I don't even know where to start. I am almost 3 weeks postpartum and have been heavily reflecting on my pregnancy, labor, and delivery as a first-time mom. I matched with Kalista when I was about 20 weeks pregnant. The kindness, support, and education provided by Kalista from day 1 has made the entire experience incredibly memorable.
My plan was to have an unmedicated birth, but complications along the way forced an induction and an epidural. My body continued to struggle to dilate, which caused a very uncomfortable, prolonged labor. There were many moments of feeling very challenged and overwhelmed. Kalista stayed by my side in the hospital the entire time, as soon as I was admitted. Kalista provided ambient lighting, meditation music, electrolytes, stress tools (ball and labor comb), suggested positions to try during contractions, and massaged my legs during the most intense times.
One of the most memorable things I will always remember during my labor and delivery was her soft, kind words of encouragement during painful moments and during my actual delivery. I honestly can say that I wouldn't have been able to overcome the challenges without her and my fiance by my side. I was hard on myself when the turn of events changed my birth plan. Kalista made my fiance and I feel comfortable and confident that we could overcome it all and still have a positive delivery. When I look back on everything, I can honestly say that I will miss the entire experience and parts of me wish that it wasn't over. If I ever have another baby, I hope that Kalista is available again to help me have another positive birth experience. We are so grateful for her!
- Valarie M.