Testimonial for Keelia Alder
I'm grateful we found Keelia. From the moment I met her, I immediately felt at ease in her warm, reassuring, and authentic presence. In the months before birth, Keelia shared a treasure trove of knowledge, evidence-based resources, and experience. She provided judgment-free support, and her approach aligned with our family's values of equity and justice. Keelia walked my husband and I through different labor and delivery scenarios, coached him in comforting techniques, and was available by text and phone to answer questions.
Keelia was a gentle and strong advocate, helping us to understand our available choices. After a long night of contractions, I remember spending hours that morning resting under the warm shower. Keelia arrived, providing gentle conversation and quiet presence as needed. When it was go time, she had shared the pro tip of wearing an eye mask to stay centered (so helpful!). Keelia was there all throughout a long and slow labor - helping me reconnect my breathe and inner strength, with reminders to rest between contractions, hydrating, snacking, weaving in and out of support roles with my partner, all in the slow lead up to delivery. In the thick of labor, it is impossible to imagine documenting the experience (or basically anything else, really). It was a treasure to have Keelia's notes and recollections. In the days and weeks after, these helped my partner and I reconnect to the birth story and stitch together our memories of a life transforming experience. I truly felt that having birth experience held in this way helped set me on a stronger course as a new mother.
I write knowing this era of physical distancing has changed reality in so many ways - including for birth and postpartum. While I can only speak from my own experience, I can imagine that Keelia's strengths as a doula could translate to other formats. Keelia is forever planted in our hearts. We highly recommend her!
-Aileen
April 09, 2020
Keelia Alder
Full-Spectrum Doula
Postpartum Rate: Not specified
