My daughter just turned 4, and I cherish the memories surrounding her birth. We had moved to Philadelphia when I was already 7 months pregnant. My son was born at home in NYC, but now that we had moved I was looking for someone who would support me through this process, with whom I would feel safe and well-taken care of. Kathy was everything I was looking for, and more: a source of so much wisdom and support, she was truly a stellar care provider in every way. A few weeks shy of my due date I contracted a stomach virus, or food poisoning, and thought I might be going into labor. Kathy was on the phone with my husband on and off checking in on me and came to my home to check as well. In the end, it was just sickness and it passed, but for the next few weeks I felt like I was already overdue. Ora’s arrival couldn’t come too soon for me, and by the time I woke up at about 5AM on Tuesday, Dec 17, with the first incontrovertible signs of labor I was more than ready. Kathy sent her assistant, and followed shortly thereafter. Labor was quick, if painful, and there was not time to set up the IV for antibiotics (I was strep b positive), let alone the tub (that’s a reason to have another baby! I didn’t get to use a tub my son either, active labor went relatively quickly with him as well!). Soon enough I was pushing, with Kathy and her assistant, and my husband, all offering support, and Kathy giving me specific instructions on how to push, when to relax (I didn’t tear at all!). Pushing went on for longer than expected because of positioning, but soon enough she emerged and with her so much light–which is what her name, Ora, means. Very blessed to have had Kathy support me through this journey and highly recommend her!
