Kind Words from my Clients
Having Kathleen as our doula was an amazing experience. I met her at the BIRTH fair and planned our meeting right away. My husband was reluctant at first to having a doula but told me if I needed to have one that he would go for it. Through all the prenatal visits and throughout my birth, Kathleen changed his mind! He has told me he will be the one demanding to have Kathleen at our other births. I only wish I would have had Kathleen at my first birth. She met with us every month throughout my pregnancy to help plan and prepare for the birth of my daughter. She worked with us to create a birth plan so that all our wants and wishes could be fulfilled. This also helped us learned more about each other so that by the time the birth came it felt like I had a close friend there supporting me. During our birth Kathleen really was our ROCK! Kathleen came to our house and helped me labor through my beginning contractions just like we had planned. I had a very fast birth. Once we decided to go to the hospital I went through transition very fast; within minutes. Kathleen rode with me in the car while my husband drove 95 mph down the highway. She helped me breathe through each and every contraction helping me not to push. She was very calm and in control the whole ride. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and I wouldn’t have been able to do with without her! After arriving at the hospital she was right by my side while I pushed my daughter out! She was there to help assist my husband in every aspect of my aftercare; from taking video shots to feeding me juice and yogurt. It was a very intense birth but it was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be, because of Kathleen. I was so happy with my experience and I sit here thinking about how great my next birth will be with Kathleen. Kila & John 2011
Words cannot fully express my gratitude for all Kathleen has done for us over the past few months. I had known that my midwives would make every effort to be with us throughout our labor, but something in the back of my mind kept pushing me to hire a doula so that I knew for sure I would have an experienced woman by my side. As it turned out, my midwife was tied up with another birth for the majority of my labor and my husband and I are eternally grateful that Kathleen was there with us. She truly has a passion for what she does and it shows in every visit we had with her leading up to the birth and during my labor. She really became a part of the family and even after our son was born she continues to visit and be a part of our lives. She has great suggestions and advice regarding all my newborn questions, but I think the most important thing is she is always available to support me in any of my postpartum fears, anxieties, joys, and milestones. She really has a gift for making you feel like you are her only client and it warms my heart to see how much she genuinely loves my son. I will never be able to thank her enough, but I hope she knows how much we cherish her being a part of our little miracle. Kelly & Damien 2011
Our birth experience was everything we'd hoped for thanks to Kathleen. Her support and availability during our pregnancy was amazing. Knowing that she was willing to discuss any concerns or nervousness my husband or I were feeling throughout my pregnancy really relaxed me and made the experience much more enjoyable. During my labor and birth Kathleen was unbelievable. Her presence in our home during labor was extremely calming and her expertise in counterpressure massage and aromatherapy made my natural labor and delivery possible. Her reassurance during the pushing phase was just the encouragement I needed to bring my baby safely and naturally into this world. Having Kathleen present during our pregnancy, labor, delivery and post partum made our entire birth experience perfect. We are so thankful to have been clients of Kathleen and now to call her a friend. Johnna & Ryan 2010
I recently gave brith to a beautiful baby boy and labored with Doula Kathleen Wlison. She was awesome! From the first day we met I knew we would have a great birth experience. Kathleen was incredibly thorough during our prelabor meetings. She ensured all my questions were answered and we discussed everything that could possibly happen so I could be prepared and think about any unexpected decisions ahead of time. I was a few days past my due date and pretty anxious for the baby to come. Kathleen was great through this: very reassuring and full of great advice and resources. As far as the birth itself, it was incredible! It was my second birth and I was determined to labor at home for as long as possible. She was a rock, encouraging and comforting me throughout my labor. The labor went pretty fast and when my water broke we rushed to the hospital and I mean RUSHED! Kathleen talked me out of pushing in the car a few times and after running me down the hospital halls in a wheel chair and into a Labor and Deliver room, we had a baby in 3 minutes. It was extremely exciting and an incredibly beautiful and empowering experience. I would highly recommend Kathleen for a first time mom as well as an experienced mother....she is a fabulous person and Doula! Bonnie & Brad 2010
Kathleen is a wonderful doula who truly loves what she does. I wanted a doula for the birth of my first child to assist me in my attempt to have as natural and intervention-free a labor as possible. My husband, however, was very skeptical and was not sure that the extra expense of hiring a doula was worth it. My labor turned out to be very challenging and lasted almost 24 hours. Kathleen was there with us throughout the difficult labor, and I was able to avoid what the doctor thought was an imminent c-section due to my baby's poor position in the birth canal. My husband and I are convinced that it was Kathleen's suggestions for positional changes during labor that helped our baby move into the right position for birth so that I could avoid the c-section. Kathleen was a calming presence in the delivery room, and she deftly handled dealing with my doctor, who is a very skilled and knowledgeable doctor but who was less than 100% supportive of my natural birth plan. She also has a great sense of humor, which really helped keep things light during a hard labor!! Kathleen is a wonderful person and a skilled doula who is extremely passionate about what she does. We appreciate everything she did for us, and she even made my skeptical husband a true believer in the power of a good doula! Shannon & David 2011
Kathleen was reccomended to us by our Bradley Method teacher as we were preparing for our first child. Even before I was pregnant I knew I wanted a doula and try a natural, drug-free birth. Meeting Kathleen for the first time was like seeing an old friend again, my husband and I instantly felt comfortable with her. (She and my husband bonded over a shared love of Quentin Tarantino movies.) During our first meeting she asked us what we wanted and were planning, and never forced her beliefs on us. We knew we would be having a hospital birth and she was more than happy to accomany us. Kathleen said and did all the right things to help me during labor. She was able to get me to refocus during the worst parts. I know we never could have had a drug-free birth without her loving help. She is a wonderful, kind person and a first-class doula! Ginny & Ryan 2010
Kathleen with Labor Enabler was amazing at my 2nd home birth! She arrived and immediately got down to business. She helped my husband by giving him quiet instructions on things he could do to help me in that moment and when he needed a break she was there to fill in. She would respond immediately to any requests I had. We had talked about my birth plan and what I wanted and she followed it to a "T". She was a welcome addition to my birth team. She filled in whereever she was needed, from doula to videographer to chef in the kitchen making my postpartum smoothies. Her presence at the birth was so gentle. I am so glad we asked her to be apart of this amazing experience, my only regret is that she wasn't there with me at my first birth 6 years ago. Andrea & Kersten 2008
She was caring, passionate about being a doula and very knowledgeable, both my husband and myself agree that she was a great addition to our birth/pregnancy experience, she helped us relax a lot. She provided advice when requested and was available when needed. My husband felt very at ease with her around. During our birth at St Luke's Hospital she was great at coaching us and incredibly helpful when it came to the most critical stages... she remained calm and provided all the help we needed. Last but not least, she was lots of FUN!!! Ilya & David 2009
Your support cannot be written in words. The decision to hire you as a doula was one of the best decisions we've made all year. Thank you Kathleen for helping me have the birth I wanted. This was my first birth and Kathleen provided me with the education, support and courage to do what I wanted. Tracey & Shane 2010
Kathleen is an amazing woman! She entered our world for our third baby. I was a crazy mother who called Kathleen when I was BARELY pregnant, not even 10 weeks. I had two previous medicated births, and I knew I needed a head start to have the courage to do it all differently. Kathleen listened to me and my husband so well. She was... unbelievably encouraging when I had told her my other birth stories, and how I came to my desire to do it all differently, and find her.
At 20 weeks we found out news that was hard to swallow. Kathleen was a rock in my life with my husband that made me know that I did not have to give up anything that we wanted for our birth of our son. We could do it all while being aware of any health concerns for him. Kathleen did her homework within days of finding out about his check up and had encouraging facts to make me not lose momentum.
She was always available, never too busy, and so supportive. She became my fast friend, and I felt comfort when she was near. She has so much knowledge that makes you feel at such ease, her strong confidence is such a part of who she is.
My amazing hospital birth with my 3rd son would of never been had it not been for Kathleen! He had a kidney disorder, a cord wrapped around his neck, and a true knot...things that I am surely would of lead to this or that concern without Kathleen's strong, calm and knowing presence.
How I wish I could turn back the clock and had Kathleen for my first two births. I recommend her with a shining smile to anyone I know...and have already promised Kathleen to my sister for a perfect baby shower gift (a baby that hasn't yet to be conceived :) Heather & Glenn 2009
.Kathleen was a calm and positive support person who helped keep all of us relaxed and focused. I would choose to have Kathleen help with my labor should I have another child. I would refer Kathleen to anyone I know who is interested in having a labor assistant present at their child’s birth. Lacey & Russell - 2007
My husband and I do not believe that our birth experience would have gone as smoothly, had Kathleen not been there with us. Not only do we recommend having a doula for the incredible pregnancy journey; we recommend Kathleen's professional and personable assistance throughout. She possesses the maternal hand of calmness, patience, understanding, and guidance. Kathleen provides emotional support that is immeasurable. We are forever grateful she was there for the birth of our son.
Anika & Frank - 2007
You helped me achieve the birth experience I always wanted! As you know, no labor coach can guarantee what divine forces will serve up on delivery day. However, a great doula CAN influence how the laboring mother and her surrounding team prepare for the big event, and then how they respopnd to what happens during the birth. Kathleen, you are just such a doula! Kelly & Austen - 2008
No one ever seems to truly understand the value of a doula until first experiencing a hellish labor and delivery without one. Laboring without a doula is a lonely, directionless, vulnerable and painful endeavor. After interviewing three Houston area doulas, choosing Kathleen was a no-brainer. I was determined to have a second chance and get the birth I wanted. Kathleen protected me. She protected my birth plan, she protected my body, my baby, my choices and my dreams for the birth I wanted. Kathleen has mastered the art of tact when negotiating with hospital staff. She proved that it is possible to get the birth YOU want- even in a hospital setting. Kathleen is priceless. Jeanette & Lee 2009