DOULA
The word “Doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
A birth Doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).
BIRTH DOULA:
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth.
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor in the hospital, birth center or home.
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers.
- Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience.
- Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level.
Birth Doula -Tulsa Metro AreaAshley Gill
Hi there! I’m Ashley Gill and I’m a labor and postpartum doula. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Chris, and together we have three amazing boys! I was induced with my first due to preeclampsia, but really loved my experience giving birth and was able to have him vaginally. I proceeded to have two more boys- both also vaginally- and I have grown to love and appreciate the strength and beauty women have to give birth. I believe women should be given the support they want and deserve to have the birth experiences they want. Additionally, having postpartum support after my second baby was instrumental in leading me to birth work. He had tongue and lip ties, which I didn’t experience with my first baby, and I was totally lost in feeling like I was doing a good enough job as a mom. Having postpartum support – although virtual due to COVID- was so helpful and reminded me that I was doing a great job. There is so much about pregnancy and the fourth trimester that can be so lonely and difficult. My goal is to help moms and families feel confident and empowered to grow their families and experience grace along the way. I am passionate about helping moms trust themselves and their babies, learning to thrive and figure out how to move into a new season together.
Ashley Gill, MSW
Labor & Postpartum Doula in Process of Certification with CAPPA
Birth Doula-Tulsa Metro Area , Postpartum DoulaHeather Barlow
Hello! I became a birth and postpartum doula in January 2021 after completing DONA international training. I provide care and support for women located in NE Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Claremore, and surrounding areas. I aim to support both mom and dad as they welcome a new member to their family. I’m happy to learn a new method if I’m unfamiliar with the experience you’re hoping for.
Please contact me by email:
echodoulaservice@gmail.com, or by cellphone (text preferred) at 918-640-8806. I’d love to meet you virtually or in person for a free consultation to determine if you would like to move forward with me as your doula.
Birth Doula -Tulsa Metro AreaBrittany Thor
I completed my DONA Birth Doula workshop In October 2021, placenta encapsulation training in Feb of 2022, and TENS training in Jan of 2022. I am currently training to be a bereavement doula with StillBirthday. I believe it is a gift to be able to make a difference in the way people feel supported and cared for throughout their birthing experiences. It’s the main reason I became a Doula. To provide the support that we ALL deserve. I personally understand (and remember vividly) what it feels like to be supported vs not. I’m currently accepting birth and placenta encapsulation clients.
Birth Doula -Bartlesville/Eufaula/MuskogeeLynn Duke
Hello! My name is Lynn and I am so excited to help you have the most empowering birth experience. I am married with two beautiful daughters and one handsome son. With three kiddo’s came three completely different birth stories that have fueled my desire to help educate and advocate for women during their whirlwind of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum. I am always looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge and would love to pass that onto you. I am willing to join you in hospitals, birth centers, or your home for this life changing event. I am willing to attend births from Eufaula to Bartlesville and anywhere in between. You can contact me for a free consultation at 918-557-4877 or okiedoula@gmail.com
Birth DoulasKari Claitt
Kari completed the DONA Birth Doula workshop in April 2019. She also works as a nanny. She is excited to help women have positive birth experiences.
Birth Doula -Tulsa Metro AreaHayden Roehl
Hello, I’m Hayden! I’m married to my favorite person. I’m a mom, bonus mom, and dog mom.
I’ve always been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth. Instead of cartoons, my favorite show when I was younger was A Baby Story on TLC.
I’ve completed DONA training for birth and postpartum. I’m in the process of becoming certified for both.
After having my own two children, this is what I learned: The journey to becoming a mother is transformative and beautiful. The power of ongoing support and encouragement is profound, and I want to offer that to anyone I can. Because we birth babies better when we feel safe, my goal is to educate and support others to be confident in their bodies and their choices.
Birth Doulas, Postpartum DoulasChrista Collins
Christa Collins started her journey as a Doula when she attended a DONA Doula workshop in December 2014. For the first couple of years she worked with a local Doula agency, taking time off when she had her fifth baby, and is now working independently as a Birth and Postpartum Doula in the greater Tulsa area. For more information, you can contact her at christacollinsdoula@gmail.com or via her cellphone at (918) 406-3285.
Birth DoulasDeirdre Llewellyn
I am a birth doula serving women and families in the Tulsa area. I have a love and passion for empowering and supporting mothers and their partner. I desire to assist them while they navigate their labor and birth experience. As a mother of five, including one set of twins, I have a passion for working with parents of multiples. My desire is to emphasize that there is beauty in every birth, no matter what the circumstances. I am an active volunteer for Crisis Pregnancy Outreach and use my doula training to minister to birth mothers.
One of my hobbies is capturing beautiful life moments through photographs, and I would love to add that service to your birth experience.
Birth Doula - Bartlesville, Owasso and Tulsa , Birth PhotographerChelsea Evans
I am a wife and mom of two rambunctious kids. I love horses and like to rope or rodeo when I can for fun. I’ve been a photographer for over six years. I enjoy all kinds, but my most recent love has been taking birth sessions. This led me to discover a whole new passion God placed within me, to be a birth doula! I am excited to see where God takes me on this journey! I am looking forward to helping women have a positive birth experience. I provide Doula services in Bartlesville, Owasso and surrounding areas.
Birth DoulasJan Gaylord
Jan is a certified Birth Doula through DONA International and has been working as a doula for 25 years. She brings her wealth of knowledge to every birth she attends. She has experience in all types of births, whether hospital or homebirth. She is a founding member of Tulsa Doulas Inc (formerly DONEOK:Doulas of Northeastern Oklahoma) (918) 724-0648
Birth Doula- Okmulgee areaJessiqua Wittman
Jessiqua has a reputation in her community for being a “raw”, honest educator who “tells things like it is” and she is looking forward to helping re-frame women’s opinions of themselves in positive ways so that they can see how strong and capable they really are when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. Her passion for childbirth began as a teenager, when she witnessed her siblings being born, and even assisted with her youngest sibling’s delivery during a speedy homebirth with a late arrival by the midwife. She is a trained DONA Birth doula who is taking clients in Okmulgee and surrounding areas.
Birth Doulas, Reiki TherapistJane Fritch
Jane is a mother of three and a grandmother of four. She completed the DONA Birth Doula training in 2017 and is serving the Tulsa area. She is also trained in Reiki technique. She looks forward to helping other women have positive birth experiences.
Birth DoulasTiffany Lear
Tiffany completed the DONA Birth Doula Workshop in April 2019 and is eager to begin her doula journey assisting families in the Tulsa area!
Birth Doulas, Massage TherapistAnnabelle Kissinger
Annabelle is a licensed massage therapist and attended the DONA Birth Doula training in April 2019. She is excited to add Birth Doula to her services! She serves Tulsa and Claremore and surrounding areas.
Birth Doulas, Childbirth Educator, Postpartum Doulas, Sibling DoulasAmy Emerson
My name is Amy Emerson, and I began my birth work as a Labor and Delivery nurse in 1990. I attended my first doula training in 1993 and again in 1996 and became certified a few years later. I was able to utilize my doula skills as a nurse and later as an independent doula, assisting hundreds of mothers during labor and birth.
I pursued doula training after my first child was born via cesarean section. I went on to have 8 VBAC births myself, with our last one born at home. I consider it a privilege and honor to attend births and share in that moment when a new family member comes into the world. I continue to seek and learn new information and certifications to improve my skills as a doula. I look forward to being a doula for many years to come and would be honored to assist in your birth.
I love supporting women after they are home through postpartum services. I also offer online and in-person childbirth classes with complementary consultation via phone or in-person at completion of classes, TENS Unit rental, Peanut Ball rental for home birth as well as a cloth diaper service.
Birth DoulasKimmie Stratmann
Kimmie attended the DONA Birth Doula workshop in April 2019. She has a passion for helping women in birth and working with adoptive families.
Birth Doulas, Childbirth Educator, Lactation CounselorCheri Grant
Cheri Grant is a DONA certified birth Doula and DONA Birth Trainer of Doulas. She also maintains RN, CLC, ICCE, ICD,CLD,CD BDT(DONA) certifications. Cheri is the founder of DONEOK/Tulsa Doulas. She offers client private childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn and sibling education. She trains Doulas and supports what clients want for their birthing experience with over 40 years of experience. She is also certified in the TENS unit for pain relief in labor and trained as a Monitrice during labor. She is also an RTS Bereavement Counselor Coordinator to help with infant loss and training other nurses. She is International Certified Childbirth Educator ICCE, Certified Lactation Consultant through UCLA. She is trained in Dancing for Birth, Sacred Pregnancy. Postpartum Benkung Belly Binding Wrap and Sealing Ceremony Rebozo Tuck Closing of the Bones and also trained in Advanced Rebozo Techniques for Labor. She is Certified Labor Doula trained through DONA, CAPPA, and ICEA.
Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Placenta EncapsulationHannah Lawrence
I am a mom of 5 in Owasso, OK. My first birth was a twin vaginal delivery with an epidural. I realize now how rare it is to have twins both born vaginally in our area. I was happy at the outcome, but wanted to learn more about birth for our future children. I attended Bradley classes and did a lot more preparing for birth. It was the most empowering event of my life. I have become passionate about birth education and helping women have the beautiful, powerful, births they desire.
Birth DoulasDawn Newrider
Dawn is a graduate of DONA Birth Doula training in 2018 and is ready to accept new clients. She is always working on furthering her education and experience to better serve her clients and community.
Birth DoulaTess Hartsell
Tess trained in 2018 as a Birth Doula and is serving the Tulsa Metro area. She is expecting her first child and will resume her work as a doula this year.
Birth Doulas, Postpartum DoulasCheryl Wood
My husband and I have raised our own five children who currently range in age from high school to late twenties. I have personally experienced a wide range of birth and postpartum circumstances. These include breastfeeding a baby with a cleft palate as well as pumping and reestablishing milk supply after my own hospitalizations and surgical recoveries. I enjoy walking and yoga for health, exercise and de-stressing. Along with my husband and our youngest daughter I share my home with a scruffy dog named Lola, two orphaned kittens and a handful of chickens in the backyard.You can find Cheryl at mothersstrength.com
We are involved in a local Tulsa church where I help care for the youngest of our parishioners by volunteering in the nursery. Faith and prayer are an essential part of my daily life, but I am eager to serve families of all (or no) faiths and backgrounds. I’ve completed workshops in Birth and Postpartum Doula Care through DONA International, and am in the process of obtaining certification in both areas. I am also certified in basic Rebozo techniques and in basic life support (CPR) for adults, children and infants. I look forward to assisting families as they navigate pregnancy, childbirth or adoption and the postpartum journey.
Birth DoulasShelley Stege
Shelley Stege is a DONA International certified birth Doula and certified breastfeeding educator. She speaks some Spanish and offers clients (including non-traditional clients) breastfeeding education and support. Shelley served as treasurer for Tulsa Doulas/DONEOK for over 20 years. She is a recently retired teacher and continues to provide doula support. She is a founding member of Tulsa Doulas.
Birth DoulasLisa Richards
My name is Lisa Richards and I am a Birth Doula. I have been married for over 23 years and have 5 children and one grandson.
I attended the DONA Birth Doula training and TENS Unit training. I plan to further my education by becoming a Postpartum Doula.
My passion is to help empower women to have the best birth possible.
I also have my own business as a Licensed Aesthetician.
Birth Doulas, Postpartum DoulasToni Keltner
Toni has just complete the DONA Birth Doula Workshop. She has also started working as a nurse tech at a local hospital. She has been active in promoting the use of cloth diapers in the Tulsa area and organizing an annual event for local vendors and families to set the record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time. She is excited to put her new skills to use as a doula. Toni is also in nursing school and loves helping women have the birth they desire. She is actively taking new clients.
Birth DoulasNaloni Bean
Naloni Bean is a birth doula and now works exclusively with Breathe Birth and Wellness. Her passion for birth began in 1998, when she witnessed her 5th sibling come into the world. She was blessed to be a part of nine more births including both home and hospital, water birth and c-section, all before starting her own family and becoming a doula. Naloni became a doula through DONA in 2015 and is happily married with four precious children of her own! She also works one-on-one with women of all ages and stages, to bring about feminine healing for the menstrual cycle & reproductive organs through energy healing, mind body work and the Holy Spirit. She believes with all of her heart that the body’s energy pathways are God’s masterful idea and creation, and it’s time His kingdom got it back for His purposes and glory. Her goal is to help women love their bodies and thrive from the womb forth! Feel free to contact her directly for a phone call or face-consult, or through Breathe, which has been deemed a Tulsa favorite!
Birth DoulasAntonia (Toni) Nolan
My name is Antonia (Toni) and I live in Tulsa, OK with my husband and two precious children. I became increasingly more interested in birth work after the birth of my youngest and finally decided to make the move to doula work. While being interested in all aspects of pregnancy and birth, it has always been my passion to be there for people in their time of need. I often marvel how amazing we women are who grow humans in our bodies and bring them into the world through birth!
As a doula, I am honored and privileged to be a part of a woman’s birth experience. I love to see a mother empowered and able to trust her inner wisdom and draw upon her inner strength.
I am continually learning and attending various workshops and trainings to benefit my clients.
