About Us

Birth & More provides Lamaze and doula services to women and their families in all birth settings (home, hospital, or birth center). We also provide postpartum doula services for families who are in need of more support in the challenging weeks following the birth of their new baby.

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."

- John H. Kennell, MD

Kristin Lacy

My first pregnancy was very challenging, and it made me think that there had to be a better way to give birth. I was kind of embarrassed about feeling that way, because I had a great medical team of doctors. I just didn't realize soon enough that they weren't really a good fit for me.

A few years later, I was working at a pediatrician's office, and a woman came in just raving about her incredible birth experience. She mentioned using a doula, and I had to learn more. Once I did, I realized that I had found my calling. I know that if I had had a doula, my birthing experience would have been much shorter than the 36 hours it was. I also would have been able to resist drugs and the epidural. At the time, I didn't know that I had the right to move with my pain, to walk, or to even take a shower.

I have been a birth doula and a postpartum doula for eight years and have been certified with DONA International since May 2002. As a birth doula, I have specialized in special needs births, and as a postpartum doula, I have experience working with twins and triplets. I have also taught childbirth education classes for eight years, and I received my Lamaze certification in December 2005.

I believe the most important part of my job is to make sure that women understand their options (and the risks and benefits of those options), so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. I don't take over or try to control the birth process; I just help the woman and give her the support she needs.

I think that all women should consider having a doula during birth. A doula does not necessarily have to be experienced or trained like I am. If you have a supportive partner, mother, or friend who is with you, calming you down, rubbing your back, telling you that you can do it . . . then you have a doula. The main difference is that I have learned specific techniques to help labor progress. When a problem arises, I stay calm and stay by your side. It can be hard for your family members and personal friends to do this sometimes.

Every doula offers information and constant support; however, we all come with our own unique set of skills, talents, and personalities. I recommend that you look around and speak with different doulas before you make your choice. It's important to choose one that you are really comfortable with.

I am the mother of two children, the stepmother of two, and a wife of four years. I am also the "mother" of two boxers. I am very passionate about what I do. I love being involved during such a special time in a woman's life. When I have allowed a woman to trust her body when giving birth, then I have done my job.

I believe this story of the experience of one of the mothers I have assisted illustrates my purpose as a doula:

I used to work in a crisis center where some of the pregnant women came in feeling very depressed about their situations. I gave assistance to one in particular who went from feeling down about giving birth totally naturally to completely changing her perspective. I will never forget her words, still breathing hard after pushing that one last time, and she said I did it.

It's very rewarding for me when a woman can look back at her birth with deep satisfaction and move into motherhood with confidence and a sense of personal achievement.