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Here is a sampling of what others are saying about Life's Little Blessings....... |
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"Kristen was an excellent resource for us. She
helped us visualize, plan, and prepare for our birth from the second
trimester on. She handled various contingencies and potential
complications with extra research and always went an extra step in
finding other options that met our criteria for what we wanted.
She was invaluable during the labor process, which allowed us to labor
at home for many hours as we had hoped. We would recommend her
without reservations to anyone looking for labor education and support.
Ivonne W. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Kristen was a great support to me from the
time I contacted her early on in my pregnancy. She guided me in
the right direction when I was looking for a new physician to care for
me in my pregnancy. My husband and I enjoyed going to her
childbirth classes but even more the one on one education she provided
at our home visits was invaluable. Being a nurse myself, I really
felt comforted knowing I had someone by my side to advocate for me
because she knew my wishes ahead of time. Jennifer B. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Kristen was wonderful to deal with before our
baby was born. She was always available to answer any questions or
talk to us about any concerns we had during the pregnancy. Kristen
came to our house during labor and provided emotional support, checked
my progress during labor, and helped provide comfort during painful
contractions. Her soothing demeanor was very helpful in keeping us
calm during the labor process. It was very helpful to have her
constant support and know she was there when I had any questions.
Kristen is very knowledgeable about the entire labor process and
knows a lot about the issues one might face. She is great at
offering support during labor--both physical and emotional. In a
difficult and painful time immediately following the birth of our
daughter, Kristen was instrumental in helping me keep calm and using
breathing techniques to get through a painful time....It was helpful to
have her knowledge and guidance for my husband and mother. It was
hard for them to see me in such pain, and having Kristen there was
helpful for everyone!" Tori H. in Salem, VA |
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"We wanted to have a peaceful [homebirth]experience
without medical interference. We loved our experience; it
actually went above what we imagined. :) I was scared that I
wouldn't be able to handle the pain very well on my own. Kristen
was a great encouragement. We got along great and formed a
friendship. I wouldn't change a thing!"
Joni M. in Wirtz, VA |
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"Kristen's quality of care was excellent from
beginning to end. She was very good about explaining our options
and helping us make decisions that were right for us without imposing
her judgment. She was caring and confident without being
overbearing, and was not afraid to ask for help from other professionals
when questions and concerns arose. We are still on our homebirth
high and are so pleased with how everything turned out. We are so
grateful to Kristen for helping us bring our baby into the world in such
a beautiful way." Suzanne G. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Kristen spend many hours with us prior to the
birth, educating us on what to expect during a hospital birth. We
went into the labor feeling empowered and very prepared because of her.
With Kristen's help, I was able to labor at home for several hours
before going to the hospital. The first stage of labor progressed
very quickly in our home environment. While in the hospital,
Kristen was by mine and my husband's side. She provided
encouragement, assisted with comfort measures, and was hands on during a
very lengthy pushing stage. Kristen's suggested comfort measures
were very effective in helping me with pain management and keeping me
focused. I believe that this is why I was able to achieve my goal
of an unmedicated birth." Danielle H. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Kristen was great. She was a calming
presence for everyone during an intense and quick labor. Her
suggestions for comfort techniques were very helpful, most especially
the hip press and the use of the bathtub. Her knowledge and calm
demeanor helped us all to relax and not panic. Her ability to
check the baby's heartbeat enabled us to feel more comfortable staying
at home for most of labor. At the hospital, she helped explain
what the doctor and nurses were doing and why. Overall, we were
very thankful to have Kristen be a part of our labor and birth
experience and would definitely recommend her to others." Alix G. in Troutville, VA |
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"Kristen was very attentive to what our idea of
an ideal birth was, what her role would be, how she would assist, and
where she fit in--in relation to the father. She provided great
prenatal information tailored to my specific needs and experiences.
Following her advice about nutrition, supplements, and posture, I was
able to ward off issues I had with my last pregnancy and labor.
Her support during labor and delivery was also invaluable. During early labor, she suggested positions to help baby turn properly. The last stages of my labor progressed quickly, and she was of great help with breathing, calming me, and gentle coaching during pushing contractions. Her being there just provided me with a sense of calmness. Besides the fact that it just seems to be her nature, I was at ease knowing that she had assisted many births. She knew what our ideal experience was and wanted to help us achieve that. (Labor with our first child--not assisted by a doula--spiraled out of control on me.) Our birth [with Kristen as our doula] was a truly amazing experience, and I truly appreciate her help. I wouldn't hesitate to ask her to assist us again." April C. in Lynchburg, VA |
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"Classes were very informative and helpful in
preparing physically and mentally for labor. Techniques suggested
to prepare my body for labor, I believe really helped prevent me from
having a c-section which was the ultimate goal. [Kristen] was also
very encouraging and helpful during labor with breathing and position
suggestions. When it came time to make important decisions during
the labor process, she helped us think through our options while letting
us decide." Kelly P. in Vinton, VA |
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"Kristen's childbirth education classes were
enormously helpful in preparing us for this journey, and I appreciated
her emphasis on being informed and owning our own decisions.
As a labor doula, Kristen was with us during my entire labor--allowing us to labor at home--and then at the hospital as well. Kristen was fantastic in every regard. She is enormously professional, but balances that with a wonderful personal touch and great warmth. She genuinely wanted us to have the best childbirth experience possible, and respected our wishes and goals at every turn. Kristen's own confidence and knowledge in what she does was hugely reassuring. She provided focus for me during labor, and was calm and reassuring throughout. She did not leave my side, and was incredibly helpful to my husband as well; we both felt secure in having her there. At the hospital, she provided information on the process, and was ready to advocate for us in the event that our wishes were compromised. She continued to be totally hands-on during the long pushing stage, and suggested different positions and comfort measures as well. Throughout the entire birth, she was right there with us, providing support and giving us the confidence to continue on--even when I thought I couldn't do it! (especially when I thought I couldn't do it!) Gwen T. in Roanoke, VA (Childbirth Education & Doula Services)
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"Everything was very informative...The classes
have given me confidence that I did not have before." Ashley P. in Roanoke, VA
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"I was very pleased! I really appreciated
the backrubs, suggestions for breathing through contractions, and all
the other support. I am thankful because without the support I
received, I don't think that I would have been able to birth our
beautiful son without pain medications." Andrea B. in Hurt, VA |
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"We were extremely happy with Kristen. She
provided a lot of material beforehand to educate us in VBACs.
During labor, she stayed with us at the house and really helped me
through the contractions and was very knowledgeable about different
positions to try. When I felt like I could not continue, she was
excellent at calming me down and encouraging me. She was wonderful
at trying to get my husband involved. At the hospital, she really
took control of the situation and we believe had it not been for
Kristen, the doctors would have put us through another c-section." April P. in Roanoke, VA |
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"[The class series] made me feel much more
relaxed about my upcoming birth." Amanda R. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Before the actual birth, Kristen helped me
with various topics of research. As things came up at my doctor visits,
we would discuss them...and help point me in the right direction to find
out more information. This was a huge help to me as I made
decisions that affected the birth of my baby. During the birth, Kristen
helped me physically and emotionally. Physically, she encouraged
me to get in different positions that helped the baby rotate and move
down. Also she used a technique called the "hip press" during some
of the later contractions. This felt wonderful and helped me to
cope during that difficult time of transition. She would do the
"hip press" while my husband would be in front of me applying pressure
between my thumbs and forefingers. She was also the voice that
kept telling me that I could do it, reminding me not to breathe too
fast, and was a great encourager. Later, I thought how great it
was to have someone other than my husband and myself there.
Kristen was able to "fill in the gaps" of things my husband and I didn't
notice because we were so caught up in the moment of our child's birth.
We were very blessed to have her as our doula."
Cindy B. in Troutville, VA |
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"Kristen was very helpful in providing
encouragement during the most difficult parts of my labor and her
presence gave us confidence to labor at home as long as possible...
Even during the early part of labor before Kristen arrived, the
preparation that we had gotten during our prenatal visits with her was
instrumental in helping us feel knowledgeable, prepared, and able to
relax. As a result, my labor progressed quickly, our time in the
hospital prior to the birth was very short, and we got the positive
natural birth experience we had hoped for. Throughout the pregnancy
Kristen was available to answer our questions and she provided us with
lots of information about tests, procedures, and interventions to enable
us to make informed decisions, which paved the way for a positive birth
experience. We are very happy with the assistance Kristen provided
during pregnancy and the birth itself and found her support to be quite
valuable in our efforts to prepare for and achieve a natural birth." Lisa G. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Kristen's encouragement and support during the
labor and birth was excellent. I can not express how helpful she
was to my husband and I during the entire time. She helped me into
comfortable positions. She also helped me vocalize and breathe so that I
could relax. I also attended a childbirth education class of
Kristen's and I would recommend her to anyone wishing to have a natural
birth." Jenny M. in Roanoke, VA |
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"I was very pleased with Kristen in all aspects
of the maternity experience. She had knowledge on birthing
techniques, laboring, postpartum, etc. She was most helpful to me
during labor by using focusing, vocalization patterns, and breathing." Nikki C. in Roanoke, VA
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"Kristen really helped in getting our baby to
turn--different positions, etc. It was comforting to have someone
who knew what she was talking about. We think having Kristen there
was a great thing--really encouraging, reassuring, and comforting." Colleen K. in Troutville, VA (Doula Services & Childbirth Classes)
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"Kristen helped me to make my labor easier.
She was invaluable. I was able to have a natural childbirth due to
[her] encouragement and knowledge." Molly O. in Blacksburg, VA |
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"Kristen stayed with me for nearly 24 hours
while I was in labor. Due to medical reasons, I ultimately
required a c-section but I could not have made it through the labor
without her. She had prepared me so well during our classes and
then helped me cope throughout the labor process...She was my advocate
with the doctors and nurses. I can't begin to thank her enough for her
help." Jessica B. in Salem, VA (Doula Services & Childbirth Classes)
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"Kristen
was knowledgeable about unmedicated births. She helped us feel
comfortable and confident that we could handle the labor...I think her
encouragement and support kept me on my feet and allowed my labor to
progress more rapidly than it would have if I had been alone...Overall –
we had a wonderful unmedicated birth experience that I don’t think we
could have had if Kristen had not been involved!" Jessica L. in Troutville, VA (Doula Services & Childbirth Classes)
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"Great! I really enjoyed it and learned
alot even though we had some prior knowledge. Really liked the
part about interventions and alternative birthing positions. Very
well organized and presented in a clear manner....easy to follow
and understand." Anna W. in Moneta, VA
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"Excellent series...I learned so much! I
really appreciate that things were modified for my needs and the way my
pregnancy plans for induction were considered. " Mary Beth K. in Shawsville, VA (Childbirth Classes & Doula Services)
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Mom:"Kristen's confidence was assuring and she
helped me stay focused through changing positions and by using verbal
encouragement. She was
informative on many procedures and supportive of the decisions my
husband and I made. During labor, she just seemed to know what
would work and when we needed to change techniques--from breathing to
low groaning to even verbal cues. Her belief in and support of
natural childbirth made my personal experience even greater. Thanks again for all of your help...I brag on
you to everyone! I couldn't have done it without you and Ryan says
that you have to do our next one wherever we are! :) " Dad:"Kristen was sensitive in her boundaries between me as the father versus when to offer assistance...with her there, I was able to be more confident in the labor and delivery process. Having Kristen helped to ease my own fears. I am certainly a strong advocate for the services of having a doula." Ryan and Cary R. in Roanoke, VA |
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"Kristen was highly
supportive both before and during labor. She provided information
on a variety of interventions (that we wanted to avoid) and helped us
with advocacy and focusing during labor...She helped us have a wonderful
labor experience. We were able to have a very low intervention
birth experience in a hospital with a reputation for high levels of
interventions. We were part of the 3% that chose not to have an
epidural!" Chloe R. in Roanoke, Virginia |
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"Kristen was very knowledgeable and helped
guide me in preparation for my VBAC. She gave extra consults when
needed, above and beyond what was contracted....During labor, she gave
excellent guidance and provided pain management. She helped
provide verbal support during delivery and meshed well with
practitioners at the hospital." Nitza F. in Roanoke, Virginia |
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"Kristen played a very important role in my
labor and delivery. Because of her support, personal experience,
and knowledge of the birthing process, I was able to have a natural,
non-medicated birth. She was able to include my husband in the
labor and delivery. She kept me focused and encouraged me
throughout. I would not have been able to keep control and have
had the birth that I wanted without Kristen." Amy R. in Christiansburg, Virginia |
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"The class series was very informative and
interesting. Kristen went above and beyond each topic we needed
addressed....she is very researched and informed--really knows her
information. She was very helpful to us!" Melanie H. in Roanoke, VA |
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"I consider Kristen to not only be my doula,
but my friend as well. We were blessed to find her. We can't
thank her enough for all the love and support she gave us and for
helping us bring our angel into the world. She made a miraculous
experience more beautiful. It was a comfort to have her by my
side. She will always be a part of our family." Talia J. in Roanoke, Virginia |
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"Kristen showed my husband how to support me through encouragement and massage. She was my "reference book" during labor-a source of information and support right at my fingertips. I feel that her skills were helpful and that it was necessary for her to be there for both me and my husband." Jennifer C. in Roanoke, Virginia |
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"I am sure that my labor would not have progressed as well as it did without Kristen there. She encouraged me and gave me the confidence I needed for this birth. She offered advice on how to get our child into birth position naturally. We hope to work with you again someday!" Renee M. in Roanoke, Virginia |
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For doula service references, please contact me at 977-3726 or email:
kristen_tt@yahoo.com
