Family and Newborn Photographer Serving the OKC Metro
As a new parent there feels like a never ending list of needs…decisions about pregnancy, decisions about birth and we haven’t even started on the long list of decisions once your little one gets hear!
But one person I firmly believe every parent should have on their team as they walk into birth is a doula. A doula offers support, encouragement and resources both before and during birth as well as postpartum. I will dig into some reasons for hiring a doula but if you want to just skip down to my list of the best doulas in OKC click here to get there fast
Table of Contents
What Is A Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who is there to walk alongside expecting mamas and their families by providing physical, emotional and informational support to them during their time of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. A doula does not take the place of a partner or medical professional. Doulas work in all varieties of birth settings and can help provide emotional and physical support whether you give birth at home, in a birthing center or in a hospital. They are there to advocate for the mother’s preferences and wishes during the child birthing process.
How Does An OKC Doula Get Trained?
While doulas are not medical professionals and generally do not provide medical care they are there to walk alongside your medical team and work collaboratively with them to bring out the best possible outcome.
Doulas can get a variety of trainings – with some specializing in pregnancy and birth support while others specialize in helping during the sacred postpartum time. Ashlee Byrd shares,
“There are so many different options for training and gaining experience as a doula. Some doulas decide to go through a certification process. There are tons of organizations out there that train doulas. Typically a training will consist of some book work/education and a workshop of some sort. Some organizations require you to provide proof of attending some births before certifying and some do not.
To gain hands on experience, some doulas offer mentorship programs to train newer doulas.
Other people just jump into being a doula. In most areas, you don’t need to be certified to be a doula. It can definitely help as you’re beginning your journey though!”
Related Read: 5 best birth classes in OKC
5 Ways A Doula Supports New Parents
- Emotional support – think an incredible cheerleader by your side! A doula is there to give encouragement, comfort, reassurance and suggestions during the final stages of pregnancy and the childbirth process. Whether giving ideas of something to do to take your mind off or better ways to focus or just to let you know you can do this, a doula is there to support parents through the labor.
- Physically – A doula is trained to help with pain management during labor. They can help with breathing techniques, relaxation ideas, massage, ways to move your body and good a hip squeeze during labor. They usually have a bunch of suggestions ready for any situation that can help you achieve your birth plan goals.
- Informationally – if desired a doula can help give you evidence-based information about decisions, options and choices you have to make during childbirth to enable you to understand and make informed decisions.
- Advocacy – a doula is your advocate! They are there to advocate for your wishes and preferences and help with communicating to the medical staff your wishes and that your right to make decision is respected.
- Postpartum – most doulas provide follow ups after birth though a postpartum doula is a bit different. The follow ups include breastfeeding support, newborn care and emotional support.
I have a supportive partner – Why should I hire a doula?
A supportive birth partner is incredibly helpful to have in walking alongside you during labor. But, they are also highly emotionally involved in this process and they also need to be to rest, eat, etc…! Being a support for both you and your partner is one huge benefit of having a doula on your birth team. Your partner also likely has limited knowledge about the birth process, medical procedures, hospital protocol, etc. and a doula can help navigate those waters and take some of the pressure of your partner so they can be more relaxed and present with you. A doula is specially trained and has knowledge and experience about all of those things.
Another value of a doula is assisting with pain management during labor. They can help the partners feel more confident in the birthing space which enables them to give you, the mother, better support.
A 2008 study (fascinating to read!) showed substantial improvement in outcomes for women who had both a birth partner and doula compared to only have the partner by the mother’s side.
At what point in the pregnancy do you hire a doula?
I asked a few local doulas this question and here is a great answer from Ashlee with Expectant Doulas, “It seems that most people contact me somewhere between 6 and 20 weeks typically. The more experienced doulas will book up faster than others. If experience is something you’re looking for in a doula I would contact them as early as possible. I will add that’s it’s also never too late in pregnancy to reach out to a doula, aside from the chance they will be full for your due date. So if you’re at the end of your pregnancy, but thinking about hiring one-don’t hesitate to reach out! If you don’t ask, the answer will be no “
Personal experience here – I was one of those who hired doulas late in pregnancy when my initial birth plans had to go out the window. 🙂 It was one of the best things I did!
How do I hire a doula?
Reach out and contact them! Interview a few – personality is so important in connecting with your doula. You want someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. Here’s a great resource on questions to ask when hiring a doula. Also ask if they have past clients that you can reach out to.
Related Read: What to pack in your hospital bag for having a baby
The Best OKC Doulas Directory
Below you will find my list of the best doulas in OKC that serve mamas and their families in the great area. I personally reached out to these doulas, asked them questions, and have provided their answers below. I have listed them in random order with no specific preference given. With a doula it is important to find one that you connect with so scroll through for an introduction to each doula and then use the links to their websites to learn more and get in touch with them!
Abide Doula Services – Hope Boyer
Services:
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Prenatal Nutrition, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Counseling & Prenatal Yoga services
Website
Service Area: OKC, Edmond, Midwest City, Yukon, Moore & Norman
have always had a great passion for pregnancy, childbirth & the postpartum period. From a young age I have done volunteer work for Hope Pregnancy Center, Infant Crisis Center, Willow Pregnancy Support and more. For years, I desired to empower women with confidence, develop genuine relationships with them & help them achieve their goals as a birther and mother. So, I began working as a doula in 2024. I developed my own company called Abide, and our mission is to focus not only on the emotional and physical aspects surrounding childbirth but also the spiritual. I believe that birth is a God given blessing, and we should praise Him for our body’s ability to birth our children so beautifully. Birth can be faith-filled, and that is my ultimate goal as a doula.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold you up with my righteous hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Kind Client Words
“Hope is more than we could as for in a doula – she is one of those people you’re immediately comfortable with. She is so thoughtful and very well educated. I honestly thought I knew so much from my previous pregnancy, but Hope continued to teach me more every time we talked.” – C.W.
“Hope was such a peaceful presence in the room during a fast and intense delivery. Her support was invaluable.” – R.S.
“I truly cannot think of more ways Hope could’ve helped! She was amazing, and I’m so happy.” – A.B.
Kiona Rollins-Mink (Hey Mama Birthing Services)
Services:
Birth Support, OK Birth Rights, Lactation Support
Website
Service Areas:
OKC, Yukon, Bethany, Norman, Edmond
What Services Do You Provide?
“I provide a few different services, but the main one right now is birth support! I am a birth doula and absolutely love it! I am there to support birthing Mama’s in whatever way they feel they need, whether it be emotionally, physically, or mentally. They tell me what kind of support they feel they will need and we go from there. I also offer 3rd trimester waist beads, Birthing Rights packages (only for Oklahoma), and lactation support!”
Why Did You Choose To Be a Doula?
“So got induced with my son (my 1st kiddo) and it was…an experience, I’ll say. There were a lot of things done wrong that I didn’t know where actually wrong. Once I got pregnant with my 2nd, I began researching and was shocked! Mostly because this info was never told to me by the nurses or my own OB! I already had it in my mind that I wanted to be a doula, but I went ahead and hired one for the birth of my 2nd to be sure it was something I could see myself doing. I was actually my doulas first birth (she rocked it, by the way) so I loved that! After my 2nd, I was sure the doula path was the way I wanted to go in life. I LOVE being able to support Mama’s before, during and/or after they have their little ones. It feels like my purpose.”
Benefits of hiring a doula?
“I could go over all the numbers/statistics, but I’ll try to keep it more personable lol! For me, having a doula was a GAME CHANGER. I felt like I had a body guard in case my voice wasn’t being heard. If something being said or done was against my birth plan, she would remind them. Not to mention when I was ready to tap out, she reminded me that I was a bad a** Goddess who absolutely could do it! I don’t know, I feel the benefits are different for everyone!”
Mirabel Maternity – Rylee
As a Birth+Postpartum Doula and Baby wearing Educator, I serve the OKC, Edmond, and Guthrie areas. I support families through pregnancy, birth, and through the first year of life. I’m passionate about ensuring that moms feel empowered, educated, and cared for. I love supporting all types of births and embracing moms and families from all different walks of life.
My journey began as a baby wearing educator, but I quickly discovered my passion for supporting families during such special times. This led me to become a certified doula, and I’m honored to be part of these incredible moments.
Client Testimonial
I’ve known Rylee for many years prior to hiring her as my doula. She is the most caring, honest, and dedicated person I’ve ever met. She’s always willing to be there for her clients, treat them as friends, and never disregards your feelings. She cares deeply and always wants what’s best for her clients. I’d recommend her to anyone looking for a doula. Hailey G
What areas do you service as one of the OKC Doulas?
OKC, Edmond, Guthrie
Miller Birth Services
Services:
Birth doula, childbirth education, belly casting, birth planning, rebirth ceremonies
Website
What Services Do You Offer?
I primarily offer birth doula and childbirth education, specifically, HypnoBirthing. I also offer belly casting, birth planning, and even rebirth ceremonies for those who may be processing a difficult, disappointing, or traumatic birth. My website covers all my offerings.
Why Did You Choose to Be a Doula?
I fell in love with all things pregnancy and birth related during my first pregnancy in 2008/2009. At the time, I was a middle school language arts teacher. My passion had always been education and support. My birth center required that anyone who wished to birth they take some kind of birth class. I didn’t think it was a big deal and took a one day course. I learned a lot of great info, but there was so much I wasn’t prepared for.
With my second, we put more emphasis on educating ourselves and used HypnoBirthing. My two births, though both beautiful and amazing in their own ways looked and felt vastly different! I truly realized the importance of education and preparing both myself and my husband for our birth. In 2012, a year after my second birth, I completed my birth doula and HypnoBirthing Educator trainings and have been practicing ever since! I truly love educating and supporting families.
Benefits of hiring a doula?
Hiring a doula ensures that you have someone completely dedicated to you during your labor and birth. Someone you already know and feel comfortable with. Someone who can help you navigate through the unknowns of labor and remind you of your childbirth education. A doula can also be a great interpreter when things get medical. Doulas are a great addition to any birth team regardless of birthing location.
Kate – Zoe Birth Services
What Type of Services Do You Provide?
“I provide labor support services for expectant mothers! This includes prenatal appointments, continuous labor support, and a postpartum visit in home. I also provide fertility education services. I am passionate about every step of the journey into motherhood, from conception to postpartum!”
Why A Doula?
“I gave birth to my first child in the height of the pandemic. My husband and I both felt that our experience lacked support, but we also felt the weight and sacredness of our birth space. I love getting to walk alongside people through life, but the opportunity to walk with a couple into parenthood is absolutely the best. I take pride in the fact that I have the opportunity to hear parents out and to offer support or resources as they feel necessary. Positive birth outcomes are important, and oftentimes those positive outcomes have less to do with the type of delivery and more to do with how a mother felt loved, seen, and supported throughout.”
What Areas Do You Service?
Zoe Birth Services provides doula services to the greater Oklahoma City area – OKC, Edmond, Guthrie, Moore, MWC, Yukon and surrounding towns.
Briana – Wild Beginnings Birth
Services:
Birth & Labor Support, Midwife
Lactation Counselor, Baby Wearing Classes
Website
What got you started doing doula and lactation services?
I had a doula for my first birth and it really sparked my interest in birth work. I became obsessed with it and spent all my free time researching the different aspects I was interested. I chose to have a freebirth for my second birth and had trouble finding the support I desired. After that experience, I decided to start training to become a doula.
What is your vision for helping mothers through the birthing process?
Whether birthing at home, birth center or hospital, I desire for families to know their options and feel satisfied with their birth experience. Through education and emotional support, my hope is that families feel supported by me and know that I am there for them no matter what.
When in pregnancy should a mom start working with a doula?
As soon as you can! Most conversations and appointments will happen in the second half of the pregnancy but due to high demand and an intentionally low client load, I am usually booked out several months in advance. It’s best to hire a doula by the time you are 10-12 weeks along.
Expectant Birth Services
What type of services do you provide as an OKC doula agency?
At Expectant, we are currently offering birth doula services, postpartum doula services, and lactation support. In the very near future we will be adding childbirth education classes and workshops.
With our doula agency, you are actually hiring a direct doula. The agency is primarily a place to come to find the services that you need through your prenatal and postpartum journey.
Hiring a doula through our agency ensures that your doula has accountability, ongoing development, training, support, and ensured back-up with the same vision for supporting you in the event your doula can’t be at your birth. We deeply believe a well supported doula will be able to support you better.
The hiring process looks very similar to what it would look like hiring a solo doula. You would fill out the inquiry form on our website. Our team will then match you to the doula(s) that fit with your needs and their availability. The available doula(s) will follow up to your inquiry to schedule a complimentary consultation so you can ask all your questions and see if they are a good fit for your birth team.
If you decide to hire one of our OKC doulas, you will let them know and then Expectant will send you the contract to sign and invoice to pay the retainer fee. From there, you’ll start your journey with your doula alongside you!
Do Clients Get To Choose Their Doula?
Absolutely! We believe the depth of relationship you cultivate with your doula matters! The doula you hire will be the doula that walks with you through your entire journey. Just like any other doula you could hire!
The Heart Behind Expectant
Expectant has been a dream of mine since I became a doula almost 10 years ago. Naturally, I spent years working as a solo doula to gain experience. But over the last few years, I felt that dream start to stir again. I dreamed of having a container to be able to train and mentor other doulas as they stepped into their calling. I dreamed of a community of women that supports each other and lifts each other up as they support and lift up the families they’re called to serve. I dreamed of a landing place for families to come to where they could build a support system around them full of people with the same vision of what whole-hearted care looks like.
At Expectant, we see our services as a means to walk alongside families as they raise the next generation. We want to disciple and guide moms and dads as they navigate the various paths on their journey. We desire our clients to navigate their walks with expectancy, joy, wisdom, and loving support. We see the childbearing year as a journey that forms and shapes us into the parents our children need.
Service Areas: We primarily serve the OKC metro area. Some of our doulas will travel outside of the metro for an additional fee.
Do you take insurance?
Insurance is a case by case and doula by doula situation. Some of our doulas hold certifications that are recognized by insurance companies and some are not. We encourage each client to check with their insurance company to see the parameters of coverage or reimbursement before hiring a doula. If insurance does not cover, we are happy to work with each client to take an FSA/HSA card, if applicable.
Courtney Gillaspia – Okie Birth and Babies
Courtney is a doula & birth photographer serving families in Yukon, Bethany, Edmond and in greater Oklahoma City. She says she is passionate about helping families in their birth journey to feel heard, educated and supported in their birth desires and goals. She offers stand alone doula services, stand alone birth photographer services and also a doula and birth photographer package. Courtney also assists families in the post partum period.
Jubilant Birth – Megan
I’d love to hear more of your decision to become an OKC doula…
My own birth experiences were profoundly transformative and inspired my passion for supporting other women through this significant life transition. I am committed to offering encouragement, a compassionate presence, and education about their options. My hope is to walk alongside each woman, providing support and care while reflecting the light of Jesus throughout their journey.-
I service the OKC metro and surrounding areas, however if you’re in need and outside of that area I would love to meet and see if I can be of help. No one should walk into this journey alone!
“Knowledgable doula, steadfast encourager, loyal companion…these are all of the ways you will describe Megan Bonicelli after allowing her to offer you support! She offers wisdom, insight, and love during the most exciting (yet vulnerable) time in your life. There isn’t a person around more capable of supporting you, and standing up for you in any & all circumstances. Megan is honest, trustworthy, and fully understands the intricacies of birth, as well as the individuality that comes with it. Let her support you and help give you the best birth experience possible!” – SW
Danielle Lugrand – Agape Birth Services
Services:
Birth Doula, Midwife, Midwife Assistant, Lactation Counselor, Postpartum Services
Website
Danielle is an experienced and highly trained prenatal, birth, and postpartum support professional and has served families for more than 24 years. She works tirelessly to support the emotional, physical, informational, and practical needs of the individuals and families she serves. She desires to help make the birth experience as rewarding and satisfying as possible for both mother and baby and providing support for the birth partners to feel equipped in their roles. She hopes to help make your birth one of the most awe-inspiring, cherished, and memorable events of your lives.
Danielle also holds certifications as a Certified Perinatal Educator and is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
Danielle is a past recipient of a national grant, through which she created free lactation services to underserved communities in Oklahoma and educational pathways for Ethnic professionals that increased lactation providers of color by 400 percent. She is currently facilitating Oklahoma Chocolate milk cafes.
She is in network with Humana Military for Birth/ Postpartum Doula and Lactation Services. (Virtual and In-person visits)
Tamara Walker – MomRN
Services:
Birth Doula, Birth Bootcamp Instructor
Website
MomRN Birth Services
what type of services do you provide as one of the OKC Doulas?
MomRN Birth Services provides birth and postpartum doula services and Birth Boot Camp childbirth classes.
what made you interested in becoming a doula?
I am a former registered nurse and was a labor coach for friends and family members for 30 years, then decided to become certified and offer my services as a professional doula. I’ve always been in awe of the miracle of birth and passionate about supporting and educating parents and expectant parents.
Service area: Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas for in-person support and classes. Virtual options are also available outside of the metro area.
Do you take insurance? No, but I am happy to provide detailed receipts upon request for insurance and HSA/FSA reimbursement.
”Tamara had been such a blessing to my family. From the first meeting to delivery, Tamara’s presence was so warm, calming and supportive. She was able to make my husband and I feel so prepared and equipped to be first time parents and went above and beyond to support us every step of the way. She is such a good listener and well versed in how to help you successfully achieve your birthing goals. We are so thankful for Tamara and would highly recommend her to anyone considering a doula and/or birthing classes. You will be in the best hands with her!” — Melissa Harris, 5 Star Google Review
Rooted in Her Birth – Jordan Cazenave, RN
I provide birth and postpartum doula support for families in the OKC metro area. My services include prenatal education and preparation, continuous labor support, comfort measures, advocacy support, and immediate postpartum care. I also offer in-home postpartum support focused on recovery, newborn care education, feeding support, and emotional support during the early transition into parenthood. As a NICU nurse, I have a special heart for supporting families navigating higher-acuity pregnancies, births, or newborn care needs.
My approach blends evidence-based support with a holistic, compassionate presence — supporting not only the physical aspects of birth and recovery, but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of the families I serve.
Do you take insurance?
At this time, I do not bill insurance directly. However, I can provide documentation or receipts for families who wish to seek reimbursement through eligible plans or HSA/FSA accounts.
What made you start being a doula?
As a nurse, I’ve witnessed how powerful steady, compassionate support can be during vulnerable seasons of life. Birth and the postpartum period deserve that same level of presence and intention. I became a doula because I believe women deserve to feel informed, supported, and deeply cared for throughout their journey into motherhood. My work is rooted in calm presence, evidence-based education, and honoring each family’s values, preferences, and faith.
Service Area: I serve Oklahoma City and surrounding areas including Edmond, Moore, Norman, Yukon, and nearby communities.
Client Words: “Jordan brought such a peaceful, steady presence into our birth space. I felt informed, supported, and truly cared for every step of the way.” – A.M.
I believe birth is both powerful and deeply personal. My goal is to walk alongside families in a way that feels grounding, respectful, and supportive — blending my medical background with a holistic, faith-centered approach so families feel safe, prepared, and seen.
Hiring a doula was one of the best decisions I made for each of my 3 births and I hope this doula directory of the best OKC Doulas was helpful!
About the Author:
Charis is a mom of 3 and a photographer of over 6 years experience serving families through family and newborn photography. She has won several awards for her newborn photography as well as delights in serving families with sessions that show case their stories and give them images to treasure for years to come.
