Doula Differently

The struggle can be oh so real. Tell us in the comments what the hardest thing you gave up during your pregnancy so far, or you're planning to give up!

Ps. 2025 winter and spring client spots are going so fast! Head on over to our website and fill out the contact form! We'd love to chat and schedule a free consultation!







Loved and Reposted from

Share in the comments!!! We’ll go first…… 🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

Almost 3 decades of being your big sissy. I was obsessed with you from the start. From the day I knew you were growing in our mamas belly, I called you my babies. I was going to write a long and beautiful post dedicated to both of you, my darlings, but then I started crying simply putting pictures together. So, I decided to keep this year to a few short promises.

I promise to always love you abundantly and meet you where you are, even if we don't see eye to eye. I promise, despite being older, to celebrate the independent adults you are and who so often teach me things. I promise to always kiss your cheeks. I promise we will always laugh. I promise never to stop celebrating your victories and encouraging you when you think you have fallen short. I promise you can always confide in me. There are a few things, however, I cannot promise.

I can't promise to not always want to protect you. I can't promise to not cry basically at any moment with how in awe of you two I am. I can't promise not to be your biggest fans. And I can't promise I have not cherished you from the start, even if at times I've been sh*tty at showing it.

My twinners. My darling brother and sister. Claire and Cooper. It is a privilege to know you and even more so to love you. Here's to 29 and feeling fine!!!

I mean...I kept it short-ish.

Disclaimer: it is not within a doulas' scope of practice to deliver babies. We are not medical professionals. That being said, sometimes you just gotta step up to the plate and catch em if you can.

"Do you want to hold him? After all, you saw his face first before you handed him to me."

Lucas and I will always have a special bond. It's true, I did see his face first. I got to see his smooshed little cheeks and pouty lips. He was in the perfect position for a v4g1nal delivery. He worked beautifully with his mother. Peeking through the veil into this world while waiting patiently for the next contraction. He knew his mom had this. He knew how strong she was. And as I looked as his pouty lips, I knew just how strong his mama was, too.

The narrative that ran so quickly through my mind sounded like this. "Okay, Collin. You've seen hundreds of deliveries. You know what to look for. You've already called 911, and they are on the way. You have one job above all else. Babies are slippery. Just don't freaking drop him."

I was crouched on the ground of your parents master bath while she held on to your dad, Lucas. Leaning forward into his love. Your mama squatted intuitively, making space for you while your dad held her tightly. And then she let out a long and strong roar.

"You're about to meet your baby I said with quiet excitement." With one final roar, her labor song, on just the second contraction after seeing your face, you were here. And I didn't freaking drop you. Instead, I told your mama to look down and meet her baby. I passed you to her, and we got her seated while I checked on you. She finally got to see those perfect cheeks and pouty lips that I was able to steal the first p*eks of.

911 arrived, and you were both perfect. After some time, they got you and your mama ready to head over to the nearest hospital...yah know the one where you were supposed to be born at....oops. A technicality just so you both could have a thorough look over. To no surprise, you were both still perfect.

Continued in the comments...

My Dudela: An appreciation post to

I love my career. My calling if you will. And I sure as hell love this guy. After back to back to back births with virtually no sleep, I leaned on you hard this past week. You were one of the biggest reasons I was able to Doula Differently. You encouraged me to take quiet time when I could. You drew me a bath after hours of hip squeezes and counter pressure kicked my bodys ass. You fed me delicious things when I said I truly didn't have the capacity to think through what sounded good to nourish my body. You cared deeply about every birth outcome, truly and authentically. You never let me go to work without reminding me that I am a bad ass and this is what I'm meant to do. You stayed up to make sure you knew I got to the hospital safely after working all day yourself. And oh boy, did you wipe so many tears. This week was hard but you loved me harder

Honestly, my darling, I could go on and on, and it probably still wouldn't cover everything. In fact, I know it wouldn't. But here are just a few other things I want to tell you thank you for.

Thank you for always taking me to get ice cream even though we're pretty sure you're lactose intolerant. Especially on those hard days after long births when you know I need a simple pick me up.

Thank you for being the best mini golf partner and making me laugh at insane courses. Even despite the fact you always win, you never quit cheering me on.

Thank you for always saying yes to the abundant amount of selfies I ask to take with you. And for saving them as your phone backgrounds.

Thank you for the way you look at me. You truly make me feel like I am the only person in the world who matters in a moment. You tell me I'm beautiful so often and so genuinely you've helped me remember I actually am.

Thank you for coming to my big family gatherings and driving every single time bc you know it gives me anxiety.

Thank you for wearing flowers I pick for you behind your ears just because you know it makes me smile.

Thank you for being silly with me no matter where we are.

Thank you for loving me so damn good. I just hope I can do it as good as you, too.

When you quickly roll out of bed at 1 AM to go to a birth with only an hour of sleep + get ready in the dark, these things are bound to happen. At least we know I'm a fan of . And, in true Doula Differently fashion, it's completely possible to have something that helps our bodies during hard births and still be FUN!

Disclaimer: I love doctors and nurses. They save lives every day and help people have beautiful birth stories. I am not a medical professional and have no licensing or degrees to offer medical advice or opinions on matters that are not within my scope of practice. This post is to honor my brother and to share what I think was missing that could've changed his life. Everyone did the best they could. And because of that, my big brother is here today.

So who's this guy anyway?

This is my big brother, Clay.

I haven't talked about Clay as much as the twins on my business socials because his birth story isn't one everyone wants to hear. That stops today.

When it comes right down to it, without Clay's story, I wouldn't have a business Instagram. Without his story, I wouldn't have heard about positive and negative birth outcomes since I was practically still in utero. I wouldn't be on fire in my heart and soul for people to be educated, empowered, and fully in charge of their autonomy. Without his story, there would be, in fact, no Doula Differently.

Continued in the comments.

Come see us and some of our favorite p*eps in the community!!!

 

🌟 Join Us at the Golden Family Chiropractic Block Party! 🌟

Hey everyone! We're excited to announce that we’ll be participating in the Golden Family Chiropractic Block Party on August 24th from 9 AM to 12 PM! 🎉

Come visit us and enjoy:

🛍️ Amazing local vendors (like us!)

☕️ Delicious food and coffee trucks

🎵 A live DJ with great music

🎁 A chance to win an Oura Ring

🧒 A fun play area for the kids

💖 Meet the wonderful team at Golden Family Chiropractic, including Dr. Katie, their newest addition!

Plus, don't miss out on the special offers: Free visit vouchers for existing patients and free first visit vouchers for new patients! 🎟️✨

📅 Date: August 24th 🕘 Time: 9 AM - 12 PM 📍 Location: Golden Family Chiropractic, 13739 Steele Creek Rd Charlotte NC 28273

Bring your friends and family for a day of fun, connection, and great deals! We can't wait to see you there! 🎊💛

"Hello, Darlin', tell me about your babies."

Even in the midst of moderate dementia, she loves my clients and their babies. She, without a doubt, asks about yall. She asks every single time.

"How are they? Have any of the babies been fat? They sleep better when their cute and fat little things. How are the little ones? Are they getting enough skin to skin and snuggles? It'll help them grow, you know. How are the mamas? I know it's hard work. I had four babies with no medicine, you know. It was my hardest but best work. Love them greatly, darlin'."

There's a reason I tell my current clients I love to love on them. There's a reason I can't wait to love on my future clients. And there is a reason I will love on my previous clients forever. I was taught to love unconditionally. You love because people deserve to be loved.

I'm just lucky enough I get to love on their babies, too. And in turn, so does she.

"If you're looking for a doula, stop looking and hire Collin!

Collin was a godsend during my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I truly couldn't have felt more prepared and empowered before, during, and after. She showed me how to practice informed consent and refusal and how to advocate when I felt I lost my own voice. I will forever be grateful to her and know my birth experience wouldn't have been the same without her."

So proud of you, my love! Thank you for choosing me to love on you!

We stand with you and beside you. Please join us in recognizing black infertility awareness week.

My darling Connor,

There will come a day I dread. Days in fact. A day where you quit giving me kisses. A day where you won't let me tickle you by nuzzling your neck. A day where you're too cool and too big for me to pick you up. A day where pictures with CoCo will be annoying. A day where you are an angsty teenager. A day when you have your first heartbreak. A day where you are gone off to work or school. A day where you are all moved out and all grown up.

But those days aren't today.

Today you are firmly planted in year six. You have lost your first tooth and I am still unwell over it. You are so so damn smart. You're learning to set boundaries while still being a gentle soul. You are reading better and better all the time. You're math is incredible. You love art and self expression as much as you love getting dirty and playing sports. And, although you are still young, I'm seeing less and less of the baby you once were.

However, you will forever be my doula baby. My NICU warrior and early graduate. My godson. My special special love. And I will always be your CoCo. The one you deep breathe with when you get overwhelmed. The one who loves you like her own. The one who will stop all things for a chance to snuggle with you. And one of your biggest fans and cheerleaders in this crazy thing called life. My life is better because you're in it. Shout out to your amazing mama for letting me love you before you were even earthside and for letting me call you our son all the days after. I will never be your actual mama and she does it perfectly. I will, however, promise to be the best I can be in any way you need me to be.

I've trained you to say how long I will love you when I ask you. That answer will never change. I will love you forever, and ever, and ever my darling. And, perhaps, if I'm lucky I will get to love you even longer.

Happy Birthday,

CoCo

Doula Differently is booking out AND filling up for 2025!

Most clients book us 6-7 months in advance.

And, just like our past and present clients, we can't wait to have the opportunity to love on you.

Schedule a free consultation today on our website!

Good morning, sweet love. I hope your life is even more beautiful than the sunrise you were born into. Thank you for letting me witness your longed for arrival. Many years in the making and absolutely perfect.

With abundant love,

Your Doula Collin

My darling love,
Your vulnerability throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum was something I only see as strength. I am so fu***ng proud of you. You are stronger than you think and don't you ever forget that! Watching you blossom into motherhood has been a gift to me, sweet one. I will be forever grateful.

'Hiring Collin as my doula was the best thing that I did for myself and my baby. From the moment I first video chatted with Collin, I knew she would be the perfect fit for helping me deliver my baby. And she was! She was my cheerleader while I was pushing, my health advocate for my birth preferences, my emotional and physical support during labor, my sounding board for decision making, and my therapist easing my anxiety. From the start, I felt like Collin just understood me and was able to provide me with the exact type of support that I needed. I thought I would be nervous during labor, but having Collin there by my side made me feel calm and confident instead. I knew she had prepared me and educated me for labor and would be with me every step of the way.

Collin supported me throughout my whole pregnancy - answering my many questions and regularly checking in with me. Collin also provided access to many resources and other moms which made me feel connected to a community. That connection to the community she created also helped me throughout my pregnancy journey. I trusted Collin with my life and my baby’s life in that delivery room and I would do it all over again with her! I recommend Collin 1000%!

After a year of getting to know Collin and having a lovely pregnancy and birth experience with her, I know she will be part of my life and my baby’s life long after our doula contract has ended. I am forever grateful for her support, guidance, and friendship.'

It's two of my most favorite people's 1 year anniversary of being married! I'm so grateful and allowed us the privilege of celebrating them this past may (after they abandoned us and eloped in the beautiful Colorado mountains last year)

Claire and Sam are the definition of devotion, perseverance, adaptability, and abundant love. They do hard things. The laugh all the time. And they add joy and love to everyone around them.

To Sammy: Thank you for taking loving my baby sister so much. Thank you for always reminding her what a bad ass she is and that she's a total snack. Thank you for being such a special part of our family and not just Claire's life. You make me laugh so hard at times that I almost p*e my pants and are always there for me if I need a shoulder to cry on. I couldn't have picked a better brother in law if I tried. There's only one you.

To Clairey: Oh baby sister. You inspire me daily to be a better me and love me through it when I don't feel I have the strength to do that. Your ability to do the hard things gives me confidence that I might be able to do hard things, too. Let's be serious. Even though you started out as friends who were in other relationships and never saw this coming, that is one of the best parts. Yall grew to care for one another selflessly as friends in those early days. But it has always been meant to be you and Sam. A beautiful foundation of friendship with love to follow written amongst the stars. You may be my little sister, but you have grown up on me. The woman you are, the woman you are becoming, and the person you have always been, is one of the greatest gifts in my life.

Thank you two for showing me what choosing each other every day looks like. The importance of laughing as much as possible. That getting through hard times and days is better when you are partners and a true team. And how important it is to still date even after all this time.

Honestly, it makes sense you two eloped. A private moment to share the sacredness of your love without any distractions. In one of your favorite places with your most favorite person. Thank you for giving me the gift of watching you grown in love.

A note to remember the time I fell in love with a rug for my office only to get it home and realize it's just rainbow v***a patterns. may almost be over, but the happy v***a rug (which is what I will be referring to it as) will be here for the long haul. Rugs.com FTW

***apride

We celebrate. Every. Single. Year.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

We will ALWAYS celebrate this day.

To all the Black Birthing Persons, Partners, and Families that have invited us into their birthspace, thank you for trusting us with your care.

We celebrate you this day and every other day.

Big news! Extra spot open for October and December guess dates! Fill out our contact form today! I'd love to love on you!

Your abundant giving heart inspires me daily to give back to our community, remember why I do what I do, and feel so loved.

To the man, the myth, the legend. Many may know you as Papa P, but I know you as the best damn dad around. Thanks for being the absolute bees knees. Happy Father's day!

Pretty bad ass if you ask me!

Loved + reposted from IT DID THAT! 👏 But FWIW, your body doesn't have to move mountains or organs to deserve praise. Your body keeps you alive every day, and honestly, that's pretty badass. 😌

PSA!!!

Loved + reposted from The goal for pelvic floor prep for birth should be a RESPONSIVE pelvic floor, not a tight one. 🙅‍♀️

We want a pelvic floor that responds to what is asked of it. When we jump, laugh, sneeze, sing it does not leak urine. And when we birth a baby it yields and aides babies head in tucking as baby literally spirals through it. SO COOL.

There is so much we can do to help train the pelvic floor to be responsive. To work as part of the group project that is all our body parts working together to keep us strong and functional through whatever we ask it to do.

And the cool thing about functional pelvic floor work is that the same stuff that helps the pelvic floor yield for childbirth ALSO help it to respond reflexively for LIFE. Running, jumping, dancing... we have a lot of life to live and SO many people struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction - and pregnancy and birth is a big time that we see an increase in these issues.

So let’s bring awareness to a better way! Let’s learn everything we can about birth biomechanics, so our clients have an even better shot at a boring birth! Our certified BRM Pros do just that through our Professional training. JOIN US 🤝🔗

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If you're not walking into your birth with confidence like my sister's pup Merle the Gerle on her 8th birthday (today)...you're doing it wrong. EDUCATED = EMPOWERED!

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In-Person Childbirth Education Classes are coming this fall brought to you by yours truly!

Every Family. Every Birth. Every Time.

Calling all June babies!

Loved + reposted from Calling all June babies!

Some fun facts for people born in June. I’m gearing up for Onion Rings Day on June 22nd. 😆

For the record, June’s birthstone can also be alexandrite because rock people can’t make up their minds. It’s a beautiful stone, though, so I’ll cut them some slack.

Does anyone have a baby born in June? Is it a good month to have a baby?

So dang proud of you, babe! I know you'll be strutting around like a boss mama in no time!

"Collin has been a crucial part of my prenatal and postpartum journey. She has a vast knowledge of all things pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum including but not limited to lactation, infant care, and mental health. This proved extremely helpful anytime I had questions or concerns during pregnancy and after my delivery. She walked my husband and I through various birth preferences and helped us finalize all of our birth plans, leading to a positive birth experience overall. Collin has radiated positivity and warmth in every interaction my husband and I had with her, and you can just tell how much she cares! Would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a doula!"

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a BIG discount! We love Jo and Earthside Doula is offering ahhhmazinggg discounts for our clients! Contact Jo or myself for all the deets! You'll be glad you did!

Most people who know me know I'm a crier. Happy - cry. Sad - cry. Excited - cry. Mad - cry. Anxious - cry. Grateful - cry. I've always said my tear faucet is just turned a little closer to 'on' than most people. But don't you worry. Today, it's grateful and happy tears.

For today, I am FOURTEEN YEARS clean and sober. My golden sobriety birthday -14 years on the 14th.
To put it into perspective, that's 7,365,237 hours, 5114 days, and 170 months.

Some days have felt like months. Other hours have felt like years. Some years have felt like seconds. And some minutes have felt like an eternity. But one thing has remained true and steadfast, even at times I wasn't sure that this is what I wanted. I was loved. I was supported. And all as who I was in that moment.

Today is a day I break the stigma of what mental health and addiction look like. Today is a day I say thank you to the ones I love. Today, I am the woman I am because of the hard work I've done surrounded by love.

Go see my story's for some of my favorite people
.story.academy

Who here had, has, or is having a
MAYby?!?! (incredibly proud of that tern js)

Let us know in the comments your feelings on if these things align or if you're excited to see them!

Loved + reposted from Calling all May babies!

These dependable, passionate and affectionate individuals are often born teeny, but their size is no match for the magnitude of their personalities!

I hope you're all ready for National Sea Monkey Day this month!

Anyone have a baby born in May? It seems like it would be a nice time to have a baby. Is that true?

Fall and winter are almost fully booked! Schedule your FREE consultation to snag your spot as someone who deserves to be loved on! After all, you're worth it.

Every Family. Every Birth. Every Time.

I am 1 in 4.

Loved and Reposted from... 1 in 4.
.. that's the number of women who have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. 🤍

Does that number surprise you? As a society, we don't talk about it very often, but the reality is that infertility is a serious medical condition that affects both men and women. It can be emotionally, mentally, and financially draining... and questions like these are only reminders of the struggles that some desiring mothers and current mamas have experienced.

Can we collectively vow to do better? 🙏 Our goal is to lift up all who desire and are in pursuit of motherhood. Your FIT4MOM community is here for you as you courageously pursue your journey to motherhood. You are not alone, Mama. We support you.

Comment below what questions you feel women should stop being asked. DM us for support, a listening ear, and a to find your village of moms who have been there and get it.