Dedicated family member.
 
Motivated, compassionate educator who is sensitive to clients’ personal level of awareness and needs.
 
Possesses strong people skills enabling a positive rapport with business partners, community members, agency employees, clients and their birth companions.
 
Ability to individualize clients needs, concerns and requests.

My name is Kathy Tellstrom. I have been a resident of Door County Wisconsin and a member of the Sturgeon Bay community for twenty (plus) years. My husband is a grade school teacher for the Sturgeon Bay Public School District. We are the proud parents of six beautiful children. Our childrens' ages range from three years to twenty-two years of age. I have spent the past twenty-five years of my life dedicated to my family, highly involved in school, church and community activities.

I have always had a passion for birth and parenting and therefore decided to become a Birth/Postpartum Doula after participating at births over the past several years. I received and completed my training through Childbirth International as a Certified Doula and Certified Childbirth Educator. I also received Perinatal Bereavement Counseling Training through Perinatal Bereavement Services of Ontario, Canada.

I am a Birth/Postpartum Doula, provide private/group childbirth education, created My Helping Hands and Hand In Hand, creator and Director of "Hands Reaching Out" Teen Parent Support  Program and coordinator of Teen Parent Support monthly meetings.

My Helping Hands Professional Childbirth Assistants of Door County is a complimentary blend of knowledgeable, compassionate women who create a well-rounded, effectively balanced team. Our main goal is to assist as a guide during this life-changing experience, helping you to achieve lasting memories and the best possible start as a new family.

Our sister partnership, Hand In Hand Teenage Pregnancy Support of Door County, has been established with the goal of providing childbirth education, birth assistance and parenting support to the teenage population. Our main focus is to provide a supportive environment that nurtures the new mother during this time in her life.

"Hands Reaching Out" Teen Parent Support Program has been established with the goal of providing an educational outreach program. We include face-to-face and phone contact for support and unbiased advice regarding parenting, assistance with daily necessities for baby, "hands on" life skill experiences, community agency referrals and a lending library.

Our Teen Parent Support Group meetings are held on a monthly basis and offer childbirth education, birth support training, breastfeeding support, nutritional counseling, postpartum assistance (personal and infant care) and parenting skills.

We are currently servicing Door, Brown and Kewaunee Counties. We look forward to aiding our clients during their birth process.

We provide birth assistance at both Door County Memorial and Green Bay area hospitals.

My Helping Hands is comprised of a team effort - Certified Nurse Midwife (retired)/ Certified Doulas/ Certified Childbirth Educator/ Certified Breastfeeding Educator.
 
Hand In Hand team members are comprised of - Certified Doulas/ Certified Childbirth Educator/ Certified Breastfeeding Educator.
 
"Hands Reaching Out" Teen Parent Support Program -Providing a support system that empowers teen parents to maximize their parenting abilities and life skills. Sponsored by the Family Centers of Door County. Team members comprised of - Certified Doulas/ Certified Childbirth Educator/ Parent Educator.

Monthly Teen Parent Meetings: Check out local listing topics, dates and times under websites "Teen Parent Meetings". Community donations (diapers, soaps, baby clothes, baby furniture, wipes, bottles, etc.) available for pick up.         

Weekly Play Groups: Time for young mothers to create new friendships while their child(ren) play. Groups are held at Hope United Church of Christ located in Sturgeon Bay. Visit our website for details and to register.

P.A.I.L.S. - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support… began when I lost my own child during pregnancy in 1999. I helped create P.A.I.L.S. which is being utilized at Door County Memorial's OB offices, OB floor, Surgery Center, ER and Pastoral Care Services. I took Perinatal Bereavement Counseling training and began assisting families with losses in 2001.




What clients have had to say:

                  Doula Kathy with Baby Katia

"Kathy was amazing at our birth. The compassion she shared with us helped us to feel more relaxed and assisted in creating a wonderful welcome for our sweet baby."      

                                                   K.N. Door County

"Your patience and understanding was a valuable tool that helped us in finding confidence during our birth experience, as well as helping us to get off to a great start with our baby! Thank you!"

                                                 M.M. Door County

"I loved how Kathy incorporated my boyfriend in our birth experience. She spent a lot of time talking to him about his importance. He was really worried about being present during the birth. She helped him - help me. He said he couldn't help but smile. Every time he holds our baby...he thinks about what a great job he did during our birth!"

                                                    J.R. Door County

"You have changed my life! When we first learned of the pregnancy, we didn't know which way to turn. With your guidance and kindness...we discovered the amazing wonders of pregnancy and parenthood. You have left an impression in our hearts and minds that will stay with us for all time!"

                                                    K.P. Door County

"You helped lift me up to be the parent I dreamed of being. Thanks for all the long talks and information about pregnancy and birth. Your parenting skills tips were wonderful! My child will forever benefit from your help! I will forever benefit from all the self-confidence I gained!"

                                                  A.H. Door County