Gesina

Kelly was the insurance we didn't know we needed. Going into the vbac homebirth of our baby boy, I was a little mislead about how difficult the experience would be. I watch tons of home birth vlogs on YouTube, took a birthing class, and researched coping mechanisms. I believe we were ready for this birth. Well, I was definitely wrong and the experience became difficult quickly.

Right when Kelly showed up everything felt more at ease. Kelly brought a sense of calm to my birth that drastically change the climate of the room. Throughout my birth, I wanted to stay in one position. Kelly gently guided me into new positions that helped bring my baby down. She found the perfect time to help me move and definitely helped the progression of my labor. I never felt alone, and I loved having her there to welcome my baby boy into the world. Kelly is a treasure and I could not recommend her more. 

Kelly was like a guardian angel, quietly advocating for me in the background and taking care of a million tiny details during our birthing time — from closing the blinds to create an atmosphere that let me draw inward, to making up the couch into a bed for my husband and refilling my ice chips, while gently encouraging me to try different positions and manipulating the tools for me to do so (plus she does this hip squeeze thing that made my contractions so much easier!)

Ultimately, Kelly managed the margins which allowed my husband and I to be more fully present to our birth and our daughter when she arrived. And then to see the photographs she captured of our birth — Kelly caught special moments I didn’t even remember, which we’ll now treasure forever. The newborn photo shoot was such a gift as well! She even got a genuine smile out of my 10-year-old. Our holiday card this year consists entirely of photos by Kelly.

Kelly’s steady confidence effused into our entire birth experience, helping me and my husband be far more calm and present than I imagined possible — she is a big reason why I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about my daughter’s birth. I deeply appreciate Kelly’s expertise and services, and strongly recommend My Doula Kelly to be your doula, too!

Kelly is one of the most beautiful souls that has graced this earth. When my husband and I found out I was pregnant we knew that we wanted a doula to be by our side. We knew we wanted someone who could care for us in our most vulnerable moments and help empower us to advocate for the birth we wanted. We actually sought out a doula fairly early in my pregnancy, and upon meeting Kelly we knew that she was going to be the one for us. Humor is a major coping mechanism for my husband and I and the fact that we could connect and laugh early on in our first interaction gave us full confidence in our decision to hire her. She was also able to put us at ease about all the things you worry about as you embark on pregnancy and child birth for the first time. And because we committed to her early in my pregnancy, our rapport was able to get really strong and her kind support was there throughout my pregnancy. This was extremely valuable when we got unsettling news at my 34 week ultrasound. Kelly was so empathetic and supportive in helping us process the news. And she checked in on us regularly and made us feel seen while we went through our emotions. Towards the end of my pregnancy, which went on for what felt like forever, Kelly helped my husband and I feel prepared for delivery day. Kelly's humor also became a very helpful tool again when my due date came and went and ultimately resulted in an induction at 42 weeks. Leading up to the induction she was checking in on how I felt and talking me through what to expect which helped me stay calm and collected. When I was in labor and had my husband reach out to have her come join us at the hospital she asked if he needed anything and ended up bringing him his favorite breakfast burrito. He claims it was revitalizing, evidencing how she was truly there for both of us. Throughout my labor she helped with pain management and also helped us weigh options that allowed us to make decisions that were closest to our preferences. We had a very negative experience with the delivering doctor and when I say that Kelly was my hero, I mean she was my HERO! Kelly called the doctor out for his wrong doings in the moment and continued to stand up for me following the interaction. After all of her kindness and compassion throughout the day, and then witnessing her come to my aid with such passion, it was beyond clear to me that she was meant to be a doula. She put the needs/wishes/emotions of my husband and I above all else. We hired her for the full package so birth photography was included and when we got those pictures back there were so many great moments captured that I will cherish forever. This really blew us away because my husband and I didn't even remember her taking any pictures that the day. She was so attuned to us that we didn't even notice her taking pictures. Following her leaving the hospital after we were settling into our new life as a family of three, Kelly reached out to us often in her comforting and kind way to check on us. We reflect fondly on our postpartum visit and love our newborn family photos. I also ended up doing the Chinese medicine placenta encapsulation and since taking them I feel exactly how she said I would, calm and relaxed. Which has really helped as I adjust to motherhood. I am beyond grateful for all of Kelly's services and I have nothing but amazing things to report about my experience with her. I am forever grateful to her and all she did in helping me bring my baby earth side.

We hired Kelly to support our second child's birth after a glowing referral from our retired doula from our first birth. Kelly was everything you would want in a doula experience - knowledgable, kind, grounding and helpful. Our meetings prior to the birth made us feel incredibly comfortable with her and excited to have her during the labor and delivery. When she arrived (as I was getting my epidural!) I immediately felt calmer knowing that she was there ready to support us. She helped guide our decision making through things like breaking my water, some induction options and more. Her knowledge and calming nature made us feel like we could make the right decision for us and felt supported by her at every turn. She also served as our birth photographer and WOW we are so thankful for those pictures and the moments she captured - in addition to an amazing doula she is a really gifted photographer! All in all - any one who is considering a doula for their birth I would say 1. definitely hire a doula! 2. definitely consider hiring Kelly, she's the best!

I was honestly hesitant to invest in a doula for the birth of my firstborn. The farther along I started to get in my pregnancy, the more overwhelmed I became so I finally bit the bullet and hired Kelly. It was hands down, the best decision I made. I can't imagine my pregnancy without her now. She was extremely communicative from our first intro zoom call to meeting up live in persons to talk plan, options, and strategy. She was available and so supportive 24/7 over text. Answered all the "dumb" questions and concerns first time parents have and made us feel safe. When it came to my delivery, she was with me, hands on, thru every contraction and kept me in line with the plan I had for myself (natural and unmedicated). If it wasn't for Kelly, the doctor wouldn't have even been in the room when I pushed the baby out, she monitored EVERYTHING. No joke. She also made my husband feel comforted which was very important to me and obviously, helpful for him. Aside from all that, she got incredible photos and videos of the birth that we can watch and look at forever. Truly don't know what this journey would have looked like without Kelly and we will absolutely have her help us with our next baby ♥?

We loved working with Kelly! As a first-time mom, I was (like most) very nervous for birth. I had no idea what to expect and found the endless information online extremely overwhelming and often contradictory. Finding Kelly was my saving grace. She was able to make me feel so prepared for birth by offering endless resources, opinions and just a listening ear when it all got to be too much. She truly is responsive whenever you need her and was always willing to hop on the phone to talk it out. An objective, outside opinion who is always looking out for your best interests is something everyone should have for birth!

When the big day did finally come, we had some complications and Kelly was there every step of the way. Not only did she make sure I understood my options, but she made sure that I felt comfortable with our path forward. She was an advocate when I was too scared or distracted to speak up for myself and was a helpful hand when the nurses weren't in the room. Having that extra set of hands + extra brain in the room let me and my husband really focus on each other which made the whole experience even more special.

For the partners out there, my husband wanted to reiterate all of my above sentiments, but add how nice it was to have someone who was constantly checking in on his feelings and mental state. When all the doctors and nurses are focused on mom + baby, Kelly made sure that my husband felt prepared, involved and part of the team. Can't tell you how invaluable that was.

Finally, the photographs that Kelly took for us are something that we'll cherish forever, and I can't recommend adding that package enough. It's a moment that you'll never get back and it made me appreciate my body and the work that it did that much more!!

Overall, if you are looking for a doula, look no further!! :)

Kelly was so amazing to have by my side before and during the birth of my daughter. She was so helpful before Cora's birth with resources and advice. While I was in labor she was in contact with me all day checking in, making sure I wasn't alone, and checking on my progress. During labor she was an advocate for my needs and wishes, she was a cheerleader when I got tired, and she was so supportive. I couldn't have done it without Kelly as my doula!

Kelly also took beautiful pictures of my daughter and I in our first moments together. I will cherish those pictures forever!

My husband and I cannot speak highly enough of Kelly and our birth experience with her. We just had our first child and my goal was to have an unmedicated birth experience in a birth center as well as have my placenta saved and made into capsules.

I wanted to have at least one consistent support person in addition to my husband and a Doula was the best choice for that. My birth experience ended up only halfway going to plan and we ended up being transferred to a hospital for delivery. Through the whole experience Kelly was the best support we could have. She came to my home during my active labor phase and assisted me through my contractions and the experience. After we got to the birth center, I continued with contractions and when we were being transferred to the hospital she spoke with my husband and I about our options and gave great advice. We did not know really what to do or ask the medical professionals in that moment.

Our positive experience was hugely due to Kelly and her support, knowledge and comfort to our needs and questions. No matter what birth experience I choose for the future, I would not do it without Kelly or a Doula. I highly recommend having her be a part of your families next steps. You will be blessed in so many ways having her there.

Kelly was fantastic leading up to, during, and after the birth of my daughter. From our first zoom meeting (COVID, ya know?) my partner and I felt comfortable and safe within Kelly's prescence. We knew right away she would be a great fit to our birthing team. She provided a lot of helpful resources including things to encourage labor, different positions and stretches, pain management and healthy coping mechanisms as well as postpartum stuff like breast feeding and nursing resources, classes and meet-ups within the community, and a sweet postpartum gift. By the time we got to the birthing center, I was already deep into labor world, but I do remember Kelly being kind and supportive to not only me, but to everyone on my birthing team. She fit beautifully into my sacred space and I can't wait for her presence at the next one. Also, the pictures she took at the birthing center are SO DREAMY and I am incredibly happy she was able to capture the experience the way she did. I am forever grateful for this beautiful soul.

As first time parents with no family nearby, it was equally intimidating as it was exciting finding out we were pregnant. When we found Kelly it was SO helpful. Any questions, big or small, were alleviated by having her as our doula. She honestly felt priceless in our experience. I knew that I not only had someone to lean on, but could count on her to help my husband be at peace through the process also. It's such an important time to stay calm and concentrate on the love of the existing and new family member(s). I'm so glad that we hired Kelly. She is so sweet and is amazing at her job. Thank you Kelly!!!

Hiring Kelly was hands down one of the best decisions we made in preparation for having our first baby. Kelly is deeply knowledgeable about all things birth, and it gave both me and my husband incredible peace of mind leading up to labor to know that we’d have Kelly in the room with us during such an unpredictable and intense event. Kelly became a sweet friend to me during my pregnancy and checked in regularly to see how I (and baby!) were doing. She helped educate us on what to expect with birth/postpartum and provided an amazing suite of additional resources as well. Even though I wasn’t planning to have an unmedicated birth, having Kelly there during my labor and delivery was truly wonderful. She was encouraging and supportive every step of the way, and she and my husband made a great support team. I had a genuinely enjoyable birth experience and Kelly absolutely contributed to that. She also helped prep me for the pushing stage by offering tips right before I started pushing which I think ultimately helped keep my pushing time very short! Our baby unfortunately had to be taken to the NICU for some supplemental oxygen right after birth, and Kelly stayed with me while my husband went with our baby. If Kelly hadn’t been there, I would have been entirely alone right after delivering. I was so grateful for her calming presence and kindness during those vulnerable hours. She also took AMAZING photos of the birth, and it’s been such a gift to get to relive one of the best days of our lives through those images. We will absolutely be hiring Kelly again for any future babies and strongly encourage you to do the same—you won’t regret it!

Hiring Kelly as our Doula was the BEST decision we could have made for the birth of our daughter (first baby). There are so many fears, uncertainty and information overload when it comes to preparing for labor & delivery and Kelly was there every step of the way. She came to our home a couple of times and walked through our mindset, emotions, thoughts and validated everything that we were feeling - Both me as a first time mom and my husband who wanted to make sure we had someone experienced by our side. Kelly came in with confidence, a wealth of knowledge, and a comforting energy that made us feel prepared, strong and ready. She spends a good amount of time walking through pressure point & position work that you can do in the third trimester, gives you things to think about and documentation to read through to prepare on your own time, and was also available via text with literally ANY question or concern that came through either of our minds!

By the time my water broke a week early, we reached out to Kelly and kept her in the loop with every single detail/update- She was quick to respond and answer our calls.  Kelly helped us talk through the situation and discuss options that the doctor had proposed. When it was getting closer to "go time," Kelly came into our hospital room (while I was laboring in the tub!) and she didn't skip a beat before jumping in and providing me with the exact caring words and hip pressure that I needed in that very moment. She was not only there for me, but she was there for my husband when he had questions or just simply didn't what he should do to help. Through the coming hours, Kelly was my shoulder to lean on (quite literally), our advocate, and our experienced, trusted partner who was there for the BOTH of us. Any moment that I felt scared or tired, I would look at her for comfort and she talked through how I was feeling and what my options were.We are so thankful for Kelly- Hire her as your Doula!

I reached out to Kelly after seeing her post on the Westminster mom facebook group promoting her services as a doula and placenta encapsulation. This was my second pregnancy and I was interested in the placenta capsules to help me with my postpartum. Kelly scheduled a zoom call with me and it was a chance for me to get to know her and the process of placenta encapsulation as well as her to learn more about me and my pregnancy. As a Latina, I have often been dismissed by my doctor on my pain or concerns and having a chance to name that out loud with Kelly gave me so much power through my storytelling.     

My first labor and delivery happened during March 2020 1 day before the lockdown began, I delivered my baby girl at 35 weeks and was induced with pitocin and got the epidural. I did not ask or know the pros and cons of either medication and felt robbed of how I envisioned my delivery. Once I got home I struggled with low milk supply and was so stressed every time I fed my baby or had to pump. I had severe Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) and rage and I felt so alone and not worthy as a mom.     

When I got pregnant with my second baby girl I wanted to feel empowered and educated on the choices and decisions that were best for my health and my babies health. After sharing my story with Kelly and telling her my concerns with having another preterm labor and having PPA during postpartum, Kelly connected me with another doula who had openings in March. I connected so well with the other doula as well and began the process of getting educated at birth, I read a hypnobirthing book and learned techniques that help lower pain and increase oxytocin.     

Kelly picked up my placenta from the hospital and then delivered my pills at home and continued providing support throughout my postpartum. The placenta pills have worked amazing, I did not have PPA or rage and my milk supply has been phenomenal.  If I knew what a difference having a doula there to support me through pregnancy and beyond I would have hired Kelly in 2020! I have nothing but positive things to say about her services. She is an amazing doula and overall person to have by your side!

My third trimester was full of anxiety about giving birth and about all the things happening to my body. Having Kelly around was a serious game changer for that. She was always willing to answer my questions, no matter how silly, and talk me through the nerves. She worked with my both my husband and I to prepare us for the birth process. She gave us tools and resources to help us make informed decisions. During labor she talked me through different processes and was able to help me understand more of what was happening. She made us feel comfortable and had fun with us. My husband and I were so thankful to have Kelly on our team!

Kelly was caring, compassionate and a prayerful women of God. She made an immeasurable difference in the way I experienced my pregnancy through a pandemic. She gave my husband and myself the emotional and physical tools we needed to prepare us for L&D. She prayed for me more times than I'll ever know. She supported me and my husband through labor, reminding him of ways to help me and encouraging me to make informed, well thought out decisions as we labored.  And when things didn't go according to plan she was present through it all. Even more, she helped me pick up the pieces as I recovered emotionally and physically postpartum. 

She's an incredible doula. I am forever grateful for her service, her kindness and her spiritual support!

My wife and I are so grateful that we were able to use Kelly's doula services for the recent birth of our first child.  We interviewed with several potential doulas before deciding on Kelly, and we feel we really made the right decision going with her.  Kelly is so knowledgeable, warm, friendly, and professional.  Her services were invaluable to us, and we recommend her 100%; especially for new mothers and fathers.  

This was our first birth, and we had a an extremely positive birth experience with a long labor and very minimal pushing time at the hospital.  We attribute a lot of of this to Kelly.  Being able to labor at home for 25+ hours before going to the hospital helped us minimize the risk of medical intervention during our birth, something that my wife was terrified of.  Once we were at the hospital, Kelly helped me feel comfortable asking the nurses and docs questions.  I also took a lot of queues from her, (helping my wife push, giving her relief with massage, suggesting different laboring positions, and giving her overall support).  Kelly's presence, as well as her advice and laboring relief techniques were crucial in helping my wife get through one of the scariest days of her life.  We couldn't be happier with her services.

When/if my wife and I choose to have another child, we will likely be calling on Kelly for her doula services again. 

My husband and I just had our first child, and we cannot imagine not having Kelly throughout the pregnancy. Kelly is warm and nurturing.  We felt very comfortable with her from the beginning. Kelly was an excellent resource throughout the pregnancy whether it was questions about the physical aspects or emotional/mental support. For my actual delivery, my goal was to labor at home for as long as possible. Kelly came over when we asked her to and helped us progress at home.  She was all about what I felt comfortable with. We worked through different positions and techniques to help things along. When contractions picked up in intensity, Kelly and my husband helped get me through.  At the hospital, she was invaluable as support for not just me, but also my husband.  She was able to help him ask the right questions and get information from the staff. I am very happy with our labor and delivery experience, and I truly believe it would not have been as good without Kelly.  We will definitely be recommending her to other expecting parents and will work with her again, if we have another baby.

We used Kelly's doula services with our second baby. Our first pregnancy and delivery were nothing like we had hoped for and we were hopeful that having a doula would allow us to feel more satisfied the second time around. What I expected when we asked Kelly to join us for our birth was that she would be a helper and coach on the day of our birth. What I found was that Kelly was all that and more. The most surprising part of my experience was the ongoing support throughout my pregnancy. Kelly regularly checked in with me after doctors appointments and just helped me troubleshoot everyday issues such as nutrition and exercise within pregnancy. Kelly's encouragement to me was powerful, as my second pregnancy also did not go exactly the way I hoped. She helped empower me to advocate and not give up on my hopes for this birth, in spite of the things that had come up in pregnancy. I did end up with an induction, which was not my hope, and even with the induction Kelly's support allowed me to carry on to the point where I was able to deliver my daughter naturally, which I no longer believed was possible in the context of an induction. Kelly was fun to have in the delivery room, many times helping me laugh to help lighten the mood. She was also strong and deeply encouraging. I will never have another baby without her!

Kelly was an amazing doula to me for the birth of my daughter! My birth experience did not go as I was hoping, but Kelly's support and encouragement made a huge difference and made the experience much more positive! She took turns with my husband pressing on my hips during every contraction, let me squeeze her hand, was a support person for my husband, prayed for me when things got really tough, came in the middle of the night and stayed until morning, texted and called me before and after the birth and always let me know she was there for me, and was so supportive when I was not at my best. I don't think I could have gotten through that birth experience without Kelly. Kelly is very knowledgable about birth, labor positions, comfort techniques, and breastfeeding. Kelly is an awesome doula!