The Dad's Perspective:

"Karla was a life-saver.  She made us both feel very comfortable with her attention to detail and supportive attitude in our early meetings.  Once we were in labor, from the minute she arrived at our apartment, she was able to help Ayumi work through contractions, in ways that I was not able to despite our 24 hours worth of Bradley classes.  She was really able to get Ayumi to focus and she could immediately feel how much easier it was with Karla's help.  At the hospital she protected Ayumi's physical and emotional space throughout the labor.  She stayed on top of how we were progressing and explored different approaches as the labor stretched to almost 24 hours.  Karla helped us achieve exactly what we wanted, a healthy natural birth, despite the inevitable pressures and distractions from the hospital.  I don't know how we could have done it without her."

Ron, papa to Nina

VBAC Success Story:
"I had really high expectations working with a doula.  When I met Karla not only did she meet my expectations but she left an imprint on my life that became a beautiful experience for me. From our first meeting to our last Karla has been so helpful and informative about birthing.  As a VBAC patient it was very hard to find the right supporting cast. By working with Karla, she gave me hope with her always positive energy and dedication in making my birthing experience a beautiful one. Everything started as "you can do this" when she would speak to me which gave me motivation and courage that I needed. Having a negative C-section experience previously, this time I wanted a natural birthing experience. I knew I needed a doula who could assist/guide me and that's exactly what she did. I was traumatized from my past birthing experience, but Karla was always there to guide me whereas my doctor never did. Karla was a great decision my husband and I made.  I always speak to my pregnant friends about her and the level of passion she has in making another person's experience as positive as possible. Karla is a true professional, and WE (newborn included) highly recommend her."

Ayesha, mama to Haleema

"I can't recommend Karla highly enough! She was such an important part of my birthing experience. Throughout my pregnancy, Karla was a supportive and empowering presence. I felt that she really respected the wishes I had for my labor and delivery and helped me create a birth plan to honor that. She is a wonderful combination of smart, confident, calm, nurturing and strong. In labor, she coached me through the pain of contractions with clear and calming words and soothing actions. I trusted her completely and was amazed by how my labor seemed to accelerate with her coaching. She knows her stuff! She also got my partner involved and they both worked together so fluidly (much to my benefit!), as if they had known each other for years. Before my pregnancy, I would not have predicted that a doula would play such an important role in my delivery. Now I can't imagine the experience without her! I'll be forever grateful to Karla for guiding my daughter peacefully into the world."

Isabel, mama to Paloma

"Finding a doula for my first pregnancy was a daunting task. We were looking for someone to guide us through the most personal and monumental experience of our lives.  From the start, Karla brought the perfect balance of comfortability and professionalism that put us both at ease. When Nat and I met Karla we knew right away that she was the one. Thanks to Karla's techniques and coaching I was able to have the labor experience I wanted.  On the day of my birth, Karla had given me the necessary tools and knowledge to know what was happening to my body. As labor intensified, Karla came to our home and helped set a positive tone that carried us throughout the experience. She knew when it was time to go to the hospital, and she was right. I was fully dilated when we arrived.  There, in my birth room, she helped us create and maintain a calm space which we always felt in control of. She was instructional when helping Nat navigate communication with the hospital staff, always sensing when she was needed. Weeks later, she also, somewhat magically, helped our baby latch for the first time.  Karla helped me feel calm, empowered and focused throughout the process. And it was a beautiful process."

Melanie, mama to Pia

I cannot recommend having Karla as your doula highly enough - we had a truly wonderful experience with her this fall. We were thrilled to have someone in the birthing suite who was there only to help us, not tied to the hospital's policies or ideals, with no agenda except to help us have the best experience we could have. I honestly cannot sing her praises enough. She helped us with our anxiety, our preparation, and basically was our guide and cheerleader through labor and delivery. Other little touches that I remember fondly include aromatherapy, massage, and offering a straw when even sipping water seemed too much. After our son was born, she was there the next day to offer further support with breastfeeding and recovery.

Jessica, mama to Ethan

“Although the popularly desired outcome is ‘healthy mother, healthy baby,’ I think there is room in that equation for ‘happy, non-traumatized, empowered and elated mother and baby.’” – Ashley Booth Young