Kirsten was everything I needed in a doula. She led me to help muster up the strength and courage I needed to experience my labor. When I went into labor, I felt very confused about where I was at which was not what I was expecting but once Kirsten came over, she really kicked it into active labor physically and helped guide me emotionally that aided the progress. She and my husband switched off with massaging me, doing counter pressure and supporting my contractions. I felt so supported the entire time. If you are wondering if you really need to hire a doula, my opinion is yes. Having her there to communicate with my midwife, leading me through my contractions at home, and being able to support my spouse as well was invaluable. After birth, she ran out and got us some food. She always knew what we needed next and how to take care of it. Postpartum, she was helpful with breastfeeding and answering all my questions about our newborn. She also took photos throughout the birth that were so beautiful and am so thankful to have. Highly recommend Kirsten!

When I was laboring at home, our doula called to tell us she was at a different birth and wouldn't be able to come. Instead, she said she was going to send her backup doula, Kirsten, who we had never met. Kirsten walked through the door of our home and immediately provided a sense of calm. She took control in a way that was so supportive and my husband and I felt complete confidence in her. She immediately started massaging me and didn't stop for the next 17 hours straight. Any time I felt a pain, she was right there relieving the pressure and providing intense relief. She always knew exactly the spot to get me through each stage of labor. Besides the physical support, I greatly valued her guidance and how she served as a sounding board to make decisions regarding an epidural and other interventions. There's no doubt in my mind that I would hire Kirsten for any subsequent pregnancies. I can't imagine going through labor without her! 

Meeting Kirsten marked a change in the way I viewed and anticipated birth. Before I met her, I was full of questions, doubt, and nervous anticipation. But after two hours of chatting over coffee, I was not only convinced that I needed a doula but also that Kirsten MUST be my doula. 

She gave me a starting place in so many ways. She was so real and open with her own experiences but always made clear that she would help me do whatever’s best for me.  She helped me think through what I wanted my birth to look like, then she gave me the connections to make that happen. After our first meeting, I was excited about birth for the first time, and that excitement built until the day I delivered in our very tiny East Village apartment. 

My two favorite things about Kirsten: 1) She makes herself right at home. I love the way she walks right in, grabs a pillow, and plops on the couch. Like she’s your best friend. Everything is comfortable, normal. Even when it’s a week postpartum and you’re half naked in your bed. 2) She is a selfless servant who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. From giving me water in between contractions to getting us a pizza after the baby was born to helping Eden latch to cutting up my placenta in the bathtub. Kirsten was an integral part of my pregnancy and birth, an invaluable resource, and nothing but a blessing to me. 

We feel so lucky to have had Kirsten as our doula! Her presence throughout my daughter’s birth was calming, reassuring and empowering. She was attentive from the very beginning, offering helpful advice and natural remedies to support my pregnancy and birth. When I went into labor, she was super responsive and seemed to be one step ahead of us at every turn! I especially remember her helping me establish a rhythm through my contractions and calmly calling me back to it whenever things started to feel out of control for me. (I’m sure what she remembers is squeezing my hips for hours on end. It’s amazing how much relief that gave me!) Her knowledge of policies and procedures specific to our hospital was also really helpful and reassuring at various turning points in my pregnancy and labor. Ultimately, I am so grateful to Kirsten for the knowledge, support and specialized care she provided us. I highly recommend her and would definitely want to work with her again if I have another baby!