Kate was our north star during our birth experience! I actually met her for the first time after I had already been laboring in the hospital. I’d been diagnosed with preeclampsia and needed to be induced on short notice, leaving my original doula already booked with another client, so Kate stepped in. The hospital environment and staff was very professional and supportive, but my labor went through many phases and lasted almost 40hrs, so naturally there were many staff changes. While the important clinical information is relayed shift to shift, it’s hard to translate the emotional journey we’ve been on. Kate created stability and a sense of progress, even when the way felt lost. She offered hands-on comfort and techniques when labor was happening, and sound, strategic advice when it stalled. I had my heart set on a vaginal delivery with as few interventions as possible, so beyond what was required with the induction process, I was resisting as many unnatural elements as I could, including an epidural. But after fighting through excruciating contractions from the Pitocin, Kate explained the pain vs suffering dynamic and helped me step back from my struggle and revisit my plan. I decided to get an epidural that provided me incredible relief and some much needed rest. After getting my first few hours of sleep in almost 36 hours, my dilation had completed and I pushed for less than an hour and finally gave birth. I can’t state how grateful I am for having Kate on my birth team.
-Willow
January 18, 2023
Bluebird Baby Company
Birth Fee: $650 to $950