KATIE, CPD, CLD, CNPE, CLE, CPST

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.

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 birthing person 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 care giver’s office is the way everything must be. They base their parenting off of Pinterest and TV moms. They often say that they do what their care givers 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 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

  • Certified Lactation Educator (CAPPA)
  • 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

In addition, I have served as faculty for the CAPPA Labor Doula Programs and Postpartum Doula Programs. This role allowed me to combine my experience in teaching and curriculum with my love for all things doula!

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 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 shuttling my kids to and from music activities, hockey practices, cross country meets and soccer fields. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Professional Education/Certification/Affiliations

  • CAPPA Certified Labor & Postpartum Doula (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)

  • CAPPA Senior Advisor for Labor Doula Programs (2019-2023)

  • Certified Lactation Educator (CAPPA)

  • Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) Faculty: Labor & Postpartum Doula Trainer; New Parent Educator Trainer

  • 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

MY PROMISE

We have a view in our society that as mothers, we can “do it all”. One of the major concerns I have with health care today is that it is lacking “care”.  Doctor appointments are usually quick and routine, and certainly not focused on a woman’s emotional health as well. I’m here to help support the entire woman–physically and emotionally.

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I have dedicated my career to serving mothers as they GROW their baby, BIRTH their baby, and MOTHER their baby. I was a fifth grade teacher prior to becoming a doula, and I love my role as a prenatal and postpartum educator. Through professional trainings and certifications, I am continually reminded what a powerful time pregnancy and postpartum is for each parent. I am here to provide non-judgmental support for them.

My Blog
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I am a birth doula, postpartum doula, and educator. The mothers and families in our community will benefit from education in prenatal appointments, compassionate labor support, in-home professional baby support, birth and parenting classes, community events, and social media.

My Services
Dads and Doulas

I believe that in most cases, birth should be a beautifully natural process and not a medical procedure. I also believe that it takes a village to support a new mother and baby, and our society expects parents today to be able to “do it all”. These beliefs led me to become a professionally trained and certified doula.

Contact Me