Rebekah

3/11/2024

For me, perhaps even to her surprise, Katie was the center of my birthing team and support system. My confidence and perseverance while present would not have been peaked without her help during my laboring and birth and even just the end of my pregnancy preparing for birth. Just knowing she was there to reach out to and someone who wanted to be apart of my journey was already enough for me. I am beyond grateful for her presence, her ability to remind me of my own strength as well as partnering with my partner so that I could have all that I needed most during labor, not to mention capturing moments via camera throughout, something I didn't even realize I wanted or would be so important to me. I love her so much for that and all that she did to help bring my son into this world. 

Ruby Young

3/9/2024

I was referred for Katie by my first doula (who was unable to work with me as she was on a break). When my husband and I met with Katie, we instantly connected with her. She really listened to my birth story with my first daughter. She is not only knowledgeable but also personable & we felt that she was one whom we could trust to advocate for our needs/preferences.

Throughout my pregnancy, Katie constantly checked in with me. I felt like she was a friend/sister who genuinely cares and listens. She was prompt and always followed up on my questions/concerns. When I started showing signs of labor, Katie was immediately available for me. She tracked my contractions/symptoms and coached me through the whole process. Something of note is that my contraction patterns did not follow the typical 5-1-1 rule, but Katie not only told me to listen to my body but also fully supported my decision to go to the hospital after I consulted with the midwife on-call.  

For this birth, I hoped to utilize as many pain relieving techniques as possible & thanks to Katie, I was able to have an unmediated birth. Throughout labor, Katie checked in frequently to make sure my needs were met, including offering water/ a cold washcloth, adjusting my position in bed, and applying pressure on my back during contractions (which for moms that went through labor know how much that helps!). I also asked for chapstick and Katie made sure I got it during labor. It may seem like a small gesture but her attention to detail made all the difference. During the postpartum period, Katie checked in with me regularly. The postpartum period can be one of the most stressful, exhausting, and isolating period of a woman's life & I am so thankful for having Katie be that listening ear when I needed it. I highly recommend Katie as your doula! I am forever grateful for having her by my side for the delivery of my second child.

Mandy Safstrom

10/28/2023

Katie was an amazing support for the birth of our first child back in April. I wanted to work with a doula because I am generally a more anxious person and with all the "firsts" I was experiencing during pregnancy/birth, I wanted to have someone knowledgable and compassionate there to help along the way. Katie was that and more!

Katie listened to my hopes for my birth experience and offered suggestions that were considerate of my priorities. She went out of her way to ensure that my partner was heard and felt supported too. She was highly responsive when we'd reach out, her demeanor was calming and her approach to supporting us through our first birth experience was exactly what we needed at every stage. 

The morning I went into early labor, she was a quick text away and checked in at least hourly. When we were ready for her to come over to our home, she gave us several things to do to navigate the pains of early labor until we were ready to go to the hospital. After 4 hours of increasingly intense contractions, at 2:30 am she was ready to head to the hospital with us. After another 14 hours of labor that resulted in my decision to opt for a non-emergency C section, our son finally came and Katie had taken some amazing photos documenting the process (with my consent of course). Having her in the operating room with my husband and I was extremely comforting, especially in our haze of exhuastion. 

Following my son's birth, Katie checked in multiple times and it was great to have a chance to debrief the whole experience with her after and get support for all the post-birth challenges (specifically around breastfeeding). 

I would HIGHLY recommend Katie, especially for any first time parents who are wanting someone who will truly listen to their hopes for their birth experience and offer individualized support and love during a crazy, crazy time. <3

Chelsie

10/8/2023

Working with Katie was truly so comforting. I'd gotten her name from our previous doula who'd moved away, and I'm so glad I did. Katie is compassionate, responsive, and nonjudgmental, exactly as a doula should be. She was supportive of my goals for my second pregnancy and provided resources to facilitate reaching those goals. On the actual day of my son's birth, she was enormously helpful, not only physically and emotionally supporting me during labor but taking care of the little things that my partner and I wouldn't have been able to do (like grabbing my glasses when I transferred to a hospital--they weren't exactly in our go bag!). I'm so glad I met Katie, and I highly recommend her services. 

Elisa

9/10/2023

Katie was an amazing doula and I would recommend her to everyone. She was very knowledgeable and made herself available to help emotionally support me through the entire process. I had my birth plan make a dramatic shift from the hopes of a birthing center to a hospital induction during week 38. When I had to change providers  Katie was there to help support me. It was a long two and a half days in the hospital and I'm so glad she was there to navigate the systems with us. She has such a kind, calming presence and that was exactly what we needed. She also could help us understand our options to make informed choices. If we chose to have another kid we would for sure want her by our side again! 

Erin B

8/8/2023

Katie was my postpartum doula for 6 weeks after the birth of my second child. She was invaluable in helping with my healing, breastfeeding, and transition to second-time parenthood.

During her overnight shifts, I was able to sleep soundly knowing the baby was being well taken care of. She was also able to help me with feeding positions and advice, which I needed as it was my first time nursing.

During her daytime shifts, she did everything from laundry to cooking to bottle introduction to making it possible for me to nap to helping me process aspects of my birth to discussing new sibling dynamics. This also provided space for my husband to care for our other child and also get some rest himself.

Katie is a total pro, and I'd recommend her to anyone!

Korina Bender

7/6/2023

I had a normal pregnancy with my first son. But, my boy was STILL head up at the finish line! My external version was unsuccessful, acupuncture, moxibustion, spinning babies, miles circuit.. NOTHING was flipping this baby. Traumatized with the idea of a surgical birth I knew I needed Katie by my side! My husband questioned the need as I wasn’t “laboring” but knew I needed Katie’s energy with me in the OR. Katie was aware of my long list of medical requests we were so scared to lose while I was under the influence of pain medications. My birthing plan was very detailed and I got exactly what I wanted out of that birth with Katie’s help!

While I was highly medicated I heard katie through the fog, truly advocating for me. My wishes were carried out, my baby was cared for just as I wanted, and nothing slipped between the cracks. Katie Always had a hand on me to make sure I didn’t feel alone. She kept me involved and my nurses respected her and her authority in the room. The cherry on top, katie took to most incredible, dreamy photos of my son taking his first breaths, and our first connections together as a family. I walked out of such a scary and unwanted experience with so much peace.

My second son was also cesarean. The second time around was much more taxing on me emotionally and I would have been a wreck without her experience with deescalating anxiety! She was my calm and steady and for the second time, my advocate at the hospital! Saint Elizabeth is a pro doula hospital and she was very respected and appreciated by the staff there. Katie encapsulated both my placentas and helped us heal with her herbal tinctures which we both love!

Doulas belong in cesareans too! Don’t doubt Katie’s ability to completely transform your C-section birth! Five stars!

Larissa Butler

6/21/2023

Katie was an absolute lifesaver. She was patient and knowledgeable as I recovered post partum with my second baby. I had extreme anxiety going into this post partum period and Katie was there to make things easier and remind me to eat and take breaks instead of trying to do it all. I would hands down recommend her to anyone thinking of a post partum doula. Thank you Katie for everything! 

Meghan Hole

3/26/2023

My husband and I were on the fin e about hiring a doula until a friend told us that if doulas could be prescribed by a doctor, it would be irresponsible not to. We found Katie through Instagram/friend-of-a-friend had used her as their doula. She was wonderful! 

Our birth plan changed significantly from a birth center to planned c-section at 37 weeks, after finding out our baby was breech at 34 weeks and three failed version attempts. Katie's knowledge in helping us navigate those changes was incredibly helpful and calming and she did everything in her power to ensure that despite all of the changes in our original plan, our birth was still the calm, beautiful experience we wanted all along. 

We can't imagine what our birth story would have been without Katie and are so incredibly grateful for her! 

Malini

3/24/2023

Katie was our postpartum doula for seven weeks. She was fantastic and her help made my postpartum experience so much more enjoyable than it was the first time round. We found her to be knowledgeable, skilled, reliable, and flexible. I was able to sleep much more easily knowing that she was there taking care of the baby at night. I highly recommend her! 

Wangari Karanja

3/23/2023

This is long long overdue due. Katie was my doula n I acquired her services I believe three weeks before the baby came.

I wasn't planning on getting a doula but I was being "forced" to be induced due to my age. Fyi....I'm 45 yrs old n a FTM. Best decision I made.( My labor started the day I was due which is when I was to be induced)

My labor was 41.5 hrs!!!!! If it were not for Katie, I would definitely have gotten a c-section....the doctors n nurses were very impatient with my progress. The baby was showing a little bit of distress but overall he looked good. I was determined to have a natural birth and I thank Got for Katie. 

I would definitely hire her again n again!!!!!

Meghan Hole

3/23/2023

My husband and I were on the fin e about hiring a doula until a friend told us that if doulas could be prescribed by a doctor, it would be irresponsible not to. We found Katie through Instagram/friend-of-a-friend had used her as their doula. She was wonderful! 

Our birth plan changed significantly from a birth center to planned c-section at 37 weeks, after finding out our baby was breech at 34 weeks and three failed version attempts. Katie's knowledge in helping us navigate those changes was incredibly helpful and calming and she did everything in her power to ensure that despite all of the changes in our original plan, our birth was still the calm, beautiful experience we wanted all along. 

We can't imagine what our birth story would have been without Katie and are so incredibly grateful for her! 

Heather Hudson

12/4/2022

I knew after experiencing severe post-partum depression after the birth of my first child that I was going to prioritize having a post-partum doula instead of a birth doula. I found Katie via a midwife's recommendation and feel so grateful to have received her support after my daughter Junie was borth this past year. Katie was incredibly professional; she came into our house every day amidst the chaos and cooked, cleaned, calmed my 3 year-old down, and so much more that enabled me to just cuddle, nurse and recover. Katie was thoughtful and provided the emotional support that I was looking for; she did not try to fix anything, but she listened and validated all my feelings giving me space cry and laugh at the same time. Katie is also clearly very knowledgeble and a seasoned Doula; she helped me navigate lactation/nursing issues, getting baby to sleep, navigating the types of baby cries to know when they're hungry, etc. I cannot recommend Katie enough to any new parents for post-partum support---you will not regret it.

Kate Gatton

11/25/2022

Out of all the decisions I made during my pregnancy, choosing Katie as my birth doula is right there at the top! As a first time mother who experienced infertility and multiple losses, I found Katie's presence throughout pregnancy and labor to be reassuring, knowledgeable, empowering, kind, and calming. Whenever I texted her during pregnancy, she always responded warmly and very quickly- a huge relief for someone with anxiety! She gives wonderful recommendations, but is a genuine listener and helped me make the decisions that were best for me. 

I was really overwhelmed when my labor started but as soon as Katie arrived at the hospital, the whole energy of the room shifted and my mindset shifted with it! Her presence and expertise helped me immeasurably during labor and I still feel like I couldn't have done it without her steady, encouraging support. 

I think that hiring a doula is one of the best things any birthing person can do, and Katie is absolutely the best choice!! 

Teebah Alsaleh

10/25/2022

Katie is a lifesaver!  Like many new moms, I didn't realize just how hard the sleep deprivation would be with a newborn.  I realized I needed night  help and started asking around.  Another doula recommended Katie and after some emails and a call we had our first overnnight scheduled.   I immediately felt comfortable with Katie watching my little guy and appreciated her input on different things I could try to help my little guy sleep better. Katie ended up helping me with nights for about 3 months and I am so thankful that I had her during that really tough time.  I would absolutely recommend Katie to new parents looking for a calm, knowledgeable person to come into their home and help with their little one.  

Kiersten

5/15/2022

I've struggled to find the words to say how important, valuable and beneficial having Katie at my birth was.  The moment she arrived at the hospital she took everything out of my hands and I immediately felt at ease.  I've often said I felt like I was in Katie's care, just in a hospital setting.  While my labor was intense, fast, and had a few surprises, it was also a beautiful, empowering and healing experience thanks to the care I received.  I have and will continue to recommend Katie to anyone I know preparing for birth as everyone deserves to have the support I received.  Thank you Katie for being the best support I could have asked for. 

My husband says that Katie was an incredible support not just for me during labor but also helped him remember to take care of himself so he could also support me. Offering pillows for his knees and water to him as well.  Originally agreeing but not really understanding the difference it would make until labor began. No matter how many classes we took and books he read in the moment he froze and feels Katie was able to step up and make sure my wishes were being followed.  Best investment and decision we made! 

Leaya

4/24/2022

This was my 2nd birth, but first unmediated out of hospital birth, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without Katie. I was so fearful of having back labor again and Katie reassured me over and over again on how we could use different techniques and exercises to help get my baby in the optimal birthing position. Which hallelujah I didn’t have ANY back labor! However since this was my first unmedicated birth I had no idea what to expect pain/intensity wise, yet Katie maintained a calm presence and kept me focused on my breathing. My husband still talks about how amazing this experience was and how happy to have had Katie with us, the two of them along with my midwife made an amazing team, I felt so cared for and safe. Thank you so much Katie for helping me have the birth I dreamed of!

Kristen Mechell

4/16/2022

Katie quickly became the biggest rosource and support during our pregnancy and birth. She always responded to all of my texts, silly questions, helped ease my fears. Katie was our biggest advocate during the birth as well. We could not have done any of it without her guidance. If we ever decide to have another, we will use her again 100%! I couldn't have imagined doing it without her. 

Rachel Zimmerman

2/12/2022

Katie is a pro. You won't be her first time around the block. My labor and delivery went very different than I had imagined... I wanted natural water birth in hospital. I ended up with a stalled out labor, pitosin, epidural, etc. 

Katie was crucial for every decision point. It was incredibly helpful to have her expertise and guidance through the process knowing she had assisted with a lot of labors in and out of the hospital.

Her pain management and assistance techniques are excellent and she was a huge help to myself and my husband.

Having an experienced doula is just worth it. We were also reimbursed by my FSA so that was really helpful. She's also an herbalist so I got red raspberry leaf tincture from her.

The only thing I wish is that she could've been present for my whole labor starting at home ... but I was in labor for 54 hours so that would not have been possible. She knew when to show up for the crucial times.

she is not fluffy and she's not going to sugar coat it. She's not overbearing; she is confident. She is herself. I'm so glad we had Katie for our first birth. I would hire her again. 

Baliegh Weber

1/5/2022

Katie was our doula for the birth of our first baby boy. She was warm and caring and everything my husband and I needed to get through birth. She gave us amazing recommendations while pregnant and even got me situated with a pregnancy friendly chiropractor when I was experiencing extreme discomfort. I could tell from the beginning she would treat us like she would her family. The main thing remember from my birth was holding on to two hands when I couldn’t open my eyes. My husband on one side and Katie on my other. She still checks up on us from time to time now 4 months later ?? If you are seeking a doula (and you should!) Katie will always be my go to!

McKenzie Olver

11/14/2021

Katie gave me so much strength, support, and advice during my pregnancy and labor. She provided me with peace of mind during a huge transition in my life. I deeply appreciate that she supported and validated my choices during labor. Labor didn't go according to plan and I was worried I would appear like a failure and Katie didn't make me feel like that at all. I'm so proud of my daughter's birth story and I'm so thankful Katie was a part of it! Thank you for helping us bring the love of our life into the world! 

Maddy

8/16/2020

We hired Katie as our postpartum doula and it was one of the best decisions we made! As first time parents with no family in the area - and then covid - the hands on support Katie was able to provide was fantastic. I prepared so much for preganancy and birth and really didn't think to plan for what to do when we brought our baby home... oops! Having a supportive resource really filled the void I felt giving birth in the hospital with a lack of resources due to covid - no Lactation support, etc. She helped us swaddle better and (finally!) get her on sleep schedule and even sat with me to help cut her fingernails for the first time... I was so scared I would accidentally cut her. Her help really empowered me to feel confident taking care of my daughter. And not only that, she let me take guilt-free breaks from the baby. I was able to have some time to myself to get some things done, nap, shower, take walks. It was glorious! And every visit she would blow us away with how much she could get done in 4 hours. She also helped us with meal planning and it really added something to our days even when Katie wasn't here. I looked forward to every visit and really miss her visits. 

Nicole

6/10/2020

We hired Katie after a week of having a newborn. We realized that caring for 2 older children and keeping up with the day-to-day needs of feeding ourselves, cleaning the house, and letting me (birther) rest was too daunting to take on ourselves without immediate burn-out. We are so glad we hired Katie! She was ready and willing to help with whatever we needed that day. She is super adaptable , and able to figure out how to get something done. Thank you so much Katie!

Tarn Ohana

6/9/2020

14 out of 10 stars

Our family brought Katie into our home as a post-partum doula. We had not considered a post-partum doula before the birth of our third child, but after #3 arrived, I was completely overwhelmed with everything. I just could not keep going taking care of our household, the two other children, keeping the home in order, and supporting my spouse's recovery. After about 10 days of that, we found Katie and asked her to come help us 3 times a week for a couple weeks, and then 2 days a week for a couple of weeks, and then finally just 1 day.

Katie was able to support my spouse with wisdom and kindness in a way that I cannot, since I never have had the experience of producing a child. Katie also brought our household into order when chaos reigned *and* shared/taught us some great new recipes and ways to organize things that helped keep everything together. Her thoughtful approach, hard work, and ability to share joy was incredible and very helpful. Our family is so much happier and healthier because of Katie's work. 

Because of Katie, I was able to *take naps*

I highly recommend Katie as a post-partum doula!

I *also* recommend the concept of a post-partum doula to folks. Seriously, ahem, especially fellow menfolk out there, get on this. It makes everyone much happier, recovery better, and a more 'together' family.

Nicolle Mattingly

12/21/2017

We hired Katie as our doula pretty early on in my pregnancy and from day 1, she was so supportive, knowledgeable and helpful. During my pregnancy I also did the 5-week Sacred Pregnancy Journey led by Katie and I highly recommend this to any expecting mamas! When it came time to bring my little one into this world, Katie was by my side as an essential part of my birth team. As a first time mama-to-be, it was incredibly helpful to have someone there who knew what to expect, how to support me, and who had been through unmedicated births herself. Katie has a reassuring, calming air about her and I truly loved having her as my doula.

Theek Smith

12/17/2013

Katie was such a great support for my home birth team. I shared my concerns and preferences for my birth and labor before and during and I got exactly what I wanted. I am not the "in your face" type of birther and I like to zone out and she responded well to that. I particularly enjoyed how she was a great support to my midwives and to my husband and especially my older child, who was present during the birth. She also did such a wonderful job with informing me and introducing me about placenta encapsulation, which I had never even considered until meeting Katie and I felt safe and informed.

Katie worked so well with the medical professionals and my family and that's exactly what I wanted during my home birth. I couldn't have asked for a better support system with Katie included.

Raechelle Baghirov

5/13/2013

I was so lucky to find Katie during my third trimester. After watching "The Business of Being Born" my husband and I completely changed our birth plan. Our midwife recommended finding a doula to help with our natural birth plan, and after interviewing Katie we knew she was the one we wanted to be a part of bringing our daughter into the world. Katie helped me prepare for labor by providing educational materials, links and videos that helped me feel better prepared for labor. In addition, she helped my husband feel confident in his ability to help me through labor. On the actual day of birth, Katie was amazing and helped with our unplanned home birth (things went fast!) by helping me to mentally cope with the pain of labor, helped me husband provide the support that encouraged me and motivated me, and even helped by holding my leg! Katie made our birth experience feel joyful, peaceful, and calm. I wouldn't change anything about our birth, and I know in my heart that Katie is the one who helped make it happen. I am eternally grateful for her presence at the birth, and for all the work she did to help prepare me for labor. In addition, Katie helped make my postpartum experience better by providing support and help with breastfeeding, and did my placenta encapsulation! I highly recommend her, and know that she'll help bring positive energy and love to any birth experience!