Today we’d like to introduce you to Kym Benner.
Hi Kym, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started when my mom went back to school to become a labor and delivery nurse when I was a teenager. When she would come home from work I was interested in what happened during her shift, so I’d ask questions and get explanations as to why things went the way they did. My first birth was my best friend almost 33 years ago but for the next ten years, I thought what I was doing was just a hobby and something I just loved. One day I was watching the news and they had a segment on DOULA’s. I thought “WOW” there is a title for what I have been doing! I immediately went to my computer and utilized the information that was given on TV and signewd myself up for my DOULA training and certification.
As a DOULA, my role is to be an advocate, plus I use different pain techniques, and coping skills as well as massage, acupressure, positions, and essential oils if it is something my clients use in their day to day life. A DOULA is there for emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I have been trained and certified in several techniques and modalities that include; Spinning Babies, Acupressure for pregnancy and labor, and the Rebozo.
When I first started out all those years ago I was the only DOULA in my city and the surrounding cities. I spent the next several years educating the community and the OB field on what a DOULA’s role is as well as trying to get my name out there and build my brand. I was met with opposition and lots of questions because the OBs thought I was taking patients from them and instead of seeing that my role not only enhanced their job but made it easier by having the support of a DOULA in the delivery room. I was finally able to meet with several OBs and OB clinics to educate them on what a DOULA’s role is and I slowly started to get referrals from these OBs as well as midwives.
The next natural step was for me to become a Childbirth Educator because it went hand in hand with the work I was already doing. This led to me getting a Childbirth Educator position at a large local hospital where I was able to talk to my students about DOULA’s and show them different techniques, allowing me to broaden my client base which actually catapulted my business exponentially. I then became known as “Kym the Doula” which is what I named my website.
I am happy to say that at this time in my career that I have attended almost 750 births, been published in several different birthing publications including a cover story in a large local newspaper, a birthing segment on a TV show that aired on NBC, and a guest on several podcasts. If you want more information regarding my services or what I offer as a DOULA please feel free to visit my website @ kymthedoula.com or contact me at babiesrkym@hotmail.com.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout the years as a DOULA, there have been many challenges. These challenges have been with the lack of education with hospital staff with not understanding what a DOULA’s role is. Today it is the complete opposite and DOULA’s are not only welcomed but are encouraged in both the hospital setting and birth centers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional birth DOULA and Childbirth educator and I’m NRP certified which allows me to be a midwife’s assistant. I am most proud of the hard work I did in paving the way for the many DOULA’s that came behind me. What sets me apart from other DOULA’s is the vast education I have, the almost 750 births I have attended, and the appreciation, love and support from the birth community. I am known best for my village of birth workers who I refer and work with on a regular basis. I live by my words that “This is your baby, your body, and your birth”.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
As a teenager growing up in the ’80s my favorite time was at the roller rink! I skated in a club participating in monthly competitions earning my way up in rank. I made many lifelong friends and had fun doing it!
Contact Info:
- Email: babiesrkym@hotmail.com
- Website: www.kymthedoula.com
- Instagram: @kymthedoula
- Facebook: “Pampered Package” Doula Services
