“My biggest reason for hiring a Doula was because I wanted to have support for myself and my fiancé throughout the laboring process. I also wanted any extra knowledge on birth and bodies so that I could be the most prepared possible. I chose Mama Bear Doula Services because they were recommended to me through Eugene Birth and Family. I was very fond of my care at the Birth Center so I figured I’d probably get along with MBDS as well. :- ) The prenatal meetings were great and I appreciated Kaitlyn squeezing us in to get all of our meetings taken care of before baby arrived since I ended up getting a Doula so late in the game. The most helpful parts of my Doula support were the knowledge I received during our prenatal visits as well as something she said to me while I called her during labor. I labored throughout the day without realizing I was actually in labor so by the time I was aware it was nearly time to head to the Birth Center. I was so close to having the baby that I called my doula and my folks and told them to meet me at the Birth Center instead. While I waited at home for my fiancé to arrive to drive us I called Kaitlyn, my Doula. She gave me the BEST piece of advice; she said to “Do what feels natural.” That, and the fact that when we arrived at the Birth Center she basically caught baby in her bare hands when I popped him out in the passenger seat of my car! THANK YOU, Kaitlyn <3 Next time I will try to listen to my body with more care so that we all are able to arrive at the Birth Center with time to spare. That way, we get to go through the birthing process together. I would have loved to try some of the birth positions and techniques I learned during my baby classes. However, Kaitlyn DID say to call if anything changed and I just really thought they were Braxton Hicks contractions and nothing more, (I was wrong!), so it’s not really on her. Kaitlyn is patient, kind, and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a Doula to support you on your pregnancy journey you should definitely message Kaitlyn to see if she’s also a fit for what you’re looking for in your doula experience. I would say that getting a Doula is most definitely worth it and to utilize their knowledge to your utmost advantage. There is ALWAYS something to learn..”