Hello! I’m glad you’re here! I value each family I work with and their unique niche in the world. Whether you are having a “normal” pregnancy or in preterm labor with twins, I’m here for you. —Katie
In 2010, my sister-in-love Nicole, found out she was pregnant with twins. Throughout her pregnancy, she asked for advice and guidance from me. As the time came nearer for the babies to be born, she asked if I would be her “coach”. I decided to take a training and my doula career began! (Read more about Nicole and her life at Nicole Brown Memorial Scholarship page.)
I became a doula because of my passion for babies, mothers, families, and also because of my frustration with the expectations our society places on mothers today. Much emphasis is put on the medical and reproductive system aspects of birth, and less on the mother as a whole.
I also believe that it takes a village to support new mothers and their babies, and our society expects parents today to be able to “do it all”. So many mothers I’ve talked with feel that what they see on TV or hear about in their healthcare provider’s office is the way everything must be. They base their parenting off of Tik Tok, IG reels, and TV moms. They often say that they do what their providers say without asking questions. And almost every one of the mothers I’ve talked to say that they never received any information on prenatal nutrition, the risks/alternatives of medical interventions, or their options for labor and birth.
These beliefs have empowered me to educate parents about healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, and to do all I can to help mothers have a great memory of their babies’ births and first weeks of baby’s life.
I have specific training in many areas for both birth and postpartum doula services. I’ve dedicated extra training hours towards:
- Breastfeeding (Dr. Jack Newman and local IBCLCs),
- VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean),
- Spinning Babies (optimal fetal positioning),
- HUG Your Baby (newborn comfort and education)
- Calming Your Crying and Fussy Baby
- CPR/AED/FIRST AID for Infants, Pediatrics, and Adults
- New Parent Educator
- Bereavement, Miscarriage, and Loss Training (PAILsAdvocate)
I am a Des Moines area native and have lived here most of my life. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Wes, who is a chiropractor in Waukee. We have two very active teenage boys and two big dogs. I volunteer my time at our church and with local young parent organizations. I spend the rest of my days cheering on my college son who runs in college, and cheering on my younger son who plays football, hockey, and is in the band. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Professional Education/Certification/Affiliations
- Evidence-Based Birth Instructor®
- Perinatal Professionals Association Senior Advisor
- Perinatal Professionals Association Certified Labor & Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator, Lactation Educator (PPA)
- Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Safe Kids World Wide
- CAPPA Senior Advisor for Labor Doula Programs (2019-2023)
- Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) Faculty: Labor & Postpartum Doula Trainer; New Parent Educator Trainer (2018-2024)
- Young Women’s Resource Center “Better Beginnings” Birth Doula
- Central Iowa Doula Association
- ICAN of Central Iowa (International Cesarean Awareness Network)
- VBAC Workshop for Doulas
- HUG Your Baby Certified Teacher
- Iowa Breastfeeding Coalition
- Infant, Child, and Adult CPR Certified through American Red Cross
