Word on the Street

I'm not even sure how to begin to convey the value of Krystal's services. I never considered hiring a doula, until my partner and I began discussing a home birth. In trying to navigate that option in Northern Michigan, our search for birth workers led us to Krystal. I had always thought that I didn't need anyone besides my partner as emotional support during labor, so a doula seemed unnecessary to me, but I decided, almost on a whim, to reach out to her. I didn't expect anything to come out of our conversation, honestly. After speaking to Krystal on the phone for maybe 10 minutes, I was convinced she had to be present at our birth. You cannot have a conversation with Krystal without being immediately assured of her serving spirit. The genuine love and care she gives to her clients, even before they're clients, is unmatched. I had not felt that level of sincere connection with any other birth worker. Initially, my partner seemed unsure about the role a doula would play for us. I think he also thought that he was all the emotional support I would need! But his official position was, "whatever you want, we'll do." After the first meeting with Krystal, he was sold. It was clear that she would provide education, assistance, and support to BOTH of us. The childbirth classes were invaluable, so fun, and such a great bonding experience for my partner and I. She made them something to look forward to, and her material is comprehensive and interesting. Communication was always amazing with Krystal, and we never felt afraid or silly to reach out to her with questions or information on how the pregnancy was progressing. I don't know how she does it, but Krystal makes you feel like her only client. You feel heard, valued, important, and cared for. You feel like your pregnancy and baby matter so much to her, it's an amazing and affirming feeling that really makes a difference. On the day of our birth, I ended up being induced in the hospital. Krystal is a huge part of the reason that I love our birth story instead of mourn the home birth I wanted but didn't get. Krystal held space for all our feelings, she was there to advocate for us and help us to get the experience we wanted. She got amazing photos of the labor and birth, she made our room feel homey and comfortable, she brought chocolate! When I was convinced I couldn't keep going, while my partner provided hip squeezes to keep me sane, Krystal was the one I was leaning on, moaning into her shoulder, "I can't, I can't!" Krystal told me, "You can. The hardest part is the shortest part; you're nearly there." At that point in labor, I was in my own head and barely hearing anything anyone was saying, but I heard that. That pulled me out of my pain spiral enough, it gave me something to hold onto. I kept repeating it in my head, "the hardest part is the shortest part, the hardest part is the shortest part..." Krystal is, without a doubt, the person you want at your birth. You should have someone who is going to exude so much genuine, undiluted love and support that it fills the room your baby is born in. She made me and my partner feel strong, sure, and supported so we could be there for each other while we brought our baby into the world. 20/10, would recommend. Krystal will be the first phone call I make for any future pregnancies. She's worth every penny and more!