Happy Day Doula Fort Wayne Indiana

SARAH AND THOMAS

We are so grateful to have had Kellie as our doula and part of our amazing birth team.

The moment I met Kellie I knew that I wanted her as our doula so when I got pregnant she was the first person my husband and I told!

One of my favorite things about Kellie is that she has so much knowledge and trust in birth and women, which is rare to find these days. This gave my husband and I so much comfort and confidence in choosing a homebirth and to walk into this new season of life as first time parents.

From the second we hired Kellie she was there to answer any of our questions, go deeper into childbirth education, and connect us with different resources as needed.

During labor she was there holding space and reminding me to breathe which allowed me to truly tap into my body and feel empowered with each contraction instead of feeling fear.

We can't imagine welcoming our baby girl into the world without Kellie by our side and look forward to having her as our doula again in the future!

MARISSA AND COLTON

I had my birth plan set in place and at the beginning of my third trimester I had a growing feeling for some time that my current midwife and "plan" wasn't meant to be. There were moments of unsettling doubt, uncomfortability and even confusion.

I reached out to Kellie looking for guidance, not expecting to necessarily bring on a doula, but to confied in someone I saw as honest and educated.

We began going over the feelings and concerns I had, she comforted me, reminded me I was right to feel the way I was feeling and confirmed my instincts were correct. As a mother... our intuition and instincts are meant to be heard, and she reminded me of just that. Her education, knowledge, ability to support and comfort were something I needed more than anything at that time.

I ended up firing my current midwife, connecting with a new one in town and bringing Kellie on as my doula. I couldn't have planned this if I tried, but the way everything fell into place was evidence my husband and I made the right decision.

Having Kellie by our side during the delivery of our son was so beautiful. Every hand squeeze, every "breathe" and "deep tones" and suggestions in repositioning my body (which immediately brought my baby earthside!!!!!) were done with care, grace, compassion, intent, peace- as if she was supporting her own sister.

Within postpartum and my breastfeeding journey she connected me to trustworthy mamas who were able to donate breastmilk when I was in need as well. Truthfully, that was humbling, but I found a village of women who cared and supported me without even knowing me.

My experience with Kellie from Happy Day Doula was something I will never forget and cherish for life. She helped my pregnancy, delivery and postpartum overflow with confidence and trusting my body and this process God designed.

I can't say enough thanks to her and her heart for what she does! I am forever grateful!

RACHEL AND CHANDLER

We chose to have Kellie support us for our first birth and I cannot imagine going through this transformational experience without her!

I first met Kellie about 2.5 years ago. I had just moved to Fort Wayne and was starting my pediatric and perinatal Chiropractic practice.

My prior education taught me that my body was designed for birth. I know that the less interventions present at a birth, the better the experience for both mom and baby. I also learned that in order to have an intervention-free birth I needed to have the proper support.

From the first time I met Kellie I knew I wanted her to be there to support my husband and I in bringing our child into the world. Kellie is the gold standard for doulas! She is highly educated in all things prenatal, birth and postpartum. Kellie is continually researching and keeping updated with her education. This ensures you can be confident in the safety and efficacy of her support through pregnancy and birth. Kellie understands and is supportive of physiological childbirth, she trusts women & their bodies ability to birth.

Her unwavering confidence helped me to have more certainty in my decisions throughout my pregnancy and during our homebirth.

I had been having early labor for about 3 weeks prior to the arrival of our baby boy. That time was very difficult as my contractions came and went and my hope of meeting our baby that day would fade. I began to feel some doubts about my body and what it was doing.

Kellie helped me to feel assured and regain trust my body which was essential in having an unmedicated birth!

We had the most beautifully intimate homebirth at 41 weeks and we are extremely grateful Kellie was there to help facilitate it. Our prayers have been answered!

ADDI AND ERIC

Kellie was a godsend when it came to helping us navigate our birth experience. She was amazing when our birthing plans changed. She helped us to navigate the hospital experience and was there with us step by step.

She gave us solid evidenced backed advice for everything- she really knows her stuff!

She was also super helpful to my husband and helped him to feel empowered in the experience as well.

We can't imagine our baby's birth without Kellie by our side.

She made our unexpected transfer situation much more tolerable and helped me to have the all natural birth I wanted with my husband catching baby!

We cannot say enough about her! We love Kellie!

MADI AND CALEB

Kellie Bailey assisted in the birth of my second child as well as my first.

I am a Primary Care Physician that has to treat children and mothers during and after pregnancy. Kellie still continues to educate me on so many things that go into having a child in the world we live in today.

In truth I wish that Kellie's profession did not have to exist. However the truth is that the informed consent of the parent/s having a child does not happen in western medicine. If you want to be informed about why you are making a decision to say no or yes to medical intervention you hire a doula, and if you want the best doula you hire Kellie.

AMBER AND MARSHALL

Kellie was the one who made me feel confident that I was made for birth and prepared to be a new mom.

When I found out I was pregnant, it was a big surprise for me and my husband. We were not planning on having children for a couple more years, so we were feeling very lost and overwhelmed. Kellie always knew what to say to help us overcome our fears and feel empowered. My brother and sister in law used Kellie as their doula and raved about how amazing she was. So I knew right away who we would choose for our doula. And thank you Jesus she was available to accept us as her client!

Through my entire pregnancy, she consistently would check in with me, send me advice, inform me of prenatal yoga classes I could attend, and was always a text away for me to ask questions. Her childbirth class was so interesting and informative! Even as a pediatric chiropractor myself, I learned so much valuable information. I highly recommend her class!

During my labor, Kellie was truly my saving grace. She coached me through the whole process and made me feel safe and in control. She helped me through every single contraction with the gentle love I needed in those intense moments. She also calmly helped my husband know what to do and kept him very involved. I knew I could get through my home birth because she was by my side the entire time. It feels like birth takes you to a whole different dimension, but Kellie keeps you grounded and focused on the main goal. She stayed true to my birth plan and made sure everything possible was achieved!!

My first week with a new born was stressful, but Kellie helped ease my mind with every question I had. She is so knowledgeable! I definitely bombarded her with so many silly questions, but she always knew the answer and responded within minutes. So grateful for her selflessness during this time. I was truly honored to have her as my doula.

We love you Kellie!!!

AMANDA AND ERICKSON

Working with Kellie Bailey was truly such a gift for my pregnancy and birth!

Her emphasis on biological norms and empowering the mother proved to be so helpful throughout.

My husband and I were able to process more of our first child's birth and prepare for this second birth from a place of peace and trust instead of reaction to trauma. Kellie proved to be an excellent listener. I felt truly heard and my boundaries maintained as she remembered my preferences with ease.

Her passion for childbirth as it should be made me feel like I had an expert and true support on my side.

During labor and birth, she remained a peaceful, reassuring presence. When I questioned how labor was progressing, she was faithful to remind me to enjoy and trust the process instead of rushing to see or force progress. My husband and I had aimed for a peaceful and intentional birth. With Kellie's assistance we are able to say this birth was just that. It was genuinely a happy (birth)day!

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.

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!

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.

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!

HEATHER AND JUSTIN

Hiring Kellie was one of the best decisions we made for our birth process. As a husband, I desire to do whatever I can to help my wife during birth. However, even if you go through all the prep classes + read various books to get ready (which are helpful!), when you find yourself in the moment, there's nothing better than having an advocate right there with you helping you along. Kellie was our advocate. She knew our desires + preferences for the birth process, and because of her knowledge + experience, she was able to help us achieve that.

As a husband, it's also so comforting to have another female there to assist. I've never given birth myself :) But Kellie has gone through that herself. She was able to connect with my wife in a way I would not have been able to. She knew when to be light-hearted & when to be serious. She knew the right questions to ask & when to just be silent. She gave me tips & ideas on how to help & not just be an observer. She never took my role; she allowed me to do what I could, & she stepped in when she needed to. We had complete peace of mind when Kellie was there.

We can't recommend Kellie enough! We were blessed to have her join us for the birth of 2 of our children. After our first experience, it was a no-brainer to have her along for our next child. You won't have any regrets with working with Kellie. She's the best!

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.

KRISTINA AND KALEB

Kellie was amazing. This was our third birth, first home birth, and first time hiring a doula. It was worth every penny! I have already gotten to know Kellie through being a doula myself, but having her in action through my personal pregnancy and at my birth was so so helpful. Especially for my husband! I'm so glad he was on board to hire her. She helped him feel more at peace about a home birth itself as well as not having to worry about remembering or knowing how to best support me.

Birth is not his favorite thing, but she knew that ahead of time so knew how to help him know what to do. This helped him feel a lot better heading into the birth as well.

This labor was my longest (from the intensity of active labor through birth) but also one I had the most control during. I account that to doing a lot more preparing/knowing a lot more, having a great birth team lined up (Kellie being a significant part of that), and keeping a hopeful and positive mindset about how the birth would go.

One thing I really appreciate about Kellie is how knowledgeable she is. I've learned so much myself over these last two years of doula training and work, and yet I still asked her so many questions that she either knew how to answer or had the perfect resource for me to check out. There were times I felt like a first time mom who knew nothing, and she was right there to help out with whatever I needed.

You will not regret hiring this gem!

VANESSA AND JORDAN

You have such a gift and anointing for bring peace and strength. Thank you for being our doula and helping us more than you could know!

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.

MICHELLE AND MIKE

I am so grateful for you and the role you played! You made me feel so confident in what I was doing during labor and you were so calm and such a peaceful presence!!

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.