First Time Mom 9lb Baby If you are hoping to have a…read morewonderful home birth experience with a midwife who is both very professional & knowledgeable but also makes you feel like you're talking to your best friend you can trust and not just another doctor Karen is the Woman for you! I was always interested in having a homebirth since having my own bad experiences in hospitals. After seeing my mom friends have bad birth experiences in hospitals that interest quickly formed determination, I just didn't know how to go about it. Thankfully after posting on a local facebook group I was recommended Karen by name not just by one person but several people. I Always pictured myself finding someone Who was holistically minded whom I could learn from and very quickly when first speaking with her I realized Karen was exactly that. I'm so thankful we picked Karen for our home birth because my labor was not easy it was 30 hours long and I was not exactly the zen primal birther I had hoped to be I was throwing up crying and down right exhausted for the latter half of my birth and thinking omg how am I going to get this baby out who do I think I am?? But Karen was on top of it she coached me through the hardest parts and gave me and my perineum the support we desperately needed! Because of her I had an incredible birth that has empowered me so much through this postpartum period. I don't think I would've been able to labor and birth at home without her knowledge and quick action.

Karen is absolutely amazing at what she does. She truly cares about her clients and is so committed…read moreto giving you the birth you desire. Her knowledge is unmatched by any physician I have encountered. She goes above and beyond for you throughout your whole pregnancy. The support I received from her after birthing my first child was immense. She was there to answer or support me through any milestone. My husband was so amazed at the care we received and said "she will deliver all our future children". Karen is an amazing Midwife and woman, I would recommend her a million times over.

I was discharged from Mission the night Helene hit, which is why this review has taken so dang…read morelong! But very much overdue. Jessica is the very best. This is not hyperbole. She was more than just my intrepid advocate, she was sleeves up doing more than even the nurses, I swear. My baby was sunnyside up and would not come out. Jessica did everything in her power to get her out without having to give up. Jess was everywhere all at once, coaching me, cheering, changing positions, making sure I was heard when I wanted to go down on my epidural. She even took gorgeous photos to boot! After having such a tempestuous postpartum, I am *so* happy I had Jess by my side to make the birth a perfect one. I am incredibly grateful to her. I don't know how I got so lucky!

As first-time parents and new to Asheville, seeking the support and care of a reputable doula was…read moreimportant to us. We couldn't be more grateful that we found Kooshlie Care. Jessica and Chai were key to our positive birth experience. Our pre-natal visits were informative and comforting as we developed our birth plan, and they provided immediate responses via text to questions we had about varying aspects of pregnancy and labor/delivery. We also took advantage of Kooshlie's Childbirth, Boob, and Bootie Camps, all of which were extremely informative for first-time parents. On the day, Chai met us at the hospital and stayed by our side. She helped us work through the many questions L&D threw our way and provided hands-on care during contractions, which helped immensely. Now one month post-partum, we could not imagine navigating this experience without them. We will definitely seek support from Jessica and Chai again with our second child and would recommend both of them in a heartbeat for anyone expecting a little one.

There are hardly words to describe how amazing Labors of Love is. Linda is a fantastic, caring…read moremidwife who clearly loves what she does. She helped me bring my second son into the world yesterday morning from the comfort of a birthing pool in my bedroom. She was the most encouraging presence during labor and never once made me feel stressed out or worried. I cannot thank Linda enough for the support she provided for me during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I cannot recommendation this place enough. The birth center is beautiful if you decide to use it rather than having a homebirth.

From the owner: We're experts in normal birth…read more The Labors of Love Birth Center was conceived, labored over and birthed to meet a growing need of families in the upstate of South Carolina and surrounding counties of North Carolina. Our midwives had practiced in homes over the past 11 years, but were getting calls from women who did not want to be in the hospital to give birth, but were not desirous of home births. These were young educated women who often contacted us after they had done hours of research on their own and had finally found what they were looking for; someone who would respect their opinions, provide them with resource and then give them options on where and how to birth. Research was done, a plan was launched, permits were acquired, a building was secured and renovations began. We were able to now have the best of both worlds, a home-like environment and easy access to medical facilities should they become necessary.

Kirsten is an absolute angel and I would recommend her to any and every mama in the upstate. She…read morestayed up with me for days and nights on end. She knew just what I needed when I needed it - offering counterpressure, words of encouragement and solicited advice and education, snacks, water, and recommendations for other professionals in her network that may be able to help me (i.e. chiropractic, pelvic floor therapy, lactation, etc.) With this being my second birth and first with the support of a doula, I can say with confidence that having a birthing team you trust is fundamental for a positive experience. I switched providers and hired a Kirsten at 33 weeks to have the care and support team I wanted, needed, and deserved and I truly believe that had Kirsten not been a part of my birthing team, my VBAC experience would not have been possible (as in, I would have had a cesarean). If you are on the fence about hiring Kirsten, pull. the. trigger!! She is the best of the best and you deserve that, mama.

I would highly recommend Kirsten Freeman​​ as a doula! She is very caring and knowledgeable. Even…read morethough I have another child, there were things I never knew about pregnancy and birth. When the time came, she was by her phone and then in the hospital! Very professional!!!

My experience with Labors of Love was incredible. As a first time mom and new to the area from CA,…read moreI was pretty nervous about all things; choosing a midwife, a birthing center, type of care, etc. I am so happy I chose Linda. She is extremely nurturing, caring, knowledgeable, followed my lead in all aspects and was delightful to be around. My water birth was at the center was amazing and the atmosphere was very peaceful and I loved going to Linda's Greenville office for prenatal visits. I was excited to go every appointment.

Linda is truly a blessing. I will always be grateful for the education and support that she…read moreprovided to me during my pregnancy and birth and postpartum experiences. I high recommend her and Labors of Love to all the Mommas who want an informed and empowered birth!

I can't even put into words the love , support and dedication I experienced with Taylor!…read moreUnfortunately we did not get to deliver with her due to having a miscarriage at 20 weeks, however she was willing to miss a workshop she has paid for and needed for her career as a doula. That right there should say it all ! Our visits leading up to it she answered all my questions, she listened to my concerns but more importantly made me excited about birth even after having a traumatic birth with my previous child! She made it very clear this was my birth and wanted the birthing plan to be everything my husband and I wanted! However the one thing that ment the most is she took time out to check on us not just before upcoming appointments she kept track of but after our miscarriage we had to deliver out sweet baby boy. She wanted to know every detail that we were willing to share and was ok with the ones we wanted to leave out. She guided us to support groups and encouraged us that she was just a text or phone call away. I look forward to getting to experience her in the labor and delivery room when our time comes again she is a 100 out of 10 in my book ! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Stephanie was so helpful during my pregnancy, she was very supportive and always kept in touch and…read moreso knowledgeable. I was extremely nervous since this was my first pregnancy and thanks to her my delivery went so smooth, she helped me with breathing, yoga positions and this helped me stay calm. I highly recommend her and I will definitely be using her for my next pregnancy!!!

From the owner: At the heart of Soul Purpose Doula is the belief that every birth is a sacred event, a testament to…read moreGod’s love and creativity. We strive to create an environment where mothers feel spiritually uplifted, emotionally supported, and physically prepared for the incredible experience of childbirth and beyond. Our approach is holistic, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each mother and her family. We are committed to walking alongside you through this extraordinary journey, offering unwavering support and guidance. Our services are tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you feel empowered, cherished, and connected throughout the process. We honor your birth and postpartum preferences, respecting your voice and advocating for your wishes.

Karen and Jeff were such joys to learn from during my pregnancy last year. As first-time parents…read morewho wanted to have a home birth, as well as approach prenatal care more holistically, Birth Empowered was better than we ever could've imagined. Given that Karen and Jeff have had several natural births together, their wisdom was clear and empowering. In the end, we had the home birth we'd planned for, with my husband catching our baby. Our assistant midwife and doula both approached us afterward to tell us that they'd never experienced such a prepared couple before, and they'd been to hundreds of births! Take this course! You won't regret it!

Karen and Jeff are an excellent instructional team. They have decades of experience birthing…read morechildren together and teaching others to do the same. Their classes are fun and engaging and will prepare you to advocate for the birth you want. They will also equip you with the physical and mental tools you need let go and birth your baby. The money you spend on birth education will benefit you for this birth and for every birth in your future.

Molly has been like an oracle for me during postpartum. She's given me incredible breastfeeding…read moresupport while also nourishing me with her epically delicious lactation cookies. Everything she makes tastes intentional -- wholesome, comforting, and truly made with love. Knowing how much passion and knowledge she has about ingredients and clean eating gives you complete confidence in every bite. Beyond breastfeeding support (and feeding me well), she's also been such a valuable resource through so many new motherhood challenges -- formula questions, sleep struggles for both me and the baby, teething, different daycare and schooling philosophies, and even thoughtful conversations about how culture shapes the way we parent. Her wisdom, warmth, and genuine care have made such a difference in my postpartum experience.

I met with Molly for a Birth Story Listening and was so gratefully surprised at the healing impact…read moreand lasting support this one session has given me. Molly is a gentle, clear, deep guide. She is a great listener and gave me space while helping me uncover fears and patterns that until exploring with her I just didn't understand. If you are feeling weighed down, confused, lost, or lonely as a mother, I can't recommend Molly enough. I am continuing to coach with her virtually. Her resources for new mothers are vast and meaningful.