About Me
My name is Kristy Hansen.
I am the mother of two children, Zoe and Evan, and the spouse to Tim. I
stay at home with my two children and work part-time as a consultant in
the Information Technology sector. I have lived in Raleigh since 1994,
and prior to that I lived in the state of Virginia. I am a graduate of
the University of Virginia and hold degrees in both Economics and
Mathematics/Computer Science.
So, how does a computer and math geek get to be a doula?
Zoe was born via cesarean section after a failed induction and prolonged fetal distress. My cesarean experience was an unpleasant one for many reasons. The frightening moments leading up to the cesarean left me with difficult memories from what should have been a happy time. The pain from the recovery hampered the first weeks of caring for my daughter. And the host of times my feelings and thoughts were disrespected, ignored and dismissed throughout the labor and birth left me feeling disempowered and, well, angry. I knew there had to be another way.
Even before I became pregnant for the second time, I knew I wanted a different experience for the second birth, and I believed the keys to that experience lay in my personal education and the team of support surrounding me. I carefully chose a care provider and doula, and learned a lot about labor and birth. The combination of knowledge and trustworthy support boosted my confidence and proved to be invaluable in my journey. Evan was born naturally in an intervention-free birth attended by a midwife and doula. My journey to a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) was both empowering and inspiring. The difference a supportive environment made in the birth of my child inspired me to be that source of support for others.
In my "spare" time, I enjoy reading, writing, knitting and cooking.
"We selected Kristy as our doula at the 13th hour - literally. We had our baby 3 days after meeting with her. Despite the short time frame, we really connected with Kristy. She definitely made the labor & delivery experience the best it could have possibly been. She put me at ease, and helped my husband to be a more confident supporter to me during those critical hours.
If and when we are blessed to have another child, we hope Kristy will be right there with us again!" -- T.O.