Abbey Bartley - Doula

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁 🍽 🦃

As I reflect on this year, I am grateful for so much. I am so thankful for the sweet arrival of our youngest kiddo back in June. I am thankful for the support of my husband and family who have allowed me to offer the services that I do. The growing friendships and connections within the birth community have been so amazing. And finally, I am so thankful for the families that have trusted me to walk alongside them during their pregnancies, births, and postpartums. 💕

11/23/2025

Check out this awesome giveaway!

11/20/2025

Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, having a doula by your side can enhance your confidence and calm your fears. From prenatal visits to labor and postpartum care, a doula's presence can transform your journey into a more positive, informed, and fulfilling experien...

11/17/2025

Who else has broken out their Christmas mugs now that it's November?? I’m pretending that it’s not going to be in the 60’s all week… 😂😅

11/10/2025

Abby Cape Doula Services is an awesome doula currently offering postpartum services. These services can be so instrumental in helping you prioritize recovery, bonding, and rest while your family adjusts to the newest addition. Abby is such a great resource for postpartum moms!

Postpartum Support 💕 So important, so underutilized! . .
There are few things more crucial in the early weeks & months than an extra set of hands. Experience in the twists & turns of normal newborn changes. Knowledge in the postpartum healing process. Eyes full of love for a mother and all she & her body are doing. . .
Postpartum period can seem like such a gray area, and so hidden from the hustle of daily life. I think postpartum support can come off the same way. So here's some "black-and-white"s about my postpartum services:

🍁 I charge an hourly rate.
☕I can come to you as early as 5am, stay as late as 10pm.
🛁Available any day of the week, for up to 8 continuous hours.
🍲Specific services can be arranged ahead of time, or spontaneous! Some options include: meal prep, newborn care, feeding support, light housework, mother self-care, processing birth.

This service is most ideal for the early PP weeks, or when a partner has to go back to work and another support person is needed. . .
Doula support centers women and mothers in their care. We know that when the mother is taken care of, the whole household does better. Consider investing in the support of a doula beyond the birthing experience and into early motherhood!

Learn more about postpartum services and contact me through my site: https://www.abbycapedoulaservices.com/postpartum-services

11/05/2025

Hey all! I'm going to start publishing blog posts more regularly again. So, I thought I could start with a more practical post. Check it out!

When I am hired to support someone as their doula, one of the most common questions that I get is when to call me once they are in labor. My answer to this question, along with many other questions regarding someone’s decisions during labor, is that it depends on their personal preferences and nee...

10/28/2025

10/20/2025

10/14/2025

Did you use hydrotherapy during your labor? Did you love it or hate it? 😉 Let me know in the comments!

10/11/2025

Doulas have to hold space for a lot of tricky things like:
🔸sometimes we don’t know why certain labors unfold the way they do
🔸wishing we’d spent more time educating on a certain topic
🔸if only we’d known _______
🔸care providers acting in ways we didn’t anticipate

We’re learning as we go. We don’t always get things right. Doulas improve outcomes and patient experiences generally. Yet we are not ultimately in control of client births and how they progress; they are not our stories.

It is both beautiful and challenging to walk through someone else’s journey with them for a time.

That’s why we need community. We need other birth workers to tell us how hard but good it can be. To see us in the thick of it, or drop off a meal. If you’re a birth worker in central MO, come hang with us! If this post doesn’t convince you, let this: Last coffee date I made pumpkin pie whipped cream for our coffee and it was very fancy. 💁‍♀️☕️

Thank you doula sisters for supporting me, so I can support my clients! Together we are improving access to better birth support for our community! ✊

10/06/2025

Most of these are red flags even if you’re not planning a vbac!

🚩 5 Provider Red Flags if You’re Planning a VBAC 🚩

Finding a provider who truly supports your VBAC journey is so important. Here are 5 warning signs that it might be time to look for someone new:

1️⃣ They dismiss your VBAC goals
If your provider constantly talks about repeat cesareans as the only “safe” option, or minimizes your desire for a vaginal birth, it’s a sign they may not honor your choices. Your birth goals deserve respect.

2️⃣ They use fear instead of facts
Comments like “your uterus will rupture” or “something terrible will happen” without context aren’t helpful. Evidence-based counseling is about sharing real risks and options, not scaring you into a decision.

3️⃣ They don’t offer informed consent and informed refusal
Supportive providers walk you through all your options and let you make the decision that’s right for you. Informed refusal is just as important — you should never feel pressured into interventions you don’t want.

4️⃣ They tell you to schedule a C-section “just in case”
Being told to plan a cesarean without discussing your actual VBAC potential may mean your provider doesn’t believe in or encourage vaginal birth after cesarean. That’s a red flag.

5️⃣ Your gut says something’s off
Intuition matters. If you feel dismissed, rushed, or unsafe in appointments, trust yourself. Feeling comfortable and respected by your provider is critical for a positive birth experience.

You deserve a provider who listens, informs, and partners with you — not one who raises red flags. And it's not too late to switch providers to someone more supportive!

If you’re looking for a provider who supports VBAC, check out our Supportive Provider List! You can find it at thevbaclink.com/supportive-provider-list