Happy Day Doula Fort Wayne Indiana

"Childbirth is an experience in a woman's life that holds the power
to transform her forever. Passing through these powerful gates
- in her own way - remembering all the generations of
women who walk with her... She is never alone." Suzanne Arms

TESTIMONIALS

Christie and Keirsh

Christie's perspective: Many people have asked me now that I’ve had two babies if this was easier or shorter or how they compare etc. here is the only way I have figured out how to explain it after reflecting on the major difference:

One was not “easier” than another. Each had their own beautiful moments, emotional trials, miracles, victories, and traumatic turns. But during my first induction I felt completely out of control of anything and everything that happened. And with Nola’s, I was a part of the plan. I know that has part to do with it being the second time around and having experience, as well as the fact that my OB and their care team let me weigh in on the process each time and I just had more knowledge to weigh in this time.

BUT, the main reason is because I was empowered to be a part of every single decision by having an advocate, an informed and experienced support person, every step of the way.

She (Kellie) helped us try anything and everything we could to naturally induce. She listened to our fears behind induction. She reminded us that this birth experience would not be the same as the last. She made it practically possible for Keirsh to be more of my emotional support.

She helped us stick to our plan. Lean into our gut. And most importantly she continued to empower us to take control and make decisions regarding what happened next because we have more options than we think.

She was exactly the kind of person I want to be someday for people’s birth experiences. And I want you all to know I don’t think you’ll ever regret hiring a good doula.

Thank you Kellie for providing the best care we could have imagined and being there for every step of our crazy story. We loved watching how God brought you into the plan for us and we can’t thank you enough for all you did!

Christie and Keirsh

Keirsh's perspective: When my wife first mentioned she would like a doula for the birth of our second child, I immediately thought, “Wait, did I do something wrong the first time?”

I think most dads would feel that way. However, after the birth experience, with Kellie as our doula, I have come to realize that that question is rooting in a misunderstanding as to what a doula is and isn’t.

A doula is not a substitute for a partner, loved one, or father. A doula is, in the simplest form, an advocate.

There were many times during both birth experiences neither my wife or I knew we had options, or knew we could ask questions about the care that was being provided. Additionally, there were times the fear of contention with medical professionals kept us from asking for clarification or explanation. However, with the help of Kellie we were able to better understand what was happening and therefore, be more emotionally present during the birth of our second daughter.

Kellie provided coping techniques, pain management strategies, and an extra set of hands that no book could teach or no medical professional could provide.

The personal touch she provided allowed us to transition our daughter from womb to world smoother than we could have imagined. Even after our daughter was born, Kellie stayed with us ensuring the best possible care was rendered to both mom and baby, gently reminding medical professionals to explain exactly what was happening to our baby in those first few moments.

I cannot imagine being a birth partner again without the presence of doula, specifically Kellie.

Madi and Caleb

For the birth of my wife and I's first child we chose to employ Kellie from Happy Day Doula. My wife was more hesitant than I in our need for a doula because of my occupation as a physician we had thought I could aid in most of the medical advice and decisions to be made during pregnancy. After a few conversations we decided to hire Kellie even though I had a more advanced knowledge than most would about child birth.

I will say now that I could not be happier with that decision. Not only did Kellie know more than I about many things during the labor and delivery but her voice was a calming voice of knowledge and reason to my wife during the difficult task of labor and delivery.

Sometimes (and I think wives would agree) the husband can do no right during labor, and to have another presence, pair of hands, authoritative voice is essential to do one of the most amazing and difficult things a woman can do, birth a child. Unfortunately the hospital system has taken a lot of that away in this day. Not so long ago birth was a thing that was done and monitored by grandmother, mother and midwife. The hospital has sterilized that intimate process so much that it feels like birth is seen as a medical condition rather than something natural.

My wife and I had our baby at the hospital, my wife labored at home as comfortably as possible with the help of Kellie. Kellie had done such a great job of helping encourage my wife to progress labor efficiently and naturally. We got to the hospital and had a healthy baby 1 hour after we got there.

I am more proud of my wife than I have ever been watching her bring life into the world and I know without a doubt that it would not have gone as perfectly as it had without Kellie being our guide through it. I can't recommend her enough. If you wish to have as smooth and natural of a birth as possible hire her without hesitation.

Amanda and Doug

My husband and I went through childbirth classes and still felt like we didn’t have the confidence and strength in going through childbirth ourselves. Once we met with Kellie, we agreed on the spot that Kellie was the right person to assist us with our birth.

We only got the chance to meet with Kellie one time before our little bundle of joy had arrived early. Even though we only had one official meeting, we felt like Kellie had set us up with the knowledge to have our pre-birth decisions made, along with our birth plan, and get us through to the beginning of contractions.

I woke up around 1 AM and every half an hour until about 3 AM and didn’t realize I was in the beginning stages of labor. Before I knew it, I was spotting, and the contractions were getting closer. As first-time parents, we thought, oh, we will try what we learned in childbirth classes, shortly to realize, we don’t remember what we’ve learned, luckily, we had Kellie to rely on. Kellie was on the phone with us talking us through a few methods to try before it was decided that it wasn’t false labor. She got to our home quickly and helped guiding us through each contraction.

It was time to leave to go to the hospital and my husband was frantically running around trying to pack. Kellie was able to calmly help Doug finish packing and get us all out of the door, all while helping me as contractions progressed. Typically, in a high tense situation like this, my husband and I could possibly have an argument, but Kellie was able to be our middle person, and we were able to leave the house with no argument and smoothly. She also advised my husband exactly what to say on the phone to the doctor and to the hospital (and not to speed :)). He really appreciated this guidance as it was a tense moment.

Kellie was by our side and lead us through every second of the 18+ hours of labor. She helped me and helped my husband guide me through each contraction, each pain, each movement, to the final push. With childbirth, you really have no idea what to truly expect and what will happen next, let alone you’re not in your right mind, but to have someone like Kellie guiding you along the way, allowed for one of the most scary and unknown days, to go more smoothly than you could have ever imagined.

My husband and I both agree Kellie was truly a blessing and our rock throughout our whole experience. If you are ever in doubt about using a Doula, don’t be and make sure to use Kellie, she will be the best part of your birth plan that you could ever have hoped for.

Larisa and Joshua

We were blessed to have Kellie as our doula (and friend) for our firstborn and as well as our second. We were blown away by her support through all the stages during pregnancy and throughout labor! Having her with us helped us both on so many levels. Her comforting presence and practical suggestions were such a relief during labor. We were so blessed to have her be a part of our joyful births!

Emily and Sean

Words cannot express my gratitude towards Kellie during the pregnancy, labor, and birth of my second child. My first birth experience was nothing short of traumatic. As a young mom the first time around, I wasn’t given the opportunity to allow my body to do what it was meant to do, and eventually ended up with a cesarean section even before my estimated due date.

Fast forward 6 years and I was ready to take control of my pregnancy as well as my birth experience. My partner and I took a step in the right direction upon hiring Kellie. Kellie supported me during my pregnancy by always being available to answer any and all questions I had, and made a point to check in with me many times during the end of my long 41 week pregnancy.

When the time came for labor, Kellie came to us at our home and was incredibly supportive to me while I struggled through an intense and long labor. She made suggestions for positions, kept me moving, and encouraged me to rest when I needed it. She was also a huge asset to my partner, who is a first time father and had never experienced labor. Kellie included him in the labor process and helped him be the best support person he could be.

After many hours of labor, Kellie came to the hospital with us where I had to make some tough choices. Although I planned to have no medical intervention, the length and intensity of my labor led me to choose to receive an epidural. It was my choice, but Kellie and my partner stood by my side and supported me in that choice.

After over FIFTY hours of labor, with the help of my partner and Kellie, I pushed for a little over an hour and delivered via VBAC our beautiful son, Woodrow Lee! The words of encouragement kept me going through the exhaustion. Every time I said “no” Kellie was there saying “yes!” And with the help of my wonderful doula, and my amazingly patient partner, I did what I had intended. I had a successful and empowering VBAC!

To anyone considering whether or not having a doula is for them, know that without Kellie I don’t believe that I would have had the empowering birth experience that I had. We are so lucky to have found Kellie and had her on our birth team!

Rachel and Lee

Kellie met with us several times throughout my pregnancy to ensure she knew exactly what I wanted from my birth experience. She tactfully guided Lee and I to educate ourselves on potential medical interventions beforehand, so that we would be prepared in the moment. She encouraged me to write out my birth plan, and when things went awry, and the birth plan went out the window, she was there to support and assist.

From answering probably a thousand texted questions, to rushing to the hospital in the middle of the night for the birth of a kidney stone instead of a baby. From helping me plan a natural birth, to physically repositioning my body after I caved and got an epidural. From stuffing a rag soaked in lavender oil in my face while I was laboring down, to helping June latch right after birth. Perhaps most importantly, helping me emotionally heal from some of the traumatic parts of my hospital stay. She was there for it all and the English language does not suffice to say thank you.

Kellie, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for loving us so well. 💛

Alexa and Joey

When I found out I was pregnant with Sophia, I knew that I would need some support throughout the labor/delivery process. Our first baby was stillborn and I was still very emotional and anxious about being pregnant again so soon. My biggest reasons for finding a doula were to have help understanding and expressing my medical decisions, to go through labor with dependable help, and process my emotions throughout the pregnancy. Kellie (Happy Day Doula) went above and beyond what I expected. She helped with all the questions I had and helped me develop a plan for labor that I felt was best for me and the baby.

Throughout the months leading up to labor, Kellie met with me and my husband and provided countless resources for pregnancy and prepared me for labor/delivery/postpartum. She helped me come up with a birth plan and I made a list of all the things I could do to help relax during delivery.

I had originally planned to have a natural birth. Kellie was very informative - giving me info on the pros and cons of both, and last minute I decided to be induced. Even though this was not my original plan, she was SO supportive and encouraging throughout the entire process. Kellie did everything she could to make me comfortable during labor.

My daughter was born that evening and my perfect 8lb 14oz "rainbow baby" was completely healthy. Kellie provided great coaching for breastfeeding and my daughter took to it very quickly. In the days following delivery, Kellie checked in on me and baby regularly. It was so comforting to have another mom for support.

Without Kellie, I'm sure the pregnancy/birth of my second child would have been stressful and scary because I feared delivery after the stillbirth. Instead, I experienced a wonderful birth that left me feeling strong and empowered. If money were no object, I would gift every expecting mother the service of a good doula like Kellie at Happy Day Doula. The need may be hard to understand, especially for first time mothers, but the choice to have a doula is the single best thing I did for myself with my second pregnancy.

Jennifer and Joseph

Thank you Happy Day Doula for being there with me through the long hours I wasn’t even aware of, for telling me I can when I was afraid I couldn’t, for making me do “one more” squat, and for giving Joseph and I your support as we labored to bring Oliver in to this world.

Lindsey and Justin

I look back on the birth of my sweet son (my second-born) with such awe and joy at the miraculous way he entered the world, but had Kellie not been there, I would probably have had a very different experience.

I knew I wanted to have a natural birth for my second pregnancy due to the difficulties I experienced after the birth of my precious daughter. I researched and asked friends for recommendations on how to prepare for a natural labor. They all pointed me to Kellie. I am forever grateful!

The night I went into labor, I wasn’t even sure it was labor. I told my husband about some of my discomfort, but I did not have normal contractions. I called my doctor, who told me to monitor how I’m doing as it sounded like my body could be preparing for birth for the days to come. I also called Kellie to tell her what I was experiencing. She was so caring, she came over to my house right away in the middle of the night to see how I was doing.

I ended up having what they call a precipitate labor meaning very quick. Kellie had only been there for about 15 minutes, when I told her I was going to get ready to go to the hospital due to how my contractions were coming. However, as I was getting ready to leave, I told her and my husband that there was no way I was going to make it to the hospital because the baby was coming now.

Kellie was so comforting and knowledgeable about supporting me as we waited for the ambulance to come. I ended up having our son on our living room floor with my husband catching him and Kellie supporting us before the ambulance arrived.

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and makes for a truly special memory. Many people ask me if I was scared, and had Kellie not been there, I’m sure I would have been anxious and fearful. However, she not only helped us prepare for the day of labor, but her presence and support through it all especially how fast it was, gave me peace and confidence. It was beautiful.

Kellie is a gem and truly gifted in the field of supporting moms and helping babies enter this world. It was evident how extensive her knowledge and experience was as well as her passion for supporting and empowering moms to have all the evidence based research, tools, and preparation to welcome their sweet little one. To this day, she is still someone I can always call to be there when I have a question about information or need support. I’m honored that she played such an important, meaningful role in our son’s story and how she is still a very important part of our lives.

Natalie and Tyler

I am so grateful that I decided to hire Kellie to be my doula. She brought a calm, comforting presence exactly when I needed it most. Her encouragement throughout my entire birth is the reason I'm able to look back on it with joy. I will never be able to thank her enough!

Danae and Josh

Pregnacy and childbirth is a magical scary time wrapped up together in one package. I was filled with so many emotions, thoughts and questions all at the same time and was wondering where to turn to? Let's face it momma's the daddy's that are involved are nice to have around but they have no clue what we are really going through. So, who do I ask and talk to about all this? I was getting a lot of people's thoughts and opions but not feeling like I was getting all the information. I like to try to be as natural minded as possible and its hard these days to tell your doctors that.

The best thing that I did was, turn to Kellie Bailey for advice as my doula. She has such a gentle spirit, I knew come game day, she would be the perfect person to support my husband and I to welcome our baby boy into this world. During the pregnancy she helped me with all my questions and understood my idea of a happy healthy pregnacy and birth.

Due to my health reasons I had to be induced. Lucky for me Kellie was right by my side informing me every step of the way. She took our needs and our wishes to heart and helped us with the best birth experience possible. Kellie truly got me through the amazing process with such gentleness and even love. I know with out her my birth would not have went as smooth.

My husband and I highly recommend Happy Day Doula to anyone. Kellie is amazing. If I am ever blessed with another pregnacy I will not hesitate to have Kellie as my support system for my husband and I. Thank you so much Kellie from the bottom of our hearts.