My experience with Kali? Where do I start? My husband and I hired Kali as our Doula for a VBAC because she came highly recommended by another Doula and that was one of the best decisions that we made about our birth. This said so much about her character and expertise in our eyes before meeting her. When we had our consultation with Kali, she was very patient and wanted to know about us, what we were trying to achieve and that she was confident that she could help us achieve our goals. During our consultation, we had already made up our minds that we wanted Kali as our VBAC Doula if she had space for us. We interviewed a few other Doulas, but we asked her if she had space for our due date, she confirmed that she did and we signed up immediately.
During the course of my pregnancy, Kali provided our private Childbirth Education (and it was such a breath of fresh air to have no one else in this space with us, especially during COVID.) Kali also educated us on Lactation, which was truly important for me because I wasn't able to breastfeed my first son due to lack of support. I had begun to have such admiration for Kali because everything that she taught us was done almost effortlessly and with so much grace. Kali answered every text, email, and call in a timely manner, this was so surprising because she never made us feel like she didn't have time for us. She ever answered when we called when I had fallen and sprained my ankle and was in the hospital while she was on vacation with her family when I was 23 weeks pregnant, she explained everything to me, answered every question, and had a backup doula ready in case I needed support while she was out of town. Lucky for me that I didn't need it but knowing that she was ready for every situation comforted me.
Leading up to my delivery day, Kali remained in constant contact with us, checking in to make sure that we were ok, she helped my husband and family give me the support that I needed for such an important task of having my VBAC. Everyone else had little faith that I would achieve my goal, but not Kali (she was my one-woman cheerleading team and that I am forever grateful for.) When labor started, Kali checked in all day long, she came to my house to assist me with the comfort measure from essential oils to rubbing my feet to massaging my neck to dancing and singing with me and my husband. Her presence was very calming and welcoming for my husband, she made sure that he was ok because the last birth he couldn't watch me labor properly. She turned me in so many positions to get labor moving naturally, she encouraged me to take rests, to stay hydrated, she made sure that the hospital staff respected my husband, me, and our baby. Kali was calm, professional, assertive when necessary to assist us in advocating for our wants and needs. Kali taught us early on about all of our options and helped us use every available tool at our disposal. Kali worked well with the hospital staff to the point that I was able to deliver my baby on hands and knees at the hospital, I had been told no by my practice but Kali shined in such a way that she made this experience everything that we wanted to be plus more. Kali is the epitome of what excellent doulas look like. Her knowledge and the grace that she exudes are invaluable, to say the least. Side note, she spoiled us in a good way. We have recommended Kali to everyone that has told us they're expecting. We highly recommend her service just as she came highly recommended from another doula. If you are looking for a doula to honor, you, your space, and your family, Kali would be the best addition to your birth team.
Kharismah Bey read more