I've had the pleasure of working with some pretty incredible families. Here's what they have to say!
Birth Doula Clients
"Kirstin Sengupta is a wonderful doula! In 2011, Kirstin helped deliver my daughter, Zoe. I had a natural birth at UCLA hospital, with no epidurals or pain medication before my daughter was delivered. Kirstin helped me tremendously to achieve my goal of having a natural birth, which in a hospital setting is no easy task. I don’t think I could have done it without her. She worked with me throughout my pregnancy and when the big day came, I felt confident that she knew exactly what my wishes were. She was so supportive and comforting throughout my labor. She did all sorts of things to help me stay focused, comfortable, and confident. In particular, she was great at using massage, giving helpful suggestions that eased my labor pains, and communicating with the medical staff. Also, she was great at reminding me to drink liquids, which I desperately needed as I was in danger of becoming dehydrated. She had a calm, reassuring demeanor that was just right—not too passive or aggressive. Even though I had only known her for a few months, I felt like Kirstin was family! Kirstin even supported us after our baby was born, caring for both me and Zoe (and Zoe’s dad, too!). She helped me figure out how to nurse for the first time and made sure I had everything I needed as I recovered in the hospital. Kirstin (who we now call “Aunt Kiki”) gave us such a great gift that day and I’m so grateful that she was there to share our birth with us. She is one of the most giving and caring people I have ever met and I consider her to be my little one’s very first friend." -A 2011 (Doula Services)
"Kirstin was our doula for the natural, drug free birth of our daughter, Zoe. She was awesome. She became like a member of our family. She did any and everything possible to make Amy and I feel supported and truly made the experience better for her being there. Things got a little crazy during the end of the birth and she stood strong like a rock. She started working with us months beforehand and even though Zoe is nearly two years old, she has continued to be a part of the family. She is very caring, nurturing, and loving. She can also be tough and decisive when needed. There are few people I know that can both lead and follow with such dignity and competence. I recommend Kirstin for anyone who may be considering her." -B (Partner) 2011
"Kirstin was our doula for the natural, drug free birth of our daughter, Zoe. She was awesome. She became like a member of our family. She did any and everything possible to make Amy and I feel supported and truly made the experience better for her being there. Things got a little crazy during the end of the birth and she stood strong like a rock. She started working with us months beforehand and even though Zoe is nearly two years old, she has continued to be a part of the family. She is very caring, nurturing, and loving. She can also be tough and decisive when needed. There are few people I know that can both lead and follow with such dignity and competence. I recommend Kirstin for anyone who may be considering her." -B (Partner) 2011
"Kirstin was a great addition to my support system during my daughter’s birth. She gave me unbiased information when my doctor/midwife would tell me something I didn’t understand. She had a sixth sense knowing when she was needed and knowing when I needed privacy with my partner. Kirstin had many techniques helping manage my labor pain, my favorites included helping my partner keep me in tune with my body. When the big moment came Kirstin was my rock keeping me focused and calm. After our precious girl arrived she helped us with our first feeding making sure we had a proper latch. It was 3 in the morning and Kirstin stood with us until we were settled and comfy in our recovery room. Kirstin came to our postpartum visit with the beautiful story of our birthing experience that brought us to tears. She made sure baby and I were happy and thriving. Kirstin is an amazing doula I’m so happy I found her." -N 2013 (Doula Services)
"I would like to thank Kirstin for all of her services. She is so amazing! I have had a child before and I was familiar with the birthing experience. With Kirstin as our doula, she worked well with the hospital staff but also made sure that they were on point. She made sure that we understood everything that was happening. She made sure that my wife was stable, happy and taken care of. She is very knowledgeable and makes the environment much more comfortable with her presence. With her, it was such an incredible experience. I WOULD RECOMMEND HER to all of my friends and family who are pregnant or considering having babies. I can not thank Kirstin enough!" -A (Partner) 2013
"I would like to thank Kirstin for all of her services. She is so amazing! I have had a child before and I was familiar with the birthing experience. With Kirstin as our doula, she worked well with the hospital staff but also made sure that they were on point. She made sure that we understood everything that was happening. She made sure that my wife was stable, happy and taken care of. She is very knowledgeable and makes the environment much more comfortable with her presence. With her, it was such an incredible experience. I WOULD RECOMMEND HER to all of my friends and family who are pregnant or considering having babies. I can not thank Kirstin enough!" -A (Partner) 2013
It is with great joy and gratitude that I post this testimonial about Kirstin Sengupta. We had the privilege of having Kirstin be our Doula for the birth of our second son; she also encapsulated my son's placenta. Not only was Kirstin knowledgeable, gentle, smart, patient, encouraging and compassionate but she was also fun/funny and a great
listener. She was assertive with the medical staff as needed, and was a strong and sincere advocate on my behave. Kirstin was observant and informative as well. Without us knowing all that we needed, Kirstin was intuitive enough to be all that we needed! Working with her was truly a blessing, making my natural birth experience even more wonderful and memorable. She was amazing in every way possible!!! And she also gives amazing foot massages! -C 2013 (Doula Services and Placenta Encapsulation)
listener. She was assertive with the medical staff as needed, and was a strong and sincere advocate on my behave. Kirstin was observant and informative as well. Without us knowing all that we needed, Kirstin was intuitive enough to be all that we needed! Working with her was truly a blessing, making my natural birth experience even more wonderful and memorable. She was amazing in every way possible!!! And she also gives amazing foot massages! -C 2013 (Doula Services and Placenta Encapsulation)
As I approached my 8th month during my pregnancy, my husband and I weren't sure if we wanted a doula to be present in our birth. We were expecting our first child...and just like any first time parents, we did not know what to expect but I did think it be enough with having my husband present. I met Kirstin at my last birthing class-I knew I wanted to meet her and know more about her services as a doula right away. I loved her energy, gentle spirit and her warm presence...she definitely reflects a passion and dedication to her job as a doula. So that same night my husband and I decided to exchange information with Kirstin. She met with me before to discuss what she offers and cater to whatever needs we had for the labor and delivery. Omg! Before I knew it my delivery date came and soon I was over 41 weeks! I was scared, nervous and anxious...With so many questions and fears in mind I was put at ease once I shared all this with Kirstin. She showed such great support and the right words for me to gain the strength to walk into the hospital for an induction. The doctors felt this was best since I was close to 42 weeks and have a heart condition. (I had a high risk pregnancy.) I arrived at the hospital Saturday afternoon and gave birth Monday night. When our birth plan didn't go as planned, Kirstin had a calming knowledgeable presence that helped us work through the next steps. I ended up having to get a cesarean due to the risks my baby and I were exposed to. Through it all- Kirstin stayed by my side- she not only offered and gave me her emotional support but physical as well. I couldn't believe she had the patience and the will to help me through such a difficult birth. Kirstin applied all the right techniques to get through each day! She was able to keep me calm through every contraction and her foot rubs!? They are great- She really knows her stuff- and pressure points to help sooth yourself. Not only was she there before and during, but stayed with us after the delivery to help with the breastfeeding and even met with us about 2 weeks later at our home to follow up. She answered any baby related questions we had and has really made our 1st baby experience a smooth and easy experience. My husband and I definitely recommend her! I had such an amazing birth and I think it had a lot to do with being able to stay focused...and it's all thanks to her! My son recommends her too- because by keeping me calm and helping me through labor....My son was able to have a smoother birth. Thank you Kirstin! -Y and Family 2013 (Doula Services)
There is so much to say, but I am going to keep it as short as possible. I would
not recommend anyone else as a doula, but Kirstin ! We are very pleased with her services. She provides everything you need; if you know what you want she will do her best to deliver that. And if you are not sure of what you want in your labor, she will know how to help you and what suggestions to provide you with. After she gets to know a bit of what you'd like your experience to be like, she goes above and beyond to deliver. She is super organized and detail oriented; you will not be disappointed. I have never met someone so giving and loving as Kirstin. She has all the sources you can imagine and all of her sources are top notch like her self. We had a blessed experience having her as our doula. She will make you feel protected while you give birth. She will take care of your surroundings while you give birth . She will also work with you to try different pain management techniques before you opt for pain medication if that is your desire. We thank you and love you Kirstin. Thanks for everything!!! -S 2013 (Doula Services and Placenta Encapsulation)
not recommend anyone else as a doula, but Kirstin ! We are very pleased with her services. She provides everything you need; if you know what you want she will do her best to deliver that. And if you are not sure of what you want in your labor, she will know how to help you and what suggestions to provide you with. After she gets to know a bit of what you'd like your experience to be like, she goes above and beyond to deliver. She is super organized and detail oriented; you will not be disappointed. I have never met someone so giving and loving as Kirstin. She has all the sources you can imagine and all of her sources are top notch like her self. We had a blessed experience having her as our doula. She will make you feel protected while you give birth. She will take care of your surroundings while you give birth . She will also work with you to try different pain management techniques before you opt for pain medication if that is your desire. We thank you and love you Kirstin. Thanks for everything!!! -S 2013 (Doula Services and Placenta Encapsulation)
As a single mother, I was tentative to hire a stranger to assist me with the birth of my son. I also felt bad that I was going to need continuous support because I have no family and very few friends in the area. Even though I was concerned, I decided to contact her anyway. The moment I met her, I knew that I made the right decision. Kirstin is warm, loving, and passionate about her work as a doula. She answered all my questions and reminded me that giving birth was a natural process. Kirstin made sure that I was fully informed and asked me if I was comfortable with my decision when my doctor suggested an induction. I never felt pressure from her to go a different route, only supported by her. I had a really long few days of practice contractions before my induction and whenever I felt like I needed her for support, she came to me. She rubbed my back, feet and hands, while reminding me of proper breathing. At the hospital, she stayed for the entire thing! Almost 40 hours! She napped when I napped, sometimes in the chair next to me and once, I woke up to find her with her head balancing on the bed rail, her hand still in mine. When contractions got intense, she reminded me of my breathing and spent a lot of time pushing on my lower back to help with the pain. I puked down the front of her and I fully expected her to rush into the bathroom to change her clothes. Instead, she cleaned me up and made sure that I was okay before she tended to herself. When pushing came, she helped me push more effectively. She kept telling me how strong and amazing I was and I felt amazing and strong! I pushed my son out and she cried! She told me how proud she was and how incredible I did. She stayed with me until I was in my next room and then she said goodbye. I can't say enough about Kirstin. She will always hold a special place in my heart for the extraordinary work that she did. Her effort to make me feel connected, empowered, strong, and loved is something that I will never forget. If I ever have another baby, there is no doubt in my mind who will be there with me. And I strongly urge you to welcome her into your journey if you're looking for a doula. You won't be disappointed. There is no other doula quite like her. Thank you Kirstin, for everything. I love you. -J 2013 (Doula Services)
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Kirstin was my Doula for my first birth and she was amazing. When I first met her I connected with her and felt like I'd have a great supporter by my side. My baby's birth wasn't what I expected, but exceeded my expectations and hopes. Kirstin played a major role in that. She was calming and supportive to me, my husband, and family. During my two day hospital stay she kept me focused and provided great relief and guidance to my husband and family.
My birthing time was filled with many twists, challenges and possible barriers. But, in large part to Kirstin's help, I had a great birth experience. -R 2014 (Doula Services and Placenta Tincture) |
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I am so lucky that somehow Kirstin showed up in my life when I was pregnant for the second time. We met and I loved her. She was always so nurturing, supportive, positive and friendly. She included my husband and my child in everything. She helped both my husband and me to open up and talk about our past traumatic birth experience. We were planning a homebirth after a cesarean and I only wanted to surround myself with positive energy and thoughts, no "what ifs", and she fully understood and supported me through that, as well. During the birth itself she was extremely present and focused, with a calm and trusting energy. She squeezed my hips through almost all contractions and followed my lead even when I had to be to the point and direct. In fact, she allowed me to be in that space and thanked me for that later. After the birth she prepared me the most delicious placenta smoothie at no extra cost and went way above and beyond during each and all post partum visits. My family will forever be grateful to her. Oh, and she remembered to take photos immediately after birth while we were busy enjoying the incredible moments and those are the only photos we actually have. Priceless! -T 2014 (Doula Services and Placenta Smoothie)
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I find it difficult to find the right words to express how I feel about Kirstin, and having been fortunate enough to have her support during my pregnancy and labor. She is an absolute force of strength and helped me feel settled and cared for during my daughter's birth. Yes, she was there for me, holding my hand, helping refocus me when I was panicky, and using little tricks to help keep me comfortable; but more importantly she spoke for me when I couldn't speak for myself and helped orchestrate things so they went smoothly (like sending my stinky husband to take a shower, communicating with my midwives while they were en route, and keeping an eye out for my son who's caregiver was unable to get to our home in time for the birth). Overall she is an incredible birth manager, she just KNEW what needed to be done. She helped me work through previous birth trauma and helped my husband and I connect more deeply during the process. Aside from her birth services, we also had her process my placenta and provide postpartum doula services; my only regret is that we didn't have her around longer; she made my immediate recovery downright easy! She prepared meals, helped keep the apartment relatively neat, played with our 4 year old, and helped me remember how to care for a newborn! My husband adores her as much as I do, and there truly is no one else I would want by our side during such an intense process as birth. Hire her, you will be so glad you did! -C 2015 (Birth & Postpartum Doula Services and Placenta Services)
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Placenta Encapsulation Services
"I recently procured Kirstin for her placenta encapsulation service. She was not only thorough and knowledgeable about the process but also warm, friendly, and personable. Kirstin picked up my placenta from the hospital and delivered my capsules to my home with promptness and efficiency, all while I was in a daze from having undergone a surgery. She has been a blessing for me and my husband and I certainly hope to remain in touch with her and would highly recommend her placenta encapsulation and doula services to anyone!" -A 2013 (Placenta Encapsulation)
"This was my second child and I knew the many benefits of eating/encapsulating ones placenta after having tried a bit of my own from my first labor. I knew I'd be much too exhausted to encapsulate my own and I didn't quite trust my husband to the task, haha! So I went looking online for someone to do the job. Unfortunately, our budget was so tight from paying out of pocket for a natural water birth not to mention a large move we had just made being a military family. When I contacted her I told her about my budget issues instead of being turned away she not only offered to help me out if I decided to do it myself but offered to work with my budget. We came to an agreement and waited for the date. I received my pills, a cord keepsake, prints and I'm awaiting a tincture that is "cooking". Everything was so personalized and cute I couldn't be happier!
Kirstin is also so helpful she went out of her way to help me find other resources while I was pregnant. She is also very quick to respond to any emails and texts about any issues concerning how I felt after labor and with taking the pills. Right now they are working out nicely and I take them when I notice any issues with supply. I'm saving the tincture for menopause. Very happy about my decision to work with Kirstin! -A 2013 (Placenta Encapsulation)
Kirstin is also so helpful she went out of her way to help me find other resources while I was pregnant. She is also very quick to respond to any emails and texts about any issues concerning how I felt after labor and with taking the pills. Right now they are working out nicely and I take them when I notice any issues with supply. I'm saving the tincture for menopause. Very happy about my decision to work with Kirstin! -A 2013 (Placenta Encapsulation)
First-timer here and I am so very glad that I was lucky enough to cross paths with Kirstin. I happened to win a discount for encapsulation at my birth center for Kirstin's services. Kirstin was extremely informative and helpful in understanding my options for placenta encapsulation as well as offering advise before and after birth. She was easy to get a hold of and a delight to speak with. My only problem, now, is that she moved out of California...even then she was happy to recommend me to a colleague. -C 2014 (Placenta Encapsulation)
I acknowledged before my baby arrived that I was very likely to wind up with PPD, and my midwife suggested giving placenta encapsulation a try before jumping straight to anti-depressants. Am I ever glad Shanti Birth Services was the first result on Google! Kirstin was exceedingly kind and unfailingly professional. From picking up my placenta to dropping off the finished capsules, I didn't have to worry about a thing. I feel much better emotionally taking the capsules and can really tell when I miss a dose. I also really appreciated that Kirstin was so easy to reach and so willing to discuss more than just how my capsules were working--she even stopped by and helped troubleshoot my son's latch. She's a wealth of knowledge and more than willing to share. Thank you, Kirstin, for making a world of difference in my postpartum recovery and my ability to bond with my baby. -H 2015 (Placenta Encapsulation)
Kirstin is an amazing doula. Both my husband and I got along with her and we immediately felt like best friends! Her energy is off the charts friendly, respectful, and encouraging. Plus, she knows what she's doing! I loved her services and the placenta capsules helped me so much compared to my other birth where I did not encapsulate. -T 2016
