We weren't sure about hiring a postpartum doula but decided to do so because of the pandemic. It turned out to be the best decision we made! Kathleen was absolutely wonderful, and a great fit for us as a family. In choosing a postpartum doula, it was very important to us to find someone who was pro-vaccines and generally pro-science, as well as who would support us however the birth turned out (for example, if a c-section was necessary, or if breastfeeding didn't work out. I also wanted someone who would support my decision to have an epidural). Kathleen checked all of these boxes -- and so much more. She has such a wonderful, calming manner. As first time parents, we were worried about so many things, and just clueless about others. She helped us in so many ways, both with practical infant care things and with larger, more abstract things, like talking through how motherhood pulls on your sense of self. I also was so grateful for her help with breastfeeding, and with negotiating some feeding issues with our daughter. Early on, our baby wasn't gaining enough weight, which was incredibly stressful. But Kathleen always helped us figure out workable solutions to nursing + pumping, as well as think through what the next steps might be, so I felt prepared when we were meeting with the pediatrician.
Working with Kathleen made our first week home with the baby so much more peaceful and happy, rather than stressful, and she was so helpful in the following weeks and months as well. Just knowing we could set up an appointment if we needed it was so reassuring. She is a wonderful postpartum doula and I highly recommend her!