At the risk of sounding dramatic, Wendy and Kersti have changed my life. There's no other way I know how to put it. I went into this pregnancy not knowing anything about pregnancy nor birth. I mean that - I'd never even held a baby before, and I'm in my thirties! I was nervous and knew I needed guidance. A close friend of mine referred them to me after she had her own positive experience delivering her first baby at the hospital (without an epidural). A delivery without an epidural sounded like a good idea, and if my friend can do it with their help, I felt SO COULD I! So I scheduled to meet them in person, and then Googled the definition of a doula because that's how foreign the birth world was to me. Fast forward to today, I am 3 months postpartum, and incredibly grateful to have had Wendy and Kersti there for me, as a first time mom home birth. They prepared me, a total pregnancy/birth newbie, to having a home birth! They are supportive with whatever birth plan you decide and will provide tons of resources and information to help you make an informed decision, on whatever you feel comfortable with. I appreciated that they are well balanced, and will present evidence based research, as well as speak from their own experiences, but never pushing their opinions upon you. After months of research, I made the decision to go forward with a home birth and it was the most magical experience of my life. It was relaxing, calm, stress-free, and I felt SO supported throughout my entire pregnancy journey, after birth, and ESPECIALLY during labor. Wendy was present during my labor. When she arrived it was like my guardian angel had arrived, and I was so happy to see her. She had lavender essential oils and her hands worked magic on me during the most intense contractions. The back massages helped me Soooo much and she did it for hours. She not only supported me, but also my husband, and she knew just what to say to keep me positive and relaxed, and knew how to direct my husband to help. She also took photos throughout the labor. It all happened so fast, so it was so fun to have photos to go back and relive the moments. I will cherish these photos forever. Thank you Wendy and Kersti for helping bring my baby boy to this world. I know without a doubt that I'd like them to be my doulas again for my future baby. read more

There are so many glowing reviews on here, but I feel like I have to add to the collection because my experience with Wendy and Kersti was truly life-changing. I am SO GRATEFUL for these two ladies that I just have to share my story!! We didn't hire a doula with our first child, who is now approaching his second birthday. My goal was to have an unmedicated birth and although I succeeded, the entire experience left me absolutely traumatized and panicked at the idea of having to ever go through that again. When we found out we were pregnant with our second child, I was so fearful about the birth I couldn't even speak about it without tearing up and feeling anxious all over. I had a hard time even getting excited about the pregnancy because it meant I had to give birth again, and I was terrified. This led my husband and I to being a search for a doula. My goal was once again to have an unmedicated birth, but I felt incapable of doing that without something being drastically different. Enter Wendy and Kersti. We met with this mother/daughter team over coffee and I quickly fell in love with them. Kersti had the recent experience of having given birth "without fear" herself and Wendy had this amazing mix of strength and confidence in her tone alongside a spirit of gentleness. We had met with a few other doulas in our search, but I constantly felt like they were all too soft-spoken/comforting/gentle and I needed someone a bit more direct alongside those qualities. Wendy was JUST that. :) We counted the cost as if it were a part of the hospital bill, because we knew to have the birth we wanted, it would require an investment. IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY!! Over the course of the next few months, we developed a great relationship with Wendy and Kersti. They answered all of our questions with evidence-based research that consistently put my mind at ease. They also gave me a lot of natural methods to prepare both my mind and my body for birth. It took a few months, but through conversations with th, I started to feel more confident and prepared for birth. THEN THE BIG DAY CAME! :) I started having contractions one morning about 12-15 minutes apart and that went on all day. They were mild and I wasn't sure if it was labor or not (my first child was induced), so I stayed in constant text/phone communication with Wendy throughout the day. Finally, when they started getting closer at around 3:30pm, we headed to the hospital and met Wendy in the parking lot. I can't even express to you the relief that washed over me seeing her face. This amazing woman, who had been coaching me for months, met me with a smile and confidence in that parking lot as we walked into the hospital -- almost like we were ready for the big game. We checked in and she immediately started diffusing essential oils, helping me get comfortable, massaging my feet, turning on music and fielding questions from the nurses as I went through contraction after contraction. My contractions were intensifying quickly and Wendy was RIGHT there every second of the way, offering new positions, ideas, distractions and support to keep me going. She knew exactly when she needed to intercede to help me more and when she needed to take a back seat and support my husband Dan as he came alongside me. Within 2.5 hours, I went from 4.5 centimeters to holding my sweet baby boy in my arms. I can confidently say that my birth was beautiful -- something I felt like I would never be able to say and something I contribute HUGELY to this team of incredible women. I am positive the reason I progressed so quickly and smoothly was because I felt relaxed, supported, confident and READY to deliver my baby. After feeling nothing but panic, dread and fear with my first birth, this was life-changing for me. I felt IN CONTROL and SUPPORTED my entire labor and knew I was capable of delivering my baby boy--who ended up being 9 lbs and 3 oz! We also have incredible photos of some special moments during the birth, thanks to Wendy. Whew! So much to say, and I could say more!! All that to express to you that these women are worth gold. If you are hoping to have a positive birth experience and especially if you want to do it medication-free, I would say with confidence HIRE WENDY & KERSTI! We will definitely be using them again with future kiddos! :) read more

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I feel so fortunate to be able to write a stellar review of Wendy and Kersti's doula services. I don't have the words to explain how wonderful they were during the pregnancy and birth of my second born, but here we go... From the first meeting, I knew they were a great fit for what we were looking for in a doula. They are so warm and kind and have that motherly energy that you would want during the birthing process. After the first meeting, we met with each of them at our house for education on exercises, proper positioning, childbirth, etc. Wendy also includes a myofascial release/body assessment session with her at her house. They were great in keeping in touch with me during my pregnancy to ensure that everything was going well. When my baby turned breech at 37 weeks, they were wonderful at giving me helpful advice in getting my baby to turn (and she did!). I had a home birth and it was great to be able to stay in communication with them during the early stages to help assess whether my contractions were the real thing. They came as soon as I said I needed them and it was such an amazing relief when they came and provided their warm, nurturing care when I needed it the most. From the tens unit to the aromatherapy to the counterpressure to the soothing touch and encouraging words, they helped me bring my beautiful baby girl into this world. I am forever grateful to Wendy and Kersti for being there for me and my family and encouraging me when I had very little left to give. They were so great with my husband and 3 year old son... they even occupied my son so my husband could be by my side when I needed him. They are wonderful, caring, and amazing doulas and I could not thank them enough for everything they did for us! read more

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Wendy was fantastic, and I would absolutely hire her again. She was a tremendous support during the pregnancy, during the birth itself, and then later during the first months. Wendy is super knowledgeable, has some great skills herself, and most importantly knows a lot of people. At the same time, she is a great listener, not trying to push you into anything, but rather helping you discover what's best for you. This combination helped guide my wife through all the options, connect with like-minded experts, and eventually find a fantastic midwife and do a home birth. So, while all of what Wendy did was extremely valuable (eg. body work sessions during the pregnancy, including fixing my back, or support during the birth), I think the best part is that she truly cares about you and your experience. In other words, it's about you, not about her -- she was always happy to connect us with other people who might be a better fit for something and was always ready to step aside and come back when she was needed. To me, this is rare and something I can only see and appreciate in hindsight. The result was a wonderful, life changing experience for me, and my wife, and I'm convinced that Wendy deserves a lot of credit for it. read more

What can I add that hasn't already been said?! These ladies are fantastic! I should note that I worked with Wendy almost exclusively, so the majority of this review pertains to her excellent support and services. I knew once I got pregnant with my second child that I wanted to hire a birth doula to support my wishes for a homebirth-style hospital birth. What I mean is, I wanted very few interventions and lots of freedom to make the best decisions for me and my baby -- a tough thing to accomplish at a hospital -- but with Wendy and my husband's support, I accomplished the unmedicated labor and delivery I so deeply desired (with LOTS of careful planning and intentional decisions with my care provider along the way). What I didn't realize upon hiring Wendy was how much support she also provides leading up to the birth. She was always available via text or email whenever I had a concern or needed to gain affirmation that my instincts or desires were rational. She was careful not to give medical advice, which is understandable, but was great at giving evidence-based research and personal experience to aid me in any decisions I needed to make (including any hospital policies I wanted to decline or challenge). Wendy's home visits were relaxed and unhurried and I always came away feeling positive and empowered. I also had the pleasure of getting a labor induction massage from Wendy when I was about 41 weeks along, and although it did not put me into labor, it was an extremely positive and personalized experience that left me relaxed and mentally ready to meet my baby, regardless of whether or not that meant ultimately needing a hospital induction. During the birth itself, Wendy was selfless in her care and even slept in her car so she could be nearby as my labor progressed. She supported me in ways I never knew I needed and helped my husband to support me, too. My labor was about 18 hours long and Wendy was steadfast in her commitment to me. I couldn't have accomplished my med-free labor and birth without her physical, mental, and emotional support, and I am so thankful for her! I was truly blessed to have Wendy in my corner. Kersti was on maternity leave during my third trimester and the birth, so I never met her, however our communication with one another regarding her placenta services was always prompt and courteous. I highly recommend this caring and knowledgeable mother-daughter duo as an addition to your birth team. They are committed to helping you achieve the birth you desire -- with an amazing level of support and love along the way. read more

Wendy and Kersti are a *stellar* doula team. Compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, organized, and reliable. Each of these two ladies embodies everything you'd want and need from a doula, but you get BOTH of them in this mother/daughter duo! My husband and I felt at-east and connected with Wendy and Kersti from our very first meeting. I think my 3-year-old did as well! I wasn't sure at first how the duo-doula-team thing might benefit me since they said (usually) only one of them actually attends your birth. "Well," I thought, " at least I'll know the doula who attends my birth, instead of possibly having my doula's backup have to come if my hired doula is attending another birth when I go into labor." But honestly, you get so much more than simply knowing your doula's back-up. I'd had a homebirth previously with my oldest, so I considered not hiring a doula the second time around (thinking it might be so quick I wouldn't need a doula). But Kersti and Wendy provide so very much support throughout pregnancy I was astonished and so glad I'd hired them. Each meeting is an unhurried, loving experience, they frequently check-in throughout your pregnancy, you get a free myofascial release appointment with Wendy (my husband says she has "magical hands"), and they have tons of resources for birth in general and for your specific needs (all based on what you discuss in your meetings.) My husband also felt he was unconditionally supported throughout my pregnancy as he prepared for the birth. It's important to remember that your birth team should help your partner feel calm and confident as well. You can tell these two both love what they do and the women and families they work with. Birth work is their passion and it shows. As for the birth, both the doulas and midwives arrived 15 minutes after called. This was good as my second homebirth went FAST! And yet, Wendy and Kersti's strong, stable, loving presence was absolutely felt during this fierce, fast birth. They had tricks that the doula from my first birth didn't have (like aromatherapy). And as previously mentioned they have ample resources to offer and share as things come up for you during pregnancy, during the birth itself, or in the postpartum period. They're worth every penny. (Incidentally, both Kersti and Wendy ended up being able to attend our birth...Wendy as my doula and Kersti as a an emerging birth photographer. The photos are INCREDIBLE!) When you hire these two you get so much more than someone to support you during the birth of your child...they support you emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period. And if you're like me, you won't even know you needed such comprehensive support. But women who are building, birthing, and bonding with their babies need and deserve this level of womanly attention and aid. So get at it! Go with Wendy and Kersti! read more

We had Wendy as doula for both my births. For my 1st daughter she was my back up. Since I was late by 10 days and my doula went on a break, I had Wendy attend my birth. Even though we met for a very brief period of time she was exactly the one I needed that day. My early labor started at midnight and I wasn't sure when exactly to ask Wendy to come. At 11 am, she messaged me telling she was close to my home & wanted to check on me and leave if that was okay with us. I am so glad she did.She is very intuitive, and as it turns out she was waiting at Starbucks across the street for the last 2 hours for us to give a call. Every time I had a contraction I would look directly into her eyes as she breathed with me & the contraction passed by. I wouldn't have been able to have a natural delivery if it wasn't for Wendy. The moment we told our parents we are expecting our 2nd the first request was -please have Wendy as your doula. I'm eternally thankful for her unconditional love,care & support she has provided to us as a family. She provided constant emotional support, checked in with us gave tips to deal with whatever I was facing,not just pregnancy support.She's very responsive to texts. Even at midnight on day of labor,she responded back in less than a min to our messages. After I spoke with her at 2.30 am, she was home by 2.48 am. She trusted in me, that I can handle it and provided all the support i needed. Her words of encouragement during labor were exactly what I needed to hear. All I could say is - if it wasn't for Wendy, I don't think I could have had the births I dreamt of. I recommend everyone a doula for birth and I would choose Wendy in a heartbeat. Oh, I almost forgot. When she visited for postpartum check she gifted my little's a book with a special note.I read the notes quite often, as they bring back the sweet memories. And she also captured the most precious moments of both the births.She is all a mom needs during pregnancy and at birth. read more

Well, I'm not sure what more I could add to all the glowing reviews here, but I'll just share my own personal experience. We were recommended Kersti and Wendy from our doula we used for our first pregnancy, and to be truthful, we were a little bummed our first doula wasn't available this time around. However, I was immediately put at ease from the first meeting with these two lovely ladies, I felt comfortable talking to them and had an overall good feeling moving forward. Besides being an incredible source of information to equip us for every aspect of birth preparation, labor, and postpartum, I was impressed how detailed they were in their care for us. As a harried mom of a toddler, I was feeling guilty that I wasn't doing more to prepare for this birth. Wendy and Kersti were nothing but encouraging and helped me focus on the few things I was able to do to help me prepare this time. Towards the end of my pregnancy I was flagged with gestational diabetes, which worried me, and Wendy helped me find a book to read as well as evidence-based articles. I had so much more knowledge and confidence going into appointments because of this. By 39 weeks I had an ultrasound in which the OB sent me into a panic because the ultrasound showed low amniotic fluid, and he was recommending me to go straight to the hospital to be induced. As we were waiting to hear from our midwife and doulas, I was able to do some evidence-based research on my own, and I thank Wendy and Kersti for empowering me to make my own decisions based on evidence and not just going along with routine care recommendations. In the end we chose induction after a night of rest, extra fluids and monitoring at the hospital. After I was started on pitocin in the early morning, I had several hours of early labor before I felt I needed doula support. Wendy had met with us the night before and helped put our minds at ease as well as setting us up with an essential oil diffuser and some tips for labor nudges I could try overnight. Kersti came by the late morning and calmly and gently supported me when labor became active and then more intense. Our beautiful baby boy was born in the early afternoon and I was surprised how quickly and smoothly I labored and delivered this time in spite of the induction. I was still able to give birth without medication which was what we wanted. Kersti was able to jot down a detailed timeline as well as take several memorable photos of the labor and delivery. Lastly I wanted to add that I had a few anxieties and worries especially regarding postpartum because of what had happened with my first born and Wendy and Kersti helped me feel so much more prepared this second time. For example I had a really hard time breastfeeding and Wendy suggested that I schedule a prenatal home visit with a lactation consultant, just to get ahead if it, and sent me their recommendations. Everything is going so much more smoothly this time and I could not be happier that we chose to hire Wendy and Kersti for this birth. They were exactly who we needed and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts! read more

We hired Wendy and Kersti for the home birth of our second child. She was recommended to us by our home birth midwife, Hope Willems. We really liked the idea of a doula team which enables them to handle overlapping births, illnesses, and long labors with grace. Their fee was the highest of the doulas we interviewed, but we agreed that the aforementioned benefits were definitely worth it. Of course we met both Wendy and Kersti, but Wendy ended up attending our birth and thus we developed a closer bond with her. As we approached the birth we paid for a few extra myofascial massage sessions with Wendy and my wife really enjoyed them and felt that they were very helpful some of the discomfort she was feeling during the pregnancy. When my wife went into labor Wendy showed up first and it was a huge relief to have her there. It was wonderful to have a person with us that was solely focused on supporting us. The support ranged from things as simple as filling up our water bottles to providing emotional support and encouragement during rough contractions (and everything in between). The labor ended up lasting a long time and my wife reached her limit and asked to go to a hospital to get an epidural so that she could sleep. Wendy came with us to the hospital and continued to support us until our son was born. The doula-mother relationship is very interesting. Before the labor the doula can be best described as a "close acquaintance"; you've met her a few times, like her (its why you hired her), but that's about it. After the labor you have this special bond that comes from sharing an intense experience together. Wendy is a kind person capable of impressive endurance. I would recommend Wendy and Kersti to anyone looking for a doula. read more

Working with the mother/daughter doula team was a great experience! I met and signed on with Wendy and Kersti about 5 months into my pregnancy, and I wished I had met with them even earlier. They served as both my pregnancy coaches, and my birth coaches! Every time I met with them, I learned so much about my own body, the process of birth, and how to prepare for it well. And shortly after each meeting I would receive a detailed email with resources that I could further explore, as well as reminders of everything we discussed. I referred back to these emails regularly throughout pregnancy. We also shared our faith as Christians, which allowed us to discuss the spiritual aspect of pregnancy and birth, and together express awe for this miracle of new life! And when the Big Day finally arrived, I felt well prepared, and was so comforted to have Wendy by my side for most of my labor. She coached me through each contraction, and reassured me that I was doing everything right throughout my 12 hour labor. I should mention my husband was present at all of our meetings and also enjoyed learning about the birth process, and appreciated having an expert with us as I labored, and was happy to take instructions on how to provide comfort for me throughout my labor. In the end, my first labor and delivery went really well! I was able to deliver naturally, with little drug intervention, just as I had hoped. And there is no way I could have done that without the provided coaching from Kersti and Wendy. I am so grateful to them both for helping create THE MOST AWESOME EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE - GIVING BIRTH! My wish is that every expecting mother has a doula, and hopefully one that is as wonderful as Kersti and Wendy. read more

Wendy was by our side in 2015 when we had our son and now fast forward to March 8th 2018 she was by our side again for the birth of our daughter!! My husband and my first thought was "we need Wendy and Kersti!!!" Although not that long after having our first we find ourselves trying to mentally and physically prepare for the birth of our second. We were instantly calmed when Kersti comes to our home and starts calmly walking us threw what to expect and how to prepare. Tips on how to manage our concerns and refreshers on birth we had tucked away! When the day finally came it started differently than before. We made the choice to naturally induce. It was not an option I thought I would chose but with Wendy by our side we started to process. Once again Wendy saved the day. She kept the ball rolling when contractions died down. Making suggestions on what I should do and distracting from concerns "things weren't moving fast enough" and in the final moments when I was tired and needed more strength she was right there. Her voice telling me what I needed to hear to find the power to push threw. Again I had the beautiful natural birth I wanted. Just as special as my first. It was again filled with loving moments between my husband and I. A memory I will forever look back on with love and triumph rather than one I wish I could forget!!! Thank you Wendy and Kersti again for all the love and support read more

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As my youngest turned one last weekend, I couldn't help reliving all the highs and lows of labor and delivery and realized that a review for Kersti and Wendy is too long overdue! I originally engaged Kersti as my doula for my second child and she was exactly the calming presence we needed during my pregnancy and labor. I had a non-medicated natural birth with my first and wanted to try for that again this time around and Kersti was so supportive. We were thrown a bit of a curveball when I was diagnosed with Impaired Fasting Glucose (treated like GD). Kersti was very knowledgeable and knew how to encourage me to ask my doctors questions about my testing and treatment. She gave me the confidence I needed to advocate for myself. When baby's due date came and went and it became clear that induction was the new plan, she did not let me get discouraged and made it a point to explain all the options that would be presented to me at the hospital. She reminded me time and time again that I could always say no and take things at my own pace. As a last ditch effort to get my body into labor, I asked if Wendy might be available for an induction massage at the hospital. Even though she had just come home from a birth the night before, Wendy came back to the hospital to work with me. Her hands were incredible and really allowed me to relax and feel ready for the hard work that was to come. I kept Kersti updated via phone and text and eventually decided I needed her help around midnight. She arrived shortly thereafter and was able to offer immediate relief with counter pressure, warm compress, and positive affirmations. When it got way too real and I was doubting myself and my abilities to birth my baby without pain relief, she reminded me that we were almost there and that he would be here before I knew it. After baby boy was born, and the nurse had him in the warmer alone while she was attending to me (he came so quickly that we didn't have a second nurse in the room), Kersti spoke up for me and asked why I couldn't hold him skin to skin while she attended to me. While we worked mostly with Kersti through my pregnancy, it was clear to me that her relationship with Wendy and the pair of them together makes such an incredible team. Together, they are just the perfect amount of push and pull and compliment each other so well. If you are lucky enough to have one if not both of them on your birth team, even in your weakest moments, you will be able to draw on their strength and strong faith. They will forever be a part of my family and with every passing year, I will be thankful for them. read more

I do not write reviews on Yelp that often. However, I wanted to share my experience with Wendy and Kersti. These two ladies are wonderful. I knew from the moment I had an interview with them that it is going to e a great match and journey. For me Wendy and Kersti is like yin and yang. Both of them are very sweet and were always there to support me. They were providing me with the latest research abut pregnancy and delivery (something I needed). Wendy was doing MFR (Myofascial Release) on me which I would highly suggest during pregnancy. It helped me to eliminate some pain. I was looking forward to every appointment we had together. If I ever had any concerns or just needed an emotional support they were always there for me. They were very fast at replying on my msgs and emails. The information they were providing me with helped me a lot during pregnancy and delivery. When I was in the delivery, Kersti was with me. I can not describe how thankful I am to have here there with me. She brought this beautiful energy with her. While I had my mom and my husband there with me my all attention was towards Kersti. I knew that she knows exactly what I needed to do. She helped me to get into different position to ease the pain. She was also very protective of my space and she was very good at talking to the nurses about what I need and asking them to check on me when needed. Even right now while writing this review I want to give Kersti a big hug for everything she has done during my labor. I would highly recommend these two ladies. They did so much for me and my family. read more

Wendy and Kersti are wonderful doulas and just such lovely people. We were so happy they were available to support us for the birth of our second baby girl and couldn't be more satisfied with our experience with them. I cannot express how thankful we were to have them supporting us through the whole journey. They provided us with the love and support we needed to prepare to birth, deliver and bring our beautiful new baby home. I didn't know how helpful it could be to have the extra support during pregnancy and even postpartum until we hired them. I remember after my first birth thinking the more support the better during labor but now I can really understand and appreciate how important it is to have experienced professional women supporting you before and after birth as well. We met twice during late pregnancy and they provided online access to their curated evidence based resources and tips which were so great for me to refer back to when I wanted to prepare. We really appreciated all the effort and thoughtful customized info they shared with us. They were always there for me if I had a question or concern. I felt like getting my head and body "in the game" with the prep work they suggested and Wendy and Kersti by my side encouraging me was essential for me during labor. Knowing they were there for anything was such a relief to me and my husband. Kersti met us right when we pulled up to the hospital with a wheelchair and was so reassuring with her calm and in control demeanor. She gave me direction when I needed it which helped me and comforted me. I felt like once I saw her I could let go and I knew she was in tune with what was going on with me and all the logistics at the hospital which we really needed since I was already pushing when we arrived. Kersti also documented our labor and delivery with notes and photos which were really amazing to have since it all seems like a blur. I also thought it was super helpful and wonderful to have both of them for some of their additional services they offer such as MFR treatments with Wendy and placenta encapsulation done by Kersti. Wendy and Kersti make such a great and talented team. I never felt judged or pushed by either one of them and they supported whatever decisions we made or preferences we had. They are both so professional and still so warm, comforting, positive and eager to share both joy and burden. The joy and love they have for others is apparent and so wonderful to have by your side during such a crazy, beautiful and transformative time in your life. We are forever grateful and will always remember this as such a positive and supported experience. read more

South Bay Birth Services - Doulas Near Me

There is not enough space & time to express how proactive and serving Wendy & Kersti are with their clients and the all encompassing wonderful birth experience I had because of them. This was my first birth and I thought I broadly knew what the role of a doula was but boy was I wrong. They do SO SO SO much more than just advocating for you, breathing with you, and assisting you in pain management and using *amazing* tools and suggestions during labor. They are there with you from their first consult really making a relationship with you and your babe in the womb. Our consult was so comfortable and a great laid back discussion about what my partner and I were looking for in our birth and doula and what expectations we may have. Wendy & Kersti suggested we even interview other doulas to make sure we had a good fit for us and that the most important thing was how we would all work together. They were the best fit as doulas for us. Kersti & Wendy both love people and love what they do which is transparent in their passion to provide their clients with relevant and reliant evidence based information time and time again through their materials & answering questions I had throughout my entire pregnancy. They always have suggestions and connections outside/inside of their spectrum like acupuncture (which I tried and loved) and Wendy also specializes in Myofascial release massage. Kersti offers placenta encapsulation and I benefitted from this greatly! I feel that Kersti & Wendy went above and beyond by preparing me to be intentional throughout my pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester after baby arrived. They had my partner and I ask questions of each other that fostered discussions we may not have thought of and been caught off guard with during a stressed moment during labor. Wendy & Kersti reminded me along the way of my own goals and encouraged every decision to be informed and thoughtful. It made all the unexpected in our pregnancy/birth much more manageable knowing that our decisions were made out of love and then being able to move forward confidently. Because of their experience in the field they told me what to expect at the hospital I was going to be giving birth at from their own personal experiences which was so comforting! Any anxieties I had going into our pregnancy were met with tools of empowerment and peace from Kersti & Wendy. At the consult they explained to us that the way it works with having both of them is so that on Birth Day depending on how long or when you start your labor or would like assistance from them that the other will be able to step in with fresh energy. I benefitted from this immensely when we called Kersti over I believe around 11pm after being within phone contact the last several hours. Kersti stayed with us until at least 11am the next day when Wendy arrived with new energy and suggestions. It worked out great and I was so thankful and happy to have experienced BOTH of them as our doulas (although it would have been great with a little shorter labor ;) ) They also took photos during our birth that I will cherish FOREVER. My heart is just so full. There are so many more positive comments to say about how amazing these two women are and even checking in several times after our birth that I may edit this review later. I am still sitting in so much awe of our baby which somehow was increased even more with the support of Wendy & Kersti. read more

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Where to even begin... from the moment I met Wendy and Kersti I knew that we were a good match. They supported and provided evidence-based information so that my husband and I could make educated decisions throughout my pregnancy, during my labor and now in postpartum. I had a birth that was epically long. And in times when things could have been scary or just to much to handle, their support kept me focused on the prize. I had a hospital birth, and they were my perfect advocates for when I was just too exhausted to speak for myself. There's something so unique and beautiful about women holding space for women. But these two ladies take it one step further. Being a childbirth professional is obviously not just a job for them, they wholeheartedly love what they do and it shows in all the details. From the tens unit, to essential oil's, even something as simple as in an eye mask and earplugs - these ladies really think of everything, and it's because of their epic support along with my amazing husband's that our little Emma Rose was brought Earth side, June 1! I can't think Wendy and Kersti enough! read more

Doula Kersti was there for the birth of our son 2 years ago, and she did such an excellent job that we were overjoyed when she was able to fit us in to her schedule for the arrival of our baby girl this past Thanksgiving! Kersti made sure we were always able to get in touch with her or a backup doula (just in case). She helped us feel comfortable taking time to think about each decision along the way, and she was essential during labor and delivery--it was such a gift to have her calming presence and focus on my wife! She worked well with the staff at our hospital. Our second baby arrived on Thanksgiving Day, and Kersti literally went the extra mile, driving separately to a family outing so she could make it back at a moment's notice, which she did! Thank you for being there to support us as we welcomed our two precious little ones! We would give 5 stars per baby if we could. :) read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Wendy & Kersti. This amazing team helped me through my pregnancy, were advocates for me during my long labor, and supported me and showed me such incredible love when I ended up having a csection. I cannot imagine facing my labor without them. One of the best things about Wendy & Kersti is the unbiased information they provide. Anytime I had a question or concern, they gave me the information and resources to make my own decision, always empowering me and supporting me along the way. Because of Wendy & Kersti, I was able to go into labor knowing that I had a team supporting me. This also allowed my husband the freedom to just love and support me, rather than having to "coach" me. For us, this was ideal. I would hire them again in a heartbeat, and I would never go through pregnancy, labor, or even postpartum without them. They truly are a blessing and a Godsend. So grateful to have found them!! read more

My wife and I are so glad we found Wendy! From the moment we first met with her, we realized she had a warm and caring personality that jived so well with us. TBH, I was a bit reserved about the idea of hiring a doula. Couldn't I just buy a few natural birth books on Amazon and read a book on birthing and be there for my wife? Wouldn't that be the same? Not really. While reading and educating yourself is very important, I don't think anything would have really prepared us for the big day and the curveballs that came. Leading up to the big day, Wendy was there for us, meeting with us to talk to us about what WE wanted from the birth process. She was very open and honest with us and educated us. When the big day came (and it came early) Wendy was there for us. She was there by our side through the long labor and served as our advocate to the hospital staff. Educating us along the way as the situation continued to evolve and change so that WE, as the parents, could make our decision in the most informed way. Now in the 4th trimester, Wendy continues to support us. Without a doubt, if you are looking for a Doula in San Jose, Santa Clara, or anywhere in the South Bay, we would recommend Wendy in a heart beat. read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Wendy & Kersti. This amazing team helped me through my pregnancy, were advocates for me during my long labor, and supported me and showed me such incredible love when I ended up having a csection. I cannot imagine facing my labor without them. One of the best things about Wendy & Kersti is the unbiased information they provide. Anytime I had a question or concern, they gave me the information and resources to make my own decision, always empowering me and supporting me along the way. Because of Wendy & Kersti, I was able to go into labor knowing that I had a team supporting me. This also allowed my husband the freedom to just love and support me, rather than having to "coach" me. For us, this was ideal. I would hire them again in a heartbeat, and I would never go through pregnancy, labor, or even postpartum without them. They truly are a blessing and a Godsend. So grateful to have found them!! read more

I really can't say enough good things about Wendy and Kersti. They have both been incredibly caring and supportive before, during and after the delivery of my first child. One of the best things someone can tell you during/after labor is that you are making good choices, and doing really good work, and they made sure that I felt that the whole way through. Beforehand, they made sure I had a ton of resources and information, and recommended some exercises that would help me and baby get prepared for delivery. They really do their research. My water broke unexpectedly, leading into a 46 hour start-and-stop labor. I got to labor at home for a while but the hospital wanted me there 7am the next day whether or not I'd progressed. Wendy offered to come over at 5am, after letting try to get some sleep, but with plenty of time before I was due at the hospital. She mercilessly (in a good way) made me try positions that really encouraged progress - at one point I could have sworn I heard the baby drop a little further down with a sudden pop. It was pretty cool. Also that TENS unit was marvelous. Kersti met me and my husband at the hospital ands supported us for the rest of labor and delivery. She was able to help me feel safe and in control (as much as you CAN be in control of that kind of situation), and to understand my medical options every stop of the way. She also, unbeknownst to me at the time, took notes and photos throughout the process, including a really beautiful one of the moment my son was born. We met up again at my home about a week after my son was born, and they were awesome about answering any questions I had and reassuring me that we were all doing great. Giving birth to your first kid can be scary as hell - I know I had some apprehension going in. Because of Wendy and Kersti I had a really positive birth experience. Who knows, I might even do it again one day. read more

This is a long-overdue note of gratitude for Wendy and Kersti's outstanding doula services. I was very skeptical of hiring a doula before meeting these ladies -- we were already working with midwives (Bay Area Maternity, amazing) and planning to deliver in a very baby-friendly hospital (El Camino Los Gatos, also amazing!). I had a mellow, normal pregnancy and seeking extra help under these circumstances seemed indulgent. In the end, I'm really happy we decided to work with this incredible mother-daughter team. Their communication alone was bafflingly fast and thorough, making me feel like I was their only client despite the fact that they are undoubtedly fully booked all the time. Wendy was with us for the birth of our daughter, and thanks to her tireless massage, reassuring words and warm, motherly energy we had the delivery experience of our dreams. Thank you SBBS for this gift! read more

When I was pregnant, I knew I wanted the additional emotional support and knowledge that a doula could provide. When I met with Kersti, I immediately knew that she was the right fit. Kersti is extremely professional and informed, but she's also super friendly and just a really great, likeable person. I ended up having to go in for a last minute induction a couple weeks before I was due and Kersti was at the hospital by the time I was admitted and settled in my room. Unfortunately, my induction lasted a couple days and resulted in a c-section, so things didn't go according to plan. Kersti was with me over those few days every time I needed her, though, and she helped me handle the contractions early on. I'm so happy that she was there and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. She's wonderful and anyone would be lucky to have her by their side during such an intense time. read more

We are so glad that we hired Kersti and Wendy to help us with the delivery of our baby boy Aiden! As first-time parents we can say 1) definitely hire a doula and 2) the doula should be Kersti and Wendy. Here's why: Doulas are child birth experts. Could we have learned some of the things they shared with us? Maybe, but the expert and patient advice they provided made the process so much more enjoyable. They came to see us a couple of times before the birth and shared things that were very useful for us to do and prepare ahead of our child's birth. While we felt overwhelmed by a mountain of advice and opinions, Kersti and Wendy helped us focus on the most important parts. This alone would have taken us dozens of hours and we wouldn't have been confident in our results. Kersti and Wendy, are among the most caring people we have ever met. They immediately established world-class empathy. In fact, we had another doula interview scheduled and we canceled it. During our first meeting we knew that they were right for us. During the childbirth process doulas are your advocates! We can't overstate how important this is. Well meaning nurses offer opinions and the doulas have seen this countless times before and know how to present your options clearly. What really made them stand out was after 12 hours in our 24+ hour delivery process the doulas were able to take care of my wife and ease her pain with natural massages and other techniques. Without these strong advocates I wouldn't have been able to get sleep and would have been a wreck the next day. Knowing that you have these wonderful people in your corner is one of the best investments we've ever made. Even after our childbirth the doulas are still on our team! They came for a visit shortly after birth with even more tips to help us be successful. We can't highly recommend Kersti and Wendy enough. Thank you!! read more

have been receiving the most wonderful, relaxing mypfascial therapy from Wendy. She uses Myofascial Release to promote healing and wellness. I really didn't know what MFT was or what to expect during a session, but let me tell you it is absolute magic. You lie on Wendy's table in her lovely home studio (in SJ), close your eyes and drift off. Meanwhile, Wendy places her hands (oh so gently) on various parts of your body and holds them there allowing your tissue to essentially unkink itself. I was amazed by all the popping, tingling and even electric jolts I felt as she treated me. At one point she did a sacral release and out of the blue I began to sob and had a nice, healing cry. The releases she does don't just release fascia, they release emotion. Amazing! Wendy has a special gift for knowing what you need. She is a wonderful, calm healer and she "coaches" me through each session, emotionally and physically. I feel like a million bucks every time I walk out of her studio. Go and try! It will leave you refreshed and revitalized. read more

As soon as I became pregnant, I knew that I wanted to have an unmedicated, natural birth if at all possible. I did a lot of research, and was referred to Kersti from another doula friend who wasn't taking clients during the holiday season. My due date was Christmas Day, and Kersti had no issue with availability, which was a huge relief. After meeting Kersti, I instantly felt comfortable with her, and knew that she would be a part of my birth team. Kersti provided a pre-meeting, where we discussed my birth plan. She provided resources and a birth plan template, and asked questions that I hadn't even thought about! During the birth, she was a fantastic support. She was kind, gentle, and advocated for my birth wishes. (When I wanted to move, she helped me to get intermittent monitoring... When I wanted a larger room with a private bathroom, she helped me to get that. When I started transitioning, she saw the signs and got the midwife.) She helped to guide my husband as my primary birth partner, while providing supplemental support, including counter pressure, guided imagery, and massage, among other things. It was perfect! With her help, I was able to welcome my son into the world without medication or other medical intervention. (He was over 9 pounds, face up, and I pushed for 6 hours, so this was no easy task!) After the birth, we had another appointment and she checked in, provided breastfeeding support resources, and advice for natural healing. She also took some of the most beautiful pictures during the birth that really captured the most special moments of my life. Kersti is a wonderful person, and is a natural at what she does. I recommend her with the highest regards! She was an integral part of my birth team, and I am forever grateful. read more

Wendy and Kersti are amazing. We had a 20+ hour labor and they were beside us the the entire timing encouraging and supporting. From a guys perspective, you want them on your team. They are an incredible resource for questions and an amazing support day of labor. I was able to focus on my wife and son rather than hospital issues. They've also been incredible now that our son is born. They continue to support and invest into us :-) read more

Kersti and Wendy are an incredible team with as much (or more!) compassion, understanding, and commitment as you'll find in any experienced birth worker. Their prenatal preparation was easy to understand and follow, and I have no doubt that if I'd had the opportunity to labor their support would have helped me achieve an intervention-free birth. Unfortunately, I ended up with an unexpected and traumatic c-section. I was so lucky to have Wendy with me during that scary time. She helped me to get started pumping so that I could feed my NICU baby - I'm not sure I would have known how to persevere without her. She was absolutely indispensable those first couple of days of my son's life. Wendy and Kersti continue to be a valuable resource for me postpartum, and I'll certainly be seeking their services again during my next pregnancy! read more

From supporting me in my main goal of having a natural birth, to providing guidance, encouragement, and resources in transitioning through the "fourth trimester," Kersti and Wendy have been invaluable partners in my journey to motherhood and I cannot recommend them enough. Even though we weren't able to stick to many aspects of my birth plan, Wendy's calm presence and support during labor helped my husband and I feel like we still had agency and could make informed decisions under our unique circumstances. For instance, during labor, Wendy always had options for pain management to get me through the next contraction, while also being responsive to my requests in the moment. When things got chaotic at times, she was there to allay our fears by explaining what was going on, advocating for us, and helping us make decisions. In addition to labor support, the resources shared by Kersti and Wendy - for breastfeeding and sleep support - have been game changers in how we managed the postpartum period. The transition to becoming new parents is wonderful, scary, and overwhelming, all at the same time, and my husband and I wholeheartedly agree that recruiting Kersti and Wendy as a part of our care team was one of the best decisions we made during our pregnancy. read more

Wendy and Kersti are worth their weight in gold. They helped us with the birth of our son in July 2017 at Kaiser San Jose. Despite having planned for a natural, non-medical birth, I had to be medically induced for low fluid. My biggest concern about my birth was not being able to deliver vaginally; however, I was still able to achieve my goal with their help. I could not imagine our birth experience without them. They were very knowledgeable every step of the way. They helped us make sure that the hospital staff carried out our wishes and advised us when they weren't. They are very practical and empowered us to make the best, most knowledgeable decisions possible. My husband and I will be eternally grateful for their help in delivering our son and they will always hold a special place in our hearts. read more

I could write a super long review, but I'll keep it short as possible. Hands down, amazing! I wanted a natural birth as possible and seriously would NOT have been able to do it without Wendy. Seriously! From pregnancy to labor and delivery to postpartum, Wendy was there, she was loving, encouraging, and all kinds of amazing. If you're not sure about getting a doula, as I was unsure myself, don't hesitate. If anything, it gives your loved ones in the room a break AND emotional support cause they're going through a crazy time too. What's the best thing about Wendy? Well hard to name just one, but I'd say it's the lack of judgment. You do you - what's best for you and baby. Wendy is there to help you do you. She holds no judgment towards you, she makes you feel empowered and helps your natural greatness shine! :) no pressure to confirm one way or another like others may make you feel. I by no means had a straightforward delivery (as many do not).. but we got through it! I can go on and on and would be happy to share if you PM me any questions. :) Simply stated -- call South Bay Birth Services today! They're great! :) read more

This review is way overdue. Our little one is already 4 and half months old, where has the time gone?! My husband and I hadn't really heard of doulas until my sister talked to us about her experience with a doula. She spoke highly of the experience so I thought it wouldn't hurt to look into. I did a little bit of research and decided that I also wanted to have the support of a doula. My husband was skeptical at first, not fully understanding why we'd need additional support during labor and delivery, but he said he'd be supportive of my decision. I looked at a lot of doulas online and, for some reason, felt good about South Bay Birth Services. It was basically instinctual. I sent an email and got a response from Kersti that same night. My husband and I met her for tea and I pretty much made the decision right away without meeting other doulas. My husband, being the cautious guy he is, thought it wouldn't hurt to meet a few other doulas before choosing so quickly but I had already made up my mind. :-) We did not meet Wendy at the time because she had plans to be on vacation the month of my due date (August) but Kersti committed to being by our side. She came over a few times and it was always very informative. I felt better prepared for what was yet to come and how to cope through different phases. The visit in my third trimester was particularly helpful. I was starting to get nervous about the birth and was worried that I wouldn't be able to stick it out with minimal intervention. After Kersti came in June, I decided I'd start seeing Wendy for myofascial release therapy to help alleviate lower back, knee, and hip pain. I saw Wendy 5 or 6 times in my third trimester and felt a strong connection with her alsol. Well, I ended up going into labor 2 weeks before my due date, in July. Due to the timing, it was Wendy who came to the hospital. My water broke so I had to head to the hospital quickly and labor there. My labor progressed really quickly and we were stuck with an extremely unpleasant nurse. It was such an intense experience; my husband was on the verge of tears and I was starting to get nervous and agitated. As soon as Wendy walked in, though, there was this sense of calmness and this is the exact moment my husband recognized the value of having a doula at our birth. It's thanks to her that I was able to manage the rest of labor according to plan. She guided us through the rest of labor and delivery and kept reminding me what was happening within me (it's easy to forget when you're in the moment no matter how much you prepare) and also around me. Everything from her massages to her gentle encouragement was exactly what we needed. Having her there gave my husband the freedom to pretty much be in my face the whole time which was exactly where I needed him! It's thanks to Kersti, Wendy and my husband that I left the hospital satisfied with the experience of bringing our son into this world. Kersti and Wendy's presence through my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum was so comforting to me and am hoping they'll be there for me next time. P.S. Wendy also got some great pictures and videos of us at the hospital which is great because it happens so fast and it's all just a blur! read more

Kersti was born to be a doula. Despite the fact that she was a relatively new doula when I asked her to be with us for the birth of my second daughter, she provided me and my husband with amazing support. She met with me several times before I had my baby so we could get to know each other and speak about my past labor experience and what things were important to me for this time around. I found her to be knowledgeable, organized, and very friendly and easy to speak to. Once my labor started, I called her and she was ready to come as soon as I was ready for her. We asked her to meet us at the hospital, since we already had a bunch of people at our house, and I didn't want more. Once we were at the hospital in the labor and delivery ward, she was prepared with a heating pad to help with my contractions. She helped massage my hips where I was having really bad pain during contractions and reminded me to breathe all the time (it's so easy to forget!). (One thing I remember in the blur that is labor was that Kersti was so professional, introducing herself confidently and openly to the nurses and doctors who were taking care of me) I chose to get an epidural, after several hours of laboring at the hospital, and she stayed on and helped with a variety of things--whether it was helping me move around in bed or getting me ice water. She even discussed baby names with us, since we hadn't yet decided on our new baby's name! After hours of labor, it was time to push, and Kersti stood on one side of me, while my husband was on the other. She held my hand, my leg (!), and kept me calm and focused for the 20 minutes it took our daughter to make her way into the world. Kersti is young, but already such a strong person. She's outspoken when needed but still a calming and reassuring presence. I tell people that my experience delivering a baby this time around was so positive and calm, and Kersti was an integral part of helping me create that experience. read more

I've had Kersti assist at the births of both of my sons (2015 and 2017). She was an amazing support in both situations. With my first, my water broke 4 weeks early, and even though he was arriving so early, Kersti made the time to be with us throughout a very long day and night remained professional, kind, caring, and loving. She knew what my husband and I needed, and anticipated those needs before we could speak them. With my second, she was again just there doing things and trying things to make everything move as smoothly as possible. To be honest, I can't specifically remember details of what she did (lots of back massage which helps me), but I know she was there supporting me and my husband, encouraging, soothing, and helping. In a way, that is an ideal trait for a doula -- my husband could focus on me, and I could focus on my body without having to worry about the doula. If I needed something specific, she responded, but if I didn't know what would help I didn't have to try to figure out things to ask her to do; she just did them. Both my husband and I consider her a valuable part of our birth team and are very happy we hired her. I would recommend her to anybody. read more

We hired Kersti to be the doula for our first baby. We really liked that she seemed practical in her approach and didn't push us to have the birth experience happen in any sort of specific way. She met with us several times before the birth. She talked to us about our birth plan, though we didn't want a physical plan because we wanted to stay flexible. She respected that and also gave us some good ideas of questions to ask our midwife. Once I went into labor, I opted to stay at home and check in with Kersti via text until we got more info from our midwife about how things were progressing. Kersti was great and gave me a lot of tips to get through early labor. She then met us at the hospital when I was in active labor. It was really great to have her there, especially since we don't have family in the area and I didn't want my husband to have to manage the entire labor process without any assistance. It ended up that our daughter arrived about a week early, during a pretty hectic week for us with finishing out work stuff, so having Kersti there so that my husband could attend to some other things was great. She was actively involved in helping me through contractions, but was never overbearing and always had multiple suggestions to try. I had a natural labor and don't know if I could have done it without her! It wasn't what I expected (I guess these things never are) and I'm not sure if my husband could have gotten me through it on his own. Kersti was a great fit for us, even if she is new to the field. We loved her practical approach (we did not want an "earth mother" doula) and valued her professionalism with the other healthcare professionals at the hospital. We highly recommend Kersti! read more

Kersti was our doula for my husband and my first child, and we couldn't have chosen better. My husband and I decided to hire a doula, because we both knew he'd probably be useless in the delivery room ;D. We wanted a pro to help coach me through, especially because I was aiming for this to be a natural birth. Knowing Kersti was relatively new to the field, her inexperience was one of our big reservations. However, she absolutely proved us wrong. Kersti was born to be a doula. During our meetings, she was very attentive, asking lots of questions about my pregnancy and labor preferences. Being that it was my first pregnancy, I also had a lot of questions. She was thoroughly knowledgeable, and patient in her teaching. When it came time to my labor, she was truly a God send! I stayed home for as much as the labor as possible, Kersti came over and texted me to check in on how I was doing. She may be tiny, but her hands are magical! They helped me bear through my contractions. My entire labor ended up being 44 hours, so she deserves a gold medal for hanging in there with me! She has such a gentle and peaceful presence, which helped anchor me throughout my labor. She was so attentive to my body language, she was able to tell what I needed and where. My husband tried to massage me as he'd seen Kersti do, but he was hopeless. God bless him but I screamed at him to get Kersti!! Finally at around 30 hours and just barely halfway to being fully dilated, my midwife recommended that I get the epidural. I was incredibly disappointed, what were those 30 hours of excruciating pain for?! But the fear was that my body was so exhausted and tense from the long labor, that it might not have any energy left in it when it came time to push. During my pregnancy, I'd told Kersti that I needed her support and encouragement that I could go through the labor without any interventions. When I had this difficult decision to make, Kersti helped me work through deciding and continued to be supportive and encouraging no matter my decision. At 39 hours I took the epidural, and Kersti remained supportive and encouraging. I couldn't have asked for a better doula, and would love to have her coach us through again should we have another baby. Thank you so much Kersti, for being such a special and indispensable part of this life changing journey. read more

Wendy and Kersti are wonderful Doulas and lovely persons! Wendy was my Doula and I can not thank her enough! Being a Doula is not just a job for her, she will support you with all her heart and knowledge. In my case, she stayed with me more than 24 hours during labor, only taking some little breaks, when It was fine to leave me. She helped me and my husband to feel safe and in control, especially when things were not going exactly as we have hoped. Thank you Wendy, you did an amazing job and we were lucky to have you by our side! read more

Having Wendy and Kersti on my team was a keystone decision in accomplishing a VBAC, first labor. Always helpful to know what questions to consider and focus on relevant tips. When I had pain walking 3.5 months before birthing, Wendy gave me timely pointers and targeted exercises that helped me regain the mobility so important to birthing vaginally. I appreciate the emotional support and knowledgeable guidance. read more

Patient. Calm. Reassuring. Well researched. I have used doulas for each of my three births now. This was by far the most amazing experience with doula care I had received/could have wished for! Wendy and Kersti were incredibly positive, level headed and responsive. We are forever grateful for their emotional and physical support of our birth experience. Due to nearing 42 weeks, I went to Wendy for MFR and induction massage. INCREDIBLE. So wonderfully powerful! And not only did she ensure that I was physically ready, but she later graciously emotionally checked in with me to assure we were all set, which I have found is sometimes overlooked and harder for some doulas or mommas to do. During/ after the birth, Wendy was spot on in sensing what I might need or want, and more. I could write many many more glowing reviews of Wendy and Kersti- instead, I suggest you contact them and find out for yourself how wonderfully unique, knowledgeable and PHENOMENAL they truly are! read more

My wife and I decided to spend the money and get a doula for our first baby (3 days ago!). Kersti was a quiet and encouraging type, which ended up working very well for my wife, who felt completely free to just walk around or do whatever she needed to do during contractions without any feeling of needing to act like a hostess or let Kersti know what she was going to do, etc. From my perspective (the husband), it was extremely helpful to have someone who know what they were talking about, who knew various places to apply pressure or massage, etc. It was also really helpful to have someone else so I could get the car, food, clothes, etc., ready without having to then have my wife be completely alone with contractions. When we actually delivered, it was again very helpful to just have someone else encouraging, massaging, etc. We've only had one birth and it was recently, but based on our experiences, we would highly recommend both a doula and Kersti as said doula! read more