Words cannot express how thankful I am to have met Karen and have taken her class. Though it was a 1 to 2 hour drive (with traffic) for me to get to her, it was well worth it. My profession deals with medicine and she taught me more than I've learned in school, things that schools don't teach in conventional medicine (which is why some of these thing are unheard of when you ask doctors about it). I worked with a natural doctor who advised me to look into hypnobirthing. That's when I jumped onto yelp and found Karen. My husband is extremely all about research/data based practices and Karen has educated him to change his vision when it comes to birthing. Thank God for her he's now more understanding and will 100% support my instinctive/natural birth.
What I really respect is that she has had a "typical" birth prior to her education and knowledge. Her own experience with a doula, with her second child, is what inspired her practice and passion in what she preaches and practices. She's currently pregnant now and will venture with a home birth next. She can basically say, "I've done it all!". She can relate to different births and/or she can share stories of those she see has seen/experienced first hand.
She has so much to share and she has so much to give. Although she was pregnant, preparing and teaching a couple classes, has 2 and 1/2 kids, and in the middle of a move, she'd pick up the phone as if she was sitting around waiting for your call to answer any questions you had. I called her prior to class starting to inquire about her class. She was on vacation and still picked up my phone to talk to me for a good 20 minutes probably. I had a question late at night at 9pm or so and she still responded to my text message. She was busy putting her children to bed but got back to me right away to let me know she needed a minute to respond.
Her classes offered some activities to allow us to practice "real life" scenarios. It was definitely good practice and allowed us to ask questions while we were doing it, in case it came up when we finally went into labor and Karen wasn't around. You basically get to practice what she teaches. Hands-on practice is always the best way to learn. I never imagined I would learn so much, especially in just 5 classes. This is my first birth and I'm so glad I learned what I learned from her before my first experience.
I love her positive aura and personality overall. She's beautiful too! Very enjoyable to be around and learn from. She even offered little snacks for our growling tummies and cute little prizes. Totally unexpected and not necessary for her to do, but that's what also makes her so awesome!
I Totally wish I could have her as my doula but she's so far away, it wouldn't be a good idea. She'll also be on the tail end of her maternity leave by then. She offered her full support and open availability if my husband and I needed anything. I appreciated that so much. We both know that she's just a phone call away.
I wish everyone could learn what I learned from Karen. It would better prepare all women (and partners) out there for a more natural and unregrettable birth for them and their child and more likely prevent regrettable birth experiences. read more