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Smile Doula
  • Home
  • About Kara
  • Doula Services
  • Childbirth Education
  • Mentorship
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
  • Contact
Contact Kara

Testimonials

  • Maria Chambers

    "For my second pregnancy, I wanted to try a natural delivery due to previous issues with my epidural. I was referred to Kara by a friend and it was the biggest blessing I could’ve asked for. She truly played an instrumental role in every aspect of my journey. From pregnancy, labor and delivery, to postpartum my experience would not have been as positive and empowering without her by my side. The amount of knowledge that she has is unmatched. 

    During labor, she provided me with tools to ease the discomfort and talked me through the hard parts, encouraging me along the way. During delivery, she coached me, educating me on the right breathing methods all while providing a much needed calming presence. When the exhaustion kicked in, she reminded me to take it one contraction at a time and to put faith in myself and my body. - continued in next slide
  • Maria Chambers - continued

    ... When my baby girl arrived she assisted right away with breastfeeding, knowing how much trouble I have had in the past. Her guidance didn’t stop there.I had several issues postpartum and she was there for me emotionally during the hardest of times, while also providing resources to help ease the transition and assist with my difficulties. Kara has the most nurturing, supportive and loving spirit. Being a doula is truly her passion and calling in life and it was so evident during our many talks and time together. After one of our meet ups, I left actually looking forward to giving birth which I never thought I would say! 

    Every woman deserves a Kara by their side on this journey. I couldn’t be more grateful for the relationship and bond we have created bringing my daughter into this world."
  • Sarah Jamison

    "We are so thankful for Kara. Our birth wouldn’t have been the same without her! Kara helped us every step of the way. As a first pregnancy it was so nice to ask her my questions about pre-labor vs. labor. When I was having a hard time handling the initial contractions, she helped us weigh the pros and cons about waiting at home vs. going to the hospital. Kara ended up coming to our home and working with us for 4 hours before heading to the hospital. Her familiarity with the hospital, their procedures and staff was a huge comfort to us and really made a big difference in my birth experience. She really helped advocate for our birth plan and helped us weigh some difficult decisions. We are also so thankful for her support right after birth in helping us establish breast feeding with our son. We couldn’t imagine not having her there and know we were able to have the natural birth we wanted because of her support."
  • Brittany Cominsky

    "Meeting Kara was one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I have no doubt that her presence changed the entire course of my labor and birth experience with my first baby. She helped to alleviate almost every fear and doubt that I had about my labor and delivery. God definitely placed her in my life for a reason. Having Kara by my side, along with my husband, gave me so much peace and comfort throughout the whole process. She gave me the strength, knowledge, and confidence that I needed to have an unmedicated, natural birth. She helped me to advocate for myself where otherwise I may not have been able to. One of the main things that I remember was her standing by my side praying for me and it was so powerful! I would recommend Kara to everyone who is pregnant and wanting to have the best birthing experience possible! I will forever be grateful for her, and am also so happy to call her my friend. ❤️"
  • Grace Myers

    "I simply cannot recommend Kara enough. She has supported myself and my husband through two births, each very unique, the first an unplanned c-section and the second a much hoped for VBAC. With each birth, she provided invaluable individualized support, encouragement, and comfort. With my c-section, her presence and advocacy gave me the confidence to know that the c-section was how my son needed to be born and for my VBAC she encouraged me throughout my pregnancy, gave me hope that a VBAC was possible for me, and when the time came she kept me present and calm and brought such joy to what was a very redemptive birth. - continued in next slide
  • Grace Myers - continued

    ...Without Kara, I know both births wouldn't have been the ultimately positive experiences that they were. While the concept of a doula was a new one to my husband, he supported me in this desire as we prepared for the birth of our first child and now he highly recommends having a doula to others. Kara's presence allowed him to be even more present with me as my birth partner as he knew Kara would advocate for me and help keep him informed of what is going on and how he can best be of support in the moment. Kara's care for her clients and passion for her work is evident from the moment you meet her. Choosing a doula is a very personal choice and I feel so blessed to have found Kara."
  • Frances McQuilkin

    "From the moment Kara and I connected, we both felt like God had called us together in my pregnancy journey. The support she offered not only myself, but my husband as well, was way beyond what we expected. From our first meeting when I asked if she ever had a "full catch" to her actually catching my sweet girl, we felt fully supported in our birth preferences. I could never thank Kara enough for making my birth dreams come true. She never once made me feel unsupported in any way and always offered mulitple solutions to any problem I brought up. Just a few hours after having my baby, my husband was telling his brother how having a doula is the way to go! We both recommend her to everyone we know who is pregnant or planning to have a baby. No matter what they want birth to look like, Kara will make it magical!"
  • Danielle Dyer

    "Kara is a DREAM doula!  As a first-time mom, I had so much fear/anxiety about pregnancy, labor and delivery.  And so many questions.  Kara educated my husband and I, taking much of the fear out of the equation.  She is so experienced and knows just what to do to help you EVERY step of the way!  I felt fully supported.  She far exceeded our expectations.  I cannot say enough good things about her.  She completely changed my perspective on the labor and delivery process.  I was very much “doom and gloom” about it all, but after taking Kara’s advice and listening to her guidance, I had a wonderful experience welcoming my sweet baby into the world!  You want her on your team.  She goes the extra mile in every way!  She is phenomenal.  (And worth every penny!) "
  • Meghan Benninghoff

    "I had an overwhelming amount of anxiety coming into this labor and delivery as I had a traumatic experience in my previous pregnancy. As soon as I met Kara, I knew that I was in safe and supportive hands and my anxiety turned into a calm I didn’t know was possible. Kara was always there for me throughout my pregnancy-consistently checking in and offering advice. When it was time for baby to arrive, Kara was there to talk me through affirmations and to remind me that my body was made for this. She instantly knew that I was experiencing back labor (before I knew) and helped position me to give me relief. She helped me advocate for myself with hospital staff and helped give me the support and strength I needed to have the most positive and memorable labor experience. Because of that, I was able to truly enjoy and soak in those early days with my newborn. Kara was without a doubt an answer to my many prayers for my pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience!"
  • Jim Riley

    "Kara was so amazing to work with.  I was worried about the whole process but she was able to answer all my questions. She made us very comfortable and explained the whole process. During the delivery she was comforting to my wife and helped to adjust her to make the delivery go faster.  She also made sure it was a positive experience for me and made sure I was okay throughout the delivery as well. She continued to check on my wife even after the baby was born and offered advice to new parents like us.  Highly recommend."
  • Jeff Kirk

    "I was a complete novice with childbirth. My wife is awesome, and has done research, but there wasn't anything like what Kara provided for us during both births that we've had. Wow...she is amazing, and took something (childbirth) which I knew nothing about and broke it down into really simple and clear stages which ultimately made me feel comfortable with the unknown and took care of my wife in an unparalleled way that aided the births of both of our children."
  • Tim Bechtel

    "When Emily was pregnant with our first, a couple people said we should have a doula at our birth. I knew nothing about a doula, or much about birth except a baby comes out and it hurts! Kara brought such peace, expertise and intuition on how to go through labor well. I wouldn't have another birth without her! She showed me what to look for and how to best support my wife in the process and keep her relaxed. Now I am a doulo, telling others why they need to have a doula for their birth!"
  • Rachel Peterson, RN

    "I met Kara at work when I was pregnant with my 5th baby. As a L&D nurse, I never thought I’d hire a doula but working with Kara professionally and watching her interact with her clients, it was evident she would be such an asset! I’ve been in L&D for over 12 years so I’m pretty experienced in the birthing world. I’ve also had a baby every way possible: vaginal, cesarens and VBACs! I never had an unmedicated birth but felt that I wanted to experience that for my last birth. Kara was the support I needed to get the birth I’ve always dreamed of! Kara's compassion, patience, knowledge, motivation and love is something EVERYONE could benefit from! I’ll never forget locking eyes with her during transition and just knowing she would help me through! I’ll never forget Kara’s presence during that time as long as I live!"
  • Dani Miller

    "I was hesitant at first to contact a Doula, but Kara came highly recommended. From the minute my labor started, I was supported by Kara. First, by the educational information she shared on what was happening to my body to her support through labor. She walked me through pain management techniques and supported me in my choices. Our labor experience was fantastic. I relive my sons birth over and over in my head. It’s one of the best days of my life! Even after delivery Kara continued to be in contact. I asked her many questions about breastfeeding and postpartum. She is just a text away and responds with reassurance and encouragement. Kara is supportive, caring, informative, and genuine. My husband and I will not have babies in the future without her! We are grateful for everything she has done for our family."
  • Karianne Hart

    The labor and delivery of our first child was without a doula and strayed greatly from what we had envisioned. We were overjoyed by our son’s arrival, the circumstances left me feeling very defeated and incapable of fulfilling my desire for a natural birth. When we were pregnant with our second, naturally both my husband and I had anxiety about the actual birth process. Despite completing coursework and birth classes, I still felt like I wasn’t ready for labor and delivery again. But then, a wonderful midwife recommended her own doula and this is what led us to Kara. Kara pours her heart and soul into each family she works with and was an invaluable friend and support during the birth of our daughter. She helped me work through anxiety from our first birth and equipped me with encouragement and knowledge to enter our second birth. I sing her praises to everyone because she truly changed our birth story and holds a special place in our hearts. We are forever grateful.
  • Erin Hoffman

    "I'm not sure where to even begin when it comes to describing what an amazing gift from God Kara is. My fiance and I were so lucky and blessed to have Kara by our side when I gave birth to my 4th child. My previous birth was hard emotionally. With this birth, I was determined to make it a positive experience. Kara was so supportive, loving, caring, and helpful. The birth of my daughter was the most amazing, positive and vulnerable experience of my life. I couldn't have pushed myself without the support and love of Kara. She was there for everything I needed, every question and every concern I had, she was there, no matter what. My fiance and I are so grateful for what Kara has done for our family, we can't thank her enough."
  • Amanda Kirk

    "I experienced pre-labor labor with my past 2 pregnancies and she was always a text message or phone call away no matter the time of day. Any little question I had as a first-time-mom, that I didn't feel comfortable enough with calling my OB's office to "bother them," she was there to answer & support me and my husband. She is always a calming voice and helped my husband to stay calm which was a huge comfort to me. She helped me to have 2 hospital births that were very close to a home-birth setting. I was able to labor at home until I was ready to go to the hospital. She always had my husbands and my wishes as well as the well-being of my baby as her highest priority. A positive birth experience can be achieved with the knowledgeable help & support from a Doula like Kara."
  • Noel Abou-Mitri

    "When I first spoke with Kara it was as if I had known her for years. She helped me regain the confidence I needed after the trauma I experienced after my second child was born. I was not only able to deliver my third but my fourth baby naturally with the support, guidance & love from Kara. Her strength & faith are infectious - she radiates love & positivity - my family is so grateful to her - We are blessed to call Kara our friend."
  • Sarah Abood

    "Hiring Kara as our Doula was one of the best decisions we could have made. She’s compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive. I was planning a VBAC and Kara’s support helped me feel empowered and that no matter the outcome it would be a positive experience. Kara was never judgmental and was a huge comfort before, during, and after baby. In addition to the emotional support she provides, she is highly trained in pain management and other birthing techniques to help labor progress. She fit in seamlessly during labor and provided support without stepping on the toes of my spouse or the doctors and nurses. In fact, I actually found her because she came highly recommended by my doctor!  I’m a month postpartum now and looking back I can honestly say Kara has exceeded my expectations as a Doula and will always have a special place in my heart. I would not hesitate to hire her again and can not recommend her enough."
  • Andrea Kumse

    "When we found out we were pregnant I knew I wanted to work with a doula but wasn’t even sure what that really meant. We interviewed a few doulas and when we found Kara we instantly knew she was the one for us. Kara made us feel supported, heard and cared for from that very first call all the way through postpartum. Kara always gave us the facts ans knowledge needed to make informed decisions. She guided us and empowered us. It was the perfect balance of support/education and us making decisions knowing there were no judgements. We went into not only labor/delivery knowing what all to expect but also what came next. She has the kindest heart and such vast knowledge on pregnancy, labor/delivery and postpartum. Kara was a dream to work with and became an integral part of starting our family."
  • Haley Adams

    "Having Kara by my side throughout my first pregnancy was a game changer. Before the birth, I was clueless. Kara explained the process thoroughly...even telling me all of the options and choices I could encounter while at the hospital. She was so respectful and supportive of my wishes and made sure the hospital staff was on the same page so that I could concentrate on having my baby. She used accupressure techniques to help with pain for hours of contractions. I never felt alone. She kept me focused on breathing, staying calm and relaxed for the entire process. When I was in active labor and the baby started coming, I felt afraid for just a moment until Kara recognized it and brought me back to center. Even with all the support she managed to take the most beautiful, emotional pictures of my birth. I will never have another baby without her! My husband was so so happy she was there for us as well."

     
  • Jessica Riley

    "Kara was beyond a blessing to have by my side throughout my whole journey of pregnancy and beyond. My husband and I struggled to get pregnant for many year. When I knew this one was taking we reached out to Smile Doula for consultation. Her caring demeanor let alone her knowledge of everything made us comfortable immediately! She would come to the house and explain everything from ground up. I had some fear of pregnancy since this was my first child and she set my mind at ease. When I was giving birth, Kara helped to calm me and ensure that my birth plan was followed and helped to explain everything the nurses and doctors were doing. She helped to coach me and motivate me to get through the whole process. After we all got home, she would check on me and make sure I was doing okay. She offered advice on some issues that I was having as a new mom. We are so glad we found Smile Doula and will recommend her to anyone having a baby."
  • Amanda Boylen

    "I couldn't imagine having my third child without Kara there. She made sure I understood what was happening and that I was in control of all decisions. She was so supportive. I wish I would have had her there with my first 2 children. I would recommend Kara's services to any expecting mother!"

     
  • Erin Rohrich

    "Kara is so genuine and down to earth. I knew within minutes of meeting her that she was the doula for us. She always made me fell so confident and positive about my birth. After our meetings, even my husband would say he didn't know how people went through this without a doula. Kara's guidance, love and support was invaluable throughout my labor and delivery. I am so thankful to have had her there with us to welcome our daughter into the world!"  -Later they hired me to support them for the vaginal birth of their twin boys.
  • Ashley Felleisen-Buccasso

    "Kara is truly an angel on earth! As soon as she walked into my house for our first birth education session, my soul felt at ease. Her knowledge and explanations of the entire birth process were so helpful in preparing my husband and I for the arrival of our first baby. There were so many “unknowns” that she brought to light…and with her help, I was able to create a birth plan that allowed me welcome my son into the world MY WAY! Not only did she guide me through my pregnancy, but she was there to support me postpartum as well! I will always highly recommend Kara’s services to anyone and everyone who is expecting…first time or 5th time…her guidance and knowledge is top notch! Best money I have ever spent! Invest in YOURSELVES (and families) mommas!
  • Tonya Beetler #1

    "I first connected with Kara in April 2019 seeking a doula to support me in the birth of my second child, of whom I was pursuing a VBAC with. I carried my first to 38 weeks, but with an abnormal shaped uterus, my OB was anticipating me to go into labor early, expressing he wanted me to make it to 34 weeks. So when I reached out to her to find out her availability and pricing - and late in the game, no less, once I was well into my 3rd trimester, I was asking for her to support me anywhere from 34 weeks to 40. We officially hired her on a Tuesday evening, and my water broke the very next day, and indeed, baby did come early. After my water ruptured at 34+5, and no labor began, Kara connected with me throughout the day giving me tips to start labor naturally." Continued in next slide...
  • Tonya Beetler #2

    "Once we decided it was time to head into the hospital, she was a great resource preparing me for what I may encounter when I got there - from testing, to requests at interventions, and common hospital policies - all things I wouldn't have known if not for her support & guidance, since my first was a planned cesarean for being breech. It turned into a 30 hour induction, and Kara was with me for much of that.  She came with a full suitcase of tools to help me achieve the unmedicated birth I desired, and any time a medical professional talked with me about something, after they walked out, she made sure my husband and I had an understanding and reviewed our preferences. She wasn't with us long in pregnancy, but through that long induction, she was such a gift to us, specifically in helping us understand our options, in regards to our personal preferences." Continued in next slide...
  • Tonya Beetler #3

    "Fast forward 2.5 years, and I was pregnant with my third, and knew I'd want Kara by my side this time as well, so I reached out to her right away, knowing she is in high demand. My VBAC with my second lit a passion for pregnancy and childbirth for me, and from then to my now third pregnancy, Kara and I continued to develop a friendship rooted in our passions for supporting childbearing women. I loved getting to have her journey with me throughout pregnancy this time, because she was so knowledgeable, answering questions about different interventions & statistics I wasn't sure on, or didn't understand. Reviewing my birth preferences with her extensively (and repeatedly) helped me settle on making some hard decisions as I hashed out birth trauma from my first delivery, and she is someone who understands how intimate & pivotal of an experience childbirth is." Continued in next slide...
  • Tonya Beetler #4

    "Having her with me into a second pregnancy and delivery now was uniquely special, because many practices these days, have an "on call" provider; they may review your records, but they don't know *you*.  Kara knew my previous birth history - both the physical side, and the emotional side, and was now with me throughout my entire labor and delivery experience. Having that support from her - someone who knows me more personally and intimately than any provider could, was so impactful for both me and my husband. She's a safe space and ear. We were planning a breech birth, but ultimately, my delivery ended in a cesarean due to baby's position changing, with heart decels that weren't recovering. Even in that, she was a calm and peace, for my husband, re-assuring him and supporting him while I was under anesthesia, and even once baby was born and had to go to the NICU, she switched gears and was now my support once again while my husband went to be with the baby." Continued...
  • Tonya Beetler #5

    "Her support was unwavering to both of us through that labor and delivery, and she quickly shifted back and forth to who needed support at any given point in time.  While I know there's a lot here, I don't know that any true amount of words can truly describe the amount, and the depth of support Kara offers, justice.  To me, the birthing mom, or to dad, the support person - she's been there to walk with and pray with both of us at such a vulnerable time, and bring peace of mind."

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