Testimonials
Counseling testimonials:
“The hypnosis exercise that Kate took me through undoubtedly gave me confidence and reassurance that I could have a natural birth. After meeting with me and spending a great deal of time learning about my previous birth experience, concerns about my upcoming delivery, and concerns about bringing a baby home to meet my toddler, Kate then customized a visualization exercise which mapped out my labor, birth and postpartum period. A week after we met, I went into labor and I was surprised when I heard Kate’s voice in my head during a contractions: “…and baby is diving down, down, DOWN…” My body and brain connected automatically because I had been there before. Kate was with me during my labor, though not physically in the room! In addition to the exercise being a great tool for any pregnant woman to have in their “bag of tricks,” I would like to add that Kate is tremendously perceptive and responsive as a counselor. She listens to your concerns with great empathy and somehow knows exactly what a woman who is about take the greatest journey of her life needs to hear. Thank you, Kate!” -JHS, 2009
“Dear Kate,
I wanted to write and thank you for all that you have done for me and my family. My pregnancy was a difficult one. I had a lot of fear relating to having a second child, miscarrying, as well as carrying my pregnancy to term with Hashimoto’s disease. At our first meeting as soon as my baby heard your voice he wiggled and moved … when I hadn’t felt movement all day. I knew you were right for us. The hypnosis worked beautifully. I looked forward to our sessions tucked away in the safety of my home. I listened to the discs daily, and throughout the day your voice would remind me of the positives, gently guiding me to visualize a healthy future. It still amazes me that my son was born exactly when you said he should come, at full term. The visualizations were beautiful and really helped me to connect with my baby on the inside. You helped me to be courageous and joyous at the same time releasing my fears. Looking at them in depth and re-framing them. You took the time for me. I appreciate that you never forgot about me. You always were there when you said you would be, and then some. Thank you for coming to see me at the hospital when I was concerned about pre term labor contractions. It wasn’t your job to be there, but you chose to be there with me. You eased my fears with your knowledge and comfort. Your presence at my home for our son’s birth carried me. I could not have done it without you. You have powerful instincts. You were a voice of strength and encouragement. You knew what I needed and when I felt like I was spiraling out of control, you brought me back to center. You believed in me when I had doubt. I am so grateful to you and for you. You have a warmth about you, a way about you … like a safety net for anyone who’s scared of falling. You caught me and I now have a beautiful baby boy who was born safely at home in my bed. Thank you! Warmly,” -JG, 2009
“We are enormously pleased with the role that Kate played in Pia’s birth. We feel that she shares equal responsibility with our midwife in helping Pia give birth naturally despite considerable challenges. Pia’s labor was long and intense and Kate’s physical and emotional stamina never waned.
She was attentive to the needs of both mother and father, her knowledge of labor coping strategies was extensive and practical, and her presence was calming and encouraging. Before the birth we could not have imagined the degree to which Kate would help us, nor can we now imagine having dealt with labor without her. Kate shared and shaped a most important moment in our life as a family and will be in our hearts forever.
We thank our “fairy godmother” for her invaluable help and wish her luck in a career for which she is so wonderfully suited.” -PB, DB and Uri, 2008
Childbirth Education Testimonials:
“Kate’s series was fun and informative. we loved the privacy of doing the classes in our home and after the 3 classes I felt like I had a much better understanding of the workings of the birth process which gave me confidence in my body. we had a great natural home birth and I have to say I felt completely prepared and able to go through with the labor without fear or anxiety. Thanks Kate and thanks to my body and baby!” -E&B, 2010
“Kate is an educated professional who also brings with her the personality of a warm friend. Her childbirth class series was tailored to fit our particular needs, although she covered a variety of birthing possibilities. She mixes straightforward lecturing with pertinent exercises, such as drawing our idea of the birth, learning how I cope with the pain and discomfort with an ice exercise, and watching videos on the stages of labor and women’s various rituals in birth. Her classes go beyond what you would get in your average textbook or guide. For example, I’ve never seen a guide to newborn poop (which was one of the most helpful things Kate left with us- it was on our fridge for the first couple of weeks of our daughter’s life). Kate also taught us about the ways that people learn and, in turn, deal with the pain. This type of work served us well during labor. She covers everything from the signs of early labor to breastfeeding and newborn care. Overall, we felt extremely comfortable with Kate and well-prepared for the birth following her series. She was even available after the birth for further questions (Kate is a truly wonderful resource for all stages of pregnancy and birth). Kate’s course is a must for any expectant mother. It was given to us as a shower gift and was the best gift we received.” – L&D, 2010
“The class with Kate was a tremendous help, helping me to understand my methods for coping with discomfort and to liberate me from any self-consciousness so that I could focus during labor. It was also incredibly helpful and empowering to know what was happening within my body. The other major benefit of taking the class was taking the time to learn about infants, given that I had little experience with babies and no experience with newborns. The portion of the class dedicated to breastfeeding, diapering and bathing as well as what things to expect in the beginning days and weeks helped my husband and I relax and enjoy our newborn and get breastfeeding off to a great and confident start.” -VG, 2010
“Kate was an invaluable support to me and my husband, helping us prepare to become first-time parents. She is highly experienced, knowledgeable, organized; also wonderfully warm and thoughtful. Kate gave us much welcome reassurance and guidance to deal with our fears about becoming parents, and supported and empowered us to navigate our daughter’s (healthy) birth. Kate has our gratitude and strong recommendation!” – MB, 2009
“The most helpful part of Kate’s classes was the sense of calm and reassurance from the Kate. I think what I found most helpful was the overall approach to birth that was discussed throughout the class, as a natural, normal and manageable thing. Her class came highly recommended by several of our friends and we are so glad we decided to attend. The class was thorough, comprehensive and fun. Kate is an excellent teacher, engaging, warm and very knowledgeable. She has a clear appreciation of the birthing process and her confidence in our capacity as future parents was contagious. The six sessions covered everything from child birth to newborn care in a format that combined extensive reading material and lively discussions in class. In addition to forging new friendships with other expecting parents, I believe that the class helped us shed the many fears we had going forth into our first childbirth and allowed us to have a delivery we will remember fondly. In stark contrast, we also attended one of the more conventional child birth courses at a local clinic, which left us feeling anxious, confused and un-empowered. We would recommend Kate’s class to all expecting parents.” – PB, 2011
