After experiencing a traumatic first birth, I decided this birth would be different. My primary goal was to minimize complications. I discovered that doula support of laboring moms were more likely to spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter by about 40 minutes and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth.

In other words, maybe a doula could redeem my first birth experience. Maybe, I could be intentional about my labor and delivery instead of just ignorantly allowing my labor and delivery to happen to me. After several personal recommendations and interviews, I connected best with Kristalyn Clinton. She walked me through a birth plan and for the first time ever, I felt like I was empowered for birth.

Despite an induction with pitocin, I managed an unmedicated birth with no perineal tears for me and a healthy baby. I will hire Kristalyn again. Practically speaking, her performance as a doula was spot on, and met my expectations. I doubted my ability to labor without medication. Kristalyn empowered me to listen to my body and explore the space of birth with curiosity and grace. She gave me the judgement free support to choose whatever I needed whenever I needed it. If I wanted an epidural, that would have been perfect too. My husband and I were able to remain connected as a team with her guidance. Her goal was my goal: create the best birth day ever. In doing so, this birth redeemed every grief, trauma, and fear I’ve harbored for eight years. I couldn’t have done this without her. Our whole family is thankful to her and her service to moms.