“We were referred to Kristina via a Midwife friend of ours. The Midwife was incredibly impressed with Kristina at a birth she attended and passed on her contact info knowing we were looking for a Doula. Kristina came very highly recommended! From the beginning of the “getting to know you” process and pre-labor planning Kristina was intuitive, kind, receptive, and very tuned in to what we wanted both from her and from the birth process. Although she has a wealth of information and resources to share, she helped us tune into ourselves and honored our process with a quiet sensitivity. She never pushed opinions or information on us, rather she guided us in a manner that left us feeling completely in control, yet totally supported. During the labor and birth of our son Kristina was like a beacon for me—as a “first timer” I really looked to her and her experience, and her mellow adeptness kept me calm, present, and able to make decisions as they came. Kristina helped me honor what was important to me, and also helped me by explaining the process, progress, and personnel as it whirled through our labor suite. Our son’s birth became anything but uncomplicated, yet Kristina’s knowledge, presence, and kindness helped more than I can articulate. She was a lovely, gentle light guiding our little one into the world. Thank you Kristina! You rock!” Nikki
“I had interviewed over 15 other doulas before I found Kristina. We were trying for a VBAC at Alta Bates Hospital and I felt that I really would need someone that was calming and could read me well in order to get through this new, uncharted territory of a vaginal birth. Both my husband and I felt an instant connection with Kristina. She was particularly good at getting us to share about our hopes and fears when considering a VBAC and we really felt she considered where we were coming from, not just what we wanted with the birth of our second child. Kristina provided us with lots of resources in books, videos and practicing different pain control techniques that we really appreciated. On the day I went into labor Kristina was an amazing support. I really appreciated how she kept my husband and my mom involved with the birth process as I has hoped and provided constant encouragement. I really think that her support, calming touch and encouraging words helped us to have the successful VBAC we were hoping for. It was really helpful to talk with Kristina at our post-birth visits as well, to process the whole experience. I would highly recommend her to anyone I know as a wonderful birth supporter.” Krista
“My husband and I liked Kristina from the moment we met her. She has a very warm and friendly way about her that made us feel instantly comfortable with her. Throughout our prenatal appointments Kristina provided us with tons of helpful information and loaned us some of her books and videos to help prepare us for childbirth and caring for our baby. She also helped us tremendously with our birth plan and was supportive of each one of our choices. During the actual labor, she was awesome and made me feel very taken care of. She was also a huge support for my husband. The labor did not at all go as planned, but Kristina rolled with the punches and was there for me every step of the way. We also asked Kristina to do the placenta encapsulation for us. She came over a few days after the birth and quickly and quietly got it all done. It’s a fantastic service and she did an excellent job. I am very grateful to have had Kristina throughout the entire experience and if I have another child I would definitely ask her to be my doula again! Thank you Kristina!” Andi
“Kristina was my doula for the birth of my daughter. This is inaccurate. She was my doula for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. What is the best way to describe Kristina as a doula? I am mulling this question over in my mind as I prepare to write this letter. She doesn’t know I’m writing it. I was just overwhelmed with gratitude, and this is how I chose to express it. A few key characteristics come to mind. Balanced, sweet, observant, sensitive. She is inuitive, yet logical. Assertive, but not overbearing. I was impressed by her sincerity, dedication, and unwavering support. She is educated, but never made me feel stupid. Anything she didn’t know about, she would find out about right away, sending me links and pamphlets so I could educate myself,too. She provided us with great resources like examples of birth plans, helpful hints for partners, and recommendations of what to eat during pregnancy,how to prepare for labor, etc. Most importantly, she made me feel understood. She reminded me of my abilities and my power as a woman. She was always supportive of my decisions, and during labor, she seemed to know just when to stand back, and just when to speak up. She was great at maintaining a relaxing ambiance, (I didn’t realize how important this was to me until the time came) and making sure my voice was heard. I could feel her constant attentiveness, without feeling gawked at or pushed around. After my daughter was born, as a new mother I had a lot of questions and issues that came up. I felt like I was calling her all the time! But she never made me feel like i was leaning on her too much, She really cared about us and how we were doing. That’s what makes her great. She was a blessing during that challenging time in my life, and I am so thankful to have found her.” Marie
“Dear Kristina, thank you very much for all of your help. You were my right hand and I really needed it. I felt very comfortable with you. You educated us to have way better labor and we made it!!” Chieko
“I feel Kristina has a deep understanding of the needs of pregnant women and assists in a very intuitive manner, with a calm and healing presence. Ultimately, she gave me confidence in my body’s own ability to give birth naturally, which, to me, is the greatest gift a doula could offer! Over the years Kristina has continued to be an insightful and constant source of knowledge for me. Her timeliness of referrals and her recommended books or websites recently steered me toward a healthier diet that has turned my health around. For that I cannot thank her enough!” Jeanne