I would highly, highly recommend Kymm Ann, for both doula services and massage. I had both with her, and they were wonderful experiences. She is warm and friendly as well as very knowledgeable and determined to help you with whatever issue you may have--all while radiating a peaceful, loving serenity. Just the kind of person you'd want helping you care for your baby, and to have around in those crazy times, whether it's labor or postpartum! And her massages are divine. I have a bit of a different story than the other reviewers. I was having twins, and I had no chance of having a natural birth because I'd had previous abdominal surgery, and also my babies weren't head down. It was a scheduled c-section for me. So I didn't need a labor doula, but I wanted help after having the babies. They were my first, and I knew nothing about babies! So we hired her for postpartum assistance. I'm so glad we did! Kymm Ann was invaluable. She came over before the birth and advised us on the essential stuff we needed to make sure to get--glider chair, rocking chair, Pack n' Play, etc. I had one prenatal massage with her, and it was wonderful. I couldn't lie on my back at that point because I was so big that it was too uncomfortable, so she worked with me to have me lie on my side, and provided bolsters so I was comfortable. It was heavenly. I had another massage with her a few months after giving birth, and that massage was amazing, too. In the first weeks after having the twins, Kymm Ann provided advice, counseling, materials, support, and relief. She would take the babies for awhile so I could try and get some rest, and she'd do a little light housework, as well. I felt supremely confident in her ability to care for my newborns while I took some time to try to nap. She was not intimidated by having to take care of two! She's super competent, and she really knows babies. She'd give me a little massage and leave me to try and get some sleep. She was a godsend. As I said, she really knows babies, but she knows moms, too. When the babies screamed the first two nights after bringing them home, she said, "We've got to figure out what's going on with your milk." She made arrangements for an appointment at the Lactation Center, and it turned out I wasn't producing much. I would never have known to do that on my own! When we supplemented the babies' food, they were different babies--content (for the most part) and happy. Thank god Kymm Ann knew that's what was happening! When we wanted a copy of The Happiest Baby on the Block (essential!), she got one to us. I could go on. Kymm Ann was crucial to my ability to function as a new mom of twins. She gave me crucial breaks, and I learned so much from her--and enjoyed just hanging out and chatting during downtimes, as well. I'd choose her again in a heartbeat. read more

My husband and I hired Kymm Ann for the birth of our first child last year, and I am so glad we did. I interviewed a lot of doulas, and just immediately felt a warm and comfortable connection with Kymm Ann. I am a very private person and wasn't sure I wanted to have anyone at the birth besides my husband, but was also nervous about what labor would be like and was thinking about having a natural childbirth. Kymm Ann is very open and non-judgmental and really listened to me to help me plan for and achieve the birth I wanted (even though I couldn't really articulate it, since it was my first time!). We met a few times before the birth, and she shared some books and videos with me to help me prepare. She was involved by phone from the first signs of prelabor. Then she came and labored with me before we went to the hospital, and it was wonderful to have someone knowledgeable there to help me relax and help us decide when to go to the hospital. Then she stayed in the hospital with us until 3 am, long enough to get us started with breastfeeding. One of the best parts is that she is an incredible massage therapist. She gave me wonderful prenatal and postpartum massages, and during labor she spent hours working on my lower back with her magic fingers. She knows exactly where and how to press to relieve the painful pressure that builds up. I felt so lucky to have her there. A couple months later, we took an infant massage class with her, and I think all the massage really helped my baby ease into this world and be more comfortable in his own skin. For the prenatal and postpartum massages, she has these special cushions that fit around your awkward body and make you feel totally comfortable and almost weightless (even at 8.5 months pregnant). I was so relieved, because I had gotten other "prenatal" massages that just arranged regular pillows and had you in awful positions, and I hated them. Kymm Ann also interfaced really well with everyone at the hospital (Sutter). The nurses and doctors seemed to appreciate having her there and respected her as a professional. She put together a wonderful little book recanting my birth story that she gave me during a postpartum visit. It is really nice to look back over all those little details that would be forgotten. I highly recommend Kymm Ann as a doula, a massage therapist, or both. She is a very special person that came into our lives at a special time, and help shape my son's birth into an incredible and empowering experience that I remember fondly. read more

Kymm Ann was recommended to me by another doula, and I am so incredibly glad she was. She was a great resource throughout my pregnancy, answering questions, loaning books, recommending practitioners at my request (acupuncture, placenta encapsulation), drafting a birth plan and providing an amazing massage. Although I was nervous about labor I felt confident that Kymm Ann would support me in whatever would come. She did exactly that and was fantastic during my labor. The nurses seemed very comfortable with her and, despite being in a hospital, it felt like we were at home since the three of us (including my husband) were left alone for long stretches. Kymm Ann was calm and very helpful, providing options for different positions and working with my husband to ensure that I was as cared for as possible. He was so thankful for her support and having here there enabled him to help me and absorb the experience in a way that would not have been possible without her. Kymm Ann took copious notes during the labor and it was so nice to receive them afterward. I forgot a lot of the labor and it is very sweet to have everything documented. She even took some photos during labor and immediately post birth that are a treasured reminder of such a special time for us. Kymm Ann's post natal support was also fantastic. She came to our home twice and was also available by phone to answer questions. She was very helpful in providing lactation hints in addition to suggesting ways for us to transition into life with a baby. If I were to have another baby there is no doubt that I would utilize Kymm Ann again. She is a gift to our family and the birthing community. read more

Kymm Ann helped with the delivery of our first child when I decided to go for a natural child birth. We found her only two weeks before my due date. Hiring Kymm Ann was the best decision for us. I had an unusually long labor where I had labor pains for 6 days. Kymm Ann was always available over the phone, texting or emailing. In our prenatal meetings, Kymm Ann was very knowledgeable and asked for my preferences for child birth and demonstrated some of the positioning techniques that she may use if needed. Sure enough during my labor, my baby's position was a little off. Kymm Ann helped by using numerous positioning techniques. Once I went into active labor, Kymm Ann was by my side at home and then at the hospital for about 32 hours. She has a soft spoken and lively personality that was very comforting to both me and my husband. She helped me stay on track with my decision for natural child birth when I was on the verge to give up. But at the same time she never forbade medical interventions at times when they were absolutely needed. She always discussed and asked for my preference before making any suggestions. Thanks to her I had a beautiful natural delivery in the end. She took beautiful pictures for us right after birth and continued to provide her support for breast feeding and post natal care after my delivery. I will be forever grateful to have Kymm Ann help us through this journey. read more

When I made the decision to have a natural childbirth, my husband and I thought it would be best to have a birth doula present to provide support. Kymm Ann was recommended to us by a lactation nurse at Sutter and she proved to be much more than just a support person. We met several times before labor to get to know each other and she helped us figure out our birth plan. I went into labor in the middle of the night and Kymm Ann was by my side for twelve hours. She was an incredible help to me and my husband during both labor and delivery. I was so impressed by her calm, gentle reassurance. She eased my initial fears and offered suggestions to help with the pain during active labor. She never had an ego and I could tell that the nurses were happy to have her there supporting me. After the birth of our baby she came to our home and we recalled our incredible birth experience. She offered assistance with breast feeding and gave me suggestions on some great community resources that offer support for new moms. I am so glad that I opted to have a natural birth with a doula. Kymm Ann helped me through the most empowering experience of my life. I would strongly suggest having a birth doula, and without hesitation would recommend Kymm Ann. read more

I feel very blessed I was able to have Kymm Ann' support during my pregnancy, labor and the delivery of my baby boy. She was referred to me by my obgyn and her knowledge and experience was evidente after we attended her birth classes. Besides being an amazing doula, she has a great personality that is very calming and comforting, but assuring at the same time. Her presence definitely helped to make my vbac possible. Kymm Ann's recommendations made me feel very confident that labor was going in the right direction, even during the most painful hours. Everything happened as planned. Kymm Ann was able to assist me during delivery and still take great pictures at the same time. She was also very supportive during postpartum meetings, and besides that, her massage is great! I highly recommend Kymm Ann and will definitely want her support again if I'm fortunate enough to have more kids. read more

I am truly grateful to have had Kymm Ann's support as a birth doula. We met before the birth a couple of times and she helped me to formulate the birth plan. She is very knowledgeable, and was absolutely invaluable during my 46 hour long labor. She knew exactly what to say to encourage me, and how to channel strength and positivity, which I really needed during a difficult two days. In the end, I had a vaginal delivery, and my recovery was relatively quick. I will always treasure the beautiful pictures she took of my newborn baby and the birth story she wrote. She came to see us a couple of times after the birth and her calm presence and understanding was deeply reassuring during my postpartum days when I was especially tired and stressed. I cannot recommend her enough. read more

Kymm Ann was amazing during our birth process! She made all of our wishes come true during our journey and then some. She helped us prepare by doing some meetings ahead of time and giving us reading material that related to the things that were important to us during our labor. She is so knowledgable about this entire process. I felt so at ease being under her care she gently guided us through the birthing process and helped my husband and I be a team as well as documented the birth for our keep sake. Kymm Ann we can't thank you enough. Our premature son got off to an amazing start because of you. Kymm Ann is worth every penny you will spend. She is priceless. If you want a doula that is experienced, knowledgable, a good coach, and a good listener she is your gal. read more

My husband and I took Kymm Ann's birth class "Birthing From Within" and it was for sure a highlight of the 3rd trimester. As a labor and delivery RN, a doula, and a mom herself - Kymm Ann is SO knowledgable. She has a way of being that is calm and open while also being very funny, real and candid. She's not afraid to tell it like it is, and does so from a very non judgmental place. Our weekly classes totally helped prepare us for not just the labor, but also the postpartum phase. The class was very encouraging and supportive to the dads too, and I loved having other couples to share questions with and learn along side. I was unsure if we "needed" to take this class, and I am so glad we did, I can't imagine our labor without it. read more

Kymm Ann is everything you could hope for in a support system for your birth. She has a clear and loving presence that does not take away from the intimacy of the moment for the mother and partner. She seamlessly became part of our team, asking all of the right questions, and guiding us through the entire experience. Her vast experience and knowledge were so helpful in navigating the process. She gave me confidence in making it through natural childbirth and was a very important support to my husband. She does it all with love, honesty, and humor. She clearly loves her job and does it well. Kymm Ann is an exceptional doula, so much so that we have her on board for our second baby due in September. read more

Kymm Ann was wonderful as our doula. When trying to decide if I should hire a doula I consulted many moms. Not one person who had a doula regretted it. A few moms regretted not having a doula, so I figured it was something I should do. We interviewed quite a few doulas. Kymm Ann had so much experience and a wonderful calm energy it was very reassuring. She gave my husband what he needed to be there for me. He could focus on what I needed. He didn't need to worry about the nurses or be concerned about what was happening. That allowed me to focus. Our birth went very smoothly and without Kymm Ann I can imagine a different result. I'm so glad she was there for us. read more

I am the proud father of a little boy and thanks to Kymm Ann my partner and I had a wonderful experience. Her warmth and knowledge guide us through the birth process and this made our experience very memorable. Kymm radiated good energy and she knew how to deal with the medical staff in difficult situations. As my friend said to me "The Doula is worth the moola," and definitely Kymm is worth that and more. read more

Bringing Kymm Ann on board the journey of child birth & our postpartum adventure was & continues to be a true gift from the universe! She is kind, warm, nurturing, funny, supportive, & resourceful. Her massage skills were key to me being able to, mostly, stick to our birth plan. We cannot recommend her enough or say enough awesome stuff about her! read more