Sharni, mother of Halle Mae

I’d never given much thought about birth or postpartum until I became pregnant in April 2019. I thought all births were like the movies— your waters break in a huge gush, extremely painful contractions begin straight away and you’re rushed to hospital where they get you up on the bed pushing with your feet in the stirrups. Boy was I wrong!

I have been blessed to have Krista in my life since I was born. With Krista being a doula, mum and I knew just how excited she would be for me once she knew I was pregnant and we couldn’t wait to see the look on her face! From the day I told Krista, she gave me so much guidance and support.

Throughout my pregnancy, Krista spent many hours with myself and my husband, Kody, going over absolutely everything from Spinning Babies to hormones to breastfeeding, and so much more. Krista gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed in order to make educated and informed decisions about how I wanted my birth to go. She gave me all of the material I needed to make a birth plan that was right for Kody and I.

In February 2020, the night before my daughter, Halle, was born, Krista had come over to do some Spinning Babies to get baby Halle into a good position ready for birth. I went into labour that night just after going to bed and Krista was ready and waiting on the couch! She guided and assisted Kody through the entire labour by helping him massage, hip squeeze and heating up my hot packs for me as needed. She set up the birth suite at the hospital just the way I had planned and even became my birth photographer throughout the labour! Both Kody and I felt very supported by Krista throughout the whole process.

Even though my birth did not go the way I had planned, I felt so empowered and comfortable the way things went as still felt I was in control. The highlight of having Krista as my doula was that I felt I had so much knowledge about my body and that no matter the outcome, I had a positive birth experience! I understood exactly what I needed to do and what had to happen. Knowledge is definitely power.

Krista also went above and beyond during my first few weeks postpartum, visiting Halle and I often and continuing to provide us support and helpful information to heal quickly. She cooked me healthy nourishing foods that aided in my recovery and milk production, as well as providing me with recipes that are easy enough for me to cook myself!

All in all, I can not rave enough about how appreciative I am of Krista’s support and knowledge. I could not have had such a positive birth experience without her and I am forever grateful!