Black Doulas in Memphis, TN

My name is Lesley Hodges, and I am a certified birth and postpartum doula with a genuine passion for supporting families through one of life’s most transformative experiences. I believe every parent deserves compassionate, respectful, and individualized care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. My passion for doula work began long before I earned my certification. Supporting my sister throughout her pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery, as well as caring for friends during their pregnancies and helping with newborn care, showed me the incredible impact that consistent support can have on growing families. Those experiences inspired me to become a certified doula so I could provide that same level of encouragement, advocacy, and education to others. I am known for my warm, bubbly personality and my ability to help people feel seen, heard, and cared for. I strive to create a calm, judgment-free environment where families feel confident, informed, and empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. Along with my birth and postpartum doula certification, I also hold CPR and newborn care certifications, which strengthen my ability to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based support. Becoming a doula is more than a career for me it’s a calling. My goal is to ensure every family I serve feels supported, respected, and never alone during this special chapter of their lives. I am honored to walk alongside parents as they welcome their newest family member and look forward to making a meaningful difference in their birth and postpartum experience.

I'm a mother of four and the woman behind The Down to Earth Doula. My approach to birth work is rooted in a deep respect for women, the wisdom of our bodies, and the natural, physiological process of pregnancy and birth. I believe birth is sacred, and that every woman deserves to feel informed, respected, and supported throughout her experience. While I believe wholeheartedly in our innate ability to birth, I also recognize that every woman's journey is uniquely her own. My role isn't to tell you what your experience should look like, but to help you feel confident in your ability to make informed decisions that align with your own needs, desires, and values. For me, this work extends far beyond the birthing space. I believe women deserve care, community, and meaningful support through every season of motherhood. Whether you're preparing to welcome your first baby, navigating postpartum, or simply seeking a little extra support along the way, my desire is to meet you where you are. Through doula support, placenta encapsulation, reflective support, and herbal preparations, I offer a holistic, down-to-earth approach that honors the whole woman.. mind, body, and spirit. 💙

It Takes A Village offers compassionate, personalized birth and postpartum doula support to help families feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout their journey. Whether you’re planning a home or hospital birth, preparing for your first baby, or adjusting to life with a newborn, I provide practical guidance, nonjudgmental support, and care centered on your needs. You deserve to feel seen, heard, and cared for—not just during birth, but afterward, too.