Words can’t express the impact Kathleen had on our entire journey — pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. First, Kathleen provided very critical advice during pregnancy about taking care of baby and me during pregnancy and preparing my body for labor. Kathleen was always available to answer even the most minor question during pregnancy — it was much easier to ask her than call my doctor. Then, when the big day came, Kathleen was instrumental. I did everything I could to have a non-induced vaginal birth. But 2 weeks before my due date, I had to be induced, showing signs of preeclampsia. Kathleen calmed me down after hearing that news and got me focused on what was to come. She helped my husband and me through hours of unmediated labor with pitocin-induced contractions and was extremely encouraging when I decided to get the epidural. Then she guided us through hours more of labor and 3 hours of pushing only to find out that I couldn’t deliver the baby vaginally. Once again, she calmed me down and reminded me that while I didn’t want to have a Cesarean birth that it was a gift to my daughter. After surgery, she helped me breastfeed for the first time. She checked on me all week and made a follow up visit to my house at the end of the week. We discussed healing from surgery and scar healing, as well as my mental health, and she set up a follow up for 6 weeks later. In the interim, she continued to check in on me and was so supportive. At the 6 week appointment, she helped me with scar healing and so much more. I would highly recommend Kathleen for any type of birth you want to have and any birth you may end up having. Kathleen helped me begin to understand that my birth journey — while it did not happen the way I wanted — was a totally valid birth. In short, Kathleen is full of love and support and provides a few laughs along the way. I am truly grateful that Kathleen came into my life as my doula.