Testimonial for Kathleen Wilson
Kathleen played such an important role in my birth experience. I signed up for a Bradley class about halfway through my pregnancy. Around 28 weeks, I discussed my birth plan with my doctor and we were not on the same page. She had a 25% surgical birth rate. I panicked. I felt like I was too far along to switch doctors. I decided to look for a doula instead. I talked to three by phone, but only interviewed one in person: Kathleen. Her quirky self arrived at my house that evening; she gave me a big hug as she walked in. It all seemed a little too "hippy-dippy" to me at first, but after spending over an hour with her, I felt confident she was the right person to navigate the hospital setting with me. Many doulas don't have the hospital experiencd she does. She talked to me about how she was there to support me and to provide information, but not to make decisions for me. I hired her on the spot. She helped me switch doctors and hospitals at 32 weeks. At 40 weeks and 3 days at 2am, my water broke. Though I thought I was much further along, I was only 4cm when I checked in. My entire labor went this way. After 14 hours, I was only around 6cm, so the doctor started talking intervention. I ended up receiving a small dose of pitocin, which made my contractions very strong and close. I firmly believe that had Kathleen not been there, I would've received a much higher dose and probably would've accepted medication. Every time I would tell Kathleen, "But it hurts!", she would validate that for me and say, "Yes it does." When my baby was ready, the labor nurse called for the on-call doctor but he was busy and so, though she doesn't like to admit it, Kathleen, along with the nurse, caught my baby. Kathleen provided comfort, massage, affirmation and information throughout my labor, which was invaluable to me and my family. I couldn't have chosen a better doula. Even my husband, who balked at the expense, now tells all his dad-to-be friends that they need a doula.
-Jennifer Davis
October 03, 2015
Kathleen Wilson
Labor Enabler
Birth Fee: $1000 to $2900
