About Kate
I always knew my calling was to work with women and children. I began my career path as a special education teacher and Teach for America corps member in Harlem, New York. This experience solidified in me the belief that a structured, safe home environment is integral to a child's future success. I went on to receive my Master's Degree in Early Childhood General and Special Education (birth through grade 2) from Bank Street College of Education in New York. I spent three years working in early childhood learning centers, including two years working directly with infants and toddlers. During this time, I trained as a Prenatal Doula at the Center for the Childbearing Year in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While in Michigan I volunteered with an organization called Doulas Care, which provides doula services on a sliding scale to low income women and their families. Upon moving to Pittsburgh I began work as a kindergarten teacher in the Penn Hills area, where I taught for two years. In the summer of 2013 I trained as a Postpartum Doula at C4CBY in Michigan and in April 2014 I completed the "Heart & Hands" Birth Doula Training here in Pittsburgh. I have experience working with first time mothers, teenage mothers, cesarean births and inductions. I am so thrilled to be able to support and care for new and growing families in the Pittsburgh area. |
"Kate came into our lives at the very end of my pregnancy, but it was absolutely the perfect time. Being our first pregnancy, the experience of labor could have been very scary, but Kate took all of those fears away. She was an educator, a resource, a cheerleader, a companion, but most of all, she was a source of strength and comfort. Working with Kate was the best decision we could have made and I know our positive birth experience was largely because of her."
~ Karen A., Pittsburgh, PA |
"We cannot thank Kate enough for her time, attention and guidance during our pregnancy and birth experience and cannot imagine going through this process without her. Kate made what could have been a difficult, stressful and uncertain experience comfortable. We would recommend Kate (and have recommended her) to other parents-to-be and look forward to working with her in the future." ~ Lauren G. and Dave G., Pittsburgh, PA
"Not only would I recommend a doula for any woman giving birth, but I would specifically recommend that Kate Louik be your doula for your birth experience. She stayed with my husband and me for more than 24 hours and was consistently positive, encouraging and level headed. She served as a fabulous sounding board for making decisions as the birth progressed and helped us to understand all options that were presented. She also was very sensitive and attentive to my needs and made sure that I was comfortable at all times. I would recommend Kate to anyone. Both my husband and my family were so grateful that she was a part of our experience. I couldn't imagine doing it again without her."
~ Alison H., Pittsburgh, PA
~ Alison H., Pittsburgh, PA
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"I was lucky enough to have Kate as my doula for the birth of my son. Since my son's birth went extremely quickly, I wasn't able to take advantage of the finer points of having support during labor, but Kate was utterly indispensable in making sure things stayed under control (and in line with my wishes) in the chaotic less-than-half-hour I had in the delivery room."
~ Erin B., Chelsea, MI |
"Kate has served as a caregiver for my toddler. She is fabulous. She is extremely caring, responsible and well trained in early childhood education and care. I trust her fully and I was extremely pleased with the activities she did with my son and the bond she has formed with him."
~ Elizabeth G., Pittsburgh, PA |
"Kate cared for our son from the time he was 8 months old until he was a year and a half old. She was an enormous source of support for me as a first-time mom. She supported breastfeeding by giving him pumped milk while I was at work; she reinforced the sign language we were teaching him at home; and she was kind and loving even when he was in a serious biting phase. Most importantly, she nurtured his physical and mental growth through play, engagement, and affection. He was always excited to see her and that made leaving for work easier for me. I only wish I had known Kate earlier--it would have been a privilege to have had her as a doula."
~ Kelly W., Ypsilanti, MI
~ Kelly W., Ypsilanti, MI