Mkenna Vanwinkle Birth & Postpartum Doula in Ione, CA

I cannot say enough great things about Mkenna and the support she gave me through one of the hardest and most important experiences of my life. I unexpectedly went into labor at only 35 weeks, well before she was supposed to even be on call for me. Despite that she answered every single call and supported me from the very beginning. Unfortunately Mkenna was under the weather when I went into labor and per my decision I decided to not have her physically present. Even though I made that choice, Mkenna never once left my side emotionally or mentally via video chat through my 60-hour labor and through the birth of my son. During my labor I was diagnosed with preeclampsia, had a failed epidural, and faced multiple difficult and unexpected decisions. Through every curveball thrown, Mkenna helped me understand each of the options presented by the doctors and what each possible outcome could look like, allowing me to make informed decisions while still honoring the birth experience I wanted for myself and my baby. During labor there was a point that with my epidural failing I truly believe panic could have set in from the pain. Mkenna helped ground me in that moment. She reminded me to breathe, to use low tones, and to continue to stay focused so my body could continue to do the work. She was also the one who helped me advocate that the epidural was failing, eventually I needed both a spinal and second epidural and Mkenna continued to support me through it all. When I could feel my baby getting close, Mkenna again helped me make an informed decision where I chose to labor down. About 45 minutes later, the doctors did a cervical check and my sons head was right there - it was time to push! Just 22 minutes later my son was born. Even following the birth of my son Mkenna stayed on video to help make sure my birth plan and wishes were still being respected. No matter how many left turns my labor took, I truly believe I got through all of them with the best possible outcome because I had her support. She made me feel informed, empowered, calm, and cared for every step of the way. If you are considering hiring a doula, I can honestly say Mkenna is worth everything and more!

— Mikayla J.

Mkenna was such a joy to work with! My husband and I had our first child in November (2025) and she was with us the entire time I was in labor. She reminded me to relax my face during contractions, helped me move into different positions to feel more comfortable, chatted with me to keep my mind off labor pains and explained things more when the doctor was suggesting things. I really appreciated the lack of judgemental and just full support from her. She was there to ensure what I wanted for my birth actually happened and if I needed to pivot from my original birth plan (which I ended up doing), she was there every step of the way supporting me and my husband. Mkenna is so phenomenal to work with. She really made a huge difference to me and my husband during the birth of our first child and would recommend her to anyone!

— Adrienne K.

Mkenna was amazing! She made me feel so supported and calm throughout pregnancy and birth. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend her to any expecting mom! I am blessed enough to be expecting another and have already booked her services.

— Ashley C.