I’m Kelley, St. Louis birth doula, mom to 3 boys, married to the guy I fell in love with in high school.
I became obsessed with birth after our first was born via cesarean after an induction for “dates” for “failure to progress.” Air quotes intended. The disappointment I felt surprised me; I dove into research about birth in America. I learned all about my fertility, chose a provider who would be supportive of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and hired a doula. Best laid plans and all that… I had a cesarean for high blood pressure at 42 weeks. I definitely still felt disappointed over his birth, but because I was educated and well supported, I knew we had made the best decisions with the options we had. I still planned for VBA2C for baby #3, and was able to push him out of my body right into his daddy’s hands – with a lot of help from my medical team for high blood pressure again, and so much support from my doula.
When my former industry got flip-turned upside down and my structural engineering days were forced to end, I decided to follow my passion and dreams and become a birth doula, and now life has moved us from our native Houston to St. Louis.
I see my role as a birth doula like being a good coach. I’m on the sidelines with all the information for you, but you’re the one who has to execute the plays. I’m here to educate you and support you whether you’re having a baby at home in the water with twinkle lights, epidural or not at the hospital, or a planned cesarean. I’m going to meet you where you are and dig down into that hole with you. And after the baby is here and you’re overwhelmed, I’m available to help you out, listen to you, and get you through those first few weeks.
When I’m not doula-ing, I’m training Jiu Jitsu, at the baseball fields, a wrestling meet, a choir or band event, playing banjo, or I’ve got my nose stuck in a book. And I’m always down for some Tex-Mex.
Kelley is the absolute best! From the moment we started working with Kelley during my first pregnancy, I knew she was the perfect fit for our birth team. I wanted to approach birth like an athlete—mentally and physically prepared, with a strong advocate by my side—and Kelley was exactly that. She was both coach and champion for me and my husband, ensuring we felt confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
When labor came, she was instrumental in helping me stay focused and in control. The movements she guided me through were game-changers, especially when my baby’s heart rate fluctuated during contractions. Thanks to her expertise, we were able to avoid additional interventions and stay on track for the vaginal birth I had planned. The nurses were raving about Kelley, praising how seamlessly she worked with them, understanding the plan of care and adjusting strategies in real time.
Her presence brought a sense of calm, strength, and reassurance that I truly believe made all the difference in my experience. Without a doubt, Kelley will be a part of our birth team again when we welcome our next child. If you’re looking for a doula who will advocate fiercely, support you completely, and help you approach birth with confidence, Kelley is the one you want by your side.
Thank you, Kelley, for being such an incredible part of our journey!
- Lara H.