When my husband and I found out I was pregnant, we knew that we would want a doula to help in every way possible throughout the pregnancy and birth. We had holistic birth plans and wanted a person who believed in the same ideas. It took many interviews to find the right person for us, Keely. She listened to us, she explained every detail about the birthing process to us, she was there for us and especially me in every step of the way. Then it came time for the birth, which was unexpected due to complications on my part with preeclampsia. Due to this diagnosis, I could not have the birth plan that I chose and had to give birth in the hospital. Keely made sure that I still had almost everything that I wanted in my holistic birth plan even though things were very different. The little things she did was massaged my legs with oils due to the swelling and fed me so that I could be strong when it was time to push. Besides these little things, Keely helped me through the medications I was put on, the pitocin, and each and every contraction. The counter pressure and the “hmm-ing” sounds helped me get through active labor and contractions with a breeze. When it was time to push, she helped assist with holding my leg and making sure I was pushing when I needed to with vocal cues and breathing techniques. When my baby was born all I could think was that I could not have done this without her, during pregnancy, during labor, and now after she is a huge part of my life. Not only was my birth a little traumatic - Keely made it known that I am this super human, bad ass, queen and she will forever be a part of my and my families circle.
— Aliki Pofahl
