I hired Kimberly after interviewing with a couple of other doulas and felt she was the right match for my family.She made herself very available to me in the weeks leading up to the birth, and I even harassed her a few times through the pregnancy with minor questions which she was quick to answer with an educated response. I felt very at ease with her and manay times she calmed my nerves.We had discussed my fears about going natural and she made it clear that she was NOT a Natural- Nazi, however she does appreciate a natural birth. She was extremely supportive during my labor and used some breathing and relaxation techniques which worked wonderful for me. I made it to 5 cm and then felt like I should get the epidural, so I did, and I actually layed in Kimberly's arms practically as they did it. I dilated quick to 10 cm. My daughters shoulder got stuck during delivery (known as shoulder distosia sp?) and the nurses had to sort of lean on me and I had to push very very quick to get her out, everyone was screaming at me, and all I could do was look at Kimberly's calm face, gently telling me to push and that I was doing great. She was amazing. My daughters shoulder did not need to be broken and she was 100% healthy. Kimberly stayed after the labor and got her happily onto the breast. Her job was complete and I was beyond satisfied with her performance. I also hired her for postpartum work. She is magnificent when it comes to the calming touch. So many times I was at wits end, Kimberly would hold the baby and within minutes, she was soundly asleep in the arms of "her best friend" (the name I have dubbed Kimberly with since Sydney loves her so much).
-Monica Caplan
August 25, 2009
Knoxville Doula
Birth Fee: $2950 to $3250
Postpartum Rate: $45