Kristen Shorey

Kristen was truly a godsend. I had a traumatic birth with my first, and I knew I wanted (needed) doula support with my second birth experience. I couldn’t be more glad I chose to go down this path with her by my side. She was so attentive checking in with me in the final weeks leading up to my “due date,” she was there for every false alarm, and encouraged me with ways to help baby and my body be more prepared for birth. My labor was really short (which was unexpected because I had a loooong labor the first time) and she dropped everything to be with me immediately. Things progressed so quickly that my son had to come to the hospital with us, which meant my husband couldn’t be fully present (ahem, he almost missed our baby being born) and she was exactly the support that I needed. She truly has the kindest soul, and I’m so thankful not only to have had her as a doula, but to have gained a friend. I would choose her over and over again!

During pregnancy, Kristen provided workbooks to help my partner and I actively prepare for birth, postpartum, and everything in between. A friend of mind raved about how she wished she had a resource like that when preparing for her first birth! The atmosphere Kristen created in our birth space was truly magical. Kristen brought an array of props for the hospital room that transformed it into a space of serenity; I cannot emphasize enough how much these small details changed the entire experience for me during labor! Immediately postpartum, Kristen consistently checked in on our family. We met with her within the first week of having our daughter and it was so beautiful to reflect on the birth and catch up. Kristen played such an invaluable role throughout my pregnancy and I truly cannot thank/recommend her enough!!!

The absolute best doula. When a complete previa made my birthing plans go out the window and i had to have a C section she got right to work doing all the research to make sure i had the most knowledge to make informed decisions every step of the way. She was right there with me and my husband the entire time and even took some great photos. Loved every second of my 9 months getting to know her.

If you're considering hiring Kristen as a doula for your birth, I highly recommend her! My husband and I are so glad we decided to hire her for the birth of our daughter. She is full of knowledge about all things pregnancy/birth/postpartum. We couldn't have asked for a better doula! If you're wanting a doula who is supportive, experienced, kind, caring and who goes above and beyond, then you will want to hire Kristen!

I was pregnant with my 4th baby, new to the area, and very unsettled with my care providers. I hadn't had a doula with my other births, but I knew I needed one with this birth. I found Kristen via Facebook and I immediately felt so safe and relaxed with her! She made space for my emotions and frustrations with my providers while being such an encouragement and resource. I made a big change at 30 weeks pregnant to a home birth and the whole pregnancy vibe changed! Kristen was the biggest cheerleader and she helped calm any of my nerves in those last weeks before the birth. She also kept me sane in the final weeks of waiting for a 41 week arrival of my last baby! My labor started pretty quickly and ramped up fast. I remember calling her and saying I felt terrified that I wouldn't accomplish this birth because things were so intense only a few hours after contractions started! She hurried to our home and she talked me through my railroad labor as we waited for the midwives. Repeatedly, she reassured me that I could do this and my body knew what it was doing. She got my rug covered and she gloved up because baby was crowning and the midwives weren't quite there yet! Baby's head was delivered as my midwife walked in the door! I remember Kristen asking if I wanted to catch baby and I told her that she could catch her for me. Kristen was such a beautiful resource and help through my whole pregnancy, catching my sweet girl, and supporting me through postpartum.

For my first pregnancy/birth, having a doula was completely out of our budget and I got in my head a lot because the pain from the contractions really consumed me. By the end of my first labor, I reached a point where I just wanted to give up. Having Kristen at my second birth was a total game changer. I felt so prepared for my whole pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Having her check in throughout my pregnancy kept me sane, especially when my baby was born two weeks later than I had imagined she would be. My labor was very fast and intense but Kristen brought such a calming presence and helped me surrender to my contractions by applying counter pressure to my back and reducing the distractions in my environment. When my baby was born before my midwife arrived, Kristen kept her calm as I gave birth with just her and my husband in the room. Having her there to support me made me feel so empowered and so capable. If I can have Kristen at every single one of my births, I will.

I cannot put into words how grateful I am for Kristen and the spirit of peace and motherhood that accompanied us in the birth of our first child! Kristen provided education, resources, and was the calm my husband and I both needed for the last few weeks of pregnancy, our birth (which was a wildly beautiful homebirth), and first few weeks of postpartum! She IS the gift I wish all mamas had during this most wonderful and challenging transition of a women's life. The care received after birth was unmatched from any care I've ever received and am so thankful for the joyful experience that was achieved while working with Kristen as our doula and friend.

There are so many decisions that we make regarding pregnancy and childbirth. I have no doubt that our best decision we made was to hire Kristen to be our doula. At first, we were hesitant about the idea of sharing one of the most intimate moments of our lives with anyone else, but the moment we met Kristen, that all changed. My husband and I both walked away from that first interview gushing about how much we already loved her, and how perfect she was. I could just tell that she was exactly the kind of person I could trust and count on during this vulnerable time in my life. I looked forward to each of our visits, being able to go over so much helpful information with her. She was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, and thanks to her, I went through my entire pregnancy feeling extremely informed and full of confidence. When the big day arrived, things didn't go quite as expected due to circumstances beyond our control. I can't even begin to imagine what that day might have looked like had it not been for Kristen being there. No matter what was going on, she always found a way to bring a much needed calm back to my birth space. She was there to encourage and reassure me and my husband every step of the way. She knew exactly what I needed at each moment, and she was so good at helping my husband know how to help me and when to help me. When I look back on that day, I can't picture it without Kristen there. They say doulas are birth angels, and that couldn't be more true about Kristen. I will forever be thankful that she was there to help us welcome our baby boy into the world. If we are blessed with more children, I will without a doubt want Kristen to be there. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts. If you're considering getting a doula, you will not find a better one than Kristen, and I promise it will be the best decision you make during this very special time in your life.

ok guys, regardless if it's your first or your fifth child there are probably some things your partner may decide she needs that we don't exactly understand. If I can give unsolicited advice, Kristen is the total package that you both need. Even if your partner hasn't looked into the benefits of a doula, believe me when I say it will be just as much a benefit for you as her. Kristen heightened our experience as my wife and I agreed to birth our first naturally. Kristen was prepared with techniques that I would have never thought of and this allowed me to focus more on my wife and the experience of our beautiful boy and less on the unknown that creates anxiety that isn't benificial for our precious boy. Kristen fit perfectly into our intimate moments and long before it was over, I felt Kristen  become part of our tribe. She will forever be part of an experience that frankly...well, just can't be described by the English language. In fact, I couldn't even give a review to her abilities because reviews aren't justice for what she does. No amount of stars will justify her worth. So here is my testimony. Kristen has reminded me the importance of and how to love my wife and continues to be apart of our story postpartum as needs change. Kristen is a blessing that no training video and article in the latest baby book can substitue. Remove the anxiety of birth and replace it with love and let this amazing professional show you the way!

My fiancé and I were SO blessed to have Kristen as our doula. Being first time parents, we had so many questions through our journey. Kristen was so prompt at responding and always so helpful. Labor went so smoothly with her, she was prepared in every way. Down to the fan when I got hot! To this day, she checks in and still is there to answer any questions I may have about myself and the baby. I could not have asked for a better doula.