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Doula/Birth Support:
Birth of 'Xavier' - 23rd January 2012
coming soon...
Birth of 'Daniel' - 3rd January 2012
coming soon...
Birth of 'Sierra' - 5th December 2011
coming soon...
Birth of 'Matilda', caesarean birth - 7th November 2011
coming soon...
Birth of 'Archie', home waterbirth - 15th August 2011
coming soon...
Birth of 'McKenzie', hospital VBAC - 10th August 2011
"Thank You. Those two words just don't seem like enough when reflecting on the support you provided to our family before, during and after the birth of our daughter. I know we waited until rather late in the pregnancy to contact you (37 weeks) and were so grateful you were willing to agree to be our doula at such short notice.
You jumped right in and began our antenatal appointments, 2 hours turned into 3, all the while providing encouraging and uplifting advice and recommendations. I thought of you as our 'guide,' you helped us ask the questions we needed to in order to make our own decisions. I was so nervous and a little scared up until that point given the difficult pregnancy combined with my lack of familiarity with Australian Hospitals, I was willing her to stay in. Thanks to you, I spent days on that exercise ball, read through wonderful information that you provided from your personal library, enjoyed your encouraging calls and texts checking in, and when the time came I felt ready to give birth to our daughter naturally.
As you know it didn't quite turn out the way we planned, 34 hours later but our ultimate goal was to have aVBAC and we did it! Your support through the long labour hours was crucial, we stayed at home longer in the beginning and according to my husband, he couldn't have supported me without you.
And just when you think you've accomplished the hard part you were there the days after, to continue your support and guidance in the early days of her birth. As you know we wanted nothing more than to be able to breastfeed McKenzie since we were not able to with our first, and although it was difficult and unfamiliar you supported us and referred us for more support and we're proud to say 4 months later she's thriving beautifully!
We just re-watched our birth video a few weeks ago to remind us how far we've come and cried all over again. It was such an amazing experience that you captured for us and we can't say "Thank you" enough."
Love,
Dan, LeAnna, Ethan, and McKenzie
I first met Dan when he came along to 'Beer + Bubs: childbirth education for dads at the pub'. He mentioned to me that his wife was interested in having a doula for their daughter's birth as she was determined to have a different experience second time around. The concept of a doula was new to Dan and as LeAnna was new to Australia from the U.S, we all agreed the need for support was vital on her VBAC journey. At 37 weeks we began to spend time together debriefing her previous caesarean birth and all the emotions that she carried with it. We spent wonderful hours chatting about how we could make this time different with her at the centre of the experience, and how amazing her body truly is (given the challenging pregnancy), and have Dan really involved and making decisions together.
Come labour day LeAnna's determination was incredible. Her labour became drawn-out and exhausting but she remained focused on her VBAC goal. Dan's support was unwavering and they shared some beautiful moments of strength during the labour; it was such a honour to be witness to that. Although LeAnna was considered 'high-risk' due to a pre-existing medical condition, she didn't let that get in the way of her desire to birth her baby her way. Dan and LeAnna took an active role in each decision-making point and with the support of our wonderful midwife Brooke, LeAnna found the physical and emotional strength to push her baby into the world! With raw and magical emotions, Dan and LeAnna finally met their gorgeous healthy girl McKenzie. I'm surprised the photos are in focus with the tears I was shedding! What a privilege to have helped this family and I loved re-living the journey putting the photo montage together too. Kristin x
Birth of 'Bonnie', birthcentre waterbirth - 5th August 2011
"Kristin, words don't seem enough to express our thanks for all your support around Bonnie's birth. We see you more than our naturopath and doula, but now a friend for life who was there for us, now around both of our children's births. You had such a way for building my confidence in myself when I was beginning to question things, even before the birth. I loved your workbook and all the chats we had, your passion for your work is a wonderful thing!
Paul felt and acted calmer when you were around and appreciated all the support you gave during the labour. Sometimes it was a few words, a reassuring look, a smile or nod that let him know all was well.
Your presence and guidance gave me strength and belief in myself on so many levels. The photos we will treasure always and they still bring tears to my eyes, just beautiful. Thanks for all your help after the birth with breastfeeding and my tonics, all is wonderful now."
Love always, Louisa, Paul, Finn & Bonnie xxx
Birth of 'Aleah', hospital VBAC - 7th March 2011
 "Wow, where do we begin!? Kristin was an huge part of our birth; before, during and after. She is professional, caring and deeply passionate about assisting families to achieve the birth they desire. In our case it was a VBAC, naturally without medical intervention and pain relief, and we did it!
We remember her being there in different capacities. At times, it was just words - motivating, gentle and encouraging, other times it was cooling Jude down or warming her up and other times it was right in there supporting her in birthing positions and massage.
Kristin was also there for advise throughout the birth and to ensure that our birth wishes were kept at the forefront throughout the labour.There were many occasions, had the support structure not been there, that our wishes would have taken a back seat to medical protocol. Having Kristin's thorough and highly educated advise leading up to the birth empowered Jude to do what her body was designed for as well as giving Pete the confidence to know what to do as the support partner.
From this we have made a lovely friend who's part in our birth will stay with us forever, thank you Kristin."
Love from Pete, Jude, Maddison & baby Aleah xxx
I first met Jude through my naturopathy practise (in Karratha) quite some months before she was pregnant with her first baby. Jude was keen to devise a preconception health care plan for herself and her husband to ensure their pregnancy got off to the very best start. Months later Jude was happily pregnant and began working towards a natural birth. She booked into the Family Birth Centre in Perth and also hired a doula. They took on the private childbirth education sessions with myself, but due to work commitments I was unavailable to complete the journey with her and be beside them in Perth. Jude went on to give birth to a healthy baby girl, Maddison May by caesarean after a long, slow progressing and posterior labour.
A couple of years later, Jude contacted me for birth support for her second baby; a VBAC. This time I was already in Perth where they were planning to birth again. Pete and Jude had wonderful attitudes towards everything and we all couldnt wait for the big day. Jude was amazing in labour, surrendering to all the sensations therefore laboured strongly and steadily. We had worked on her VBAC birth 'plan' and once at the hospital (almost fully dilated), Pete became her advocate as well as her emotional rock. Jude stepped up to the task of a challenging second stage, and was active in all her pushing positions. We were all suprised to finally meet her baby in a posterior position (5-10% of births) which explained the great effort needed on Jude's part - I was so impressed! Aleah Marie came into the world amongst tears and hugs, and I was so honoured to have been part of such a great birthing team! Thank you. Kristin x
Birth of 'Finn', hospital waterbirth - 17th January 2010
"I was 35 weeks pregnant when I first began to consider a doula for my baby's birth. I thought I had left it a bit late but a friend of mine put me in contact with Kristin. I liked how Kristin had so much energy for me and didn't think 35 weeks was too late at all as I was worried about this. I also liked how her goal was for me to 'birth with satisfaction' and not to birth a certain way (without drugs, at a certain place etc).
I was very lucky she was also a naturopath and knew alot about pregnancy nutrition and herbal medicines. She checked my diet and my pregnancy vitamins and made some changes and gave me some gentle herbal remedies. I noticed changes within a week. I enjoyed our sessions together and she covered anything I asked her about, had lots of up-to-date research and taught me alot about my body. The affirmations helped alot and 'mapping' my pelvis was amazing.
 My labour was long and hard work, but Kristin stayed with us the whole time. There were times I felt I couldn't go on but somehow I managed to with the support Kristin and my husband gave me. I remember her saying how she believed in me and how strong I was for not giving up on my goal. That helped so much in that moment! She helped my husband help me in ways he never would have known as this was all new to him too! Her massage was amazing and once I got in the birth pool, I couldn't believe my baby was so close. It was scary and exciting all at the same time but she kept me focused and grounded through the birth. I gave birth naturally and feel so proud of myself. Seeing her and my husband hugging and crying once Finn was born was beautiful.
Thank you Kristin, we both felt you made all the difference to Finn's birthday, and my husband now understands why I wanted a doula so much. He is also very grateful and the amazing photos we will always treasure."
Love Louisa, Paul and Finn xx
Birth of 'Jonnie', attempted HBAC; caesarean - 3rd June 2007
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Kristin since 2003. I first met Kristin when I went to see her as a naturopath as I was trying to get pregnant. We devised a preconception health plan and I was soon pregnant! I was perfectly healthy throughout my pregnancy and Kristin also led me towards the path of learning about peaceful and natural birth. I developed a lot of faith in my body whilst pregnant and I have Kristin to thank for that.
Leading up to the birth I felt strong and confident that things would turn out as they should. Kristin wasn't able to attend the birth because she was busy being a Mum herself, yet I remember chatting to her on the phone in early labour as I walked up and down a farm driveway many miles away! Her words were always fun, supportive and strong.
During my second pregnancy she was the same informative friend and trusted professional. This time I laboured with Kristin as my doula and my homebirth midwife - a completely different experience than my first! I remember saying to Kristin it was like cheating the pain somehow as it all seemed 'easier'. She encouraged me and kept me focused, massaged and poured warm water over my working body (heaven!). All of this made the long labour slip by.
Although in the end I didn't quite get the birth I wanted, I am very much at peace with the way Jonnie came into the world. I am so grateful to Kristin for my special memories, the power she brought to my family and I, and most importantly helping us be at peace with Jonnie's birth. She has also given me confidence in all aspects of being a mother. I can't imagine how women ever gave birth alone. Kristin's passion and commitment to see me through my pregnancies and births was relentless. We don't always have that tireless energy around us! Thankyou!"
Love Kerry & Tim
I was so thrilled to be supporting Kerry for her VBAC. She had planned a homebirth with an independent midwife. After a full day of prelabour excitement, she moved into established labour around midnight. Her strength was undeniable as was her determination. She moved in rhythm with her body and breath all throughout the night and did exactly as her body asked; the energy was palpable. After somewhat slow progress and irregular contractions despite an active labour, it was discovered Jonnie was still high in the pelvis and in a posterior position. Kerry never lost hope or faith in her body and with a circle of wonderful women around her (including her 18mth old toddler) in truly empowering moment, decided a transfer to hospital was ‘ok’. With minimal progress some 9 hours later, Jonnie Blaze was born via CS. Kerry requested immediate skin to skin contact with Jonnie and soon after he took to the breast like a pro. Kerry’s courage or focus never faulted and I am so very proud of her. Kristin x
Birth of 'Sofi', hospital birth - 17th January 2007
"I gave birth to my first baby Sofi in January. When I look back on the birth there was no way I could have done it with out the help of Kristin - she is very relaxing to be around! Her detailed knowledge about the process of birth is incredible, but her passion is absolutely exceptional! This made us feel even more excited about the whole process.
Kristin taught my husband and myself so much information before the big day, giving me so much confidence and understanding in what was happening. My husband would have never been such an active part without the help of Kristin.
At one stage during some intense contractions I was holding Kristin and my husband so very tightly and we were breathing together - great support! It went just the way that was best for me and I am very happy with my experience. Kristin even managed to take the only photos of Sofi on her birthday. Labour may only be one day of our life but it is a day that we will all remember for the rest of our lives... thank you for being there Kristin."
Love Always Cary & Jolene xxx
Jolene evolved immensely throughout her pregnancy – it was wonderful to see her blossom and begin to believe in her body's ability to birth her baby. After a drawn out, on-again off-again prelabour things finally started to pick up pace after a glass of wine, facing some fears and letting go of some emotions. Jolene's courage was just beautiful and I watched with pride as her and Cary worked with each other, hour after hour. Although fatigue and dehydration extended the challenge Jo faced through her labour, she used medical assistance wisely and never 'gave up'. Congratulations to you both on the birth of your very beautiful girl and thank you for inviting me to share this experience with you. Kristin x
Birth of 'Eve', natural hospital birth - 21st May 2006
 "The support that Kristin provided during the labour and birth, both physically and emotionally was invaluable, and resulted in a birthing experience that exceeded our hopes and expectations. We have recommended Kristin to everyone we know who is serious about a natural birth. She has been a great source of wisdom since the birth of our daughter and we will always share a special bond." (Nicole)
"Our greatest thanks of this entire enterprise goes to you Kristin. Your prenatal care and education was great, but your professionalism and support for us made this a truly wonderful event. To all those having babies soon, get a doula, ours was priceless!" (Nick)
Love Nick and Nicole x
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and a great day to have a baby. Nicole was truly amazing and impressive throughout her labour, from the first niggles to established labour she remained excited, yet calm and extremely focused. I knew all her preparation for birth was serving her well. She held strong to her belief and trust in her body and surrendered her fears and inhibitions along the way - just what she needed to do. Eve was born into her Daddy’s arms complete with hand on her head after about 6 hours of active labour, free from any interventions or drugs. What an atmosphere, what a woman! Love Kristin x
All testimonials and photos have been used with permission.
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Naturopathy testimonials:
Severe PMT
"I went to see Kristin for help with severe PMT. I had consulted my GP and the course of action was for me to take a mild anti-depressant. On our first consultation, I felt Kristin immediately understood me so that was a great relief to start with. I was made to feel like it was not an uncommon concern of many new mums. She was very thorough; explaining reasons why I was feeling the way I was, and backed her thoughts up with blood tests and temperature charting. As Kristin is very thorough and knowledgeable, I felt in safe hands.
The treatment plan was well explained and straightforward. I was very pleased that I could get the results that I have from natural therapy. The results speak for themselves. I have more energy, sleep better and have my premenstrual mood swings well under control. It was a relief to finally find someone who genuinely cared. I was thankful for her follow-ups and regular emails, and have recommended Kristin to friends. Many, many thanks."
Marnie Williams, Tom Price, WA.
Menopause
"Kristin helped me immensely with all my menopause complaints. My cycle had become erratic and I had lots of unpleasant PMT, and very heavy periods. I found the saliva testing very interesting as it was saying alot more than the 'normal' blood tests I had had done with my doctor. The herbs made a world of difference and the supplements made me feel human again! The best results was seeing the changes in the saliva test as I was feeling the changes after a couple of months. Thanks Kristin, you have made myself (and my husband) very happy again!"
Debbie Cameron, Karratha, WA
Miscarriage & Infertility
"A friend suggested I go see Kristin as we had been trying to conceive for just under 8 months and during that time I had had 2 early miscarriages. Kristin taught me the natural fertility techniques of charting my temperatures and we discovered I had problems with my ovulation. Kristin put my partner and I on a thorough preconception care program, which we followed very well for the minimum of 4 months. We stopped trying for a baby (used protection), as I didn't want to go through the experience of miscarrying again. We conceived on our first attempt during the 5th month of the program, and I am now 6 months pregnant and have had a great pregnancy so far. It just proved to us that my body needed support to have a baby and I'm so happy we treated the issues the 'natural' way. Thanks Kristin."
A.P, Karratha WA, August 2007
Low breastmilk supply
"I saw Kristin when my baby was 10 weeks old for some natural remedies to help increase my breast milk supply. I had been quite stressed and run-down and my milk supply had dropped. Kristin gave me some postnatal supplements and also made up a herbal tonic for breastfeeding. After a couple of weeks I noticed I had more energy and the herbs had really helped my milk quantity. Both my baby and I are a lot happier now. I didn't need to take the all of the herbal mixture so it's nice to know its there if I ever need it again as a backup remedy".
Sarah, Karratha WA - Baby Elise, February 2006
Fertility
"We had been through 3 IVF attempts about 12 months before we first saw Kristin. As we were close to our 40's we were anxious to fall pregnant especially after the unsuccessful IVF experiences. We liked Kristin's common-sense approach to our issues and the information we gained from the appointments. We learnt that it wasn't just about making a baby but preparing our bodies to do so, and Kristin's "seed & soil" analogy made a lot of sense to us.
I found her very understanding of our situation and creating the short and long-term goals made a lot of sense. We were tested for zinc levels, heavy metals, hormone health, and I charted my monthly cycles. The results showed we both needed support to make a healthy baby and why the IVF wasn't successful.
Kristin helped me with my stress levels, my hormones and my digestion. My husband also took supplements for detoxing his body and improving his sperm quality. Although impatient at times, we committed to the program and in hindsight we both thought it made more sense than the IVF programs did. 10 months later we successfully conceived our daughter and I had a healthy and stress-free pregnancy. Our baby is now 13 months old and we are keen to begin trying for a second. Thank you for all your support (and patience) Kristin."
Angela & Peter, Karratha WA - Baby Caitlin, 2006
Preparing for Pregnancy
"A friend recommended Kristin to me, as I wanted to find out as much as I could about a preconception plan. During my initial consultation I was impressed with Kristin's commitment and professionalism and found her extremely helpful. She is an effective communicator, very personable, and provided me with a great deal of information and put the wheels in motion to get my health back on track.
The consultations were/are very thorough and she also showed that she actually cared about the situation I was in. She was/is very approachable and interested, and listens to my issues without judgement. I appreciate how the consultations are informative, helpful and matter of fact. I would always leave feeling empowered, in control and happy that I am working towards making my body the healthiest it can be. I feel so much healthier now and really feel as though I have the right information to help myself in the future.
The treatment plan has been extremely successful. Ailments that I have been suffering from for years are a thing of the past. The 4-month preconception plan and monitoring of ovulation was very insightful and my husband and I conceived in our first month of trying, which I partly attribute to Kristin!
She has made herself available outside working hours should there be a problem and we are in fairly regular contact regarding my progress. Kristin is very knowledgeable, confident and patient and has offered me some great advice, feedback and support. I look forward to her continued support throughout my pregnancy and attending her Active Birth Workshop.
I recommended my husband see Kristin and now he can't rave enough about her. I have also recommended her to work colleagues and women thinking about beginning a conception/pregnancy plan. Thanks for everything!"
Rachel Russell, Karratha, WA
Sept 2007 - Baby Jarvis, 17/03/08, 7lb4oz
Pregnancy complaints
"Kristin was a great help with my painful Braxton Hicks contractions that started about 30 weeks. This made the rest of pregnancy so much more comfortable. She was always happy to see me for re-fills of my herbal medicines outside of a consultation and I've appreciated all her help." Clare, Karratha, WA
"Not sure what I would've done without your help Kristin. You are an asset to this town!" Marie, Karratha, WA
Pregnancy Support
"I was about 20 weeks pregnant when we relocated to Karratha from Perth and I was very happy to find a naturopath specialising in pregnancy. I visited Kristin throughout my pregnancy and she seems to know just what I needed and when. It was a bonus she was a childbirth educator also. She was a great source for the latest information about pregnancy and birth and I used to come out of the appointments feeling really positive, excited and reassured about everything I was doing.
I felt great through my pregnancy and to this day still attribute my wonderful birth experience to the herbal mixtures and nutritional supplements I took through my pregnancy. My healthy baby boy was born after a straightforward and natural 7 hour labour! I am still taking my supplements while breastfeeding and felt my body recovered really well after the birth, with no stretch marks! Thanks Kristin!
Kellie, Karratha, WA - Baby Charlie, 3.6kg, August 2006
Fertility
"My husband and I went to see Kristin 6 months ago for a check-up before we started to try for a baby as I wanted to make sure we were as healthy as we could be. We came away with a lot of helpful, practical and insightful information about diet and the environmental affects on female and male fertility.
Due to my husband's job, Kristin suggested a hair analysis to look for heavy metals that may be harming his sperm. I'm glad we did as he had high levels of lead, copper and cadmium in his body. I also had allergies that Kristin suggested I try to improve as these can be passed onto our baby. We took various supplements to detox our bodies and 4 months later the hair analysis report had improved greatly. We felt happy to make all the changes to our diet and enjoyed the results we got for our efforts. We both thought Kristin's knowledge and guidance was fantastic and appreciated the educational aspects to the visits. We are confident now we will conceive a healthy child very soon. Thank you Kristin."
Bec & Paul, Karratha, WA - March 2007
Preparing for pregnancy
“I went to see Kristin for preconception care for partner and myself. As Kristin specialises in fertility so I knew I had found the right practitioner. I found Kristin interesting to speak to with great knowledge of natural health. She put us on the path to get our reproductive system in tiptop shape for conception and our general health followed suit. I enjoyed taking the various prescribed supplements knowing they were nourishing my body therefore my future baby. My partner needed lots of reminding though, as most men do with those sorts of things! We were so happy with the result. I fell pregnant straight away within our desired time frame. Now we have a healthy 4-month-old baby boy.
I felt very confident with Kristin’s advice and knowledge as she not only extensively studied fertility and active birthing, but is also a passionate mother and doula. We also attended Kristin’s great active birth workshop, which was fun and informative, and what every woman should know about giving birth naturally. A great empowering tool! I have also recommended Kristin to a few of my work colleagues.”
Simone Farrar, Wickham, WA - Baby Finnlay, March 2007
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Beer + Bubs feedback:
"Absolutely fantastic! A down to earth, fully engaging insight into the mind of a woman giving birth. More importantly, an insight into how the male species can help to make this a less stressful time and be a major part of this wonderful time! Kristin was brilliant; very at ease with people, a great presenter and kept things interesting. I can see why women in labour would feel totally at ease with her! Well done Kristin, Beer + Bubs was bloody marvellous, the best money I have spent in years!" Dave, Perth.
"Beer + Bubs was very eye-opening! I didn't realise how much work I had to do :) Informative, fun and a great concept. Kristin was excellent, very informative and knowledgable. She kept it real, told it like it is, but had some fun at the same time. She dealt with anything thrown at her with aplomb." Scott, Perth.
"Extremely helpful and great information. I feel better prepared and more up to the challenge after attending." Expectant dad, Perth.
"Thanks to Kristin for her expertise and putting me a little more at ease so that I know what NOT to do. The whole night was excellent and covered alot of areas outside of the hospital info and is a lot more man-focused so we have an idea of what to do to actually help! Kristin had some great stories to help relate and entertain." Adam, Perth.
"Should be compulsory for all expectant fathers! Brilliant, useful information presented in a great atmosphere." Expectant dad, Perth.
"My eye's have been opened! Kristin was great, she talked at our level without being to over bearing with details. I learned alot from her." Expectant dad, Perth.
"Kristin was so great, we hired her as our doula!" Expectant dad, Perth.
"My wife experienced everything from a nine hour active labour to an epidural, an hour of pushing and then a c-section. I have to say there is no way I would have handled supporting her as well as I did without the education from you. Thank you so much." Jamison, Perth
"Thank you so much for what you have contributed - both Beer + Bubs and that phone call [early labour jitters]. I felt so much more equipped going into this that I would have been otherwise - and that is a huge thing I think for any bloke. Every bloke I meet who has a pregnant wife hears about Beer + Bubs and I have told loads of expecting fathers to get along to your workshop. I hope you know what a difference you make. K, Perth
Go to Beer + Bubs to book at place for the next workshop.
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Private Childbirth Education feedback:
"I am a supervisor/shift worker and it was difficult to make the antenatal classes at the hospital with my wife. I found these sessions to be more worthwhile from the Dad's point of view as Kristin catered them precisely for us. We were comfortable and relaxed in our own home and my wife felt she learnt so much more from these sessions than the antenatal classes. Highly recommended, convenient, good value for money. Cheers Kristin."
Dave & Renae, Karratha WA, Dec 2008
"I feel a lot more informed about birthing without medical interventions/management. I thought the demo of how the baby moves through the pelvis using the props was a fantastic tool. Now I feel a lot more confident that my body can do it!! Kristin's approach was positive, supportive, balanced, passionate and awesome!" (Mum)
"I'll admit I was semi-interested in doing the sessions, but now after doing it I am a major advocate for all men doing this. It was interesting, informative and great for fathers-to-be. I liked how the information was thoroughly researched, objective and presented intelligently." (Dad)
Expectant Mum & Dad
Baby Maddison, born Oct 2008
“I enjoyed the relaxed manner you presented the sessions, being one on one was great. All the information was presented in an easy way to understand. It was all very educational and put me at ease.” (Mum)
“The sessions were very educational and gave me confidence, plus a better understanding of what is going to happen for my wife and I.” (Dad) Thanks! We really enjoyed it and feel empowered and inspired and ready!”
Expectant Mum & Dad
Baby girl, 7lb, waterbirth in hospital
26th January 2008
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