Testimonial for Kathleen Wilson
Our son's birth did not go as planned. We wanted to go natural but ended up with every intervention possible including a c-section. Though he is healthy and happy, I remained bitter about the experience and felt cheated out of the birth I wanted. We needed to make some changes this time. We switched hospitals, doctors and doulas. Kathleen was everything our first doula was not. We felt instantly connected to her. She understood my feelings about the first birth and knew this birth could help me heal. I began to despair when it seemed we were headed for c-section #2, but Kathleen never gave up hope. Surprisingly, I awoke in labor on our due date. Afraid to get my hopes up, I took my time notifying people and getting ready, but soon we couldn't wait any longer. Labor was hard, fast and painful. Baby was face up, which meant back labor. When we got to the hospital, I was 6 centimeters. Kathleen got there in time to help me through transition with no epidural. Without her, I probably would have given in to the pain. I was not a graceful laborer, but Kathleen, my husband and the doctor patiently encouraged me. 3 hrs and 40 mins after we arrived at the hospital, our beautiful baby girl was born - a non-medicated VBAC - just like we hoped! Kathleen advocated for us, made sure we knew what was going on, and took amazing pictures of our baby's first moments. She stayed until we were settled, called to check in and came for postpartum visits. Later we learned our daughter shares her birthday with a day of personal loss for Kathleen, yet she never let her emotions interfere with her professionalism or the care she gave. She will always have a place in my heart for the role she played in such a significant event in our lives.
-Shannon Abel
September 12, 2010
Kathleen Wilson
Labor Enabler
Birth Fee: $1000 to $2900
