Testimonial for Celeste Kraft, CCE, CED from Pamela K

Testimonial for Celeste Kraft, CCE, CED

We hired Celeste for the births of our middle and youngest sons, who were VBACs at home. I was hesitant about the “need” to have a doula, since we were planning a home birth, but I can’t imagine my births without Celeste there. It was worth every penny. I knew from the moment I met Celeste that I wanted her on my birth team.

My first VBAC labor was 44 hours long. My second VBAC labor was 22 hours long. For both births, Celeste kept in touch by text or phone and came as soon as I felt I needed her (if not sooner).

Celeste was great about observing and anticipating my needs. She seemed to instinctively know exactly when to hold my water bottle up for me, when to put a cool wash cloth on my head, when to gently massage me. She made great suggestions for keeping labor moving, from taking me for a walk, to encouraging me to try different positions, to reminding me I could get in the birthing tub, etc.

Celeste held my hands as I squeezed the life out of her hands, pushing both of my VBAC babies into the world. If I had wanted my husband to fill this role, I have no doubt she would have facilitated that. She is very careful not to make a husband feel displaced. In my case, I just found myself being the most comforted during labor by her calming, quiet, reassuring demeanor. My husband was glad it worked out that way, as he was quite satisfied with his role of being able to show his support and comfort in a way that was comfortable for him, without worrying about needing to “read my mind” the way Celeste was able to. It also gave my husband the chance to take pictures, video and really watch in awe as his sons were born. He valued her role in our son's 2011 birth and fully supported hiring Celeste for the second time in 2014.

I regret that we won’t be having any more children, because it means we won’t be able to hire Celeste again. I can't recommend her enough.

-Pamela K

March 30, 2015