Testimonial for Kathleen Wilson
I'd always known I wanted to work with a doula, but my husband was skeptical. He thought having someone else in on our birth would be an invasion of privacy and take away from his role. I reached out to Kathleen on the recommendation of a friend, and she spent an hour on the phone with me, no strings attached. Once she came over and met my husband, his concerns melted away. She made it clear that it was OUR birth, WE were the decision makers. We hired her in my first trimester, signed up for Bradley classes, and were ready to go.
Then, at 33 weeks, my baby turned breech; one of my biggest fears. Kathleen kept me sane; her robust network of professionals and constant listening ear were my saving grace. At 37 weeks, with a still-breech baby (after trying EVERYTHING) and a failed attempt at an external version, I felt in crisis. My options as a first time mom were limited, and I agonized over my decision.
She put me in touch with midwives, moms, and OBs, and reminded me all along that my job was to make the decision that felt right for my baby; that this was about becoming a mother, not just the birth. There was no judgement; only support. Unlike many in the 'natural birth' community, she assured me that a cesearean birth could be every bit as beautiful as the birth I'd always dreamed of. I'll never be able to thank her enough for this reassurance, which she clearly believes wholeheartedly.
In the end, we ended up with an absolutely incredible unmedicated, vaginal breech delivery after 23 hours of labor, largely thanks to Kathleen. I couldn't have done any of it without her - and my skeptic of a husband agrees. Yes, we ended up with a dream birth, but the most important thing she did was help us feel truly empowered. She is a passionate, loving doula and friend, and I'm better for knowing her. I hope she'll be by my side for my next birth, too!
-Amanda Motley
July 17, 2015
Kathleen Wilson
Labor Enabler
Birth Fee: $1000 to $2900
