Testimonial for Karen Guthrie CD(DONA), HCHI, CVD (TVL)
Where to begin, Karen was amazing! I mostly labored at home and continued on to my local birth center, which Karen was present and active at both. Thankfully she was super attentive to my husband's middle of the night weekend call...the most inconvenient time for labor did not deter Karen. While I was hesitant to have her come over just yet, thinking my labor would be long as a first time mama, my husband and her thought it best to proceed. Boy was I relieved to see Karen when she promptly arrived. My contractions speed up faster than anticipated and she was prepared right away with heat packs for my lower back and counter pressure massage. Although my husband had been helping in the couple of hours prior, she knew exactly where to apply the pressure. Equipped with various essential oils, she utilized those to help me relax. Karen proposed different positions and techniques that I wouldn't have thought of at the moment. Had she not been present, my husband and I would have thought I was hemorrhaging due to all of the fluid loss prior to birth, which I didn't realize was normal in my case. She also worked at keeping me hydrated, calm, and timed my contractions. Karen met some unexpected challenges from the midwife head on. She was attentive, coached, and made appropriate suggestions for the various stages of labor. Towards the pushing phase, Karen once again had her hands full and may have very well almost lost her hands due to all of my gripping and grunting! She was a trooper, never complained, and was by my side from beginning to end. I would highly recommend her and her team. I too once thought I wouldn't need a doula or that maybe it was an extra or luxury, but don't be fooled, doulas are extremely helpful. Note to all first time parents, classes are wonderful, but when it's go time, you're essentially showing up for a game that you've never played and you'll want the help by your side!
-Krystal Campos
February 02, 2017
Karen Guthrie CD(DONA), HCHI, CVD (TVL)
Birth Your Way Doulas
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2250
