Testimonials

  • new parents holding swaddled newborn baby

    Kelli came highly recommended to us from a couple of people and we were so pleased with our experience with her. Initially, we had thought of the doula relationship as primarily taking place during delivery; what we weren’t expecting and appreciative of was how Kelli was present for us leading up to birth and after. She is patient and provides information for us and empowered us to decide what would work best for us - without judgment. She fills the knowledge gaps and support within the networks of medical providers and others. Thank you, Kelli! -Laura S.

  • new mom next to husband holding baby skin-to-skin after hospital birth

    As soon as I met Kelli I knew right away that I wanted her by my side during labor and delivery. She is very informative, laidback and an amazing coach/supporter not only for me, but for my husband as well. As first time parents we couldn’t have asked for a better person to help bring our little one into this world! I highly recommend her to anyone that is looking for a doula! -Tiffany M.

  • postpartum couple holding baby wrapped in blankets on bed

    I knew after my first conversation with Kelli that I wanted her in my corner during my labor and delivery. I had first time mom anxieties, but her regular check ins made me feel prepared and educated. It was a huge help to both myself and my husband to have Kelli there during my (very long) labor. She knew what to do before it was even asked and was the perfect go-between amid the healthcare providers and myself. I felt encouraged and empowered with her by my side. I would recommend her to anyone considering a doula! -Alexa K.

  • Black birth doula Kelli Blinn next to new parents in hospital after birth

    Working with Kelli as our doula was the best thing we could have done to prepare ourselves for childbirth and the arrival of our baby. Kelli was a much needed calming presence for two first-time parents in an uncertain year. We worked with Kelli for multiple classes as well as labor support and cannot recommend her enough!

    Kelli's educational classes were organized, illuminating and extremely practical. She helped prepare us for what we could expect and helped us think through what choices we might make depending on various circumstances. I can't stress enough how valuable the individualized attention was. We were able to go at our own pace, reviewing topics we already were knowledgeable about, and diving deep on areas where we had extra questions or concerns. Once our baby was here we pulled out the binder Kelli made for us and referenced her newborn care materials multiple times!

    Kelli was extremely attentive throughout my pregnancy and checked in with me after my appointments. She was helpful and encouraging as I managed the challenges of a pandemic pregnancy. I really came to see Kelli as a pregnancy and birth mentor. During my labor Kelli was a tremendous support for both my husband and me. She helped advocate for what I wanted and was ready with helpful suggestions at each decision point. Looking back at my labor Kelli made some critical suggestions along the way that allowed me to have more autonomy and greatly improved my birth experience. I am so grateful for Kelli's calming, confident and nurturing presence throughout my pregnancy and birth. -Kristy C.

    From the dad's perspective: We knew from our first conversation that wanted to work with Kelli. The calming presence that assured us during that first meeting was the same throughout the entire process. There are many unknowns for a first-time parent, but we never felt lost for long because Kelli was always there to fill in the gaps. It felt so good to have her in our corner not only during labor and delivery, but throughout the pregnancy. Kelli enabled us to have the birth experience we wanted—she never forced us in a certain direction—but she also provided guidance and insight along the way. I can't imagine using another doula. She's fantastic. -James C.

  • parents holding baby interlocking arms and hands

    I’ve had the pleasure of standing witness to Kelli’s many roles in life, including but not limited to, being a mother, wife, giver, celebrator and friend. She embodies a type of grit and grace that is both balanced and unique. I can remember early on watching from afar as she coached close friends and strangers alike through the journey of pregnancy, birth and motherhood. It became evident that she glowed a little differently when speaking about her work as a doula. After battling through years of infertility, my husband and I finally became pregnant with our warrior baby. I knew immediately that I wanted Kelli as a part of my birthing tribe. It was radically important that I have her support walking into such an unknown space, a space that we had prayed into for so long. She was incredibly present throughout the entirety of our pregnancy, making sure to check in frequently and answering all of our questions, no matter how silly. I loved that she took the time to carefully discuss our desires and expectations leading up to our daughter's birth. The emotional and physical support that she exhibited during our labor was unparalleled. I also appreciated that on various occasions she offered space, if needed, for just my husband and I to be present together. Following our delivery she remained present to assist with simple things like ordering food and more complex tasks like breastfeeding. Above all she ensured that I could do nothing else but enjoy my daughter. We are so thankful to her for providing us exceptional care after our long awaited miracle. -Jessye O.

  • columbus ohio woman holding baby

    My husband and I were connected to Kelli through a dear mutual friend. Kelli was amazing during my pregnancy. She checked in with me with just the right frequency, including around each OB/GYN appointment to see how my pregnancy was progressing and how my doctor’s visit went. Kelli was quick to respond and always professional.

    While this was my second delivery, it was my first with a doula. Kelli was an amazing blessing for both my husband and me during labor and delivery. Kelli met us at the hospital at a mutually agreed upon time after being admitted for a scheduled induction. My labor was in the evening and overnight hours, and it was a huge help having Kelli there overnight with us while things progressed. She was able to ask questions of the nursing staff that were quite helpful and was able to articulate questions much better than I could. She knew me so well and knew my preferences. Kelli was full of suggestions to help move my labor along in a way that would hold true to my desires for a positive birthing experience. A few days after delivery my husband commented that Kelli was worth every penny spent on hiring a doula, and he was so glad we made the decision to hire her. If we have any more children I would without a doubt hire Kelli again.

    Having Kelli as my doula was the best decision I made for my birth experience. I was beyond pleased with her throughout my pregnancy and into the labor and delivery experience. I recommend to everyone who is pregnant that they explore hiring a doula, no matter what type of birth they are planning or what type of provider they have. It was a huge relief to have someone advocating for me and my desires, who knew me and my wishes, and was with me the whole time. - Rachel C.

  • columbus ohio woman holding baby and walking with a toddler

    I met Kelli in the fall of 2016, just before I found out I was pregnant with my first child. She shared her love of birth and being there for moms, and made me feel seen and understood throughout my pregnancy. She provided educational and insightful birth classes for my husband and I. She helped us prepare a birth plan and understand what, as best we could, birth would or could encompass. Birth and labor for my first son did not go as smoothly as I had hoped, but Kelli was there to help and support me while I worked through my anxiety of being a first-time mom. I was struggling, both physically and emotionally, with breastfeeding and Kelli offered lactation consultation, as well as supporting me emotionally.

    When I prepared for the birth of my second child, I knew that I wanted Kelli in the delivery room with me. She offered support to both me and my husband throughout labor and delivery, and because of her constant support and knowledge, my labor and delivery went better than we could have hoped. She encouraged me to try different positions and practices to help labor progress, and I truly believe without Kelli there, my delivery would not have gone as well as it did. My son was welcomed into the world, and Kelli was right there (ready to catch him because the midwife was between patients!).

    Kelli is compassionate, knowledgable, and skilled at handling any situations thrown her way, and I cannot imagine my birth experiences without her. - Hilary H.