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"Get it (the services), this is only going to happen once (even if you have another baby) every pregnancy and birth is different and you won’t regret having that help or support. I should’ve invested in a photographer (things are slow but then so fast) knowing that someone is capturing the entire once in a lifetime moment without you having to think about it is worth it. Only invest in the lactation consultant if you need it." -Wendy (CA)
"I would say absolutely hire a midwife and doula. Lactation consultants are also AMAZING and can be essential in those early days as we are figuring out breastfeeding. I was uncertain if I needed a doula but it ended up being the best choice and God provided what I needed through that decision. He knew I couldn't do it alone. We need community around us through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, and we aren't meant to be alone as we go through these sacred and vulnerable times. I will forever be grateful for how I was cared for through it all." -Kailyn (CA)
You’ll find answers to common questions here—but if you're still wondering, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to chat.
There are so many nuances here and varying definitions for each role. Here are a few common ones in the birth community!
We also highly encourage you to check out these resources that deeper explain some varieties and ALWAYS ask for someone's disclosures. It's valuable to take full responsibility and have access to well-rounded, informed consent in any birth setting, and with any birth professional↓
https://www.herbaltrainings.com/post/birthkeeper-or-doula-whats-the-difference
🌊Doula: The Nurturing Companion
A doula is usually a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a person before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not provide clinical care, but their presence can profoundly impact the birth experience.
✨"Literally a female slave/ servant brought on to do the work of providing emotional support, comfort measures, supply information, and advocacy to a woman in pregnancy and birth." [definition by Lauren Hall & Brooke Collier from Hearthmother Journey]
A doula might:
—Offer comfort measures like massage, positioning, and breathing techniques
—Remind you of your birth preferences
—Support your partner so they can support you
—Help you feel calm, empowered, and heard
“A doula is like a lighthouse—she doesn’t steer the ship, but she stands firm, steady, and shining, so you can find your own way safely to shore.” -unknown
Birthkeeper (Birth Guardian): The Intuitive Witness
The term birthkeeper is often used by women who walk the ancient path of traditional, holistic, or sovereign birth work. It’s a calling that transcends formal titles. A birthkeeper may or may not be trained as a doula or midwife, but she is often a protector of physiological birth and a witness to the sacredness of the childbearing journey.
✨"A non-medical birth attendant knowledgeable of and committed to the protection of undisturbed physiological birth as a normal and sacred event who attends as witness and spaceholder at autonomous births." [definition by Lauren Hall & Brooke Collier from Hearthmother Journey]
🕯️A birthkeeper:
—May support women choosing to birth outside of the medical system (such as freebirth)
—Often works in alignment with nature (biological and physiological processes), intuition, and Spirit
—Sees birth as a rite of passage, not a medical event
—Might offer herbal wisdom, guidance, or other care
Birthkeepers are often present in the “in-between” places—blending modern wisdom with ancient knowing, and offering deep, nonjudgmental presence.
“A birthkeeper doesn’t rescue or fix. She remembers and reflects—holding a mirror to the truth that birth is already within you.” -unknown
🩺Midwife: The Steady Hands of Birth
✨"A woman who had taken up the mantle of serving and attending other women through their childbearing year." [definition by Lauren Hall & Brooke Collier from Hearthmother Journey]
A midwife is a trained professional who typically provides clinical care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Midwives can be certified and licensed, depending on their training path and state or country regulations.
Midwives are trained to:
—Monitor the health of mother and baby
—Monitor labor progress
—Provide prenatal appointments and postpartum visits
—Handle common complications and refer to medical care if needed
There are different types of midwives:
-Certified Professional Midwives or Licensed Midwives (CPM or LM) – specialize in out-of-hospital birth (homes and birth centers)
-Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) – usually work in hospitals or clinics
-Traditional Midwives – may work outside of licensing, often practicing in the spaces they are called to
Midwives bring a blend of clinical skill and heart-centered care, often offering the most continuous care model available in maternity services today.
“A midwife is both watchful and wise." -unknown
🤍 How They Work Together
In a birth team, these roles can complement and anchor one another beautifully—
Sometimes one person may embody more than one of these roles—such as a doula who also offers birthkeeping or birth photography. What matters most is clarity, consent, and trust—knowing exactly what each person brings to your sacred birth space.
There are also so many other titles and roles!
We honor all families who choose us and support all births and any family who comes to us with compassion and love! This is a non-judgmental space—one that anyone is accepted, even if we share different worldviews!
(We are not dogmatic or contentious, but simply here to lift one another up)
No, you do not have to have the same faith as any of us personally at Wild Grace, but we do we want to be able to offer faith-based support to the families that opt for it, and we are here to love and serve anyone who chooses to invite us into their birth or postpartum space with open hearts and hands 🤎
Please Read FAQ "Finding the Right Fit Matters"
Birth is a sacred and deeply vulnerable transition—one that deserves to be witnessed and supported with honesty, trust, and alignment. While many doulas, birthkeepers, and midwives desire to help everyone, the truth is: we are not meant to serve every single person, and every client is not meant for every provider.
The best outcomes—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—happen when there is mutual resonance, shared values, and authentic connection. It’s okay (and healthy) to seek support that feels right in your bones. And it’s also okay for birth workers to say no with love, honoring their own capacity and callings.
Choosing your support team isn’t about finding someone who can just show up—it’s about inviting someone who is deeply present, attuned, and aligned with the kind of birth experience you’re envisioning. You deserve care that feels like a safe, steady presence—and we, as birth workers, serve best when we are walking in truth, not people-pleasing.
Some attend home births, birth center births, and hospital births. We are especially passionate about supporting physiological birth in home and birth center settings.
As early as you’re ready! We each take a limited number of births each month to ensure personal care and availability. Booking early also secures your spot on our on-call calendars. Of course, we want you to take the time you need, while keeping in mind our services are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some families reach out before they conceive; others wait until the third trimester. The earlier we begin, the more time we have to build trust, educate, and prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the journey ahead.
You can browse our directory or reach out directly. We also love to gently match families with someone who feels like the right heart-connection. Every provider offers a discovery call or consultation to ensure you both feel aligned before moving forward.
Yes! Many families work with multiple Wild Grace birth workers—such as hiring a doula, taking a class, receiving herbal care, or participating in a blessing circle. You’re welcome to weave together whatever support team serves your season.
If you feel aligned with our values and are serving in birth, wellness, or family-centered work, we’d love to connect. We hold seasonal gatherings and welcome meaningful collaborations rooted in mutual respect, sacred care, and shared values.
wildgracebirthco@gmail.com
Yes. Some doulas at Wild Grace Birth offer postpartum doula visits focused on rest, nourishment, newborn care guidance, emotional processing, and gentle household help (babywearing, bottle/breast/pump support, and more may be included).