Kortny provided the most gentle, respectful, yet empowering, doula support. She is a huge advocate for mom and baby. I have become a true advocate for doula support for my friends and family members and within the community thanks to the support I received during my pregnancy and postpartum journey. I am always happy to share my story because Kortny is a huge reason why our beautiful daughter made it here safely, naturally, and the way we planned together.  My boyfriend and I's relationship began with Kortny in the first trimester. She provided advice on setting up a birth plan, exercises to stretch my growing body, a breakdown of what's to come over the rest of our pregnancy and information on how she would support us in the postpartum phase. She taught my boyfriend various techniques to support me in and out of bed, as my belly grew and pulled on my every being, when contractions began and throughout my labor. He was honestly my secondary doula/midwife. He was more than prepared to handle every phase of labor when the time came. She truly encouraged and empowered him to bring his child down the birthing canal and provide his girlfriend with the utmost support and as I transitioned into the active labor portion and pushed.  Throughout each trimester, Kortny was a call away for any questions/concerns we had from each appointment with our OB. She advocated for me in more instances than I truly expected. I also appreciated her encouraging me to stand on decisions we discussed for the birth plan and in real time as they came up. Our daughter was due November 22, 2022. Our OB advised an induction if she did not come by Thanksgiving weekend. I shared with Kortny that I did not want an induction because I was nervous about any drugs I would be given to induce my labor. I wanted to experience my watering breaking, rushing to the hospital in excitement, packing the car - all those dreamy, movie-like things. By chance, or God's grace - I ended up having contractions the early morning of my set induction date, November 30, 2022.  I immediately texted Kortny to share what I saw in the bathroom in coordination with my timed contractions. It was time FOR REAL this time. No induction needed. Just breathing, lots of snacking and funny shows to carry me through. I labored at home for 16 hours. The hospital was ten minutes away leaving room for me to labor comfortably at home until I felt that we needed to go. When that moment came, Kortny quickly arrived at the hospital to support me through the remaining portion of my labor. She continued to advocate for me when nurses got pushy. She continued to advocate for my request for a natural birth when the OB on call stated that my blood pressure was close to determining an unnecessary C-section. She encouraged me to ask for pain medicine if I felt it was needed. We had our safe word but, we never needed it. With the team in motion, I waded my way through to the end. She provided the kind of support that was like a fly on the wall ninja style. While Kortny was there the entire way, I felt so empowered in my own actions beyond my own understanding so much so that I accomplished the goals we set at the very beginning of this journey.  The same care was provided in the postpartum phase. We discussed all of the necessary standardized questions but Kortny went the extra mile asking me about our living space and how that affected us as new parents and explained how those feelings trickled down to how supported we felt in caring for our child. She held space for both my boyfriend and I that we didn't know we needed. I love that Kortny included my boyfriend in every aspect because men aren't normally provided that support and space. His understanding of what was happening every step of the way mattered to me and she articulated it so beautifully for what we both needed throughout this experience. It was truly the most spiritual connection and experience I have ever endured. As we prepare to celebrate one year as parents to the beautiful one in the pictures below, I highly recommend Kortny Feurtado for any role with your organization. She is made for this role 10000%! May her skills and radiant personality touch the lives of many other families to come!