  I cannot recommend Kelly enough!

Melanie Braunbeck

7/18/2018

It's hard to convey just how grateful my husband and I are that Kelly was there for us during the birth of our son. I am quite sure that she helped me avoid a c-section. I had to be induced for gestational hypertension and I had a very unfavorable cervix. We called Kelly when the pitocin-driven contractions started getting too intense for me to handle on my own - and the nurses wouldn't let me out of bed due to my blood pressure. When she walked into the room I felt like everything changed. Her presence alone was comforting because she exuded assurance that we were going to get through this together. She immediately got the nurses to agree to allow me to stand to labor after looking at my BP trends and seeing that they had been stable for a few hours. She then went about adjusting my bed to support me standing. When the contractions began, she'd squeeze my hips to take away some of the pain and coach me through each one, helping me breathe in the right way. We went through a series of different positions and she helped me labor him down to at least 0 station, even though my cervix wouldn't budge. I finally requested an epidural at the peak of my contractions and she was amazing helping me to prepare for it. We practiced going through a couple of contractions in the position I'd have to be in while getting the epidural - without moving! That was really hard, but she was right there with me, holding me tightly to keep me safe and unmoving but it also felt like a hug. She kept saying encouraging words in my ear nonstop, never tiring of coaching. A few hours later I was ready to push and she again coached me through the technique before we began for real. She took the most beautiful photos while I was pushing and delivering, all the while continuing her words of encouragement. We will cherish the pictures we have of our son entering the world, thank you Kelly! And thank you for making it possible for my husband to be there just loving me, you handled the rest!

Layla Beaty

7/17/2018

My husband and I welcomed our first child in June of this year, 2018. Being that this was our first, we had no clue what to expect and being alone here in Phoenix due to military stationing we didn’t have family here locally to lean on. I still however wanted to be as prepared as I possibly could be for our baby girls arrival. Luke afb gives us airmen tons of info & resources when we are expecting so I took full advantage which led me to Kelly. One of the nurses from the base suggested birth classes which I was all for to make sure we were prepared with as much info as we could be. At the birthing class we met Kelly and she introduced herself as a doula. She was so sweet and I got got great vibes and energy from her immediately! I knew all about the Role of a doula but it was nice for my husband to hear her speak about what doulas do for families & the benefits. We were sold by the end of the class and luckil were able to secure Kelly’s last spot for the month of June, I felt like it was meant to be. I‘m so thankful we decided to hire her for our birth, she made our experience 100xs better. We clicked instantlay and i had the very best support system in my husband and Kelly. She knew the ins and outs of the hospita, their staff, how to coach me through my labor physically & mentally, and was a great support to my husband who is a army vet that suffers from anxiety; he was a ball of nerves. The round the clock assistance whenever I had random question, making sure we knew exactly what was happening each step of the way, supporting me through whatever decision I made during my labor, food/coffee runs, never leaving our side until the baby was born, photography, and birth timeline was absolutely amazing & I would hire Kelly again in s heartbeat. Having her there was like having a family member or a best friend holding your hand through this intense process. Kelly is wonderful & we are forever grateful for her services. 

Kristen Phair

7/16/2018

My husband and I recently had Kelly Sunshine as our doula for the second time, for the birth of our son. We first met Kelly three years ago for the birth of our daughter and were very happy with our birth experience under her guidance. Kelly gave us the tools, advice, and confidence to pursue a natural birth and she helped us successfully meet that goal. When we became pregnant with our second child, it was an easy decision to include Kelly in our birth plan again. Kelly had a good relationship with our OB/GYN which was important to us. She was our advocate in the hospital and helped communicate our wishes when we were consummed with the labor process. One of the things we most appreciated about Kelly was that she stayed for a while after the birth to help us get started with breastfeeding which the hospital nurses really don't have time to do. Kelly captured our birth experience with some beautiful photos that will help us remember the emotions of our son's birth for years to come. Kelly was a huge support for us; calming, reasssuring, and comfortable. We highly recommend her!

Brianne Tremp

5/26/2018

When we met Kelly, my husband and I iimmediately knew that she was the right "fit" as a doula for us!  We immediately felt comfortable with her and trusted her, even though we had just met her!  She was able to provide us a lot of information, but did so in a way that we felt our needs and wants were heard and respected.  Over the course of my pregnancy Kelly was supportive in times when I had questions or concerns and went above and beyond to help me several times.  When I had a small scare towards the end of my pregnancy, Kelly was the first person I called; she kept me calm and gave me the direction that I needed and then made sure that I was taken care of by communicating with my Dr and checking in with me and my husband.  At one day shy of 40 weeks, I ended up having to be induced; I was scared and frustrated, knowing that this would likely make my plan for a non-medicated labor and delivery more difficult.  Kelly was extremely encouraging throughout the process of induction.  Once I finally went into active labor (16 hours after starting the process), Kelly changed her plans to be with me as quickly as possible.  I can honestly say that Kelly's presence and coaching made all the difference in the world for me during my labor and delivery.  Even though I had started to talk about an epidural before she arrived, once she got there, I was able to simply listening to her coaching and in the end, I had the un-medicated delivery that I had hoped for.  She was AMAZING and I couldn't have done it without her!  She also made a huge difference for my husband, who was able to step back from trying to help me, and simply be there with me, supporting me, once she arrived.  If and when we ever have a 2nd child, Kelly will be one of my first phone calls to enlist her services once again!

Alyssa Brennan

5/10/2018

I can't say enough good things about Kelly, my overall experience with her made the birth of my daughter such an enjoyable experience. With this being my second child and knowing I wanted more of a say and control over my birth experience I went the route of hiring a doula to know not only what those options are, but to also have someone there by my side who can help me use my voice in a vulnerable time of need. I was on the fence about going natural as I had an epidural with my first child and wasn't against it. When it came time that I was in labor with my daughter Kelly just stepped right up to the plate and literally took any stress off mine and my husbands shoulders so we could just focus on my labor. She helped communicate with the hospital staff and also helped me with anything I needed. With her help I was able to go unmedicated and have a very positive and magical birth experience that I can look back on and feel so good about. She's very knowledgable about what breathing techniques and positions that are optimal for the labor process and getting the baby down into position. I felt super confident in myself as well, just by having her there by my side coaching me. My (initially skeptical) husband and mother were also in the room with me and they felt super comfortable and happy with Kelly and her services. They were very impressed with her! She also takes amazing birth photos and photos of the baby right after they are born, added bonus! If and when we decide to have a third child, I will definitely be using Kelly again! I have been referring her to all my expecting friends and women i meet.

Jennifer Gordon

4/22/2018

Kelly came as a recommendation from my OB. From our first meeting, I knew she would be a great fit for my husband and I, both personality-wise and philosophy-wise. I delivered at Scottsdale Shea and knowing that this hospital would be a little bit of a challenge with my birthing goals, I was reassured by Kelly because she had worked several times with my OB and the nursing staff at the hospital. Kelly was a resource to me throughout my pregnancy, always available to answer questions and meeting with my husband and I face-to-face prior to the birth. 

When the day of delivery came, she was by my side from the time I got to triage to well after the birth. Kelly's rapport with the nurses and staff made me feel confindent that I was in good hands. As with all births, my plan took a few side turns, but Kelly always got us right back on track. For instance, when my labor seemed to be stalling, my OB recommended that pitocin be administered, but instead Kelly recommended we give it a little more time and try nipple stimulation which totally worked. She was assertive with medical staff when she needed to be, she was gentle and caring with me, she was great as making my husband feel involved and informed, and she was an ADVOCATE for myself, my husband and our baby. Birthing with very little to no medical intervention is hard and there were many moments when I felt like I wanted to give up, but Kelly helped me get through the pain and exhaustion. Bottom line, without Kelly there is NO WAY I would have been able to carry out my birthing goals/plan. 

After the birth, she encapsulated my placenta and had it back to me the next day. Kelly followed up with me a few days after I was home and settled in. I am so happy that I partnered with Kelly for my son's birth. She is worth every penny. 

P.S. Take advantage of her all-inclusive package. Having the additional support from her lactation consultant was incredibly helpful. 

Katie H

4/14/2018

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to hire a doula. I am so glad we found Kelly to fill that role for us. From the beginning, she convinced my skeptical husband that having her there wouldn't take away from him helping me through labor, but would instead give him tools to better support me, and take some of the pressure of dealing with the medical staff off of him. She would work as my advocate, so he could just focus on supporting me and welcoming our baby. That is exactly what Kelly did. Throughout my pregnancy, whenever I had questions, Kelly was there to help. She had great recommendations for everything, from a different clinic that was more aligned with the natural birth I was looking for, to a hospital that provided a compromise between a birth center and an "of course you'll get an epidural" hospital, and everything in between. Knowing that she was just a text away put me at ease throughout my pregnancy.

When it came time to deliver, I was so happy to have Kelly there. She kept me calm throughout my labor, anticipated my needs, and worked alongside the medical staff to help get baby into position and help me through my natural childbirth. In the end, I was able to deliver my 9lb 2oz baby without any pain medication, and had an amazing birth experience. More importantly though, even if I would have had to deviate from my planned birth, I know Kelly would have been there to support me and make me comfortable with whatever came up.

Even after delivery, Kelly was still available for any questions I had. She was able to get me in touch with a lactation consultant on very short notice, and helped to ease a lot of my first time mom worries. I really can't say enough good about Kelly, and even my once skeptical husband agrees that Kelly was great.

Gillian Marshall

3/2/2018

When I started to look for a doula, I knew I wanted someone who would support me, challenge me and encourage me to have the best birth possible. Then I came across Kelly Sunshine and I hit the jackpot. Birth is full of unexpected things, especially since I am a first time mom! Kelly gave me the confidence and love that I needed to go through my pregancy and birth without fear. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a great support system in place before going through your birth. My husband and I will most definitly call on Kelly again. I would recommend her and have recommended her again and again to anyone who asks. When I went into labor I was unsure how things would go - when Kelly walked into the room all those insecurities slipped away and I was focused on the here and now. That was because of her guidance through each contraction, her positive talk, her knowledge of exercises to ease labor and visualization techniques. Again, I say with complete confidence, if you want a doula that loves birth, loves women, loves babies and will love on YOU - then Kelly Sunshine is the perfect match. 

Stephanie Balderrama

2/15/2018

I used Kelly Sunshine for two of my children's births. She was exceptional. I was able to have two natural births without any medical interventions. Her support allowed me to focus on myself and the baby. She took the stress and worry out of the process. Kelly was responsive, knowledgeable, and able to give me and my husband the right support at the right time. She brought information, techniques, and tools, to help me get through the labor and as a result I am able to look back on each labor and delivery feeling happy about how they went. All the medical staff had a lot of respect for Kelly and her approach, which also helped. I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone wanting additional support during labor and delivery.

Michelle Cardona Keller

12/15/2017

My husband and I wanted a doubla becasue we're busy professionals and didnt have the time for any kind of birthing class.  We thought "Well we're gonna do this once, do we need to be experts?  Let's have someone there who is an expert to guide us!"  Kelly is that but so much more. The best way to describe Kelly is that she is a part of the medical team.  She is right in the trenches with them, offering suggestions, stepping in to hand them things, running to grab something, adjusting your pillows.  But all the time you are her top priority.  Think of her like the Mary Poppins of Birth. You get sick and feel nauseous, she whips out peppermint essential oil on a washcloth and suddenly you are inhaling it and feel better. You are hot and sweating and instantly there is a bucket of ice water and washclothes that are constantly being refreshed on your forehead.  When your family is hungry and grabs food and starts to eat in front of you, she kicks them out so you dont kill someone.  I swear she anticipated things and worked so well with my midwife that they were my dream team. She truly is there to make it better.  I had so many interventions and bumps along the road with a 4 day labor induction. It was the pits! But my actual delivery was lovely. It felt beautiful and not at all clinical even though we were in a hospital. The lights were low and the room was quiet. And she coached me through 45 min of pushing!  And to this day I believe had Kelly not been there, I would have had a c-section. Mentally I was giving up. The process was taking too long and wearing me down. She gave my family the push to cheer me on and keep going. She also worked behind the scenes to really push my priorities which I will forever be greatful.  I also did the placenta encapsulation and can't reccomend it enough.  Im so not crunchy but I feel it really helped my mood and milk production.  GO WITH KELLY! 

Jessica Osborn

12/3/2017

Kelly was a Godsend for us when we were induced a week ago. She took care of me and my husband as soon as she arrived making us feel comfortable and relaxed. She was motivating and informative, educating us on everything that was happening. With her help we progressed quickly and had the energy to push out our healthy and beautiful baby girl. Kelly also is an amazing photographer and captured our experience perfectly.  I highly recommend Kelly, she was the doula of our dreams!

ashly gorsuch

11/22/2017

Words cannot express how truly grateful I am for Kelly Sunshine! On November 4th I had my son! This birth was my second after a previous C-section. I was able to labor and deliver an all natural VBAC. I really feel this wouldn’t have been possible without Kelly. When I started to lose strength, she keep focused and as relaxed as possible. We worked through every contractions, she keep me comfortable, and she even keep my husbands nerves under control. My husband and I agreed, we wouldn’t consider doing it again, without her. I’m grateful for finally having the birth experience I wanted!

Jacquie Fischl Weflen

11/21/2017

I just had my second child and Kelly was my doula for both births. I truly could not imagine not having Kelly by my husband and Is side during labor. I really wanted a natural unmedicated birth and I was only able to achieve it with Kellys help. She was instrumental in helping me find my rhythm, breathing patterns and positioning to get me through the contractions I thought would never end. there were a few times I wanted to give up, but Kelly was right there to help me through. In the end, I ended up with the birth experience I had always dreamed of. This would not have been possible without Kelly. Her knowledge and labor experience is next to none. I would recommend Kelly in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a doula. She is really amazing And we were so lucky to have had her as a doula!

Stephanie Gastonguay

11/4/2017

We had an amazing and Unforgettable experience with Kelly. She was available whenever we needed her for anything and she was a wonderful support person throughout our pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods. She was so loving and supportive and exactly what my husband and I needed to get through this journey. She helped us prepare, stay focused, and as relaxed as possible. I cannot imagine going through this process without her and would definitely love to work with her again in the future. I highly recommend Kelly!

Brooke Schohl

8/26/2017

When I learned I was pregnant with my daughter, and due in August, I knew right away that Kelly would be part of the big day.  I had hired her in 2015 for the birth of my son and it was a wonderful experience.  This experience with her was even better than the first time, as I got to spend more time with her during labor and delivery - and really see her in action.  She is phenomenal at her job, extremely knowledgeable. Her confidence allowed my husband and I to be confident as well.  I loved having a birth advocate on my side who truly understood what I wanted and how I wanted the birth to proceed.  She is an expert.  Beyond that, she is caring, responsive to communication, and someone that I now consider a friend.  I wouldn't go through the birthing experience without her.  Thank you Kelly from John and I!   

Tiffany Ferguson-Nolan

8/25/2017

I cannot say enough good things about Kelly to convey just how wonderful she is and how amazing she made the journey of my second pregnancy! I was looking for a new OB/GYN after a less than steller experience with my first pregnancy. After two years, I decided to take another approach and start searching for a Doula. I found Kelly Sunshine online and just had a good feeling reading her profile. When I met her in person, my nomrally reserved 2 year old daughter walked up to Kelly and took her hand. This second time around I was determined to have a successful VBAC. Kelly helped me find Dr. Helms, who is amazing and even when issues came up, took the time to listen to my concerns and encourraged me that it would all be ok. My water broke late at night, 4 days after my due date and soon contractions started and Kelly was only a phone call away. When it was time for to go the hospital, Kelly was there when we needed her. She was great with the nurses and was able to convey our wishes and make sure we were heard and our birth plan followed to the best of their ability. Dr. Helms was not able to be at our birth, but Kelly was there to reassure us that Dr. Langer would be there for us jusst as Dr. Helms would have been. Though my second daughter was born by C-section, this time my experience was so positive and beautiful that I felt a healing for my previous birth experience as well. I cannot thank Kelly enough for her support, faith, positivity and guidance! Kelly is amazing and her compassion and passion for her work shines thru in everything that she does and the way that she takes care of not only the Mamas, but the way she includes Dads as well. Everyone should be lucky to have Kelly in their corner!!

Shaulan Doughty

8/16/2017

When I got pregnant for the second time I knew I wanted to have a doula to help increase my chances of having a successful VBAC naturally.  Kelly was amazing!  From the first time I met her, I instantly felt comfortable and was excited to experience this with her by my side along with my husband.  She was always great at checking up on me and on the day that I knew I was finally in real labor (1 day before my due date), she helped coach me through it on the phone and would again check in with me until she was able to get to my house.  We made it to the hospital in plenty of time although my contractions were very close together.  She was with me through the entire thing helping me stay strong and focused.  Although I eventually had to break down and get an epidural after 10 hours of labor she still kept telling me how great I was doing.  After a few more hours of failed progression and the baby not turning the midwife suggested that I might still need a csection.  Kelly knew all the movements and tricks to get my baby in the right position and I was finally able to deliver my baby with a successful VBAC after 24 hours of labor.  Thank you Kelly for sticking with me and encouraging me not to give up!  I would definitly use her again if I decide to have a third child ;-).   

Andra D

8/3/2017

My experience with Kelly as my doula was AWESOME!

I had a very traumatic birth with my daughter and I knew that I wanted to do this birth differently.  The first time I met Kelly I KNEW I needed this lady by my side during birth.  She was warm + super experienced and confident, and she listened so empathetically. 

I wanted to have an unmedicated birth and labor at home as long as possible, and Kelly helped me to do exactly that.  After labor started getting intense, she came to our house for support.  My contractions started spacing out and then coming back-to-back, and she suggested some positions to help baby turn and progress labor. Without her there, I would have had no clue what to do and would have started stressing out, but she was so calm and confident that I just let all those feelings go. And those darn positions worked!  It was time to go to the hospital, and when I became emotional she caringly reassured me. She also called ahead to my midwife to discuss my previous trauma and fears, which was so helpful.  At the hospital Kelly took charge, speeding me through the ER, getting my birthing tub set up, spritzing the room with some amazing-smelling mist, and advocating for me. It was perfect timing--I arrived already dilated to 8cm.  I was ecstatic!

Pushing was TOUGH, but Kelly didn't blink.  She was there, encouraging me and holding my hand. The counter-pressure from her hand on my forehead helped me focus, and somehow I managed to birth my amazing, precious boy just the way I had always dreamed of. I truly could not have done it without Kelly!  Even though she didn't have to, she stayed with us during almost two hours of repairs after the birth and made sure baby was nursing before she left.  

I loved the photos Kelly took and the birth story she wrote, and her placenta encapsulation services were awesome, too. Thank you Kelly. We love you!

Tonya L

7/29/2017

We just had our 2nd baby a few days ago and hired Kelly as our doula once again. I can't imagine birthing without her. She is great support before, during and after labor. Her photography is beautiful. She captures moments your would have missed otherwise and it is a great way to look back on an amazing, life changing event. I also took advantage of the placenta encapsulation services she offer once again and I highly recommend it. She always surprises me at the amazing work she does with the placenta and how quick she gets it back to me.

If you are looking for an experienced doula with amazing knowledge and training that it also very caring and personable, Kelly is the perfect choice! We absolutely love her!

Melina Geweke

7/22/2017

Where do I begin? I have birthed two beautiful children. Both with amazingly different birth stories. My first born was induced at 41 weeks and resulted in an emergency Cesarean. My second was a successful VBAC – and Kelly played a crucial role in my incredible birth story. Kelly was recommended to me by several women (a fellow doula, a chiropractor and a Midwife). The moment I met her I knew she was everything I was looking for in a Doula; she has great energy and I instantly trusted her with all my being. Kelly is kind, supportive, responsive, understanding and determined. I had initially told Kelly I wanted a medicated VBAC, after all, a vaginal delivery was the single most important thing to me and it did not matter how I got there, and she was on board. Kelly’s childbirth class was outstanding and gave me and my husband the knowledge we needed to prepare ourselves for what was to come.
On the day of delivery, Kelly came through for me, more than she will ever know. First contraction happened at midnight. Within four hours of my very first contraction, I was 8cm and 0/+1, already checked into the hospital. She arrived immediately and helped coach me through the toughest part. The moment I heard her voice, along with my husband’s support, I knew we would push through. Every moment I felt I couldn’t go any longer – she reminded me that I could. VBAC was a success and due to circumstances, I delivered un-medicated. It was an outstanding experience. I felt empowered and proud. My husband and I thank Kelly for it. I delivered less than an hour after being admitted to the hospital. Incredible!
Kelly is great at what she does. Also, the investment in the placenta encapsulation and birth bundle (a box with awesome items to help finish pregnancy and prepare for postpartum) are worth it! If you are looking for a Doula who can and will emotionally, physically and mentally connect with you and coach you, Kelly is the one!

Jasmine Wright

7/17/2017

Kelly was absolutely amazing and eessential to having the birth experience I wanted. At our first meeting I told her about the birth that I wanted to have. She recommended me to an office that would support the type of birth I wanted. Without her, my birth experience would have been completely different from the one I had.

When my doctors office recommended that I needed to be induced (which I did not want to happen), Kelly was there to explain further why they were suggesting it and provided me with information for both sides, whether I decided to be induced or not. She gave me the information and let me/supported me on my decision. When I went into labor Kelly was quick to answer and helped me through my contractions. When my contractions started getting stronger and closer together, Kelly came to my house very quickly. Being a first time mom, having Kelly there helped me to not only get through my contractions but also took a lot of the stress/guess work out of being in labor. I didn't have to think about when do I need to leave to the hospital or what am I supposed to do when I get to the hospital. When we got to the hospital Kelly helped us to better understand the procedures and what the nurses and doctors were saying. 

Kelly also documented the birth with pictures and keeping track of our birth story. It's very easy to forget about labor once your little miracle is laying on your chest. Kelly sent over the pictures as well as my birth story soon after the birth of my baby boy. The pictures and birth story are a great keepsake and allows you to remember your journey to meeting your little one. 

My partner and I could NOT have imagined going through this process without Kelly and will use her for any future pregnancies.

Melissa

6/20/2017

Kelly was amazing, my water broke at 11:30 at night and she was so responsive, talking with me as often as I needed throughout the night!  We talked on the phone as I labored the entire drive to the hospital and she was such a source of comfort for me.  it was fantastic having her has a rescource.  after she met us at the hospital, she was great for  husband too, grabbing him a chair and telling him what to do.  Thank you Kelly, you are amazing and I am excited to see you again for my second!

Brooke Afshari

6/5/2017

Kelly is amazing!  She was a wealth of knowledge in the days leading up to my labor when I thought I would be induced. On the day that my water broke (the day before my scheduled induction) she was with me the entire morning by phone and text until my contractions got strong enough for us to go to the hospital. At the hospital, she completely took over!  She set me up with the wireless, waterproof monitors (the nurses didn't even know that they were available) and ensured that I had a room where I could labor in the tub.  I ultimately asked for an epidural during transition, and she helped me hold still when they were placing the needle. When my labor stalled (not because of the epidural), she realized that our baby was in a funky position and had me try different positions to get the baby to rotate. Even the nurses didn't suggest these position changes or recognize the malpositioning.  She also suggested ways I could advocate for myself when the epidural failed. Ultimately, our baby didn't change position and after hours of hard labor the doctor suggested a csection.  Though our labor experience wasn't what we had planned (you can't really plan birth!) Kelly did everything she could possibly due to get us through and she took beautiful pictures of our first moments with our baby in the recovery room. I would definitely recommend Kelly to anyone hoping for an unmedicated -- or even medicated -- delivery. 

Kori Nogash

6/5/2017

When I first started thinking about the idea of having a doula assist with the birth of my baby, I had some hesitations. I liked the idea of having an all natural birth with no drugs but knew it was going to be the hardest thing I've ever done and I would need some extra help and support outside of my husband. Kelly came highly recommended from many fellow mommy's so I scheduled a consultation with her and from the moment I met her I knew she was the one I wanted to head down this journey with. She put me at ease and all my anxious thoughts went away by just talking to her. She has a way of keeping your mind on track and helping you see the end result you want in such a positive way. 

She was helpful along the way during pregnancy and when it came time to deliver, I couldn't have done it without her! i still felt strong to make it through with no medicine but  when the contractions really started coming I wanted relief! As soon as she got to the hospital I felt confident again that I could do this! She had an answer for everything that I was feeling, if my back hurt she would rub and put pressure on it in a way I or my husband wouldn't have ever thought of. She helped me mive into different positions to make me more comfortable and just went with the flow of whatever I was feeling and wanted to do/try. She not only gave me the most encouraging support but also made my husband feel comfortable and confident and gave him ways to help me. We both enjoyed the whole experience so much and we will definitely have Kelly part of any future births! She helped us focus on the arrival of our sweet and beautiful baby boy in a calm way, I didn't feel any stress the whole time. Amazing is an understatement! Thank you for everything Kelly :) 

Krissie Lucash

5/26/2017

I just gave birth to my second child and used Kelly as my doula for both deliveries. She was absolutely instrumental in my postive experiences, both very different births and yet both she helped me feel supported and in good care! My first birth in Aug 2015 I had a breech baby and Kelly helped to encourage all options to get baby to turn.  When ultimately baby would not turn and I had a c section she was there every step of the way.  From taking pictures in the OR, securing the clear drape for me, to assuring my husband everything was going well (and getting him to do skin to skin while I was still in OR), and even helping baby to breastfeed when in recovery! 

Then with my second child in May 2017 she was SO supportive of my desire to VBAC.  Even when my confidence wavered because the midwives were concerned that baby was measuring over 9 lb she encouraged me to try and allow my body to do it's natural thing.  She helped me labor naturally until 8cm (epidural) and then she coached me through an hour and a half of pushing to help me successfully vaginally deliver my 9 lb 11 oz baby boy! My husband's comment afterwards was something like, "Kelly is worth every penny just for the pressure she took off me and the instructions she gave me to help you through contractions!"

I highly recommend Kelly for any type of birth experience! She is fantastic to work with and if we have kids in the future she will definitely be present for the births!!!

Renee Genetti

5/22/2017

Wow, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Kelly Sunshine! I first met Kelly immeditatly following the birth of my second son when she came to hospital to collect the placenta for encapsilation. As soon as we met, I knew I wanted to have Kelly with me for any future births we had. There's just something magnetic about Kelly. She's genuine, real, supportive and so passionate about her work, it's contageous. Having Kelly's support after my second was awesome. She came to the hospital to see me and collect the placenta and had my capsules ready in about a day. She took her time visitng with me and hearing my birth story. She made me feel so supported, I instantly knew she was the right fit for our family as a doula. When I found out I was pregnant with our thrid, I contacted Kelly right away! I just gave birth about two weeks ago to our third boy and I am so happy Kelly was with us. My previous pregnancies have been high risk and I prefered giving birth with my OB in a hospital setting. Kelly has great report with the hospital staff and doctors. In fact, she is the prefered doula my OB recommends! All of my birth experiences have been unmedicated, however my first two were supported with hypnobirthing on my own. I wanted a different experience this time and Kelly made that happen. She met me in my home shortly after labor started and I felt like she never left my side, making me feel supported and cared for. Once at the hospital, we used labor support methods like essential oils, soaking in a tub, music, positive affirmations, and massage. My labor was very short and I had my baby boy in my arms in less than an hour and half of arriving at the hospital. Kelly took amazing photos of the birth and wrote out a birth story of our experience--things I will treasure forever. Have you heard of Kelly's Bump Box? This is awesome and includes amazing resources for the last weeks of pregnancy and postpartum. The Sunshine Salve is the BEST!! 

Grace Haecker

5/22/2017

First off words cannot even describe my experience!!! But I would think the word for Kelly is "exceptional" I know having a baby all natural would have been a major struggle and maybe impossible if I did not have her.  The most amazing thing is how she juggled it all!!  I really felt she was with me 100% of the time, I rarely noticed her taking pictures of me for my timeline and I certainly did not see her taking notes :)  She had it all right in the end my time line was lovely and the pictures absolutely priceless!!!  Kelly was compasionate, knew exactly what to do in the moment and even strict at times which I really liked when I felt I couldn't push myself sometimes.  After my baby was born she even reached out to see how the baby and I were doing which just showed she really loves what she does and I will recommend her to all the pregnant moms I come in contact with!! Thanks Kelly I look forward to having you by my side at the next one!

Maria Lane

5/19/2017

Kelly is amazing and I can't wait to have her as our doula again when we are expecting again! From our first meeting, she was always available to answer any questions or concerns we had. Her kind and caring demeanor is exactly what we needed to be assured of our decision to go natural for our birth. I truly had the best birth experience and I couldn't have done it without her by my side! Another big bonus was having her there to capture the memories in photographs as it is something you don't think about in the moment. I definitely will be calling her again when the time comes and just have to pray she's not already booked =) .

Laura Miles

5/19/2017

When I got pregnant I was completely clueless about birthing options or what a doula was.  I assumed I would just get an epidural because natural child birth??  That sounded so intense!  My friend Terry suggested Kelly Sunshine and really encouraged me to do my research.  As I began to read and educate myself on pregnancy and birthing I realized not only did I want a natural birth for my own experience but for my baby as well. 

I met with Kelly and she helped prepare me mentally and physically in the months leading up to my birthing day.  I felt so comfortable with her from the moment we met and I knew that with her help I could accomplish my natural birthing goals.

41 weeks to the day I started leaking amniotic fluid and Kelly suggested I head to the hospital to confirm it.  I was immediately admitted and told that I had 12 hours from when the leaking started to be in active labor or I'd have to be induced (not part of my plan.)  Just before 12 hours my midwife checked me and said I had a forebag and broke my water. That's when Kelly arrived and immediately got me power walking the halls of the hospital.  Man, that woman can speed walk! That kicked labor into full speed.  Kelly guided me through each contraction and I followed her lead with my breathing and moaning (which made ALL the difference as awkward as it felt in the beginning.)  I labored in the tub for a while and Kelly had the perfect playlist of music, she had fluids for me to stay hydrated, and kept me focused during each contraction.  Before I knew it my body was ready to push.  Pushing was the hardest part and Kelly kept me calm and showed me the progress I was making in my pushes.  I was able to accomplish a completely natural child birth and it was the best experience of my life.  I couldn't have done it without Kelly!

Oh and she encapsulated my placenta for me!  :)

Nicole Wilson

5/17/2017

I was referred to Kelly by a friend when 30 weeks pregnant with my first baby.  I knew I wanted a natural/unmedicated delivery but my doc was not very favorable for that plan.  Kelly walked me through finding a new provider and was a support for the rest of that pregnancy.  She was amazing during delivery and helped make sure I got everything I wanted with no interventions for the hospital birth.  And the doc she helped me find is amazing!  So as soon as I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, Kelly was one of my first calls so I could make sure to get on her calendar.  The second time around was even better.  Since I knew a couple things from the first go around, Kelly helped me tweak my birth plan and was able to make sure the hospital staff carried out my wishes.  The whole experience was great!  Plus she gets great pictures!!  I have referred several of my other friends to her and she has helped them have great birthing experiences as well.  I highly recommend her and would use her for every baby :)

Gregory Lim

5/9/2017

We are so greatful we had Kelly as our Doula.  During the birth of our daughter she was incredible - being their to support and encourage us during the labor.  Just as importantly she spent time with us before the birth educating and preparing us for the experience.  We have also benefited from her incredible network of caring professionals.  She introduced us to a mid-wife group that we love and a lactation consultant who really helped us when our daughter wasn't feeding.  Thank you so much for all of your love, help and support.

Erica Rodriguez

5/4/2017

We were looking at getting my placentas, I had twins, encapsulated. Which is a simple meeting with Kelly after you give birth to sign some paperwork and she answers any questions you may have. Before going into labor she recognized me from messaging on facebook and asked if we had a photographer and if not, she would be more than happy to help us out. Thank goodness we took her up on her offer. The pictures she took will were absolutely incredible, I gave birth in the OR because I was having twins and she is allowed to photograph in the OR. She was so incredibly sweet and encouraging the entire time, we didn't hire her to be our doula but she naturally jumped in to offer encouraging words and support.

Thank you Kelly for making the birth of our twins a truly magicial experience.

The Rodriguez Family

(2 moms, 2 boys, & Twin girls)

Selina Gilbertson

5/1/2017

Kelly is a wonderful doula. She exceeded our expectations at every level. Without her guidance we would not been able to even attempt laboring without an epidural. We had a long labor, where the baby was slightly out of position, and Kelly was there every step of the way to help us through. She was extremely knowledgable about methods to move the baby in the right position and because of this we were able to get through the labor without intervention by the OB. Throughout the pregnancy, Kelly was always quick to respond to any questions. My husband and I both agreed that she was well worth the money, and we would not hesitate to have her as our doula again for any future children.

Elizabeth Goodman

4/27/2017

I cannot recommend Kelly enough. We used her for both pregnancies. The first time, she got me through an emergency c-section. The second time, I wanted to do a VBAC. When it came time to induce, my Dr. wasn't sure my chances were high for a vaginal birth and wanted me to consider another c-section. Kelly convinced me I could do it and got me through it. I could not have done it without her. She is amazing. 

Sarah Kader

4/25/2017

My baby just turned one year old, and as I thought back to that day, I of course remember the absolute joy of meeting my daughter... but I also remember so clearly the indispensable help that Kelly provided. As first time parents we really didn't know what we were doing... but we felt calm knowing Kelly was by our side. There were definitely points at which the nurses seemed to be suggesting things weren't progressing fast enough... and they claimed the baby's heart rate was too high... but Kelly reassured us that everything was fine. I felt comfortable speaking my mind, and wanted to avoid a c-section if at all possible, but never having gone through it before I just didn't know if what the nurses were saying was right or not. Kelly helped us know the baby was fine and indeed she was! Kelly also helped me have a snack when I needed one... and got me through some incredibly intense contractions. I really didn't feel stressed at all because she was there, and I will always be grateful for that.

Tilly Bush

4/24/2017

i had an amazing experience with Kelly! Although my delivery ended in a c-section she was an incredible support through my pregnancy and labor. I only wish I had found her sooner so she could have been there for my first! I love how she documents everything and takes pictures. It was truly a great experience and highly recommend her !

Justin Gray

4/16/2017

My wife and I weren't sure a Doula was the right choice - sounded a little to "crunchy" to me. After meeting Kelly any reservations we had went by the wayside. Her experience was invaluable, both prior to the birth and during the birthing process. Kelly made us feel at ease about this new and scary journey we were about to embark on, it was a tremendous relief to know she was going to be there with us. 

Always available by phone and via text, we never hesitatted to shoot Kelly a question or share a new "discovery". The morning we went in to labor started with a text to Kelly at 2am. She walked us through some positions and a game plan and immediately calmed a tense situation.

When we arrived at the hospital, Kelly was already there awaiting us and she never left in the almost ten hours of labor that followed. Excersizes, breathing, guidance, Kelly was there every step of the way until the healthy birth of our son. She ensured that the hostpital and Doctors stuck to the birth plan we had outlined and explained our options to us anytime we needed to make a decision. Kelly was the key to feeling in-control of what is inherantly a very out of control process. 

If you are considering a Doula, stop and hire Kelly. If you have worked with another Doula, stop and hire Kelly. If you are even considering having kids, stop and hire Kelly - working with her should be enough to get you off the fence. 

About the only certainlty in life is this, if we're fortunate enough to have another child, we will be working with Kelly.

Lynelle Mendez

4/7/2017

Kelly has helped me in my delivery of 2 healthy babies, my son in 2014 and my daughter in February 2017! When you look to find a doula you want to find someone that is experienced and someone you can connect with because it's a super personal and amazing experience to give birth naturally. Kelly is both and so much more! She is very special to me as we have created a bond through the birth of both my babies ?? She knows the right positions to help you get through the contractions and she will help you push through when you think you no longer have the strength! She is very knowledgeable and helps give you your options and make the best decisions for whatever situation you are in. We felt very supported throughout the whole process. You barely see the Doctors and nurses but Kelly is there throughout your birth to laugh with you, pray with you and get you through this amazing experience you were made for! I highly recommend Kelly and know if you choose her you will feel like you made the best choice ever!

xo,

Lynelle

Travis Gentz

3/13/2017

Husband’s Perspective
First, Kelly was AMAZING!!!
As the husband I started the journey in full support of my wife and her decision to hire a doula. However, admittedly, I did not know much about the role of the doula. I was told that she would be our guide through the birth process, someone who’s knowledge would help us navigate territory that we were experiencing for the first time. AND Kelly was our rock. I could not imaging going through the excursion without her now that I am on the other side. Throughout we were able to ask her questions that we might not have asked the doctor or nurse, maybe because it was 3am. Even though I went through all the classes and read the books, Kelly could offer advice to my wife where mine was not sought. She was a calming element. She knew all the tricks. I don’t think we could have done it without her. She was our north star.
-Travis

Trisha Horstman

3/9/2017

Kelly is absolutely an amazing Doula! As a Labor and Delivery Nurse myself, I knew I needed someone to support me in labor; and after meeting Kelly, I just knew she was the perfect Doula for us. I felt fully supported by her in my decisions to have a natural birth, even after having a cesarean birth for my first. She encouraged me throughout my pregnancy and was always available to answer questions or calm my fears. She knew the perfect positions to help ease my labor pains while also supporting my body while labor progressed. I am positive that Kelly helped me achieve my goal of having a natural VBAC. I recommend her to all my expecting friends! 

Alicia Cutie

2/19/2017

Kelly is amazing! My husband and I took 12-weeks of Bradley classes, and we were initially conflicted if we even needed a doula. Since my husband travels a lot for work, we decided it was wise to have someone on call that knew and would support my childbirth choices in case he was out of town. Even though my husband was in town when I went into labor, hiring Kelly was one of the best decisions we made of the whole pregnancy. If we have another child, I would hire Kelly to be our doula again.

Kelly really helped us to achieve the natural birth experience we wanted.  Among many other things, Kelly was instrumental and persistent in helping us find the right midwives and place where I felt comfortable having our baby.  During labor, she provided the guidance, encouragement, and positive reassurance my husband and I both needed.  I had to take a castor oil milkshake to help induce labor. I am so glad I was able to call Kelly at 4 AM for reassurance and comfort when my husband was asleep. Kelly has attended so many labors and births that she has the experience you need to help determine what is normal during labor, show you different techniques for reducing pain during labor, time your contractions and help you decide when to go to the birth center or hospital, and so many other things.

Kelly also did my placenta encapsulation. She delivered the pills and tinctures quickly after the birth. Our Bradley teacher had recommended placenta encapsulation after doing it for her second birth but not her first, and she and her husband both noticed a difference.  Based on this, I decided it could not hurt to have it done. I will say that when I forgot to take the pills, I became weepy and my husband noticed too!  I can't imagine how much more difficult the first few weeks would have been without the hormonal balancing that the placenta pills provide.  Thank you, Kelly, for everything you did for us!

Valerie Lane

2/10/2017

I can not express enough what an amazing Doula Kelly Sunshine is. She was with me every step of my labor and delivery. She encouraged my husband and I to fulfill our wish for a natural child birth. She was able to help my husband with counter pressure. She helped me with positioning, imagery, and relaxation to take me through some of the worst contractions. She also helped me in and out of the tub and shower through some of the hardest parts of labor. Although my labor did not go as expected, she encouraged me every step of the way. She even came back to visit to see the baby and deliver my placental encapsulation.  Kelly goes above and beyond, with extensive knowledge about positioning of the mother and baby. She also was able to write our birth story and send us photos after our birth. I would recommend anyone to use Kelly. 

lindsay snow

1/31/2017

Kelly was amazing. My husband and I waited a bit too long to call her the day of my son's birth (our fault-we thought we had more time than we did), so she ended up meeting us at the hospital as I was about to start pushing. I was in so much pain at that point that I was starting to doubt my ability to go through with a natural childbirth, although I really didn't have a choice at that point. When Kelly arrived, she immediately embraced me and coached me through the contractions and pushing. That is something that technically a doctor or a nurse can also do, but hearing Kelly's friendly and encouraging voice was even more helpful. Her experience showed-she knew exactly what to say during every push, not only comfort me, but to also help facilitate the birth. l now have a healthy baby boy and am very thankful that I hired Kelly to help with the process. Money well spent. 

Salena Guion

1/30/2017

We couldn't have asked for a better experience than the one we had with Kelly Sunshine, CD. Being our first child, and first home birth experiece we had a lot of questions and a lot of things we didn't know or were unsure of. Kelly was there every step of the way. She was our own personal support person. Kelly answered all of our questions, and was available, day or night, throughout my pregnancy, during labor, and postpartum. Kelly was friendly, knowledgable, personable, and understood our needs. She made sure that our experience was exactly what we both wanted. I felt confident in whatever happened knowing she was by our side. We were unsure if we needed or wanted to have a doula for our birth in addition to our midwife. I now know that it wouldn't have been the same without her. After my experience I truly believe that every woman in labor should have a doula there to support her and her partner. We couldn't have done it without her. I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone in need of a doula, she made our experience personal, beautiful and unforgettable, without a doubt.

Kate Daniels

1/6/2017

Kelly was extremely supportive to both myself and my husband before, during and after the birth of our baby boy. As first time parents we had a lot of questions and no idea what we were in for. Kelly was extremely knowledgable, helpful and responsive. Her calm approach and positive attitude made our birth experience wonderful.  With her as a resource we are more confident in our parenting! 

Shawna Wolf

12/16/2016

I hired Kelly Sunshine early on in my second pregnancy, around 7-8 weeks gestation. I had an experience with my first labor and delivery that left me with daily feelings of regret, sadness, and remorse, and I knew that was not going to happen again. So many people raved about her services, and I could not pass up the opportunity to hire such a bright soul. 

I was very nervous throughout my pregnancy, but had a sense of calm and peace of mind knowing that Kelly would be there with me to give me the support I would need, through the rest of my pregnancy as well as the birthing process. Each time I met with her during our prenatal meetings, I would express my fears and she would say the perfect words to help me find confidence. 

It was a tough year for me, and I did not feel a lot of love or support throughout my pregnancy. Despite my fears, I was looking forward to the time when I would go into labor since I knew that I would have someone there to care for me, giving me support and encouragement, and suggesting ways to conquer the pain and power of childbirth.

With that peace of mind, I began and completed my labor with a calm mentality, and a complete absence of fear. It just so happened that my labor was very short and I delivered my baby 13 minutes after arriving at our birthing center (things changed VERY quickly during the 45 minute drive to the center), and Kelly wasn't there for the birth. I had only called her about 30 minutes before baby arrived. I would and will absolutely hire Kelly again! She encapsulated my placenta, took pictures, and made a beautiful cord keepsake for us, and promptly delivered it to my home the day after my baby was born. I couldn't be happier! 

Mattea Kelly

10/29/2016

Kelly was amazing! When I met her, I was going through a huge struggle with my provider who had told me they were VBAC friendly but at 36 weeks were trying to strong-arm me into a c-section. I was a complete mess, so stressed out, and didn't feel like I had any options. 

Thanks to Kelly, I found Premier Care for Women - VBAC SUPPORTIVE! - and I got my successful VBAC! 

Kelly was super attentive, so kind (even when I was being neurotic :)), and made sure that I got the birthing experience that I wanted. I'm so grateful to her and everything she's done for me! And the pictures she took during my labor are WONDERFUL!

Andrea Nicole

10/28/2016

We've experienced two births with Kelly now and I wouldn't deliver without her! I had two very different birth experiences and Kelly was so supportive through each of them. Not only is she a true professional, but Kelly is so sweet and caring. She did a follow-up a couple days after delivery and surprised us with amazing birth photos. I still don't know how she was so hands on and was able to capture each moment.

Kelly offers a birth box of supplies, placenta encapsulation and has a close network of birth practitioners to help assist you and her if needed.

I definitely recommend Kelly for anyone getting ready to deliver. Book early!

Megan Agliano

10/24/2016

I cannot imagine experiencing my birth without Kelly!  Not only did Kelly help us navigate a tougher day than anticipated (first baby, 17 hours of labor with baby being in an OP position, 2+ hours of pushing ending in an unplanned c-section) but she postponed her own personal trip to see us through it all!  So thankful.  She was so supportive every step along the way.  We were so lucky to have her as a part of the experience.  And she takes beautiful pictures.  I didn't realize how grateful I would be for having those precious moments captured so well.  

Kalie Ringe

10/21/2016

I wouldn't have wanted anyone but Kelley by my side that day! Her knowledge and support meant the world. I also will be forever grateful for getting our breastfeeding off to an awesome start. We did skin to skin and she helped me get him latched right away. My sweet Harvey is almost 8 months old and I feel so blessed to have that sweet bond with my baby. Thank you agin for everything you did that day! We will never forget you.

Roxanne Pusch

10/19/2016

when I met kelly for the first time I felt very confident that she was the doula I needed to achieve the VBAC I wanted. Kelly is a strong women, very realistic about birth, and eager to support women fulfil the birth they desire. I was almost two weeks late, Kelly had a client in the morning then came right to me. She arrived at the hospital around 2pm and was with me to 3am. She rubbed my back, help me with breathin techinques, and did arom therapy. Kelly kept me focused on my goal. I have said over and over, I don't think the day would have gone as perfectly as it did if Kelly wasn't there. The birth story she wrote is absolutely priceles, and looking at the photos Kelly took takes me back to that special day. My husband has also told people there were moments when no one could console me except for Kelly, which gave him so much peace. 

Anna Holt

10/18/2016

I cannot begin to say enough good things about Kelly. She is very personable and easy to connect with. She was always made herself readily available to answer any questions that we had, always responding promptly. With that said, Kelly was absolutely priceless during my actual labor. Her passion for this work really shines through, which gave me strength and encouragement during the most difficult moments. If it wasn't for Kelly, I am not sure I would have reached my goal to have a labor without medical pain management. On top of all this, her photos and birth story were priceless bonuses to the services she provides. We will cherish those memories forever. If you decide to hire Kelly, you will not regret it!!

Georgina Feher

10/12/2016

I knew from the beginning I wanted to have a doula to support and help guide me to achieve a natural labor & delivery. After meeting with several doulas, my husband and I knew that Kelly was the best fit for us. Her personality was warm & she was easy to talk to. We also appreciated her professionalism, her detailed doula contract and her experience. During my pregnancy, she answered questions I had, gave me constant encouragement that I could do it and that my body was made to birth my baby.  When we met with Kelly in the last month of my pregnancy, she listened to what I wanted in my birth plan and reassured me that she would be there as an advocate for me during my labor. She provided tools and resources to help my body prepare for labor, as well as post-partum recovery. The biggest impact she made came on the day of my daughter's birth.  As my body was getting close to labor, I knew in my mind and heart that I was holding myself back, and mentally was trying to hold on to the control of going into labor. Kelly sensed this during our conversation on the phone, so she prayed with me. It was what I needed. She prayed for me, my baby, & over the entire laboring experience. Later we arrived at the hospital and Kelly arrived promptly. She was a huge encouragement, was constantly by my side, assisting me through the contractions, giving me verbal affirmations, and physical help as well by allowing me to lean on her, squeeze her hand during the pain and keep me focused.  Approximately 45 minutes later, our precious daughter arrived.  I was able to have the amazing, natural birth experience I had prayed for.  We also were blessed with beautiful photos that Kelly captured during my labor & delivery, as well as a detailed birth story to have as a keepsake. I highly recommend Kelly to any mama who is looking for outstanding support, encouragement and guidance for their journey through labor & delivery. 

Emilie Grombacher

10/10/2016

Kelly was the best decision we made. Having her throughout the entire process was priceless. Kelly guided us through our decisions and helped us make the best out of a situation we knew nothing about. She has great relationships with the hospital staff and doctors which made our experience much better. She coached so we felt in control and safe. She is knowledgeable, experienced and has a comforting manner that I am beyond grateful for. And, on top of all, she took amazing pictures of the enitre experience. I highly recommend Kelly. 

Kelly Juarez

10/5/2016

Kelly was absolutely AMAZING! She was highly recommended by friends, so we went ahead and hired her for the birth of our first son. It was important to us to have as close to a natural labor and delivery that is possible in a hospital setting. I am so thankful we hired her because she was our number one advocate and knew the tools that were available to help with labor. After many hours of not progressing past a two, my pain threshold was met and i had decided that I needed an epidural.  I felt like a failure because that was not my plan, needless to say, Kelly stuck by my side and kept encouraging me. I am very happy and thankful that she was there to share our birth experience.  After 30 hours of labor and a 4 minute delivery, we welcomed our son into the world.  We will definitely hire Kelly again for our next baby/babies.  Go out and hire her!

Kristen Caraher

9/30/2016

Our experience with Kelly was absolutely wonderful! She provided us with comprehensive education which reduced my anxiety throughout my entire pregnancy. She was very helpful with decision making throughout my pregnancy and delivery as well. Although our baby came so fast once labor started that Kelly was not able to get there until pushing time, she helped tremendously with faciliating the birth of our beautiful baby girl!! I highly recommend Kelly to anyone who is pregnant and we would absolutely utilize her services again with baby #2! :) 

Erin Buchwald

9/28/2016

We hired Kelly for our 2nd baby which was a planned VBAC. I was confident but still nervous about the VBAC and Kelly always shared wonderful stories of her experiences helping at VBACs. On the day our son was born, Kelly stayed in great contact with me. She was very helpful throughout the entire childbirth process, but one of the memories that sticks out the most is her encouragement and support as I labored in our car on the way to the birth center. We had a 45 minute drive from our house which turned into an hour drive since the highway was closed. I went through transition in the backseat of our car and Kelly stayed on the phone with me and coached me through EVERY contraction so my husband could concentrate on driving. I appreciated all the little things she did while we were at the birth center, everything from counting me through contractions and helping support me as I pushed, to getting me water. Her constant support was invaluable. I also was very happy she was able to take photos. No one else would have had time to do that. I love looking back on the pictures from that joyous day.

Jill Roig

9/28/2016

Amazing! I can't imagine going through a birth without having Kelly Sunshine by my side! Having a hospital birth was made so much more comfortable and warm through the help of a doula. It also reassured my husband having someone else there to help us navigate. Kelly provided support, guidance and wisdom and helped to create a warm welcome for our son. What an amazing thing! 

Alicia Niday

9/27/2016

Hiring Kelly to be our doula was the best decision we made!!! My husband was skeptical but after meeting her he understood my desire of having her help us through the birth of our first child. Kelly from day one has been incredible. She was attentive to our needs, respectful of our wishes at all times, was a wealth of knowledge and did a stellar job preparing us for birth. During labor and delivery which we did successfully with no epidural or drugs (thank you Kelly) my husband was gently coached in how to best help me which he greatly appreciated. We can't wait to welcome baby #2 & 3 and there is no way we would do it without Kelly. Thinking about this woman and her presence during our first daughters birth brings tears to my eyes. She is so very important to us and we will be forever grateful for her! 

Erica Lynne

9/27/2016

I can't say enough good thigns about Kelly Sunshine. My husband was extremely hesitant at the idea of hiring a doula, as he thought it may take away from his part of the birthing experience. By the end of our birth,  he said he would hire her ten times over. We were not crazy about our doctor and had numerous questions through the pregancy that Kelly was available to answer at the drop of a hat. I was also extremely pressured into getting a C-Section by my doctor, and without Kelly i am certain that i would have been cut open. For this alone, we are eternally grateful. I had a 30 hour labor, and Kelly stuck by my side the entire time. She will definitely be getting a call for baby #2!! :) 

Stephanie Sanstead

8/24/2016

Part 2 of my testimonial- 

I planned and hoped to deliver vaginally. After a 24+ hour labor, a non-cooperative cervix and the conclusion that our daughter’s head was turned sideways making the descent down the final stages of the birth canal problematic, our plans had to be reassessed. That was not an easy decision or moment. Kelly was there to provide us solid advice, insights, wisdom, kindness and openhearted love as we were faced with a tough decision. I am so thankful that Kelly was able to join my husband and I in the operating room during our eventual C-section. It was tough to let go of how I hoped and thought delivery would go. I was not responding to the first round of anesthesia so they had to administer a second dosage. So, I was a bit loopy. That made it challenging to feel present in that very special moment when my daughter was first handed to me, which was emotionally difficult to process after the fact. However, a wonderful gift that I have from those precious moments are all of the photos that Kelly took for us during that time. She sent them to me digitally and the printed versions. She was quick to make it back over to the hospital where I delivered the next day, to deliver my placenta capsules and check in on my family and I, even after she had invested the previous 48 hours into us and our cause. She connected me with a great lactation consultant, has continued to check on me and has truly become one of my most crucial and loving friends as I navigate these new and intimidating waters of parenthood. I say all of that to say, that she really goes the extra mile and is the best doula you could hope to secure. I cannot say enough kind things about her and really encourage you to consider booking her to help make you birthing story, even if it has to change course from what you hope or plan, a beautiful one. We adore her and you will too!

Stephanie Sanstead

8/24/2016

I cannot even begin to put into words the tremendous impact Kelly Sunshine had on my life. As a first time mother, I did not know much about the wonderful world and services of a doula until late in my pregnancy. Thank God I found out about the many benefits and most importantly and specifically thank God I found Kelly. We did not connect until my 36th week of pregnancy and I am here to tell you that was still enough time for Kelly to become family to us. Kelly is dependable, knowledgeable, accessible and above all she is patient and kind. Kelly met us at the hospital in the middle of the night and made every step of being admitted and properly cared for run more smoothly. I was faced with not-too-cooperative cervix that just would not dilate after hours in triage. Kelly knew the right questions to ask, the right options to keep me progressing and was a wonderful coach and support through those tough and intense several hours of labor. Her instincts are so keen and adept. I’ve never seen someone locate and secure a barf bag so quickly. In the long and tedious hours that followed, Kelly never left my side. She provided great assurance and comfort to my loving husband and family members who were all on standby for many hours as my prolonged labor led from early morning, into day and then night again. She was there to lobby for our needs, make sense of our questions and concerns and translate so many of the new terms being tossed at us first-timers. With regret, my labor even carried over into her daughter’s birthday, which was heartbreaking for me. I know the heart of a mother, because I have a great one, and hated to see Kelly have to be separated from her sweet girl’s celebration. But she tarried on and stuck it out with us. 

(See additional post for the rest of my testimonial)

Lacey Fricker

8/8/2016

Having Kelly as my doula was nothing short of amazing. After having a chaotic homebirth with my second baby (no doula), I knew that I wanted something different this time around. Kelly exceeded my expectations by a mile and helped me to have my best birth experience of my three. She was available and supportive to me throughout my pregnancy and was instrumental in my homebirth experience. She worked well with my midwife and my husband to make sure that my labor was as effective as it needed to be to deliver my son. I absolutely love the pictures that she took during my labor as well. I will recommend Kelly as a doula to all of my friends and family and for anyone who wants to have an amazing birth experience both at home or in the hospital! 

Krista Munns

8/2/2016

Being pregnant with our first baby I decided early on that I wanted to try natural childbirth to hopefully avoid the medical cascade of interventions, including c-section. With a husband busy in grad school and family living over six hours away, I knew I would need help. Kelly was a blessing to us. She walked us through what to expect in advance and on the day of our daughter's birth she helped us more than I could have ever imagined! She knew when our daughter was coming based on her knowledge of fetal heart rhythm patterns and mom's symptoms (and she knew it before our nurse!). Not only did she prepare us for birth and help us feel comfortable during labor and delivery, she also beautifully captured photos of my husband catching our little girl and our very first meeting! She captured our birth story in written form so we can cherish the memory forever. I also highly recommend her placenta encapsulation services! I was hesitant to try them, but one month post delivery with no baby blues or fatigue, I am a believer! If you need a doula, Kelly is the best!

Erica Carberry

7/29/2016

I just had our sweet baby boy 2 weeks ago, naturally and according to my birth plan. Kelly was such a blessing and truly what helped me make my birth wishes a reality. I knew I wanted to have a vaginal birth with no pain medication or medical intervention, but I also knew that I don't have a high pain threshold (let's be honest, I'm kind of a wimp). I was referred to Kelly by a girlfriend who used her as well as my prenatal yoga instructor who used to be a doula, both spoke very highly of her. Kelly not only lived up to her reputation but exceeded it. She helped me and my husband understand the birth process and educated us on what to expect during our prenatal appt. Once my water broke, she walked us through the early stages of labor and helped both is stay calm. She came to my house and helped me through contractions and then followed us to the hospital when it was go time. She even called the hospital and let them know we were on our way so that we could get to triage without having to wait. She was our biggest advocate and voiced our birth wishes to the nurse. She got me in the tub as soon as possible and made sure our birth plan was respected. She gave as much support to my husband which allowed him to be an amazing birth partner for me. She used aromatherapy and helped suggest different positions to get baby ready. After hours of being stuck at 9 cm, Kelly remained as positive as she was the first hour, even though I was getting discouraged. She reminded me of my goals and that I could do it when I thought I couldn't do anymore. With her support and encouragement, along with my husband's, I was able to overcome my own doubt and push through what was undoubtedly the hardest thing in my life. Kelly helped me believe in myself and feel like a super woman. She took great pictures throughout to document our birth story and had them to us along with a written birth story by the next day. Definitely recommend her to all my friends!

Brianna Ryff

7/17/2016

Kelly was amazing! Not only did she make my husband and mom feel included in the birthing process, but she helped me use natural breathing techniques to handle the pain, multiple positions to help labor progress and get my baby into a better position for delivery...she was all around fantastic. Without Kelly, there is no way I could have had the natural birth I wanted for my baby. Kelly also prepared my placenta encapsulation pills which have helped me overcome the baby blues and increase my milk supply. The placenta based tincture will be useful once the capsules are gone. Kelly also wrote a birth story describing the times and details of the labor process. I sincerely hope she is still providing her services whenever my next baby comes along!

paul whelan

7/16/2016

From our first meeting both my wife and i knew we were in good hands. Kelly was very attentive through the final stages of my wifes pregnancy offering herbal/homeopathic remedies for pre and post natal issues. It was so nice that we could reach out to her at any point with questions or concerns about pregnancy and delivey queries. On the day of delivery we were assigned a nurse initially that my wife did not see eye to eye with which increased her stress levels but once Kelly arrived on the scene she managed to reduce the stress levels and was brilliant while acting as our advocate. As it was my wife's first delivery we both felt that having Kelly there was a massive help in getting through the delivery. she was a huge source of support during the whole experience and we really would have no issue highly recommending her services to other parents to be. 

My wife has made it clear that while my presence at future births is optional, Kelly's is not. 

Courtney Taylor

7/5/2016

We were referred to Kelly from a friend that had just recently had Kelly as her doula for the birth of her first son.  I was pregnant with our third child and had very different pregnancies and births with my first two children.  I had a csection with my first, a VBAC with my second and I wanted to have a natural VBAC with my third.  With my second child I wanted to have a natrural labor as well but while in labor the nurses really pushed an epidural and made me feel that without an epidural that a VBAC may not be something that I could do.  They told me that an epidural would help me relax my mucsles and make labor progress faster, which turned out to be quite the opposite, almost 24 hrs later my daughter was born. 

When I met with Kelly I shared my experiences with her and she assured me that I could have the labor that I wanted. I felt comfortable that she could help advocate for me at a time that someone needs an advocate the most.  Kelly was amazing during labor, she knows all the tricks to helping labor progress quickly and naturally and also knows ways to make you feel as comfortable as possible while giving birth. I would have never had made it through labor naturally without Kelly there refocusing me and helping me through each contraction.   My husband hates seeing me in pain and having Kelly there to assist us made him feel way more comfortable! My only regret is that I didn't know about Kelly with my first two children!  I am very greatful that Kelly was part of our big day of welcoming our newest member to our family.

teri kelley

6/22/2016

Kelly has been so amazing to our family. From the pre-labor consultation to the experience on the day of birth, we have been able to trust her to elm is make decisions with my health and the baby's health in mind. She knows all the nurses at Scottsdale Shea, and got us places with the right nurses. My doctor asked Kelly a couple of times what she thought about a decision that was about to be made.... Kelly was definitely the one running the show! 

I have referred Kelly to no less than 5 friends who have used her in the last two years, so when we were pregnant with #2, it was no question that we would use her again to make our birth experience the best it could be. Highly recommended. 

Nicole Johnson

6/21/2016

Our experience wtih Kelly couldn't have been more perfect!  From the very first phone conversation to the delivery and after she was nothing but wonderful.  I am so thankful to have gone through the laboring process with Kelly by my side, helping me in and out of the tub, suggesting different ways to alleviate the pain and even the amazing massages she provided.  I don't think you can ever know what the birth process will be like but with Kelly there she helped everything go so smooth and even helped me to understand different procedures and processes.  I know, as long as we're still here in AZ, we will be hiring Kelly again!

Chanel Bevell

6/4/2016

This was my second time using Kelly, and she was just as fantastic. My first resulted in an emergency c section and I was concerned I would need another for this last baby. Kelly gave me the strength to attempt and successfully have a VBAC with an almost 9lb baby (I'm a small lady so this is huge for me!) 

I also love how quick turn around is for placenta pills if you opt for thus awesome service! 

You can't go wrong if you choose kelly to be by your side!

Sandra DeVoe

6/2/2016

I was refered to Kelly by a friend who like me suffered with anxiety about medical anything. I was not sure if a doula was the best fit for us because I knew I wanted a epididural. We had baby Noelle on February 16th. Kelly's was completely supportive about my choice and also helped encourage me to try additional pain relief methods prior to the epidural to help Noelle progress as much as possible. I ended up having to get a emergency c-section. My worst nightmare was coming true. I'm not a religous person but having Kelly near me felt like the closest thing ive experinced to a guardian angel. She did everything to make the best out of the situation. She also took amazing photographs while my husband was able to focus on me. Kelly has a great rapport with the hospital staff which made it feel like I had a whole team of support. It's now been 3 months. Kelly had such a impact that even a week ago when I have a nightmare she protected me in the dream. I am forever greatful. 

Elizabeth Claxton

6/1/2016

I cannot say enough about our experience with Kelly Sunshine.  I wanted to try natural childbirth with no pain medication which is why I decided to partner with a doula.  My good girlfriend referred me to Kelly and from the first time we spoke I knew it was the right decision to hire her.  We developed a thoughtful game plan for the day-of, but Kelly was clear that nature sometimes has different plans - and she was right.  I ended up having to be induced 10 day after the due date.  Regardless, Kelly was so positive and helped me realize that I could still have close to the birth experience that I wanted.  She was there with my husband and I every step of the way.  She advocated for my needs and wants to the nurses, and helped me through all of the incredibly painful contractions.  While I am proud to say that I was able to deliver my son medication-free, I know it wouldn't have been possible without Kelly by my side.  

Kgarrity05

6/1/2016

I cannot say enough nice things about Kelly Sunshine! I had a natural birth without any medication and I truly don't think i could have done it without her help.  Both my husband and I had an amazing birthing experience because Kelly was with us, guiding us every step of the way.  She knew exactly what to do during all the different stages of labor and it was comforting to know she was with us throughout the whole experience.  We both looked to her for guidance and help through all the parts of our pregnancy and birth.  Kelly is extremely knowledge, very nice and provides a sense of comfort.

I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a doula or not even sure what a doula does to meet up with Kelly to learn more about how she can help you!!  

Candace Susanna

5/30/2016

Let me start by telling you who Kelly Sunshine, of Sunshine Doula Services, is not. She is not a messy disorganized hippie, despite my husband's assumptions of who she would be. She ended up being a pleasant ray of sunshine to my husband, as I always expected her to be. She is not unreliable, her time and experience are definitely not a waste of money, nor is she overpriced. She got back to me fairly quickly after my initial inquiry, which was surprising to me because when looking for a doula during a previous pregnancy only 1 of 5 doulas responded to me. Kelly books up quickly, which is a sure sign she's excellent, so your best bet is to call or message her immediately after discovering you're pregnant, and send your deposit to hold a spot ASAP. Kelly Sunshine is someone you would love to have a glass of wine with when you're no longer pregnant. She is someone you feel comfortable around right from the start. She's like an old friend, or maybe a sister you never had, who also comes with a bag of tricks to make your labor much much easier. You need her. You need her. You need her. I'm so happy I found her and that she helped me through a successful VBAC.

Kim Richard

3/20/2016

Kellly was such an incredible asset to us before, during ,and after the delivery of our first baby on 2/28/16. My husband always understood that hiring a doula was important to me, but not until we were deep in the trenches of labor did he really understand how important her role would be in our baby's birth story. Kelly was an awesome teacher to us from our first meeting to our super informative third- trimester check-in, to her invaluable presence on the big day. Kelly coached my husband on how to support me best over the phone when contractions started to get difficult, and her advice really got us through those hours as we labored at home. Once it was time to head to the hospital, Kelly showed up at our house and helped navigate getting us there. After getting through triage, and learning we were half way to fully dilated and ready we headed to our room. I had decided at that point that I was interested in an epideral, which was administered right away. My sometimes queezy husband was talked through how to help me with the pain of the procedure by Kelly, all while she coached me through contractions and staying still. We all got to rest for a bit once it kicked in, which we soon found out was imperative- since I ended up pushing for almost 4 hours before our baby girl came out to meet us! Kelly coached me and my hubby through all of it, she even pulled out a few tricks to help me focus and remind me how strong I really was. She also helped keep things light hearted in the room, and laughed at my husband's corny jokes.  I can't imagine what our delivery would have been like without her, and my husband and I highly recommend using all of Kelly's services for anyone preparing to have a baby. We think of Kelly as family now and wouldn't consider having another baby without her.

Erica Altamirano

3/16/2016

My husband and I have no regrets about hiring Kelly Sunshine to be our Doula. As first time parents we had lots of questions and some fears about what exactly would happen during the labor and delivery process. Even though we created a wonderful birth plan it was discovered at my 41 week checkup that our little guy was breached and there was not enough fluids around him to be moved around for a vaginal birth. A C-Section was now my only option. I was extremely scared and nervous about the c-section. Kelly came to the hospital right away and eventhough we could not practice any of the labor techniques  discussed in our 36 week birth class with Kelly, it was awesome to have her with me to calm me down and answer any questions I had. Kelly brought out the essential oils to calm my nerves and just stayed with me fpr emotional support. That meant so much to my husband and I. When surgery was over our little boy was handed over to my husband who then placed our baby right on my chest. Kelly immediately pulled down my gown and began to assist my son on latching on. Within the first 10 mins of my son being born Kelly already created this wonderful bonding experience for our little family. That means the world to us. While in recovery Kelly assisted my husband with questions and even changed our little ones first blowout :) (daddy was trying not to let his dinner come up so Kelly gave him a pass on this one) In recovery I began to bleed alot and Kelly assisted the nurse with the bleeding. Kelly was extremely professional with each staff member even when one nurse was a little rude to us. We would highly recommend Kelly as a doula and would use no one but her for our next pregnancy! Thanks so much Kelly! 

Katie Neisen Bromley

3/16/2016

Kelly was great!  She knew all the right things to say and do, and I felt totally supported by her from start to finish!

Kristi Martin

2/23/2016

Kelly is amazing. She has been out doula for the births of both of our kids and we would never have a baby without her. She is so sweet and reassurin, the calm in the storm. The support she provided us was invaluabl. She made sure we were taken care of from the beginning of my labors until the end and she stayed with us and made sure we were fed and comfortable after the birth too. Kelly was always available to us for questions or concerns and I would recommend her services to anyone expecting a baby. 

Gabriella Young

2/11/2016

I was referred to Kelly Sunshine through a friend who is a labor nurse at the Honor Health hospital on Shea and 90th. My friend's sister-in-law had hired Kelly for her birth and had a fantastic experience. I also had a fantastic experience from start to finish. During my first meeting with Kelly, she clearly explained her services, listened to the type of birth experience I wanted (natural, unmedicated), and even provided a recommendation for a new OB since I wasn't happy with my current one. The OB ended up being a real winner! 

Throughout my pregnancy, Kelly and I would check in to make sure everything was going smoothly. A few weeks prior to my delivery, Kelly and her backup doula came to my house to go through our plan and help set my husband and I up for success as the labor started. She also brought over a pre-delivery and post-delivery kit which you can purchase for $50. For me, it was definitely worth the purchase! They also left me with pain management techniques and instructions for the big event of when to contact them and head to the hospital. 

On the actual delivery day, I had a very fast labor and delivery. From the time my water broke until my son was delivered was 5 hours. Kelly met my husband and I at the hospital, and was a sight for sore eyes. I was in extreme pain since my body was moving quickly through the labor, and Kelly worked well with the nurses to get me in a tub, use massage, and help with breathing techniques. The pain was disorienting, and I don't know if I could have done an umedicated labor if Kelly was not there to help and to tell me how close I was to being done - she's very honest about if you can do it and are close or not.  My husband and I are truly thankful for her and happy we got the experience we wanted. Once we were back home, she checked in with us again and followed up with pictures and our birth. We would definitely hire her again for another pregnancy! She's great! 

Tonya Pino

2/6/2016

This was my first baby and I decided to hire Kelly as my doula. I was looking for someone who not only had the experience and the knowledge of what having a baby is all about but someone I was comfortable with and that I felt could keep me focused when labor came. Kelly is a true blessing. She was absolutely amazing through this whole journey and I would call her again if there is ever another child on the way. When meeting her, I instantly felt as if I had known her for years. She is professional, knows her stuff, and has a heart for what she does. Before, during, and after the birth of my daughter she was always available to help in any way.

I used Kelly for her doula and encapsulation services and I am so happy I did!

Carey Shindler

2/6/2016

As soon as we met Kelly we knew that she was going to be the perfect Doula for us!  She walked us through the process long before our baby was due, put us at ease and 100% supported our birth plan.  She was available for the numerous questions that we had before delivery and continued to be available after he was born. 

During our hospital tour, the hospital staff raved about Kelly - her experience, professionalism and personal attributes, which only further confirmed what we had already known and helped to quell any presumptive nerves we had about our birth experience.

Our delivery proved to be long, challenging and completely perfect - Kelly was an amazing addition to our team of Doctors and Nurses; she worked in tandem with the hospital staff and my husband to ensure my comfort and safe delivery of our baby boy.  

I cannot find the appropriate words to express our deep gratitude and admiration for Kelly - we recommemd her services with the utmost confidence. 

Ashleigh Fall

2/5/2016

Kelly was great from the first time we met her all the way through delivery.  She listened to what we wanted and supported our wishes.  I ended up having a C-section, and was very glad Kelly was with me to help keep me calm and guide me through what was goin on step by step.  The pictures she took at delivery and birth story she wrote were also worth having her there.  We will definitely be calling Kelly the next time we're pregnant.

Laura Cork

2/4/2016

I can't say enough good things about Kelly!  I'm a first time mom at 33 and knew that I wanted as natural a birth as possible.  I'm a pediatric ICU nurse so I wanted a hospital birth just in case baby (or momma) had any complications.  Kelly was incredible from the start and recommended by my OB, which was a huge plus as I felt they would be able to work together.  My husband had very little understanding of what a doula was or why I wanted to hire one.  Kelly was able to explain to him about her role in supporting both of us through pregnancy, labor, and birth.  I loved her from the start!  She kept in touch through the pregnancy and we attended her birth class at Premier.

Kelly was positive and smiling through every interaction we had, even when she showed up at the hospital at 5am after texting with me most of the night and getting no sleep.  She power walked with me to get labor going and let my husband take a much needed nap.  She was an incredible advocate for us in the hospital setting.  We'd had a not very positive experience with the night nurse and Kelly made sure that we got a day nurse who would respect our birth plan and choices.  She got us a waterproof and wireless fetal monitor so I could labor in the tub.  For every complaint or concern that I had, Kelly had a proactive solution and a smile.  She helped us to know what to expect and what was reasonable and within our wishes for a natural birth experience.  She gets bonus points for sitting on the bathroom floor for hours on end while I was in the tub.  Anyone considering a doula needs only to meet Kelly to know that she is an amazing addition to any birth team.  We literally could not have done it without her and I will be forever grateful for everything that she has done for us in bringing our happy healthy baby girl into the world!

Elizabeth Bates

1/20/2016

We had our first child in August 2015, with Tracy McDougall CNM at St. Joseph’s. Kelly played such a vital role in our natural birth, we could not have done it without her. We didn’t know whether or not we actually needed a doula, but decided it couldn’t hurt. Looking back we are so glad we chose to have a doula, and now know that the team surrounding you during birth is THE most important tool you can equip yourself with. We would not have delivered vaginally if it weren’t for our awesome team. Baby’s head was just a little wonky, and she (along with our midwife and nurses) helped position me during contractions in a way that helped baby go where he needed to go. We were so blessed to have the knowledgeable people around us that day. We are forever grateful for our team.

- She supported and guided myself and my husband every step of the way, from the first phone call telling her we were in labor, to the help with his first latch to breastfeed.

- She was a sounding board the few weeks before he came, answering the silly questions I had and letting me know what signs to look for.

- She helped after he was born too, with her awesome sunshine salve and referrals to great lactation consultants.

- She is genuine, she loves what she does, and it is evident the first time you meet her that she will be your best advocate no matter what birth experience you desire.

For us, having a doula for a natural birth is the best decision we made.

Lyndsay Mancini

1/16/2016

You absolutely cannot go wrong with Kelly as your doula.  She wasn't able to make it to my birth because of holiday travels but was an incredible resource for me through the end of my pregnancy. Her and Michelle worked together as a team and I always felt like they both cared about me and no matter who was going to be at my birth, I would be in great hands.  My decision to pick Kelly and Michelle as my doulas was solidified when my doctor referred me to Kelly (before he knew I had already scheduled a meeting with her).  I knew I was making the right choice.  There were so many benefits to having a doula--from labor coaching, answering questions, supporting my husband, taking pictures, and giving me great ideas toward the end of my pregnancy.  A lot of people can handle those things but it was important for me to find a doula who was fun, had a great personality, etc.  I really feel fortunate to have met these women...Keep reading the reviews (like I did), meet with Kelly, and you'll see for yourself!!! AMAZING experience! 

Whitney Barkley

1/13/2016

Words cannot describe the amount of support and care we received from Kelly. I hired Kelly after we decided to try a natural birth for baby #3. She took the time to find out exactly what I wanted and helped to make my ideal birth a reality. She made herself available to answer all of my questions and even responded to 3am texts from me while she was on vacation! During labor she was consistently one step ahead of us and knew what I wanted or needed before I even had to ask. I didnt even have to ask for towels when getting out of the tub! I had a very quick, intense labor and without Kelly's encouragement I doubt I would have made it through. Kelly made me so comfortable and was amazing at taking control of the situation so I didn't have to think about anything. I am a pretty quiet person so I was embarrassed when labor was becoming intense and I could no longer hide my pain, but she was so encouraging and reassured me I could do it! She was so knowledgeable about the labor process and when we decided an induction was best, she contacted my provider to find out what the induction plan was. She also stayed in contact with the hospital so we would have a better idea as to when we'd be called in. It was so amazing to know what to expect before heading in. she made what could have been a very scary/stressful  situation into something so relaxing and exciting.  She worked so well with all of my providers and hospital staff. She even made sure I had a meal on its way before she left for the day. I would never attempt a natural labor again without knowing Kelly was going to be by my side. She's an amazingly caring and giving person. She made my sons birth day such a special experience for me and my husband. I feel so blessed to have gotten the chance to have Kelly with us for my sons birth. 

Sara Circosta

1/3/2016

It is hard to put into words how amazing our experience with Kelly was throughout the pregnancy and after our delivery. Kelly was there anytime I needed her to field the numerous questions I had about the most important moment of my life. Her experience helped me navigate through the copious amounts of information that is thrown at you when you are pregnant and have a newborn. She helped me come up with the birth plan and make educated decisions that were the best for my husband, the baby, and me. Kelly was there to make sure we were as prepared as we could be in ways I couldn't even imagine. Both my husband and I felt like she was part of the family. It is clear with through our experience that Kelly truly loves helping moms through the pregnancy journey. It shows in how she treats and cares for the families she works with and her commitment to staying on top of all the information around pregnancy and childbirth that is out there today. She may be working with multiple moms, but you will feel like you are the only one! I have already recommended her to anyone I know that is pregnant and will continue to do so.

Anna Boone

12/20/2015

I was a high risk VBAC after a very traumatic c-section with my son only 16 months earlier.  Kelly was an invaluable asset to my successful VBAC and overall delivery.  Kelly was available 24 hours a day for questions and updates the weeks leading up to my delivery.  She was always earnestly interested in how I was doing and the progression of my pregnancy.  Kelly came to my home and labored with me in preparation for the hospital and gave excellent advice regarding what to expect and how to receive the care I wanted from the nurses and hospital staff. Once in labor and at the hospital Kelly was an expert at knowing what positions and motions would alleviate pain.  She breathed with me through each contraction especially as they became more and more intense, even when I was upset Kelly was calm and reassuring.  Kelly took the most beautiful pictures of my daughter's first moments, pictures I treasure and would not have otherwise.  Kelly came by after we came home and checked in on how both baby and I were doing and transitioning.  I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone but especially first time moms and anyone interested in attempting a VBAC.  We will not hesitate to hire Kelly again for all of our subsequent pregnancies.

Jennifer Valencia

12/16/2015

My husband and I througoughly enjoyed our experience with Kelly as our doula. Her practical support for our home birth made our experience easy, and stress free. She facilitated communication with our providers, which was a big help, provided comforting words of encouragement, and a relaxing precense, while ensuring that we always had everything we needed. Before the birth, Kelly's resources within the community were invaluable, and I can't thank her enough for her wisdom and steadfast presense when we needed her most. 

Doran Miller

12/8/2015

I decided very early on in my pregnancy that I wanted a drug-free vaginal delivery. Though I would have been happy to deliver in a birthing center, my husband was more comfortable with a hospital environment. I had many misgivings about my ability to successfuly have the expierience I wanted with my initial care provider and hospital, and knew I needed to find a good doula if I had any chance of delivering according to plan. I was referred to Kelly and after our initial consultation my husband and I were both so impressed -- she was knowledgeable, patient, incredibly thorough, and completely understood the type of  experience we wanted. Because I was concerned about the possible outcome of my birth with my initial provider, Kelly was also able to help me find one that better fit my birth plan. 

Despite everything I read about an unmedicated birth, there really isn't anything that prepared me for what it would be like in reality. In addition to a long labor, my little babe was turned in a funny position which was slowing down my progress -- Kelly's patience and expertise enabled us to get the baby to turn (using many different labor positions), and her calm yet sturdy presence was incredibly reassuring for both me and my husband. I felt like even though I had no idea what I was doing, Kelly knew exactly what was happening and I was totally comfortable relying on her to guide me through it.  At every point in the process, I felt like Kelly was looking out for me. Without question, I owe my entire birth experience to Kelly. She was amazing and I will be forever grateful for her dedication, presence and support.

Aletheia Wong

12/8/2015

Kelly is, simply put, amazing. This September, Kelly was with me during the birth of my son, just as she was when I had my daughter almost 2 years ago. I can't imagine giving birth without her by my side. Her calm, loving, encouraging and strong presence has always made me feel comfortable and relaxed from our first meeting well over 2 years ago; all important things for a pregnant mama, especially in the throes of labor. I always feel like she reads my body better than I do myself. In fact, my husband who was very hesitant to hire a doula the first time around, told me to hurry up and make sure Kelly was available for our second birth, once we found out we were expecting! During labor, she anticipates what positions and techniques work best to relax me and let my body do its thing. 

This time around, our little guy was ready to come out, but my water hadn't broken and was in the way. After waiting well over an hour (or was it two?) for the on-call doc (not my OB) to come and break my water, Kelly kept my spirits up through very incredibly intense contractions, as well as working with the nurses in figuring out where the doc was. Doc finally arrived, broke my water and in less than 3 minutes, my body was ready to PUSH and baby started heading out; even though the doc and nurses had stepped out! Kelly almost had to deliver my little guy herself! Literally, his head was out and she kept her hand on him while the med team ran back in to catch him. Needless to say it was fast and intense, and I honestly could not have held it together without Kelly to advocate for me when I was preoccupied. I ended up spending the next hour in repairs with my not-so-favorite doc, who was urging me to agree to meds and repairs in the OR! Kelly was able to help me focus and breathe through some intense repair-work enabling me to continue med-free and stay with my baby. 

For me, giving birth without Kelly is just not an option.

Amanda Huntington

11/22/2015

My experience with Kelly was so positive it's hard to put into words! When I decided I wanted a vaginal birth after having 2 c-sections, I knew that I would need to hire a doula to increase my odds of a successful vbac. Kelly was recommended to me and happened to live close by which was convenient. Kelly already had a relationship established with my provider and everyone at the office was excited when I mentioned I had hired her as my doula. My goal was to have a non-medicated birth and to labor at home as long as possible before heading to the hospital. After going into labor, Kelly and I were in contact throughout the day. Kelly made suggestions of things I could do to get things going like taking a walk, etc. When things progressed, Kelly came to my home to support me. When my labor was kind of stalling, Kelly showed me a series of positions to labor in that really got things going. I was really nervous about being able to handle the pain since I was begging for an epidural as I walked into the hospital to have my first child. Kelly helped me so much through my contractions with breathing and counter pressure, I really don't think I could have done it without her. She helped me decide when it was time to leave for the hospital and made suggestions about how to keep me comfortable in the car with my contractions so close together at that point. We arrived at the hospital and my baby was in my arms less than 45 minutes later! She got a few really nice photos that I will always cherish. Every time I think of my son's beautiful birth story I will think of Kelly and smile. I would recommend her to everyone!

Carrie Foster

11/13/2015

 I have a very supportive team I wanted in with me. Because I wanted such a large team (with my husband, mother, 2 sister in laws and a friend that is a labor and delivery nurse), I wasn't certain a doula would be needed. Needless to say, hiring Kelly was the best decision we ever made!

We were able to get a foley bulb and labor at home as long as possible. The peace Kelly brought to the home along with the positioning help, skill and experience and resource bag of goodies (peppermint aromatherapy type stuff is great with nausea). The hospital was very full and they had to keep me in triage for a bit before getting me a room. I was 7 at this point and could not have handled this or any of the labor without Kelly's hip squeezes or help. We had a bad experience with the triage nurse who ended up being my labor and delivery RN. Kelly collaborated with my husband and kindly helped to advocate and get me a new nurse. The new RN was terrific and willing to collaborate with us. The initial RN was very uncomfortable with an unmedicated birth. One of the many things I found amazing is how calm Kelly was , yet able to advocate and collaborate with the hospital staff. I was also very impressed how everyone was able to play a role in my labor and delivery as I desired with Kelly's fantastic team work! Kelly flowed with what we wanted and I couldn't be more pleased!!!

The pictures she captured are professional and INCREDIBLE! She captured the story and we are soooo happy to have these pictures!!! I would not be breast feeding today if Kelly had not identified a solution. During a post partum visit I explained the problem I was having with breast feeding. Kelly immediately identified that our son was tounge tied!! Kelly helped me to get to a lactation specialist the next day and the problem was able to be immediately solved! Kelly is with a million dollars as a person and doula!!! 

Sarah Allison

10/28/2015

Kelly was our doula for our second baby and our experience with her was amazing. She personifies patience and calm. She guided and reassured us through days and DAYS of early labor that could have been extremely frustrating and exhausting, but having Kelly's knowledge and confidence got us through.

In the delivery room, her knowledge and experience were apparent as she coached my breathing, watched me for cues that things were changing, and assisted with changing positions and moving around the room when we needed to. She was right there with what we needed exactly when we needed it. She made very helpful suggestions and helped us understand our options clearly and patiently when we needed it. We are so thankful for the birth experience we had and we owe it, in large part, to Kelly. 

Sarah Wolfswinkel

10/15/2015

Kelly Sunshine was invaluable during the birth of our daughter August 2015. She's such a pro and by far the best we interviewed and compared to the doula we used during the birth of our first child. Several of my friends and a family member all have had rave reviews for Kelly. I delivered at Scottsdlae Shea where many of the L&D nurses and OBs are not overly friendly with doulas, but Kelly had obviously earned their respect. Specifically, one of my nurses commented after delivery that she typically wants nothing to do with a doula but Kelly was an exception. Kelly is professional. She came quickly to my labor and I believe helped expedite the process so I was able to keep up my strength and stamina for an unmedicated birth. Kelly was our advocate. She helped us communicate with the hospital staff throughout delivery and post, without ever being overbearing. We are grateful to have had Kelly by our side. Thank you Kelly!

Brooke Schohl

10/13/2015

I would recommend hiring a doula to all expecting moms-to-be.  And the doula to hire would be Kelly Sunshine!  When my friend Teri recommended Kelly to me, I didn't even know what a doula was.  She filled me in, and then I set up a time to meet this doula and learn more.  Well, 2 minutes into our initial meeting I was sold. Kelly is a football fan, and that was good enough for me!  In addition to that, Kelly is confident, competent, and caring.  I knew I would be in good hands with her. And my husband was thrilled to have her there with us on the big day to be our birth advocate.    

Kelly was a HUGE help during labor and delivery.  She totally took over - interacting with the nurses and helping to carry out my birth plan as I desired.  Beyond the expected doula services, she took the time to photograph the experience and write up a birth story that I will cherish forever.  

We loved Kelly - the peace of mind she brought to John and I along the way was something you just can't put a price tag on! 

lindsay nairn

10/6/2015

My experience with Kelly was nothing short of amazing. She attended our home birth of our 2nd baby girl, she was in contact with us the entire time from the point of my water breaking to active labor. When we needed her she got to the house fast. She started helping me through my contractions, applying back pressure and reassurance with every step. Kelly captured all the hard, beautiful, amazing moments of labor and the birth, I will be able to look back and cherish these moments because of kelly. She helped baby girl with her first latch and helped me get to and from the bathroom as needed. Kelly also did our placenta encapsulation.  She was quick and had it done and delivered within 24 hours!! Anyone would be thankful to have someone so caring, sweet and attentive as kelly to attend their birth, she is truly an amazing doula!

Danielle Welch

9/29/2015

I knew that I wanted to have a different and positive experience with my second daughter. I was referred to Kelly by a friend. I contacted Kelly and she responded to me right away. I told explained to her that I was extremely terrified from my previous birth of having two blood transfusions and more. Kelly was reassuring that evert birth is different. We met at my house to go over everything and what her role/mine/my husbands. Kelly was by my side the entire way. Very calm. Very reassuring and positive. I would reccomend Kelly to EVERYONE that I know who will be giving birth! She is Awesome!! Birth experience was wonderful! We also got a chance to do the placenta encapsulation. I had no problem with milk supply and definitely helpEd my moods!

Thank you Kelly!

Danlelle and Josh

serina malouff

8/18/2015

Kelly was wonderful. Unfortunately, my experience did not go as planned, even though Kelly tried everything she could. I had to have a c-section but even during this process Kelly helped imensely, she even took pictures of the c-section. I would highly reccommend Kelly to anyone looking for a doula!!

Darcy Stravitz

7/28/2015

This was my fourth birth and second time with Kelly. She is amazing. Does everything you need and more to get you in the positions to help labor progress. She is a great person. I highly recommend her. 

Ruth Pause

7/14/2015

Lori Dillon

7/5/2015

We were initially planning on having our baby at Babymoon Inn.  Being that I am 42, I wanted to ensure that, if we did end up having a hospital birth, that I would have ample support in that setting as well.  I loved that Kelly came to our house and met me and Chris---he immediately approved and we felt comfortable choosing Kelly.  We remained in contact with her throughout the pregnancy, just to let her know how things were going.  I felt that I could contact her as much or as little as I liked.  We then had a second meeting at our house not long before the baby came.  We had been doing classes through Babymoon Inn and had taken a five week Hypnobirthing course, but Kelly coming over and doing some activities with us made us feel more confident and ready.  We had some issues that necessitated a change in delivery plans.  Kelly was calm and helped me make decisions that I think really kept us on track for a natural birth, even though it would be at Scottsdale Osborn. Days later I went into labor.  I labored by myself for a few hours and then Kelly came to the house.  I know that for my fiance that was an enormous relief.  And for me- I felt like I could not have gotten through the contractions without her.  I really valued her help because I was having a hard time taking deep slow breaths and I really needed some coaching. We made it to the hospital just in time and Kelly was invaluable there, too.  She helped me with pushing, with handling the pain of the contractions, and with voicing all of the things that were important to me - natural childbirth, skin-to-skin contact right after delivery, not bathing the baby, etc.  I feel like everything went as it should have because we surrounded ourselves with people who were supportive of our birth plan.  We really feel so grateful to Kelly.  I would choose her a thousand times over! 

Mona Mhatre

6/30/2015

I had always envisioned that when I did get pregnant and give birth, I would do so naturally and drug- free.  However, as the years passed and I heard stories from other acquaintances who had given birth, I started to doubt whether giving going the drug- free route was even possible.  I was lucky enough to join a prenatal yoga class and be introduced to the concept of a doula early in my second trimester.  As I looked further into what a doula was, I realized what a great asset that would be for our family.  We were referred to Kelly Sunshine, and from the momemt my husband and I met with Kelly we knew she was the right fit for us!  We were able to achieve our ideal birth for our first son, and I don't think it would have been possible without Kelly's help.  She was there for us every step of the way during my pregnancy and we couldn't have asked for more!  I highly recommend Kelly Sunshine!

Abigail Drachenberg

6/29/2015

We had a great experience with Kelly Sunshine.  As first time parents we did not know how our labor and delivery would unfold, but knew that we needed support and encouragement to achieve a safe and healthy delivery.  Kelly provided answers to our questions and helped us set realistic expectations for our baby's arrival as well as the postpartum period.  She was always supportive and I believe she was a large part of my peace of mind leading up to the delivery as well as during it.  We would highly recommend Kelly as a Doula.

Nina Tinsley

6/24/2015

Kelly came highly recommended by a friend who had worked with her and after meeting Kelly at 6 weeks pregnant, we were so excited to work with her ourselves.  Kelly was so supportive throughout labor and delivery and was always excited for an update pre-labor and delivery.  Knowing she'd be with us during L&D gave us such peace of mind leading up to it and we were not dissapointed.  Kelly worked so well with hospital staff and was so wonderful in helping us.  My husband described having her with as having a sister who was also a nurse with us in the room.  Kelly engaged with us when needed but also hung back during times, as well, allowing my husband and I to have some time, too.  While we had originally planned on having an unmedicated delivery, I knew a few weeks before I delivered that I would need to have an epidural for medical reasons.  Kelly was so knowledgable about that process and was able to help position and move me appropriately once I got the epidural so that we were able to avoid a c-section.  After birth, Kelly was so helpful with breastfeeding for the first time and made sure we were settled before she left.  Her follow up visit to our home was much needed--her reassurance and knowledge once again put me at ease.  Finally, the birth pictures she took were just amazing.  They captured things I didn't remember and I didn't even notice her taking them.  While this is not the reason I will absolutely have Kelly at my next birth, I can't imagine not having these pictures and could not be more grateful for the way she unabotrusively captured the incredible moments that she did.  I HIGHLY recommend working with Kelly, and my husband (who was not initially sold on the idea of hiring a doula) could not agree more.  We are so grateful for Kelly's natural and strong nurturing and her incredible knowlege and comfort with the L&D process and her ability to support us.

Jenifer Dubay

6/24/2015

Kelly was recommended to me by a friend who had used her several months earlier for her son's birth. We hadn't really thought about having a doula or even really knew what a doula was but our friends (who had unexpected birth plan complications) said they really needed her guidance and couldn't have done it without her. So that made up our mind. We met with Kelly a few times and she was always available via text. She provided resources to us and really helped us prepare for the big day! We went into labor a little less than a week before our due date and Kelly was right there every step of the way! She helped me get through a long and ardous labor and delivery  (26 hours!) And helped guide some decisions that were not part of my birth plan. As parents we always want to do what is best for the baby and sometimes you need someone to tell you it's ok to do something for yourself. I know my fiance appreciated her support and at times I wasn't sure I'd have been able to get through it without her. One of my favorite parts is being able to look back on our birth story and photos (which Kelly took throughout) of the labor and delivery that I will always be able to reflect back on. Not only was Kelly there for the birth of our son but she has been able to provide post partum resources for chiropractic care and lactation. Coming home from the hospital was just as challenging as the birth and we needed help to get our new family on track. We have been surrounded by a vast circuit of knowledge and experience that I would have never known about had I not met Kelly. I will be forever grateful for everything she has done for us!

Candice Rodgers

6/4/2015

Kelly was my doula for the recent birth of my first child and I highly recommend that if you are even somewhat interested in using a doula’s services, that you contact Kelly. Like all first-time parents, my husband and I were nervous about our daughter’s birth. Having Kelly by our side to assist us during this very exciting, yet nerve-wracking time, was such an immense help. Kelly is so genuine and warm and I felt an immediate connection with her. After telling Kelly that I was having some reservations regarding my original doctor, she assisted us in finding a new doctor and birth place that was more in line with the type of birth experience that my husband and I hoped to have. Kelly also helped us to find an excellent childbirth class to participate in. Prior to our daughter’s birth, Kelly assisted my husband and I in creating our birth plan and she also met with us to help us prepare for our upcoming birth and to answer any questions that we had. One thing that I found particularly helpful was that Kelly discussed what I could expect postpartum and she created a postpartum kit, which I purchased from her at-cost. It was so helpful to not have to figure out what I would need during my recovery period and I appreciated being able to purchase the items from her, rather than having to shop around. Due to some complications with my health, my birth experience did not go as planned, but Kelly provided a very reassuring presence and helped me reach my goal of having a vaginal birth. Kelly provided a beautiful birth story for my husband and I, which was invaluable, since my memory of my labor and delivery is quite fuzzy due to my health issues and the medication that I had to be put on. My husband and I both agree that Kelly’s services were worth every single penny and that if we ever have another baby, we hope that she will be our doula once again.

Kristen Phair

6/4/2015

Our experience with Kelly Sunshine was wonderful and everything we hoped it would be. Kelly was extremely personable and positive. She was very receptive to our wishes and made sure that our birth plan was carried out as best as possible. Kelly provided very solid and reassuring guidance prior to the birth; her experience is obvious. During the birth, she was there when we needed her, both during the time in hospital and leading up to hospital admission. She was our advocate and or motivator. With her assistance, we were able to have a completely natural birth. Although the birth of our daughter was very rapid, Kelly gave us coping tools and pain management techniques that were critical in getting through the experience successfully and positively. Kelly also took amazing pictures during the labor experience, and we now have those to treasure and look back upon. After our daughter arrived, Kelly took the time to help with the first breastfeeding, and she also made sure that my husband and I were taken care of and comfortable in the hospital setting. Kelly continued to follow-up with us in the days following the birth to make sure that everything was going well. Kelly was an integral part of our pregnancy and delivery of our daughter and we would absolutely have her be part of future birthing experiences! -Kristen and Bret

Marie Beskar

6/4/2015

Our experience with Kelly was wonderful. She is down to earth, warm, friendly, listens very well and is very knowledgeable. Our desire was to have a natural, unmedicated labor and delivery. This was our first baby and my husband and I firmly believe that we could not have achieved this goal without the help of Kelly. She guided us through each phase of labor. She was calm, yet assertive and proactive. She coached my husband to allow him to be as much support to me as he could. She proactively gave suggestions for each part of labor to both help cope with the pain, but also to ensure labor continued to progress. She is also so knowlegeable about the hospital systems that she was able to guide us through what to expect, and be an advocate for our preferences. We are so thankful that we found Kelly and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. We couldn't have been more happy with her!

Kristi Murphy

6/2/2015

Kelly was a godsend. She could not have been more supportive throughout the entire process.  She was our sounding board and our advocate during labor. We don't know what we would have done without her. Her coaching during the labor pain was invaluable. It was super helpful to have an expert tell us what positions to get in to help labor progress. If we are able to conceive again, she will be our first call!  

Morgan Horn

5/24/2015

Kelly did such an amazing job!! I felt prepared for when my labor would begin and she was there for me every step of the way! I ended up getting induced 7 days after my due date but Kelly was supportive and helped to calm my nerves when my birth plan wasn't going as planned. on the drive home from the hospital I received the pictures she took and I can't explain how amazing they were! I would pay thousands of dollars to have the experience that I had with Kelly! 

Courtney Bach

5/12/2015

Choosing Kelly as our doula was one of the best decisions that we made during my pregnancy with our son. Kelly is such a sweet, kind, knowledgable person. During our first meeting, she really listened to what we were looking for, and even though we were still interviewing other doulas, she offered up so many suggestions including recommending we look into a different hospital and OB group that might better fit the vision I had for birth. I left the first meeting feeling incredibly relieved- I have a lot of anxiety regarding hospitals and part of the reason I'd been seeking a natural birth is that I was afraid of all of the medical interventions that can occur during a pregnancy, especially labor and delivery. Just having met with Kelly and talked with her gave me a sense that things were going to be okay. We ended up meeting the the OB and midwife team she'd recommended and making the switch was an easy choice, as was deciding to hire Kelly.

People have always told me that labor never goes the way you plan, and that was extremely true in my case. Having the support from Kelly was invaluable. She was there with us throughout the entire labor and delivery process, helping me work through contractions, reassuring and encouraging me, giving suggestions for things we could try to work through labor. She was supportive of the decisions I made during labor, and helped me to feel confident that the choices that I was making were the right choices for me. Kelly had such a great working relationship with many of the staff at the hospital (Del Webb)- you can tell that she has worked with a lot of the staff there and they really respect her. 

We also had her encapsulate my placenta, and she was very timely in getting the capsules back to me- I really recommend this service; I really do feel a difference in energy level and mood.

We are so thankful for Kelly, I would choose her again in a heartbeat. We very strongly recommend her as a doula!

Casey Padilla

5/11/2015

I had the most amazing experience with Kelly and I couldn't have done it with out her. She was very professional from the beginning to the end and even after. Even when she had to send another Doula to help get my labor coaching going due to another client's water breaking, she was present as soon as possible! Kelly was very informative and always put me at ease. She answered all my questions and had a helpful kit of goodies for before and after my pregnancy. I would highly reccomend her to anyone and I would love to work with her again when I have another baby. 

Elma Bolic

5/4/2015

Kelly helped me deliver by baby boy in December 2013.  This comment is way passed due, but i haven't forgot about my experience.  My plan was to have my baby naturally and we choose Kelly as our doula.  I have to say, many times during labor, i almost gave up and asked for drugs, but Kelly was there to remind me about my plan and kept me strong.  She massaged me and helped me all night in the hospital.  i have to say that i give Kelly 10+ for all her support during my pregnancy and especially during delivery.  I would highly recommend Kelly to any expecting mom. 

Sarah Johnson

5/1/2015

Words can't even describe how lucky we felt to have Kelly at our birth. Her knowledge, experience, and awesome personality made me feel so much more confident that I could have the birth experience I wanted. I am almost positive that we would not have had an epidural free labor without her help. She knew what positions to put me in to help baby move along and to help me dialate further. Although my husband was a huge emotional support for me in labor, simply knowing that Kelly was there by my side gave me more strength to push through the hard parts. After my son was born she stuck around for a little bit to make sure we got breastfeeding started and that we were doing ok. She even ordered us dinner! When we first discussed getting a doula, my husband was supportive but a little weary of the necessity of it. After our experience with Kelly, there is no way he would let us have another baby without one. Kelly is the type of person who you feel like you will have a life long friendship with because she was such an important part of our baby's birth. You can't put a price on the beautiful labor experience that Kelly helped us have. We hope she will be there for the next!

Karen Richman

3/28/2015

Kelly's doula services exceeded our expecations.  She was there from beginning to end and she did a great job making sure I had what I needed at the birth.  I wasn't thrilled about having a hospital birth - that was the compromise I reached with my husband, but my requirement was that Kelly had to be there. She absolutely got me through the birth without pain meds and I know I couldn't have done it without her.  She did this amazing massage pressure technique on my legs and feet which totally got me through all of the contractions until I was ready to push.  And I loved that she took pictures of the birth; she returned to the hospital the next day with the disc of originals and copies of all the photos.  I would highly, highly recommend Kelly Sunshine as your doula!  

kmfdm86 .

3/26/2015

Kelly was a last-minute stand-in while our doula was at another birth. We were introduced over the phone while my contractions were 3-minutes apart, and she immediately was able to assess the situation and start coaching me right away. She met us at the hospital and was a gentle but firm support all the way through, reminding me of how to breathe (and TO breathe) during contractions. She went above and beyond with her support during my labor and got me through a natural birth that I didn't think I could do. Even after our doula got to the hospital, Kelly stayed to the end and helped out with the first feeding. There are no other words for her but AMAZING!

Jenna Alexander

3/19/2015

Kelly is amazing! I must say some magical things happened in my life after becoming pregnant and Kelly was one of them. It all started with a Prenatal yoga class (highly recommend). In this class, I met so many wonderful ladies including the instructor - Erin Buggy. She taught me breathing techniques, how to relax, and most of all she taught me about doulas. Erin and some of the women in my prenatal yoga class recommended Kelly Sunshine and I couldn't be more grateful. I wasn't sure if I needed a doula at first but upon my first visit with Kelly, I knew I didn't want my birth experience to go any other way. Kelly was available for every question during my pregnancy. She came over and met my husband and we became a birthing team! She was very excited about our experience and her excitement was genuine. She recommended an amazing doctor and midwife. I seriously couldn't thank her enough for this referral. Kelly knows many doctors, nurses, and hospitals and has good rapport with the staff from hospitals in the valley. This made it super easy during the hustle and bustle of delivery because she knew my birth plan and helped guide the process seamlessly. I am still amazed at the experience and how calming and supportive she was. Kelly took amazing photos all while cheering me through every push. I highly recommend Kelly Sunshine - I kept telling her she is underpaid for the work that she does. She literally teaches you how to ride each contraction like a wave and push like a pro. I will certainly be calling her for my next baby! 

Stephanie Barriga

2/11/2015

In my initial meeting with Kelly, I was impressed by her connections with the staff at local hospitals. I loved working with her because she was my advocate for natural childbirth and advised me on what to expect before, during and after labor. Her communication is great and she is a pleasure to work with. During my labor I felt completely comfortable with her and she kept me calm from beginning to end. Even my family was impressed with her. Our photos turned out beautifully too. I recommend Kelly to anyone looking for a doula, she truly is the complete package. My husband and I are forever grateful to her.

Kristy B

2/6/2015

"Kelly’s pain management techniques and coaching had a profound impact on the drug-free labor and delivery of our son. I never entertained the thought of taking drugs throughout the experience and am so glad that Kelly was there working with the medical staff to respect my wishes. We often refer friends to Kelly knowing her passion for her work will allow them the same wonderful experience we enjoyed.”

Kristy & Tim Bidwill

Jennefer Deiley

1/26/2015

We are so grateful for everything Kelly did for us. She was a huge help to me in coping with early labor and deciding when to head to the hospital. That was really the major factor in my short easy hospital stay. The pictures and birth story she provided for us were lovely and will be treasured forever.

Natalie Rose Leroux Ochoa

1/26/2015

Kelly was the best!!! I could not have dont it without her support, she was beyond what I even imagined. She gave me the strength and encouragement I needed and I trusted her completely throughout the entire expereince. I would recommend her over and over!!! 

lpierce1885 .

1/19/2015

Kelly Sunshine was just amazing. I could have gotten through my birth without her but I could not have had the wonderful experience I had or gotten as far as I did without medication without her. Kelly made me feel comfortable about my pregnancy, and provided me with an abundance of information to help me through it. She was always there for me when I needed her, and when the big day finally arrived my husband and myself could not have imagined our our birth without her. Kelly provided both my husband and myself with the support we needed to get through our very long birthing process. She also captured moments by photograph that we never would have gotten if it wasn't for her. Not only was Kelly amazing during my labor and birth but after I delivered she stayed with me for several hours to help, and also encapsalated my placenta for me. I will recommend Kelly to every momma I know so that they can have as wonderful of a birth as I did thanks to Kelly and my wonderful team of people.

Mandy Shelley

1/8/2015

I have now had the privelege of Kelly's company at two births.  I could not have done either without her.  I mean, technically, yes I could have - but she makes the experience SO much better.  She is not only knowlegable about birth and labor but she is as sweet and kind of person as they come.  It is like having your best friend with you.  She is calm, reassuring, and has a wealth of knowlege to share when it comes to birthing babies.  You will not regret your decision to use Kelly should you choose to.  She is truly a ray of sunshine when you need it most! :) 

R Nicolle Moshiri

1/6/2015

This is the second time I've used Kelly's doula services and both times I couldn't be happier with the outcomes.  This labor ended up being 14 hours and Kelly was with me for 12 of the hours, from 1am to 1pm.  She never left my side and I felt very cared for and supported the whole time.  My labor was incredibly intense for the last 4 hours and she really helped me get through it and acheive my goal of an unmedicated delivery.  I don't know if I would have gotten through it as well as I did without her.  I would recommend her services to anyone. 

amy edwards

12/11/2014

My husband initially resisted the idea of a doula attending our birth. He felt that I must not want or need him there if I wanted a doula, even though he knew it was my plan to have a natural childbirth experience. He's had 3 children with his former wife, but all were induced and assisted with an epidural. He's a doctor, and could not understand why I'd want to do it naturally when there are drugs to help with the pain. But, I knew I wanted to use the contractions to help my labor progress. And that it did. My water broke around 1030 PM and 6 hours later I was holding my baby boy in my arms. It was an amazing experience to watch my hubby tear up in amazement as he watched my body do what it was intended to do. I wouldn't change a thing, and neither would he. He has since said that without Kelly he couldn't have helped coach me. He's already put an order in for a little girl. Surely we won't do it without Kelly!

Kelly- Thank you so much for having the confidence in me that at times I didn't have in myself. You certainly have found your calling! 

Liz Navran Goodman

11/16/2014

I can't possibly recommend Kelly enough. My husband and I were planning on having a natural birth and prepared for several months. We were excited to hire Kelly to help us through the labor process. About 3 weeks before our due date, I was diagnosed with severe IUGR and learned that I would be having a c section. With less then 48 hours notice, Kelly helped me prepare for the c section, walked me through the process, kept me calm, met me at the hospital, and stayed by my side throughout the entire process, from check-in until our baby was nursing in my arms. She was a source of strength and made what would have otherwise been a terriifying experience into a beautiful and memorable birth.

Jeremy Foster

10/19/2014

My wife and I used Kelly as a doula last year for the birth of our son. Not only was she knowledgeable and confident in what she was doing, but she was also very attentive, caring and compassionate. What really stood out to me was our experience the day of our son's birth. From the time my wife went into labor at lunch time, until his birth at 4 the next morning, she didn't leave her side. When I arrived home from work after my wife's labor pains started, she explained to me what was going on, what I needed to do to comfort my wife, and Kelly was constantly massaging and making sure she was as comfortable and encouraging as possible. She told us when it was time to go to the hospital, and once we arrived she truly took charge.  And as a first time father, that was extremely helpful because I had no idea what I was doing or what to expect. When we first checked her in, Kelly was by her side. She did not feel our initial nurse was taking good enough care of my wife, and suggested that I ask for another one. I did and we were well taken care of afterward. We spent several hours in L&D, Kelly never left my wife or my side. If either of us needed anything, she delegated someone else in our family to take care of it. She treated us like VIP's and I would absolutely use her for future births. No doubt she's one of if not the absolute best at what she does!

Hannah Jones

10/6/2014

My husband (Ryan), and I, hired Kelly Sunshine to be our doula for the birth of our first child. We interviewed a few doulas and immediately felt a connection with Kelly. During my pregnancy, Kelly was a great help meeting with us to discuss our birth plan and was available to answer any questions we had regarding our pregnancy. While we desired a natural birth with our daughter, after laboring for 26 hours, a c-section was medically necessary. Kelly coached us through a long and hard labor and was there to help guide us through the medical decisions we had to make along the way. I cannot imagine going through labor without her! Not only was Kelly with us each step of the way during the birth, but we also made a lifelong friend in her! Kelly also provided other services, including encapsulating my placenta, which she did in a timely manner, and I believe greatly helped my postpartum recovery. We will without a doubt hire Kelly again for the birth of future children!

Julie Crone

10/5/2014

Our labor and delivery was the best, most memoriable experience.  Without the support of Kelly we would have been on edge the entire time.  We would have spent our energy on trying to understand what was happening with each hour and each decision we were asked to make and probably wondering if we were doing everything right.  Instead, my husband was able to fully support me and I was able to be completely present to mysef and the delivery.  I would recomend Kelly a hundred times over and if I we could do it all over again both my husband and I would absolutely have her by our side.  I feel very locky that we were introduced to her.  She was like an angel - she came when we needed her and carried us through the most challenging part of my pregnancy - the delivery of our beautiful, healthy baby boy. 

Taryn Greenman

9/28/2014

I had an ideal labor and birth experience, thanks entirely to Kelly Sunshine. She was by my side for 16 hours, I don't think I ever even noticed her leave to use the restroom! She supported me, and fought to bring my birth plan to reality, even through a long, tough labor with several complications. She worked with me to get my baby to turn mid labor, when all of the nurses were doubting we would be able to continue without some sort of intervention. 

She worked extraordinally well with all of the labor and delivery nurses as well as with my OBGYN. They said that due to tough positioning, if I had given in and gotten an epidural (which i certainly would have without Kelly's support), my birth would have almost certainly ended in cesarian section. I owe my natural and successful delivery 100% to Kelly! After birth, I received compliments from literaly every single nurse as well as from my OB about how wonderful Kelly is. Not only is she an amazing advocate for her client, she respects and works well with the hospital team, making everyone happy!

My husband felt so safe and secure having Kelly by my side. He felt helpless seeing his wife in such pain, and Kelly was able to explain what was going on to him, as well as tell him how he could help me! If anyone has a desire to birth naturally, I would very highly recommend working with Kelly. For me, I can say that 100% without a doubt, my birth story would have been very, very different without her. Baby, mom and dad are all blissfully happy and healthy, and we owe everything to Kelly. 

Briana Etherton

9/24/2014

When i first found out I was pregnant I knew right away I wanted to have a natural, unmedicated birth. I wanted to experiences all the feelings, good or bad, that came along with bringing my baby into the world. I had never even really heard of a doula before until an aquantance of mine told me about her experience with one, and how it made her birth what it was. I reasearched for several days until I came across Kelly's page and something about her clicked with me. After first meeting with Kelly I felt like my dreams of a perfect birth were so much more in reach than before. Throughout my pregnancy Kelly was always available to talk to and had answers to my questions. When the time finally came to labor Kelly was there by my side the entire time using all the tools and techniques she knew that made each contraction managable. She took me through each surge one at a time, and assured me that with when each passing surge I was that much closer to meeting my baby. Not only was Kelly a support to me she was also a huge support to my husband, I don't know how many times since delivery my husband has said "thank goodness for Kelly," I had an amazing birth team between my midwife, husband and Kelly and I truely beleive that if it wasn't for all three my birth wouldn't have been literally so perfect. I would recommend Kelly to anyone who asked no matter what kind of birth you would like to achieve Kelly can help you reach it. Thank you Kelly! 

Briana, Colton and Piper

Kevyn O'Farrell

9/18/2014

Kelly was with me for the birth of my son in 9/2012 and when it was time to have my 2nd son in 6/2014 it was no question I wanted Kelly alongside. She is an amazing doula! Her energy, support and knowledge really helped keep me focused on my body and have the birth I have dreamed of. She guided my husband on how to help me through each contraction, brought out essential oils to help the nausea, and spoke to the nurses for me so everyone was on the same birth plan. She took amazing pictures of the process and stayed a little after the baby was born.

Sophie Brodeur

9/12/2014

There aren't even enough words to decribe how helpful and useful Kelly was as a doula to us. I can't imagine going through labor without her help. She is so comforting, knowledgeable and really helped us through the process, from birth plan to breasfeeding afterwards.

It was such a relief knowing that we had her on our side, she particurlary helped me get my breathing pattern under control and helped a lot with calming me down and guiding me through everything.  One contraction at the time...

She is also full of resources and helped us find the best birth class, doctor and peditrician based on our needs and beliefs. She also helped alot with preparing for our hospital journey and also what do do when we get home.

I can't recommend her enough, she is priceless:-)

Shay Noonan

9/6/2014

I was referred to Kelly through a friend and I knew the moment I met with her that we had to hire her! She made me excited to give birth vs fearful and was there to answer any question we had.  Leading up to birth she was a source of knowledge and was always there if my husband or myself needed her.  When I was experiencing off and on predomonal labor Kelly kept my frustration down and emotions under control.

During labor she was my husbands rock. Even though he thought he was prepared (through Bradley classes)it was definitely more than he anticipated and he will be the first to tell you that we couldn't have done it without her!  If he was here now I would have him type how much he needed her :)

Having her there not only to help physically but also emotionally and when we needed to make a few unexpected decisions she was essential to our little girls "perfect" birth.  I wouldn't change a thing and I truly feel like Kelly made that possible!

I also did the placenta encapsulation and I HIGHLY recommend it. Kelly brought it to me while I was still in the hospital.  I essentially needed little to no pain meds and my milk came in the second day (the nurses did not believe me).  It helped my hormones regulate and I neve once felt overwhelmed or sad even though it was our first baby.  I could probably write a while page just about how awesome it is.  

Do not give birth without Kelly! She's truly the best!! 

Amanda Menser

8/29/2014

I am not sure there are enough words to describe how amazing my birth expereince was with Kelly by my side!!!

My first two births started with induction, one ending with complications, the other an epidural. I knew I had wanted something different with my third. Something normal. Something natural. At 40 weeks 5 days, I was told I would need to be induced by my OB. A foley bulb was inserted that day at the doctors office, and although we knew this was something that was not in the original birth plan, something needed to assist me in dilation. Later that night I had thought my water broke, but couldnt have been sure, but after speaking with Kelly and confirming what had happened, we both knew labor would happen soon...and boy did it! I labored at home all night and Kelly was always there for me, checking in to see how the progress was and to come up with the next step. The following morning, after a long night of early labor, we both decided that it was time to head into the hospital. The hours we spent together, laughing and working through each contraction together, was amazing! I have never felt so loved by somebody I had just met a month prior! This woman loves what she does and it eminates through her work. This is not her job, its her passion, and you can feel it when she is next to you during labor! A few short hours after the arrival at the hospital, I gave birth naturally to my third baby, and I could not have had better support! I will NOT have another baby without Kelly next to me!

Thank you Kelly for everything. You have a very special place in my heart! I could not have had such an amazing experience without you. You truly are a blessing! <3

Ashlyn Hermes

8/29/2014

My husband received Kelly's information from from a person that he worked with that had recently used her services. We reached out to Kelly and she scheduled an appointment with us very promptly. She was so professional, knowledgeable and nice in our initial meeting that we decided to use her services almost immediately after she left our home that day. Our daughter is now 5 days old and we feel very fortunate to have found Kelly and to have had her services throughout our first birth experience.

Kelly made it clear that she wanted to be involved and kept up to date on all of our visits with our doctor and it was very easy to communicate with her by phone, email and text. Towards the end of my pregnancy I had many questions and she was always willing to share her knowledge and experience with me, and this really helped me to understand what was going on in the final stages of my pregnancy. I ended up having my water leak instead of break so I was forced to go into the hospital to have the Amnisure test done. The hospital immediately admitted me once they knew it had broken, which wasn't part of my birth plan. I called Kelly while I was in triage and she was completely empathetic because she knew my birth plan. I kept her informed on my status as they admitted me into a room at 10:00pm and she headed to the hospital as fast as she could, even though she was in Safford for her son's football game. I was amazed and thankful for how quickly she arrived! I started Pitocin at 1:30am and gave birth to my daughter at 5:45am. I could not have gotten through my natural child birth without Kelly. She assisted with breathing, helped talk me through contractions, provided aromatherapy and massage, and guided my husband through hip squeezes that made this miracle possible. I also used her placenta encapsulation and tincture service, which she delivered the day after birth. I highly recommend Kelly and plan to use her for future child births. Thanks, Kelly!!

Kimberly Goeman

8/18/2014

My husband and I interviewed several doulas when I was around 16 weeks pregnant. Up until the time we met with Kelly, my husband was unsure about the idea of hiring a doula and felt that his role as daddy-to-be would be lessened. Despite my best efforts to convince my husband after meeting with a few different doulas, he was still unsure. That is, until we met Kelly. We really enjoyed our first time meeting with Kelly. She is real----I appreciated her honesty about past experiences with my OBGYN (who I wasn't loving at the time) and we connected with her instantly. We ended up talking for quite some time and we both enjoyed getting to know Kelly. As soon as she left, my husband looked at me and said "Hire her!".

Kelly was wonderful throughout my pregnancy. She referred us to a great childbirth class and after interviewing doctors that she had positive experiences with, I switched providers around 30 weeks. She was sure to always ask me about my appointments and I knew I could always count on her for advice and encouragement. I ended up having false labor for days and days before our little boy decided to make his entrance. Kelly offered great suggestions and was always there for any questions that came up. When labor picked up, my husband called Kelly (who was already at the hospital with another mama and my doctor) and she had us head over as things were progressing quickly. Kelly was awesome during active labor and transition. She was great at coaching me as I breathed through contractions and made sure my husband played a vital role. Post delivery, Kelly has continued to be amazing. She delivered photos to the hospital, as well as my encapsulated placenta and some lovely bath soaks. My husband and I keep talking about how wonderful our team was---between our doctor, Kelly and the nursing staff, we were surrounded by the best of the best. I highly recommend Kelly and we will be hiring her for future births!

Those Junes

8/14/2014

Kelly was such an integral part in coaching me through the labor and delivery of our son. I joke and say I couldn’t have done it without her...but in all honesty, I'm not sure I could have. This was the birth of our 2nd child and after having a not so pleasant birth experience with our first (a surprise C-Section after a planned homebirth), my ultimate goal was to have an unmedicated VBAC with this birth. We had been referred to Kelly early in our pregnancy but in the busyness of life I kept forgetting to get in contact with her. It wasn't until I was 38 weeks that we finally set up a time to meet with her (my husband was actually the one who called her!) and after our first meeting I knew we'd made a great decision to hire her.

I went into labor a day before my due date and after laboring at home for most of the morning we decided it was time to go to the hospital. Kelly took charge from the moment we walked in. It was so great to have her with us. When I'd get a contraction even if a nurse was in the middle of asking me a question, she'd help me focus, relax and breathe while answering any questions for me that she could. She was so encouraging and helped me believe in myself when I didn't think I had the strength to go on. When it came time for me to push, her coaching is what helped me push my son out when I truly didn't believe it was possible.

Having an unmedicated VBAC was no easy feat and while I was in the midst of it all I began to question why I was even doing it. But in the end it was SO worth it! My recovery has been night and day from my C-Section and knowing what I accomplished has been so empowering! While my husband was with me every step of the way throughout my labor and delivery, he's not too proud to say he would've had no idea what to do to help me get through it all. We are both so grateful to Kelly and know it was with her help that we were able to have the birth experience we wanted.

Krista Benn

7/27/2014

I would highly recommend Kelly if you're looking for a doula. She was very helpful during my pregnancy, labor and in the days after my son's birth. She was there for most of my (long) labor and knew how to help reduce contraction pain. She also made placenta capsules, took beautiful pictures and wrote about our birth story. Thank you Kelly!!

Jessica Flippo

7/25/2014

I picked Kelly as my doula for my second child because of her personality and knowledge and understanding of the natural birth process.  She was easy to talk to from the start.  Even though she had been up for over 24 hrs prior to my delievery for another one, she was very alert and supportive through out my delievery.  After laying down for a hour, my contractions had stopped and my OB was talking about starting a little picitocin to get contractions started again, but Kelly knew exactly how to bring them on naturally.  She even side stepped the stairs and power walked with me.  During transition she seemed to be able to read my mind and tell me exactly what I needed to continue with my natural birth.  She seemed to be able to read me and know what was and wasn't working and find another way to help control my contractions and pain.  As I was sitting in the tub and she was on the floor next to me, she helped distract me by showing me pictures of cute animals, which is something I needed at the time.  Very talented in multitasking ~ while supporting me through contractions, she was also taking pictures but I never felt she wasn't there for me or not paying attention.  I didn't realize until afterwards that she had been taking pictures of my daughter being born.  I thought she had been at my side the whole time!  I'm so thankful for the pictures and memories she has provided me and for writing down my birth story.  She knew how to keep me in control of my contractions and able to work through each one.  She was my voice when I needed her to be.  I loved my birth experience and would use her again in a heartbeat.  Kelly was exactly the doula I needed to have an awesome experience.  Thank you Kelly!!

Andrea Quintero

7/21/2014

Kelly was referred to us by a friend who was due to deliver around the same time as us. We fell in love with Kelly as soon as we met her. During our first visit with her, Kelly shared not only her knowledge on birthing but also shared personal stories. We felt very comfortable with her immediately. My in-laws sat in with us on our first visit. Being unfamiliar with a natural labor and birth process Kelly was sweet and patient and answered any questions they had in addition to ours. 

During our labor/delivery Kelly offered every method possible, it seemed like, to keep me and baby comfortable. She guided me through breathing and gave physical adjustments to push through the contractions. Kelly didn't leave my side during my 24 hour labor/delivery. My husband and I were just as amazed by her dedication to me as she probably was by me being in labor for a day! We will definitely have Kelly assist our next delivery. I don't know that I could have done it without her. 

Kelly followed up with us a couple days after delivery. She encapsulated my placenta and offered herbal bath packs. These have absolutely helped with the healing process. 

To anyone looking to hire a doula, I 100% say go for it and if you have the chance to work with Kelly you're a lucky woman!!

Jessi Miller

6/25/2014

Kelly is such a sweet person. She came to my house while I was in labor after resting only a couple hours from a previous birth. Since it was my first child I was not exactly sure what to expect. She made me feel so comfortable that I could give birth to my son and everything would be fine. Once we arrived at the birth center where I would deliver my baby, we settled in. She called ahead to have them start running the bath water for me. I wanted a water birth. Kelly made sure my partner and I had all we needed, which really was just each other but also kept me hydrated and assured that I was doing great. Kelly took wonderful pictures during my labor and birth, even a short video as I pushed my son into this world.  She had a positive vibe filling the room the whole time! It was an awesome experience, Kelly was wonderful for us and I love that she was our doula!

mesoteric .

6/24/2014

Kelly is an AMAZING doula!  Upon my first meeting with her i instantly was drawn to her bubbly, friendly, and warm personality.  She is quick to make you feel comfortable and laugh and has a wealth of knowledge always ready for you at her fingertips.  Kelly was always punctual with meetings and i could always count on her to show up when i needed her.  She was always available via phone for those random questions I needed a quick answer to throughout my pregnancy.  

I have to say, every penny and then some of what we spent on Kelly's services were worth when it came to the actual "birth" itself!  I have had two births and both were extremely fast deliveries, so Kelly knew what I was in for for my second time around.  I was 39 weeks and my labor/delivery was literally 90 minutes long!  WHEW!  I could not have done that so successfully, without the help of Kelly.  She was right with me through every contraction.  She would breathe with me and steer me towards the right focal points, concentration, and positions to ease pain during each contraction and phase of transistions through the process.  Kelly has a good sense of judgement and advice.  I love that she is there for you to empower you or support you through her knowledge or techniques, but at the same time, gives you enough space to make the decisions on your own.  She also was there for me when i didn't know what i wanted/needed myself... she could quickly adapt to whateve the situation and take the lead.  She was friendly and polite to other staff at the hopsital and respected my doctor as well during hte entire process, keeping everyone updated and everyone aware of things as well as room to make decisions where it was their responsibility. Kelly even stayed afterwards to feed and make me comfortable for recovery!  She was so caring!  

Choosing Kelly as my doula was the best decision we made!  

Larissa Bech

6/12/2014

From the beginning to the end, Kelly was an excellent resource and it was so nice to have her as someone to go to with questions and her knowledge and expertise about pregnancy, labor, and birth proved to be invaluable! During the labor and delivery of my son, Kelly was a HUGE help in her coaching and guidance and she really helped make it a positive experience. She also took some pictures throughout the labor and birth which are a great way to remember the experience! I highly recommend Kelly as a doula and I am so thankful I had her as part of my birth experience!

Tena Renteria

6/4/2014

Kelly is an amazing doula! You can tell by looking at her profile on doulamatch – she has attended so many births and has great feedback. This also means that she has a multitude of connections in the birth world –she knows all the in’s & out’s of the facilities in the valley! Kelly was the only doula to contact me immediately which I appreciated. After meeting her in person it was apparent that she was the one & my husband was finally on board with the whole doula thing! I believe her suggestions helped my birth be fairly easy & fast. Kelly came just in time for transition when I needed help the most & she coordinated care so we didn’t have to. Having a natural birth is a complete out of body experience so I did not remember most of it - Kelly took pictures & wrote out a birth story that helped me put the pieces together. I will treasure these forever. She also came by after we were discharged to drop off my placenta pills (which I do believe helped keep the PPD/PPA at bay) and to give a little pep talk since I was completely ready to give up breastfeeding at that point. I'm now 6 months postpartum and our little girl is happy, healthy, chubby breast milk baby! I can’t believe we made it this far!

Gabriella Labuda

6/1/2014

We were lucky enough to come across Kelly's name by person referral from a good friend. Deciding to hire Kelly as our doula was the best decision we made. Planning for a natural birth for our first child was a bit scary. After initially meeting with Kelly; I felt much more at ease. Kelly's extensive experience really showed. She is so passionate about what she does. She gave me the strength and encouragement to speak up for the kind of birth experience I wanted.  Kelly went above and beyond by connecting us with an amazing physician and labor nurse during the day of our delivery. My labor did not go according to "plan" but not once did I feel scared or out of control. Kelly was able to be a source of support for myself, my husband and my family. She has made my entre family a huge believer in having a doula at your side. The labor was challenging yet a beautiful experience and I have Kelly to thank for that. I look forward to working with her again in the future.

Lisa Richardson

4/27/2014

Not only is Kelly an amazing doula, she is an amazing person as well. She has great personal experience as a mom, she has he own personal story to share and you can tell she truly loves what she does. Kelly came to us out of a need for possible back-up doula. It turns out that she was our doula at the birth of our daughter and we could not have done it without her. I chose in the end cesarean surgery and she was able to be in the operating room and photographed the entire birth. Having that documented is priceless to us and makes us feel closer to our birth and our daughter. She also encapsulated our placenta which was important to me. Kelly is very entrenched in what she does and offers so much resource for moms and dads. I cannot recommend her enough. Thank you Kelly! We love you! Lisa, Chris and Ava!

Allana Taylor

4/23/2014

I was an experienced mom in that I had two other natural deliveries in the past. I was not opposed to doulas, but I saw them as something other woman used. I made it through my first delivery fine, so why would I need one for my second delivery. My mindset was the same for my third pregnancy until I found out I was having twins. I have to admit twins were a bit scary.
Kelly's calm yet take charge demeanor helped take so much of the stress out of the day. She interfaced with hospital staff, several of whom knew and respected Kelly from having previously worked with her. She explained things to me, in a calming manner and put the ball back in my court. She insisted various medical staff give me time and space when it was needed. And gave me a back massage with essential oils.
With Kelly's help I was able to deliver two beautiful healthy boys without the use of drugs.
As if all the help she provided was not enough, Kelly took pictures of our day. These pics are a treasured keepsake and since I had not had pictures taken at either of my others births these are even more special.
After the birth Kelly was able to encapsulate my placenta (another thing I had never done) and I was amazed at what a differences the capsules made in my energy level over the next few weeks. Kelly even made a heart from a portion of the umbilical cord.
As a person who never would have used the services of a doula had I not been expecting twins, I have to say Kelly made me wish I had used doulas for all my births.
I would highly recommend Kelly to anyone who asked. She was a true blessing on our very special day.
Thank you Kelly!

Kristi Martin

4/19/2014

I always knew i wanted to have a natural labor so as soon as I found out that I was pregnant I started exploring the option of having a doula. My husband and I took Bradley birth classes so we weren't sure if we needed one and for a long time my husband wasn't too crazy about having someone else with us when our baby would be born because he felt like the Bradley classes had prepared him enough to help me by himself. I always had a feeling I needed one though so eventually he relented and we found Kelly. That was the best thing we could have ever done. Kelly is warm and loving and immediately puts you at ease not to mention she is very experienced. I went into labor late Saturday night and my contractions were very irregular.  Because of the irregularity of my contractions and the short amount of time that had passed since my labor started my husband and I assumed we had plenty of time to get to the hospital. When Kelly arrived at our house she took one look at me and told my husband we had to GO! We got to the hopsital and 50 minutes later our baby was born. Without Kelly it is quite possible our baby would have been born at home or on the way to the hospital. Kelly advocated for us with the hospital staff and made sure that our birth plan was followed and respected. She has a great working relationship with the hospital staff and when the nurses started freaking out because the baby was coming so fast Kelly was calm and reassuring. She took wonderful care of my husband, my daughter and I after the birth and made sure we were taken care of before heading home. After we came home from the hospital she provided us with tons of resources and was always available if we had questions. Kelly completely changed my husband's opinion about doulas and we will never have a baby without Kelly! Kelly is probably the biggest reason my husband and  I were able to have the birth experience we had hoped for. 

teri kelley

4/13/2014

I had heard and read about doulas and decided to find one fr the birth of our first child. Kelly was referred to me by a friend who witnessed Kelly in action for her sister's childbirth  expeience. Wow.... What a find. I thought she was great, but my husband raves on and on about her.  I guess she made his day much easier too.  She worked with us in advance via phone and at a meeting in person at our home. Then, when I went into labor, she coached me the entire time... allowing me to stay at home through much of my early labor, despite my water breaking.  Kelly coached us thigh the entire 18 hour hospital experience as well. She knew the nursing staff at ScottSdale Shea, and got me set up with the "right" nurses. She helped us make medical decisions along the way, and was my representative when I needed help being logical. We will use her again for our next birth, and I have since referred her to several pregnancy friends/acquaintennces. Did I mention she came to my home the day I was released from the hospital to deliver my encapsulated placenta and photos from the birth? Amazing all around. 

Tiffany Deacon Husar

4/8/2014

My experience with Kelly was, bar none, the best it ever could have been. I was looking for a doula to assist me with having a successful VBAC and Kelly was recommended by one of the midwives. Although I had yet to contact her, we ended up meeting anyway through other circumstances. It was fate. We meshed right away and my husband was especially comfortable with her upon his initial meeting. She answered all of his questions and even some he didn't even know he had. Kelly is honest, forthright, compassionate, professional, and her knowledge of the birthing process, both physically and emotionally, is what helped me through all phases of labor. We ended up in a special situation in that her other client's water broke two hours before mine did!  I was contracting due to being 41+3 day past my estimated due date and trying some natural labor-inducing measures. My water broke while I was on the phone with Kelly! Kelly had a second doula at the hospital, was able to have my and her other clients' labor room right next door to each other, and she and the other doula, Michelle, went back and forth between the two of us. (Both myself and the other client were VBACers with the same OB as well, so these measures were possible). Kelly and Michelle walked with me throughout the maternity ward until the wee small hours of the morning to try and get my contractions strong enough. When pitocin was suggested, my husband and I discussed it and listened to Kelly and the doctor, deciding to start pitocin. When labor got intense, Kelly and/or Michelle were right there with me, putting counter pressure on my hips, having essential oils near my nose to help with dry heaving, encouraging me to keep my tones low, and helping me emotionally through barriers from my first son's birth. Kelly is an inspiration. I would not have been able to have a successful VBAC without her help, her suggestions, and her guidance. I highly recommend Kelly for all of her doula services!

Kassie Shirey

4/7/2014

We had such an amazing VBAC experience because of our doula, Kelly Sunshine.  After hearing our story and strong desire to try for a VBAC, she was on our team from the very beginning and introduced us to a VBAC friendly doctor and hospital.  I sincerely beleive that I would not have had such a successful experience without Kelly and our team at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center.  I now know the importance of having a doula on a labor and delivery team and encourage everyone to get one, regardless if it is your 1st or 5th baby. THANK YOU, KELLY! 

Morgan Kane

3/12/2014

Kelly was our back-up doula but we couldn't have been luckier to have her.  Our connection was serendipitous: my nickname for our daughter in utero was "Sunshine" and our planned Doula was out of town for 2 weeks of our due date month. It was all just meant to be when our daughter decided to come when Kelly was on call! There really are not enough good things I could say about Kelly. She is incredibly supportive, calm, and positive.  I didn't know until afterwards, but she was supporting another mom in labor while staying in communication with me while I labored at home for the early stages. To me, that says something about how dedicated she is to her moms.  She would call or text me to check-in and provided amazing over the phone support and instruction to me and my husband.  I ended up laboring at home for about 28 hours with slow progressing contractions, a time that my husband and I were able to spend together. On the afternoon of day 2, she listened to one of my contractions over the phone and was able to tell my husband it was time for me to come in.

In active labor, I cannot think of a single moment she was not by my side.  Talking to me, coaching me, giving the best hip compressions imaginable - I swear that she would make the pain of the contraction disappear with those.  We talked about different laboring positions, not only for comfort during the progression of the contractions, but she really helped get me into productive situations.  When it was time to push, she was cheering me on and filling me with praise.  An awesome coach!

We also used Kelly for her Placenta Encapsulation services.  I highly recommend doing this! She delivered as soon as she had promised, and even met me at a random location to personaly deliver.  She continues to be a support and resource and has worked with many of my mama friends.  

A beautiful woman, friend,and teacher.  Thank you, Kelly!

Nicole Kennedy

3/11/2014

As a first time father, I had ideas of what childbirth would be like. Rush to hospital, pain, screaming, drugs and boom- a baby. My wife, however, wanted a natural birth with a doula. Initially I was resistant; now I am eternally grateful to Kelly for the support she gave us.

Upon arriving at our home, Kelly brought a sense of calm. She cared for my wife and myself (dads need rest to support moms). We labored at home as long as possible so when it was time for the hospital, it was an easy decision. Thanks to Kelly, we flew through the admitting process. The faster you get a room helps everyone get back to a more relaxed birthing atmosphere. Remember my wife was going natural, no meds. Kelly was a constant support at my wife’s side as she labored for hours. I knew my wife was tough, but WOW, she is tougher than anyone I know.

My wife was not progressing past 9cm. Our baby was malpositioned. Kelly suggested, rather than immediate C-section, an epidural might relax my wife to allow our son to move down. An epidural was against everything we wanted but so was a C-section! After the epidural and 2 more hours without progress, we okayed the C-section. Kelly’s experience in all facets of childbirth made difficult decisions easier. It is so important to be fully informed and not allow medical professionals to push their agenda.

The scariest experience of my life was waiting for surgery. Kelly prepared and calmed me so I could be strong for my family. Before I knew it, Greyson was born. Kelly joined us in celebrating the greatest moment of our lives. Kelly was with us for over 24 hours. Never wavering, always caring, loving us like family, and protecting us and our wishes. I said earlier I am eternally grateful to Kelly, but more than that, she will always hold a special place in our hearts. I thank God for her presence that day, helping to bring our precious son into the world. He is such a blessing and makes our family whole.

Jill Robison

2/21/2014

I recommend Kelly Sunshine as a doula, without hesitation! She was an excellent attendant at my birth. My birth was incredible and her help was indespensable. She reached my home promptly when I needed her, even in the middle of the night. She recommended specific comfort techniques which were effective. Her moral support, and encouragement were reassuring and confidence building. While my body was on "autopilot" and focusing on giving birth, she handled the logistics that I was too consumed to take care of. I felt like she was half of my brain! Again, I highly recommend Kelly. She is warm, positive, and genuinely helpful in birth.

Julia Gage

2/19/2014

Kelly sunshine was such a great doula for us.
Laboring from 7-10 cm was really hard. I had Kelly and my husband helping me with each contraction as I was shaking and trying new positions, listening and holding onto every word she said to me. She was such a good coach at that point. Then came the time to push, I felt like I didn't have anything in me left to push, I wanted to quit, needed this to be over, and totally lost it, Kelly stepped up and was beyond great. It's hard to explain it but she pulled me out of a dark place of fear, anxiety, and being scared of losing control and brought me back to the wonderful experience. I don't think anyone could have done a better job. She was exactly what I needed when I needed it. She was respectful, understanding of my emotions, and a fantastic birthing coach. I wasn't an easy mother those last hour of my birth and she understood where I was and calmed my nerves. My husband and myself agree we absolutely needed her there for me to have this birth experience I wanted. Thank you so much for your help Kelly sunshine. You are a wonderful woman and i am so glad we met.

Aletheia Wong

2/10/2014

I wanted to have a non-medicated/natural birth in a hospital (Scottsdale Shea), and our OB recommended hiring a doula. I met with several doulas, but just clicked immediately with Kelly. I felt comfortable with her and knew I could trust her to be with me at my most vulnerable. My husband was hesitant about hiring a doula as it is a bit of an investment that isn't covered by our insurance, but after meeting Kelly, he felt comfortable about having her there with us to guide him in supporting me through labor and delivery. She provided invaluable support and advice in our preparation before birth as well.  

Kelly was comfortable with my OB and had such wonderful rapport with the nursing staff at Scottsdale Shea - it really made us feel at ease at the hospital. My labor was short and very fast - Kelly was there every step of the way, taking notes of what was going on during the whole labor process for our birth story, and anticipating exactly what I needed to help me keep focused and relaxed. She was a great advocate in getting me the opportunity to labor in the tub (my OB originally didn't want me in the tub since my water had already broken). 

Kelly also did placenta encapsulation for me, and I really feel like it's helped me recover quickly - a little before 2 weeks pp, I was feeling pretty good again and it has only gotten better since! Kelly also provided some herbal soaks that were amaaaazing!

I highly recommend Kelly, and I honestly could not imagine giving birth without her. My husband is so thankful to have had her with us - he's even been recommending hiring a doula to everyone who we talk about our birth experience with! Seriously, Kelly was a better investment for our natural birth experience than our whole 12 week Bradley Method course, no joke! We could not have been more pleased that we chose Kelly to be part of our birth team and could not recommend her more highly.

Penny Prather Finney

2/4/2014

Kelly was the most incredible doula!  Truly a blessing and gift from God.  she was so supportive and knowledgable.  She was a wonderful coach and positive force during labor and delivery.  I would highly recommend her to anyone.  She will fight for whatever your birth plan is and did a wonderful job!  

Rebecca Halonen

2/1/2014

What I immediately liked about Kelly was that she was supportive of where and how I wanted to give birth (at a hospital), and was committed to finding me a doctor who would support my birth plan at a hospital. She wasn't interested in pushing a certain birth plan on me, but instead allowed me to direct my own ideal birth plan. I eventually did find a great doctor through Kelly, but ultimately decided to use a midwife instead. 

Kelly was amazing during my labor. She was very active and engaged, and was hands-on. She had many remedies and techniques to help relieve the pain of childbirth and to distract me from the intensity of contractions. She was empowering and supportive and she did the breathing techniques right alongside me. My midwife, someone who interacts with doulas daily, also highly recommended Kelly and said Kelly is one of the best. 

Christina Elftmann

1/30/2014

Where do I even begin to describe my experience with Kelly? I was able to have the birth I have always dreamed of, and so much credit goes to Kelly. I looked up her profile on doulamatch and decided to contact her. We had a phone conversation that ended in happy tears for me. I knew I had to meet her and couldn't wait to talk more about my birth plans! I was attempting to have a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and I felt that I needed someone with experience to help me acheive this birth. We talked, texted and by the time labor rolled around I was pumped up, confident and excited for my birth.

Everything that I wished, hoped and prayed for my labor and delivery actually happened! I labored at home, got to the hospital and was only there for 3 hours before my son was born, went completely drug free and was able to have my VBAC birth!

Kelly was amazing, she was supportive, helpful and just completely calming. I felt calm, but she helped me feel reassured and safe throughout the entire experience. I really cannot describe how impactful she was that day, I just highly recommend her to anyone looking to have a great birth experience! If I have any more kids, she will absolutely be part of that day as well. She is everything I could have expected of a doula and more, so much more!

Thank you Kelly, thank you for everything! <3

Rachel Linstroth

1/30/2014

Kelly was wonderful to work with!  I was able to delivery my twins naturally with no interventions or meds at 39 weeks with Kelly's help.  At 38 weeks my doctor was unexpectedly hospitalized and we needed to find another doctor to deliver our twins.  We were looking for a natural twin delivery and finding another doctor to help us with that was challenging.  Kelly put us in touch with a new doctor who took us on and would allow us to do the natural hospital birth that we were looking for.  Without Kelly's help we would have never found him.  Not only was Kelly very helpful during our labor but she went above and beyond to help us before and after the birth to make sure our experience was everything we wanted.  Thanks Kelly!

Cassandra Bookholder

1/29/2014

Wow, what a wonderful way to bring my first child into the World! Kelly Sunshine really was an incredible force to have by my side in what had to be the scariest but most enjoyable experiences of my life. My prenatal yoga teacher recommended Kelly and after both talking over the phone and then meeting with her, my husband and I knew she was a good match for us. Kelly was there leading up to the delivery to help answer all of our crazy questions and many concerns. When labor started Kelly was by our sides and was able to translate the overwhelming amount of information the nurses were saying. I just had Kelly and my husband with me and I honestly can say I never felt alone having Kelly by my side. I knew she was watching out for me and the baby but she also was able to reassure my husband when he was concerned. Kelly made me as comfortable as possible, spoke to the nurses when we were at a loss of what to do and continuously brought in a positive attitude to the room. Kelly took care of the placenta encapsulation and delivered it to me less than 24 hours from the birth (I HIGHLY recommend doing this). Bonus item was that Kelly took fantastic photos of the whole experience (I think only my husband and I will look at since they are quite "full on" but beautiful moments we will always cherish). Also, Kelly kept a complete log of the whole experience and wrote the most amazing Birth Story for us to keep... A wonderful way to remember the arrival of our son.  I highly recommend Kelly Sunshine, she was a blessing and a true joy to have throughout the whole experience.

Laura Steinert

1/17/2014

Hiring Kelly was the best thing I did in regards to planning for the birth of my first child. I found Kelly through DoulaMatch.com and received a response quickly. I also found several people who recommended her and decided to meet and hire her. Kelly has such a wonderful warm personality and I felt comfortable with her right away. She was always available for any questions and came quickly when it was time to give birth. The day of the birth she helped me achieve my non-medicated birth by helping me with different positions and breathing techniques. No amount of Hypnobabies or yoga prepared me and she was able to make the contractions manageable. My husband was apprehensive about hiring a doula in fear he would be taking a back seat but he was there helping right along side of her. He was very greatful that she was there. Her photos are also amazing! I would hire Kelly in a second again.  

Kelle Shutter

1/14/2014

We had an amazing experience with Kelly and could not more highly recommend her doula services.  We had taken a 12 week Bradley course and originally had not planned to hire a doula but reconsidered after our bradley instructor so highly recommended having one.  We were SO glad that we did as I'm honestly not sure I would have been able to proceed with an unmedicated birth without Kelly's reassurance and presence.  She offered things during labor that were not discussed as coping mechanisms in our class but really worked for me and seemed to be able to tell when I didn't like something based on slight facial expression or grunts and adjust accordingly.  She also knew the exact right things to say at times I needed them the most to help me keep pushing through.  She is very professional and down to earth and we felt so comfortable and blessed to have her at our birth!  The photos that she took of our birth are amazing keepsakes!  I would highly recommend anyone considering doula services meet with Kelly! 

Heather Renee

1/14/2014

Kelly was the first and only doula I met.  Her warm personality, knowledge, and willingness to share her time and expertise with me before I even hired her were all I needed to make my decision.  When I told her I was unhappy with my doctor and hospital, she helped me pick new ones that I ended up being very pleased with.  Unfortunately, I was unable to experience the natural birth I had hoped for because my baby was breech and I ended up having a c-section.  Kelly pushed for an external version or a breech birth, neither of which I was comfortable with, but ultimately she was supportive of my decision.

As I researched c-sections, I learned about "natural c-sections" where the doctor pushes the baby through the curtain and onto mom's chest rather than taking baby away until you are both in the recovery room.  I asked my doctor about this and he said, "well, I've never done one before, but sure!"  I was happy with his answer, but didn't realize that this is a big deal until I talked to Kelly!  She was instrumental in making sure that this procedure (the first of it's kind at my hospital) went off as smoothly as possible, as she was friends with most of the staff and integrated herself nicely with the team at the hospital.  She also was wonderful about advocating for me and keeping me calm in the hospital before the proceedure.  I was very nervous and ended up having to wait two hours past my scheduled surgery time.  I could have easily freaked out, but she helped keep me distracted and relaxed.

Kelly also encapsulated my placenta.  As this was my first child, I don't have anything to compare it to, so I'm not sure how much it helped.  I still struggled with PPD, but my milk supply has not been an issue. 

Overall, I was very happy with my experience with Kelly and would hire her again for the birth of my next child!  Hopefully a VBAC!

Kate Record

1/13/2014

Kelly is an incredible doula! This is definitely what she is called to do in life. She made ALL the difference in our birth experience, was extremely well equipped with things I would have never thought of, and was a wonderful support to us before, during, and after labor and delivery of our little one. Kelly helped us to stick to our birth plan, even through our very unexpected emergency c section and made it the best possible experience. She also has a great way of knowing just how to support a couple without taking over any piece of the father's role; something that I imagine is difficult. We also chose to do plancenta encapsulation, and I was impressed that Kelly had the capsules ready for us the very next day in the hospital. They really helped me to get past my baby blues and overall made recovery easier. I'm so thankful that we found Kelly and that she was willing to work with us, and I would absolutely hire her again if we had another little one! 

Jacquie Weflen

12/31/2013

We started searching for a doula, but in the back of my head, I was not entirely sure we needed one. We met with one doula and my husband and I did not click very well with her so I was a little discouraged. I received Kelly's name from a friend of mine who spoke very highly of her. Within a few minutes of meeting her, I knew she was the perfect person to help support my husband and I in the birth of our child.  During our first meeting, she was extremely professional, but also very personable and I was very comfortable with her.

When the time came for the birth of our son, Kelly was truly amazing. The labor and birth were not what I had planned for, however Kelly was there for me and my husband every step of the way. We had a hospital birth and she was fantastic with the staff - she often times jumped in to help the nurses or the Doctor. She was truly an advocate for me and allowed me to concentrate on pushing through the pains of labor and gave my husband the ability to focus on helping me 100% instead of having to also manage the hospital staff. 

Kelly labored with us in the comfort of our home until it was ready to go to the hospital. At the hospital, she was right by our side the entire time, which was a very long time! I would have been able to labor naturally as long as I did without her help. She is very skilled at what she does and you can tell she takes a lot of pride and care in helping each of her clients. I would highly recommend Kelly for anyone looking for a doula!

Christina Metcalf Park

12/11/2013

We absolutely loved having Kelly as part of our birthing experience.  My husband was worried about the presence of a doula taking away from the intimacy of our birth, but it did the exact opposite.  We felt that Kelly offered support on the physical aspects and did such a great job of it that we were able to emotionally be there for one another.  She helped keep such a positive vibe going in the L&D room, and I never felt scared or unable to handle what was going on.  Kelly was also great with our fears pre-birth and helped us with many random email and phone questions.  I can honestly say that our birth would not have been as meaningful without Kelly there!  We appreciate her being part of Sawyer's birth so much!

Jon Pause

10/30/2013

I am the stereo typical "Northern Hemoshpere" guy going through the birth of our first child.  Yikes!  Having Kelly Sunshine was amazing.  She coaches both husband and wife through the process, serves as sounding board for decisions in the hospital, and advocates for your birthing plan 100%. 

Photos, birthing story, placenta capsulation, and in law buffering were all icing on the cake in my book. 

I have already told my wife that I would like Kelly to help with number 2! 

Ruth Pause

10/30/2013

I had very few expectations going into labor, but knew I wanted to use a Doula. My delivery was far from what I had planned it to be. I originally was supposed to deliver at a birthing center, but due to gestational diabetes had to deliver in the hospital, and things kind of went off path from my birth plan up until birth which made me even more grateful to have her there. I ended up choosing Kelly as my Doula after she gave me several recommendations of doctors in the area (I am new to the area and don't have a clue where to even start), and found out that she and I live fairly close. I am SOOOO grateful and happy that I chose her. I had no clue how difficult and painful labor was going to be, and would have been totally lost without her! She said the right thing at the right time, gave me encouragement when I needed it, and showed me that I had the strength in me to finish my natural birth out even though it was the HARDEST thing I have ever done in my life. She was my advocate, my encourager, and my support. She advocated for me to labor in the shower since it was the closest thing to the tub that I could have (my water had been broken for more than 24h), made sure I got the best care while I was in the hospital (again because she advocated for me), and catered to my every need after my delivery (ie: feeding me while I breastfed my baby for the first time, made sure the lactation consultant came and saw me after my delivery as my baby was having a hard time latching, etc). Words cannot express how grateful I will forever be to her because of what she provided for me during my labor and delivery. I have no doubt that my experience with the birth of my son was as positive and successful as it was because of what she provided for me during that time. I will also forever treasure the pictures and birth story she provided as well.

Liza Flanigan

10/26/2013

Kelly Sunshine was our Doula for the birth of our first child and we woud love to have her with us for our next birth.  Kelly is friendly, warm, genuine, and highly knowledgeable; I instantly felt comfortable with her.  When my labor began she was a reassuring voice, offering support and suggestions; communicating/coordinating care with my midwife.  As my labor progressed, my husband and I chose to independently labor at home with Kelly periodically checking-in with us. My husband was so greatful to have Kelly available to us - she supported him, allowing him to support and help me through active labor.  He felt that she encouraged us to take the lead and make decisions, but was also decisive when we needed her to be.  Once we arrived at the birth center I remember hearing and feeling Kelly beside me and thinking, ok, everything is going to be ok.  Kelly was an essential part of my birth experience - instructing me, soothing me, and cheering me on with each push.  She worked so well with my midwife and birth attendents/nurses; I feel that she is an asset to any birth team.  Pictures were important to me - Kelly used a digital SLR camera and captured stunning moments throughout the birth process.  We have a crystal clear photo of our daughter's first breath! I will always be thankful to Kelly for her advocacy and support postpartum. When I needed extra attention due to a complication she not only cared for me, but also cared for my daughter and husband -  words cannot express my gratitude.  In addition Kelly provides placenta encapsulation/tincture - this service has been a postpartum life-saver!  Kelly took time to write us a personalized birth story which we cherish and can share with our daughter once she is older.  Kelly was wonderful - we highly recommend her as a Doula!      

Darcy Stravitz

10/24/2013

I really wish I used a doula for my first two kids because it was really helpful and took the stress off family members. She was attentive, but not over bearing. She knew exactly what I needed from fanning to hip squeezes, to peppermint drops. I would hghly recommend her. She also did a great job on placenta encapsulations and placenta ointment, getting it to me within 24-48 hours from birth. Fantastic! If I have more children, I will definitely hire her again!!

Tiffany Di Giacinto

10/21/2013

We hired Kelly after interviewing several other doulas and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone considering using a doula for their upcoming labor and delivery. Prior to going into labor, Kelly understood that we had the tendancy to get caught up in our day-to-day responsibilities and reached out to us via text or phone to see how we were feeling, how the pregnancy was progressing and if there was anything she could help us out with. During labor, Kelly's assistance was indispendible. She helped me stay in control of my pain and kept me calm during the worst contractions. Her techniques varied depending on what I was comfortable with and how I felt, but included breathing with me, maintaining eye contact, massage and aromatherapy. Thanks to Kelly, I was able to deliver my son without pain medications or interventions as planned. I truly have no idea how I'd have done it without her by my side, as laboring with her was very different than laboring with my significant other. Speaking oh my significant other, he was a bit skeptical about hiring a doula initially, but after going through this experience, he said he would tell everyone to consider hiring a doula. He said Kelly had the ability to empathize and work with me through the labor pains in ways he never could. Her support lessened his feelings of helplessness and allowed him to focus on beauty of our son's birth. As a bonus, Kelly captured some amazing photographs of our experience!

Julia Adams-cruz

10/18/2013

I hired Kelly as my doula in september. My goal was to have an all natural birth and I knew that I could not do that on my own. I asked Kelly if she could help me with that goal. Not only did she help me obtain that goal she provided so much more. She walks you through the experience and what to expect before the baby comes. She gives wonderful information and all natural remedies for anything you can think of. She does her research and knows what she is talking about. She also provided placenta encapsulation which makes recovery so much better.

Kelly was able to tell me what to expect every step of the way, and for me that took away a lot of anxiety. And when it came to the end of the delivery when I didnt think that I could do any more she encouraged me and walked me through it. I know that I could not have done it without her. I am incredibaly grateful for her, and I know that she is gifted and annointed in what she does. I highly reccomned kelly, and would hire her again if I was to ever have any more children. My husband is also her biggest fan, and was so grateful to her. In his words "not to take away from the doctor, but I think Kelly did 95% of the work and the dcotor did about 5%" We highly reccomend Kelly and I can say with out a doubt that her services are worth every penny.

Samantha Schmidt

9/25/2013

My experience with Kelly was amazing!  She was everything I expected in a doula and more!  As soon as we had our first phone conversation, I felt so at ease with her.  I am not sure I could have made it through a 32 hour natural labor without her calming presence.  When my contractions died down, she had so many suggestions to get them going again naturally.  She reassured me through every part of the birth of my son and also provided support for my husband.  But not only did Kelly help me during birth, but she also helped me with pregnancy questions and has been there for me after my son was born as well.  She went above and beyond what I could ever ask for.  She even took pictures during the birth and after that are amazingly beautiful and of professional photographer quality.  Kelly also does placenta encapsulation. This was my second child and with my first I did not have the placenta encapsulated.  I noticed a huge difference in energy level, healing, and emotional well-being.  Also, yes Sunshine is her real last name and it suits her perfectly!

Ashley Hooker

8/28/2013

We were first referred to Kelly by our OB/Gyn at the time, who said that she heard Kelly had a great reputation of working really well with the nurses. Now that I know Kelly, I have no doubts that is true. Our story is a little different but shows that even if the unexpected happens, it is beneficial to have a doula, especially Kelly. 

When we originally decided to work with Kelly, we were with an OB/Gyn and planning to deliver at Scottsdale Osborn. She was very openminded about the hospital setting and supportive of our decision. She also was encouraging when we began to question that decision. We wound up deciding to transfer our care to Babymoon Inn. My first appointment at Babymoon, Kelly joined me and it was wonderful to have her support. 

My husband and I were in Flagstaff for the weekend when my water broke at 32 weeks pregnant. We called our midwife and Kelly - who happened to both be at Babymoon - and we were told to go to the hospital. Both were there to answer questions and provide encouragement over the phone. The hospital was not able to stop my labor. It all happened so fast that Kelly was not able to be there in person. But thanks to the support and preparation, I was still able to have a natural birth. 

Because our baby went into the NICU, we did not return to Phoenix right away. However, Kelly was amazing and despite having been up all night for another birth, she was extremely responsive. My husband was able to drive my placenta to her house and she did the encapsulation as a rush order so that it could be picked up when my in-laws were driving through the next day. Kelly also saved part of the cord for me, which was so special since I did not really get to see it or my baby much right after birth. The placenta helped me keep my energy up and my milk come in, especially since I was exclusively pumping for the NICU. 

I cannot recommend Kelly enough. I am glad to still call her a friend!

Casey Giles

8/28/2013

We couldn't have been happier with our experience with Kelly!  We were lucky to find Kelly in the later stages of pregnancy after growing concerns about our labor and delivery.  We met with Kelly and instantly knew we were going to hire her.  She has such a warm and caring presence about her.  She checked in with us frequently in the weeks leading up to the birth our son.  When the day came around, it was April 15th, the day of the Boston bombings and a very busy day for my husband.  I called her and she came right over and drove me to the hospital.  We were met by my husband and there our labor journey began. Kelly was so encouraging in the triage room, especially when my labor was not progressing as fast as I would have liked.  When we were transferred to a labor room, I instantly went into the jacuzzi tub and Kelly was there with me the whole time, pouring water over my belly and helping me through contractions.  Eventually it came time to push and I was wanting to give up.  I had been through a natural birth before, but it was not easier the second time around!  Kelly encouraged me to breathe through the contractions and when our son was close to coming out, she had me touch his head to give me the strength to keep going.  She captured every moment on camera and wrote us a beautiful birth story for Luke.  She stayed with us until we were settled into our room and continued to check on us in the days following the birth of Luke.  We are so thankful that she was by our side and helped me achieve a natural birth.  My husband is thankful that she was there to help guide him to support me during labor and delivery.  We love Kelly and would highly recommend her!

Alexandra Fetla

8/23/2013

I don't even know where to begin. Kelly touched my life in a way I can't explain. With my first child I didn't have a very good birth experience. It was a hospital birth. I was induced, had an epidural, and my ob/gyn gave me an episiotomy even before I began to push. Plus the hospital staff was very impersonal and at times even rude. Needless to say when I got pregnant with my second child I wanted a completely different experience. Well, I definitely got just that. Kelly not only was there for me during my birth but she gave me tons of knowledge and education leading up to my labor and delivery. When I arrived at the birth center to give birth I was still trying to convince my husband I wanted to have my placenta encapsulated by Kelly. He was a little uneasy about it. Kelly was great at explaining the benefits and advantages of it and sure enough after he heard what she had to say he was convinced and we got it done. The support and encouragement I received from her throughout the labor process was one of the main reasons I got through it. She went above and beyond anything I ever could have imagined. she even called her daughter to come watch my 2 year old at the birth center for me because I didn't have any friends or family that could have helped out. She took beautiful photos and wrote the most touching birth story for me. She also called me many times after I gave birth just to check up on me and my baby and make sure we were doing ok. She keeps in contact with to this day and is always there for me if I ever need anything. I was truly blessed to have Kelly as my doula.

R Nicolle Moshiri

7/11/2013

Kelly assisted me during the delivery of my second child last week. With my first child I desperately wanted to deliver naturally, but after 9 hours of contractions and only having dilated to 3 cm, I quickly became discouraged and opted for an epidural. I knew I needed to be better prepared this time around and decided to hire a doula. After meeting Kelly at our consultation a few days after finding her on DoulaMatch I knew right away that I didn’t need to look any further and hired her on the spot.  As we got to the last month of my pregnancy I had quite a bit of ‘false’ labor and she was great about always getting back to me within minutes, even when I would text her at 1 am to see what she thought. When the actual day came I started contracting at 4 am and ended up contacting her at about 5:45am. I wasn’t sure if it was false labor again, but after she listened to me on the phone she decided to get up and come over to my house. Thing progressed really quickly and before she got to my house I felt like I needed to go to the hospital so she met us there instead. She called ahead to let them know I was coming and she met me at the front door so she could help me get upstairs while my husband parked the car. From that moment on she helped me immensely by getting me through each contraction and advocating for me with the nursing staff. By the time I hit 6-7 cm I felt like I was really loosing control so I started to give up and asked for an epidural. Kelly knew I was very close to delivering so she got right in front of me and got me through each contraction by showing me exactly how to breath through each one. I went from 6 cm to having a baby on my chest in less than one hour and I am so thankful for Kelly for helping me get through that incredibly difficult and intense experience. I am so grateful for the support that she offered me and I will definitely be utilizing her services for all of my future births.

Gwendolyn Collins

7/5/2013

Nothing about the birth of my firstborn went to plan, and I am so grateful that Kelly was there to support me. I was risked out by my midwives for being post-date and the doula associated with my birth center was unable to support me as a hospital client. I had briefly met Kelly in my third trimester, and when I told her my situation she accepted me as a client. I didn't actually get to know her until I was in labor and she came to the hospital. She was so serene and sweet yet confident, and I instantly felt comfortable with her. She guided me through the challenging parts of labor, and worked EXTREMELY well with the hospital staff. She was an excellent source of support for my husband, who was relieved to know his laboring wife was being cared for by a professional. She met my every need, made a food run for my family, took beautiful pictures, and so much more. She also encapsulated my placenta (which is promptly delivered a day later, along with the photos she took)  and wrote a touching birth story. I highly recommend Kelly and hope she is there to welcome any future babies I have. 

lindsay nairn

7/1/2013

Kelly is an amazing doula! she is kind, caring, and brings wonderful energy and support. my labor was off to a slow start, kelly made many suggestions that helped kick in contractions. i also had terrible back labor but there was never a time i had to ask kelly to help with it, she would automatically put counter pressure right where it was needed. kelly also allowed my husband and i to have time alone, which was great for us. during my pushing stage it was kellys voice that helped me with each contraction/push. she was encouraging and never doubted me. i should add that prior to this my husband had never met kelly, and i had met her just once before, but we both ended up loving her and if we were to have another child we would choose kelly over and over again.

Megan Froelich

5/29/2013

Kelly and i immefiately clicked from the moment I spoke with her on the phone. Before my baby came, Kelly was a huge help! She is very knowledgeable and answered my questions in a way that was understandable. She made herself available 24/7 for me! When I was in labor, she catered to every little need I had. She is so intuitive; I felt at times she could read my mind! She knew just what I needed when I needed it. Because of Kelly, I was able to have my dream to labor naturally! I do not think my labor would have been as wonderful if I did not have Kelly there by my side! I HIGHLY recommend her!!

Sarah Breen

4/26/2013

This time last week I had just given birth to my daughter, India, with the help of Kelly Sunshine. While amazing, my labour was tough (the baby was posterior) but Kelly was always right there timing my contractions, applying pressure to my back and giving me all the support I needed. After a dramatic delivery, which involved a postpartum hemorrhage, I was transfered to hospital by ambulance and Kelly came with me while my husband took care of India. At the hospital, Kelly accompanied me into the OR where she was my advocate and made sure I was well looked after. Having her there meant I felt calm and safe in what could have been a scary situation. She stayed by my side til about 6pm that evening, no mean feat considering she'd arrived at the birth center at 3.30am the previous night. The following day Kelly came back to the hospital to give me my encapsulated placenta, which she'd dehydrated as soon as she got home. If that isn't going well beyond the call of duty I don't know what is. I can't recommend Kelly enough. She is one of the reasons my birth experience was so amazing, even though it didn't go quite according to my original plan. 

HEATHER DINKINS

4/25/2013

Kelly was amazing!!!! She showed up right when I and more importantly my husband needed her. This was our first baby and the midwife kept asking me what I wanted to try, however I was too overwhelmed to know what I should do. Kelly was an advocate for me and able to make some decisions and tell me what I should try rather than giving me options, I was exhausted and more than happy to do what she was saying rather than having to think. We are very thankful for having Kelly there to make things run smoother and pushing more effective.

PS I highly recommend using Kelly for placenta encapsulation. I thought it was weird and was convinced I didn't want to do it until I asked my friends on FB. Kelly was great and delivered everything to us. They make such a difference postpartum and Kelly is the only one I would trust to prepare this in a sterile way.

Alice Brangan

3/23/2013

Tamara Kemper

2/12/2013

I met Kelly while I was in active labor and I've never been so happy to see someone in all my life! My doula was unable to attend my baby's birth and Kelly was gracious enough to fill in, even though she'd been up all night the day before with another mama! She immediately put me at ease and was able to help ease my discomfort and help me find positions and strategies to help me to stay calm and as comfortable as possible. She was a great support to both my husband and me throughout the entire labor process. Unfortunately, Kelly ended up being VERY sleep deprived by the time little one arrived, but she stayed by my side throughout. I would definitely recommend Kelly to anyone looking for a caring and talented doula!

Danielle A Hale

1/25/2013

I LOVE KELLY!

I am so happy Kelly was my doula through my birth experience. I had planned on having a natural birth at a birthing center and last minute had to be induced in the hospital. Kelly was assigned to me as my doula there. She immediately came in with a smile and started helping me try new positions to relieve pain and to get more comfortable. She was great with informing me on what was going on & also helped me achieve the natural birth I wanted in the hospital. I really do not know how I would've gotten through it without her. My husband & I will never forget the huge part she played in the birth of our daughter & would highly recommend her to anyone.

Kristen Bonkoski

1/11/2013

I highly recommend Kelly as a doula.  The doula I had planned on using ended up going to another birth, and Kelly stepped in.  Even though I didnt know her ahead of time, she immediately put me at ease and I felt totally comfortable with her.  Without her help, and the help of the rest of my birth team, I can safely say I wouldnt have been able to have the natural birth I wanted and ultimately got.  Her last name is totally appropriate because she is such a happy, upbeat, "sunshine"-y person.  My favorite part of having Kelly at my birth were the amazing photos she took for me.  They are so beautiful, and I will cherish them forever!!!

Heather Lorenzen

1/11/2013

Heather Elizabeth Mihalovits

1/10/2013

The first time I met Kelly I knew she was the right doula for me. She has a very warm and calming presence and is also extremely knowledgeable about various birth styles and interventions. Since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes I was to have a hospital birth and Kelly had lots of information about the hospital I had chosen to deliver at. Kelly was able to calm me down when the fear and pain of a fast labor that my husband wasn't able to make it to took over me, and when I started to hemorrhage after my daughter had arrived she held my hand while they explained what needed to be done. Kelly is amazing and I can't recommend her enough! If you are looking for someone to hold your hand when you need it and to empower you to have the best birth that you can have no matter where you choose to birth, then Kelly is the doula for you!

Michelle Ludwig

1/10/2013

I can't believe it's taking me this long to get around to this. It's probably because I'm still on a high from my AMAZING birth experience, and that is thanks to Kelly Sunshine! Kelly has changed my life. After interviewing over a dozen doulas, and none of them connecting with me at all I had basically given up. I called Kelly as she was on her way to my house for our interview and told her not to bother and we could reschedule to another time, because I had given up hope that I would find someone that would connect to my husband and I. She told me she was almost to my house and we should follow through, I tried to realize there might still be hope for us :). Once Kelly arived to our home we spoke for about 10 minutes about what we expected and what she provided and I knew she should be our Doula! We sat and talked for over an hour, about everything, not only birth, but we connected on a 'friendship' level as well. When it came time to bring our little Brooklynn into the world she was there to support me fully. Thank God Kelly was my Doula because my planned hospital birth suddenly turned into a home birth, with a midwife friend of Kelly's walking in just in the nick of time. She had all the appropriate resources around her to make sure I had a successful 'unplanned' homebirth. No other Doula could have pulled that off. I felt so safe and relaxed, and it was due to Kelly's presence and knowledge that it was so smooth. Kelly is an incredible women who will be with me through all my future births. I can not say enough good things!

Leesha Willard

10/29/2012

My contractions started at midnight on August 24th. Kelly arrived at 3:45 am, helped me through each contraction and at 7:30 she called my midwife Connie Canada at Babymoon Inn. We got there at 8:30 and I was 10 cms. Connie told me that I could start pushing, and that my baby would probably be born by 9 am. I didn’t make any progress in bringing her down though. For the next 5 hours or so I was traveling between the tub, birth stool, the shower, the bed, and the toilet trying all different things. At around 2:30 or so Connie told me if I didn't make progress soon I might have to be transferred. Kelly and my husband were the only things keeping me sane at this point. We tried for another hour and the contractions were excruciating, but my pushes weren't bringing her down at all and I had actually gone backwards, down to 7 cms. Connie said I needed to be transferred. That was the worst part of the whole day. As soon as we got to the hospital Kelly helped me get back in front of the contractions and into control again. I had to have an epidural to relax and re-dilate and Pitocin to get the contractions stronger. I didn’t want to, but Connie and Kelly both assured me that I had done everything I could to have a natural childbirth. I had a lot of decisions to make, including whether or not to have a c-section, and Kelly helped me with everything. My Evie came into the world by 9 pm, facing sideways with her hand and elbow with her head. Kelly literally blocked the baby nurse who was trying to take her away while I was bonding with her, which meant SO much to me. I am convinced that I would not have been able to have my daughter vaginally if it hadn't been for Kelly's support! I am a Christian and hearing her call out to the Lord on my behalf was so amazing. I firmly believe everyone should have a doula and I am in training to become one myself now because of my experience with Kelly. YOU ARE AMAZING and I LOVE YOU!

Angel Jimenez

10/11/2012

 Our experience with Kelly was a great one. Our birth didn't go according to schedule, but she was there to help us through and support us in our choices and decisions. We ended up needing to go to the hospital after a long stretch of laboring at home and I can't imagine where we would have been without her. My husband and I were both exhausted and wouldn't have had the energy or the confidence to argue with hospital staff. She handled the doctors and nurses and I feel as though we didn't have to face a lot of pressure from hospital staff to veer even further from our original plan. Kelly is a great person to have on your side because she is confident in communicating with hospital staff and she is a "real person" with you and very approachable. We immediately felt welcomed and comfortable. This is a very important quality to have in a doula because you are experiencing something so personal and it should not be complicated by being around someone you don't feel at ease with. I would definitely recommend Kelly to someone looking for a doula.

Janell Fontana

10/6/2012

 Absolute perfection!!! This being my first birth there were so many "unknowns," and knowing that I had Kelly's support and guidance gave me the biggest piece of mind! She has such a calming presence full of joy and genuine care for my experience/comfort and that of the babies as well! She helped to not only to keep my birth plan in place but also guided Danny in how he can be involved and ways that he can help to make me more comfortable. I was very lucky and so thankful to this day that Kelly was a part of something so special to me! I not only look back on that day and say it couldn't have been any better or would've wished anything was different. I can actually say it was beyond perfect!! She captured the most amazing pictures and I have the most best memories about bringing my little boy into the world that i will never forget and owe so much of that to Kelly. If I did it all over again I would make sure she was a part of my experience all over again and only hope that if more children are in my future that I can have the guidance, joy, and love from Kelly that I received! I owe her so many thanks and praise for making such a miracle so amazing and special!! Anyone who chooses Kelly will walk away with a heart full of love and complete appreciation for everything she brings to your experience of something so precious!

Catherine Powell Mirkadyrova

10/1/2012

Kelly was such a help. I was in a less than ideal situation in which my husband was in Maryland and I was with some of his relatives in Arizona. Where this gets even crazier is that there were language barriers. This all added to having anxiety about my labor. Luckily, my husband was around for my delivery. However, leading up to that point Kelly was a source of comfort. I knew if I went into labor I had someone who would hold my hand and tell me I could do it. Kelly was definitely that voice of comfort. My labor started at 5:30 in the morning and I went to the hospital at 5:30 p.m. I was committed to a natural birth. Yet, my labor had a different idea and I was stuck at 6cm. I was given pictocin. I must say that this increases your traditional labor pains. I would have never been able to succeed on my path for a natural birth with the limited use of drugs. Kelly talked me through everything. She came to my house and helped with early labor. She was an advocate throughout the process. I would recommend Kelly to anyone. I am so thankful and the greatest gift she gave me was helping me have the best labor experience possible and bringing my little girl into the world. Anyone would be so lucky to have Kelly as their doula because it is like having a sister, mother, and a drill sergeant all in one. I can't say enough my only wish is that she can come to all my births.

Natalie Holsinger

9/19/2012

 I met Kelly last October when she was assisting another doula  who was there while my sister was in labor. At that time, I had no idea Kelly was doing her internship at that time!! She was just amazing, professional and totally passionate at what she was doing. I immediately felt connected. At that time, I was almost 4 months pregnant with our fourth child and immediately made up my mind; I had found the perfect doula for me! God worked things out and soon after Kelly became my doula!
I can’t say enough great things about her! She is so loving, gentle, and understanding. During my pregnancy, Kelly was always supportive and in constant communication with me to make sure I was at peace. Once again, I had a super-fast labor and delivery. Before that, I had called Kelly and she instructed me to go to the hospital right away! While my husband hurriedly drove me to the hospital, she helped me control my thoughts and body over the phone ! Thankfully, Kelly met us at the hospital and had arranged for my doctor, nurses, and a gurney to be waiting curbside for me right at the hospital door! What a relief! I will never forget when Kelly helped me out of the car and into the gurney while my baby was crowning! Holding my face in her hands, she said to me “Natalie, look at my eyes! You are fine! You’ve made it and I am here with you!” 
God definitely used Kelly in many great ways, and that day was certainly no exception!!! Although, my husband didn’t make it in time to see our baby boy being born, having Kelly there with me holding my hand the whole time was a tremendous blessing!!! She even helped me get around after I gave birth, helped me eat, made me laugh, and much more! She is a keeper, and now, my official doula! I’ve promised her that next time, I will call her immediately–as soon as I feel contractions–so that we can have a great time together!!! Thank you! You are the best Kelly!

Amy McKay

9/3/2012

 Kelly really is like a wave of sunshine! She has a very cheerful and real personality that radiates warmth and joy. Her presence at our birth and recovery was truly comforting and helpful.

I appreciated that Kelly is so genuine and she was truly interested in helping us have the birth experience that we wanted. She never pushed her own agenda. She really listened to my concerns and worries as I anticipated labor and delivery. Kelly believed in me and what I said mattered. She has a gift to be truly "in tune" with her clients. 

I had a very fast delivery, so Kelly didn't get much of a chance to coach me thru the actual contractions (we only had about 2 while she was there before delivery!), but I know she would have been great if she had. 

An added bonus about Kelly is that she also has a nice camera and took pictures for us, capturing special moments and details of our delivery that we treasure. Having a doula who can also double as a photographer was a definite bonus! (One less person needed to be there, but you still get the quality pics!) She had great discretion as to what was good to photo as well as when it was appropriate or not.

Finally, the best part, for me about having Kelly there was her attention and care post-delivery. She anticipated my needs even before I could verbalize them myself and was a true help in my recovery. She was very sensitive and respectful.  I felt like I got treated like a queen. Kelly also sincerely shared in our joy and treated our baby with great respect, tenderness, and love. 

Kelly Sunshine is a fabulous doula! I felt truly blessed that she was able to be with us for our delivery! She's a 5-star doula in our book! I recommend her with no reservations whatsoever because I feel so confident that you will love her too.

Mark and Dina Beck

9/1/2012

frankie fitz

8/24/2012

 Kelly was an amazing doula! She Was very helpful throughout the labor and delivery. On the day I went into labor, Kelly came over to my house and sat with me. We counted contractions and basically hung out. She made sure I was comfortable (as comfortable as I could be in labor) and helped me with laboring positions. We headed to Babymoon birthing center so the midwife could check me but I hadn't made much progress. Kelly tried to keep me in a positive mindset even though I was disappointed. We headed back to my house for more laboring. We were both pretty sleep deprived, she had had a delivery that morning then came and labored with me, so we were both nodding off. After a few hours in my bath tub, we headed back to the birthing center as the contractions were three minutes apart. She had the midwife check me and to my disappointment, I had only dilated one centimeter. Again Kelly tried to keep me positive and focused. She tried to get me to eat, even though I couldn't. She prepared the birth tub for me and let me soak for awhile. After several hours of soaking, several laps of walking around the living room, more soaking and a lot of swearing from me including threats of walking to the closest hospital, it was time to start pushing. Kelly was so encouraging during this stage. She also took amazing photos during the delivery and wrote a birth story afterwards which was great because so much of the day was a blur. Not only did she tend to me, she also took care of my fiancé, keeping him focused, keeping him calm, gave him tips to help me and most importantly gave him a break! 

Naamah Payne

8/22/2012

Kelly was an incredible asset. She is calm, smart, capable, and knows exactly what she's doing. She made me work hard to bring my son into the world and I needed it. I was so overwhelmed with the pain of birth and she helped me overcome that fear. She kept staring at me, guiding me, encouraging me and telling me I could do it. She would not let me give up. She always knew exactly what to say to keep me calm and focused. I was able to have a fast birth, only 30 minutes of pushing, with her wonderful help. If I ever have another child, she will be the first person I call. I could not have done it without her help.  

Jessica Marquis

8/22/2012

Kelly Sunshine became my doula through Babymoon Inn. From the start, I knew she was a lovely person and hard worker, and she was able to demonstrate both of these attributes in full when she supported me for 27 hours of my labor. She cared for and coached me, working with me through my back labor and praying with me when the baby's progress was delayed. I was amazed at how much energy she had, knowing how little sleep she had gotten between my labor and the birth right before it! Kelly was a tremendous asset to me in my final hours of pregnancy, and I am grateful to have had her as my doula. 

Mandy Shelley

8/17/2012

 Where to begin...Kelly was, as her name predicts, a ray of sunshine on a very special day.  I had only met her two times before I went into labor.  When she came to our house, it was like a friend walking through the door.  She made me feel at ease and jumped right in.  This was my first child, so I don't have another experience to compare it to, but I know I made it through the labor and delivery without meds because Kelly was there.  She offered support and advice in a non-threatening way.  She allowed me to labor as I wanted and would occasionally give me a suggestion if she noticed I was uncomfortable or struggling.  She is knowledgable and sweet and we are so thankful we had her around on our daughter's birth day.  Anyone would be blessed to have her as a doula.  

Mandy Shelley

8/17/2012

 Where to begin...Kelly was, as her name predicts, a ray of sunshine on a very special day.  I had only met her two times before I went into labor.  When she came to our house, it was like a friend walking through the door.  She made me feel at ease and jumped right in.  This was my first child, so I don't have another experience to compare it to, but I know I made it through the labor and delivery without meds because Kelly was there.  She offered support and advice in a non-threatening way.  She allowed me to labor as I wanted and would occasionally give me a suggestion if she noticed I was uncomfortable or struggling.  She is knowledgable and sweet and we are so thankful we had her around on our daughter's birth day.  Anyone would be blessed to have her as a doula.  

Kristen Neely

6/25/2012

Kelly was an amazing doula and we would definitely recommend her to anyone. My husband is in the military and we moved to the area only three and a half months before our baby was due. We didn’t have family coming in for the birth. I knew that I wanted to try to birth without unnecessary interventions but because this was our first child I just did not really know what to expect. We wanted some additional support to help up to follow through with our decision and to make our birth experience an enjoyable one.

From our first meeting with Kelly onward she was such a great resource and encouragement. She helped us choose an amazing birth class, checked in frequently to see how I was doing and feeling, and especially towards the end was available when I had questions about symptoms I was experiencing.

During the actual labor and birth Kelly was available through phone and in person to help us make decisions. I emphasized early on that I really wanted my husband to be my main support person and coach. Kelly was able to give my husband suggestions to make me more comfortable and to encourage me. She was really an awesome encouragement to the both of us. When I got to a point in transition and the pushing phases that I didn’t think I could do it, Kelly was there calmly reassuring me along with my husband that I could and was doing what I needed to do in order to meet this little guy.

I have no regrets about my decision to pursue natural childbirth for our little boy. He was awake and alert for hours after he was born. We were able to establish breastfeeding quickly and Kelly stayed with us to take pictures and celebrate his arrival. We feel so blessed to have found Kelly and are so grateful that she shared her wisdom and experiences with us. We highly recommend her to anyone!

Alicia Pritchard

6/19/2012

 Kelly is an amazing doula! I actually had never met her before I went into labor, but felt an immediate connection to her. She listened to every need I had through verbal and non-verbal cues. She encouraged me when I felt nervous about whether I would be able to handle another non-medicated birth. Having her there gave me the support I needed while my husband finished getting everything ready. He felt so relieved. Kelly truly listened to what my goals were and catered her help to what I'd feel comfortable with. She even helped get me to the hospital just in time to deliver my beautiful boy (without an ounce of medication or even an IV I might add)! We are so thankful she was part of our experience and have vowed never to go through labor without her again!

Raechel Slaughter

5/22/2012

I had the amazing honor of being Kelly Sunshine's first official doula patient. I wasn't sure I needed a doula since I had 2 other children and have always had perfect, smooth deliveries. I had no idea how much of a blessing she would end up being! I felt more encouraged, bolder about my delivery than I had with my first two. I had had an epidural with each, but this time, having someone there with us the entire time, cheering us on & giving us valuable insight to positions, techniques, offering massages, having soft music playing, etc I felt confident that I could deliver my son without medication. Prior to the delivery Kelly was so attentive. She called often to see how I was doing. Once in labor she labored at home with me, and then followed me to my midwife's office. Once in labor at the hospital I struggled with waves of nausea, and she had something for that. I ended up needing Pitocin. Kelly suggested once I was on Pitocin to get up and move to the potty, use the ball, and then slow dance with my husband. I am convinced that because Kelly had me get up and move, my labor went from a 4cm to complete in 1 hour! It was at this point that Kelly was so invaluable! She was encouraging my husband, helping him stay calm and focus while his wife was in so much pain. I will never forget a moment when Kelly climbed up and got right in my face. She calmly, but firmly, told me I had to breathe for my baby. Together, we breathed through the last contractions and out came Liam! My midwife placed him immediately on my chest and Kelly helped wipe him up. It was the most amazing experience of my life! I know that I would not have had the fortitude, or the courage to have an unmediated PITOCIN delivery without Kelly’s help! Even my husband agrees! The strength that we both were able to channel, because of Kelly's encouragement and cheerleading is absolutely invaluable and we will calling be her the minute we find out we are expecting again!

Tiffany Wiensch

5/18/2012

Kelly is amazing!!! I felt completely supported, loved and guided by Kelly when I had the privilege of her assistance in birthing my son, Zech. She was actually my Duala’s back up so the night I went into labor was the second time I had met her. I was a little nervous when I had to call her, but that was the last of my worries. As soon as she came over those fears were gone. She was so easy to talk to and we had a lot in common so talking with her really helped pass the time…all 22 hours:/ She did an amazing job helping me and my husband with different techniques to help me through the pain non medicated. My faith is very important to me and being able to talk about my Awesome God with her really helped me feel as comfortable as I could during that time. She is a very strong and loving woman who absolutely loves being a Duala. I would recommend her to anyone!!!!

Kay Simon and Aries Manley

5/15/2012

Dyonna Robinson

4/26/2012

Kelly was truly awesome, I was completely scared and almost caved and started to ask for pain killers but Kelly walked me through my labor and was so kind and gentle that the 3 1/2 hours I was in labor went by so fast. I am so happy that Kelly was brought into my life and that she was there when my daughter came into the world. I totally agree with my mom Kelly is family now and always will be because you cannot go through something as beautiful as giving birth without the aid of a good Doula. Kelly is tops in my book and if I ever have another baby I want her there right by my side again. 

Jennifer Burkhart

4/8/2012

 My husband and I met Kelly for the first time when I was in labor! Our orginial doula was already helping another couple in labor, so she sent Kelly our way. I'll admit I was a bit unsure about going through labor with a doula I had never met. Imagine my relief when Kelly greeted me with a big smile and a sweet personality! I was immediately relieved and put at ease. My husband and I had taken the Bradley method classes, so my husband already had some training on how to help me during contractions. Kelly fully supported both my husband and I, and worked with us - never "getting in the way" of my husband assisting me. Kelly had many ideas and techniques to ease my labor pains, including applying counterpressure on my lower back and pouring cupfuls of water over my belly when I was laboring in the bathtub. She was so nice, polite, respectful, patient and knowledgeable! My hubby and I had a great time chatting with her - during the early part of my labor when I could actually talk, haha! I think Kelly did a fabulous job the entire way through my labor and birth. We were very lucky that she could attend our birth at such short notice, and would happily recommend her!

Mariya Stewart

4/3/2012

She was really nice! She got to the hospital at the same time i did and i was only getting induced that night. She took alot of puctures of various things like i wanted & she was really helpful during the natural part of my labor like the breathing through contractions and helping relieve pain in my feet and back! She was jus as helpful adter i got my epidural it was just more important before with all the pain. She would crack jokes every once in a while and make me laugh or smile when i wasnt feeling good. She only left once, overnight on the 2nd day i was there because i wasnt progressing but told me if anything starts happening give her a call and shell be there ASAP! She came early in the morning around 8ish but of course i was already awake an having some light contractions. Then when it came to pushing she was telling me everything going on since i couldnt feel or see it! She even offered to takes pictures of her head coming out and told me to feel her hair it was really neat. She held my leg during pushing an counted out for me which was helpful so i didnt strain too much. Then after once it was time for me to go home she came about a week later with a disk of all the pictures she took through those 3 days i thought it was nice and ill keep forever! Overall i really liked her, her company and definetly her help with everything i needed! RECOMMEND! :)

Irene Smith

4/2/2012

I love Kelly! We called her around seven in the morning when I first started my contractions and she was here in a flash. She advised me to labor at home for as long as we could and that was a great idea! I labored for seven hours at home before we went to the hospital and I labored for six more hours there. It was wonderful to have someone with me at home who knew what to expect and what to do and who could reassure me when anything changed and who could help me get through every contraction. It is WAY better to labor at home (as long as you have a doula) than to labor at the hospital! I even labored in the tub for a while!

She brought a medicine ball with her that I would sit on during the contractions and she would squeeze my hips and push on my back to give counter pressure when it got really bad, it did wonders to alleviate some of the pain. She did that for almost every contraction for 13 hours!

She is a very kind woman and we instantly made a connection when I met with her. She was really great about our birth plan. She knew that we didn't want to induce labor or have a c-section or have an epidural and that we didn't want vaccination for the baby when he was born and she was really great about making sure they got a nurse for me that was cool with that.

She really knows her stuff! I was 19 years old when I had baby William and I weighed 100 pounds before I got pregnant. I was really small suffice it to say and yet she was able to help me get through it without an epidural or any pain medication or anything!

I'm really grateful to her for all her help.

Marta Bostick

2/25/2012

Lexi Petersen

2/24/2012

My experience with Kelly was absolutely wonderful! She arrived shortly after my labor started and as soon as she got there she knew exactly what to do.  A minute didn't even pass and she had me up and walking around to help me stay focused and relaxed.  While I was walking around I did have some contractions and when I did she told me to support myself by the wall and she rocked my hips back and forth and massaged my lower back which helped the baby drop.  She also got me to spend some time in the bath tub which minimized the pain a lot!  She helped me the most with the breathing and staying on top of the pain. I avoided many tears with her help on how to manage this pain.  Without the help from Kelly i would have been freaking out though my labor pains so am very thankful that she was there and she knew what she was doing! During the pushing stage she held my hand the whole time and kept talking me through it to reassure me that everything was going great. She always had positive and encouraging things to say which helped me realize that I could do it.  I successfully gave birth all natural thanks to Kelly since she helped me stay focused on my goal to stay away from any pain medications.  I do feel that if I made the choice to get any type of pain medication she would have supported me.  Overall, my experience was great.  She kept in contact with me and my mom to see how I am doing and to see how the baby is doing as well.

Grace Shipley Ford

1/20/2012

Kelly was my doula’s apprentice whom I met at my birthing class. From the moment I met Kelly, I connected with her. There is something special about Kelly. She is genuine, sweet, caring and funny (believe me, you need funny). By the end of my birthing class, I mentioned that I would liked her to be my back-up doula if for whatever reason my main doula couldn’t make it. Well, I was blessed to have Kelly be a part of my labor and she was amazing!!! Besides having all the perfect qualities to support me through my labor, she also has an amazing touch. I had more of a back labor (I would call it a “hip labor”), so every time I would get a contraction, I felt that my hips would come apart. Kelly would help ease the pain at “every” contraction. She was there every step of the way, always by my side. She even had the driving skills to get me to my birthing destination fast (major bonus)! Even though I had a long labor and ended up having an emergency c-section, Kelly was always there by my side giving me words of encouragement and the necessary support that I needed during my labor. I will be forever grateful to Kelly. She is in the right field as I see the gift she has as a doula, helping and ecouraging women get through one of the most intense experience a woman can go through.