Testimonial for Keli Schurman-Darby, CD, CPD, CBE(DONA, NAPS, BADT)
Keli was a core part of our prenatal & birth story at Seattle Providence-Swedish First Hill in July 2026. When my water unexpectedly broke 2 weeks before my due date leading to a 40 hour labor, she was there every step of the way guiding us through the process. Her support allowed me to enter the thrid trimester and labor with little to no anxiety, even when things didn't go according to plan, and allowed my husband to focus on being present.
I went in to pregnancy after multiple losses & infertility struggles. I was hoping for an unmedicated birth, but open to interventions if needed; my main goal was to avoid a C section if possible as I was nervous about having a major surgery. With my water breaking early, I needed pitocin as soon as I was admitted and dilated very slowly. I ended up electing into morphine, IV fentanyl, an epidural, and needed IV antibiotics for an infection that appeared towards the end of labor. However, with the support of Keli and our care team at Swedish, I was able to have a vaginal birth with (magically) no tears; and despite the change in plans, I felt/feel secure in the choices I made in the moment.
Keli was everything my husband and I were hoping for in a doula - communicative, knowledgable, collaborative, empathetic, organized, equity-minded. She knew what to say, when to say it, and how to say it when the going got tough. Whenever a decision point came up, she talked us through the considerations of each option, questions to ask the doctor/nurse, etc. - but left the decision up to us and supported whatever we chose.
If you are looking for a doula who will help you make informed decisions, take the pressure off you & your birthing support person, ease anxiety, and help you get through the birthing process with no regrets, I cannot recommend Keli highly enough. If we decide to have more kids, we will definitely be working with her again!
-Liz B
August 15, 2026
Keli Schurman-Darby, CD, CPD, CBE(DONA, NAPS, BADT)
Your Whole Life Doula LLC
Birth Fee: $2700
Postpartum Rate: $70 to $80
