Morgan Purcell

3/25/2017

I found Kristie through a random internet search. I had no idea what I was looking for in a doula, but I knew I was going to need a lot of encouragement and reassurance when it came to bringing my first baby into the world. Kristie was knowledgeable, professional, down-to-earth, and patient with all of our questions. She was even gracious enough travel outside of her usual working area since we lived so far north. She came to our house and gave us our own "private" birth class, attended a midwife appt with me, and never minded me texting her questions.
I thought I was super grateful for her before my labor, and then labor happened! Kristie drove over (twice!) and went through early labor with me. Her gentle words and touch were reminders to breathe easy, stay calm and relaxed, and trust my body. My labor ended up taking over 30 hours total and I honestly don't think that I would have been able to stick to my birth plan without her support and advocacy. Now that my son is here, she has continued to be kind and available to answer more paranoid "first time mom" questions. I refer every pregnant friend I have to Kristie! She was integral to my having a perfect (even if not easy) birth. She is so close to my <3

Melissa Joukema

1/27/2017

We hired Kristie to be our doula back in September for my first pregnancy. I knew I wanted to do a natural birth, and wanted the extra support to get through the process. Kristie's coping mechanisms allowed me to make it through my labor without any pain medication, just how I hoped. I had a 24 hour labor and Kristie's support and dedication never wavered. She even stayed for about an hour after delivery to be sure that breastfeeding had started and to be sure we were good. Once we were home, Kristie did 2 postpartum visits, where we discussed questions/concerns and talked about my birth experience. She also offered to mind the babe while I did whatever I wanted (ate, napped, cleaned, etc). Even after our 2 postpartum visits, she has checked in on multiple occasions (always instinctively when I needed her most) and offered advice and encouragement.

Some additional items to note: Kristie labored at home with me in Bastrop, rode in the car with us to the hospital in Austin and was picked up later. She attended a prenatal visit to my doctor, which was not included in the 2 prenatal appts associated with her service. She is a calm, supportive, and incredibly knowledgeable woman who really cares about you and your family. She has proven over and over to be the best investment we could have made in our baby's life. Thanks Kristie!!