emphasis - doula & birthwork

03/16/2026

I often find that people have a decent concept of what doula support looks like during labor and birth, but are unsure about what goes on in meetings! While I have my mental lists of what we could cover, meetings are always client-led. I want to focus on what feels important to you, and I've also got plenty to talk about (and do!) if you're not sure. As always, please reach out if you're curious about doula support. ❤️

02/28/2026

Beautifully stated!

Let’s clear something up.

“On call” isn’t a vibe.

It isn’t a cute little tagline for Instagram.

It’s not a flexible girl boss schedule.

It’s a lifestyle.

It’s sleeping with one ear open.

It’s keeping my phone volume on high when the rest of the world is quiet.

It’s glancing at every late-night notification that lights up my screen.

It’s calculating drive time in my head while I’m folding laundry.

It’s knowing which part of the month I can’t fully relax.

It’s living in a constant state of “maybe tonight.”

I don’t stack my calendar freely.

I don’t book whatever I want, whenever I want.

I try not to wander too far from home near a due date.

Because when labor shifts, I move.

I have left warm dinners.

I have walked out the door not knowing if I’ll be back before my kids wake up, or after they’ve gone to bed again.

That’s what doing this kind of work actually looks like.

When you hire me, you aren’t purchasing coverage.
You’re reserving priority access to my life.

My time.
My readiness.
My full presence.

You’re asking me to hold space in my world for the unknown timing of yours.

And I do that willingly.

But let’s talk about the part that makes people uncomfortable.
This level of commitment cannot be discounted.
Birth photographers and doulas have to charge their worth.

Because when we don’t, we burn out.
We stretch too thin.
We start saying yes from obligation instead of passion.

And when photographers & other birth workers underprice themselves, it doesn’t just affect one person, it lowers the standard and sustainability of the entire industry.

This work costs us something.

Missed sleep.
Missed events.
Emotional energy.
Physical stamina.
Time away from our own families.

If we price it like it’s just another session, we slowly erode the very thing that makes it powerful.

Your birth is not squeezed between mini sessions.
It’s not a hobby.
It’s not content creation.

It’s sacred, unpredictable, once in a lifetime work.

And I build my life in a way that allows me to show up fully for it.

That kind of devotion deserves respect.
And it deserves proper compensation.

This is intentional work.
It is demanding.
It is sacred.
It is soul level service.

And I will never treat it like it’s small. 🤎

-Danielle, Her Origin

*Photo peep from the most recent birth I had the honor of attending, currently on call for two other incredible families! *

02/10/2026

Prepare for postpartum as much as you prepare for birth! 🙌🏼❤️

01/20/2026

Needed ASAP. Also need 3-6 month clothing, bottles, funds for groceries. Thank you.

01/07/2026

So grateful for the training! I highly recommend this course for anyone who works with pregnant people. If you are a provider who considers yourself size-inclusive, please reach out - I'd love to add you to a list of safe, inclusive providers for my clients!

01/02/2026

Updated availability! Meet & Greets are always complimentary - please reach out to learn more about what a supported birth can look like. 💖

Having a doula makes a difference and you are worth it!

12/31/2025

2025 - what a year! After having my third baby last October, my first birth back after leave was in January, and I slowly eased back into a fulltime schedule. 38 families gave me the honor of supporting them in their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. There were smooth births, complicated births, births that challenged and baffled me, births that broadened my perspective and inspired me. Some people's postpartum experience was blissful and joyous, while others struggled and pushed themselves to ask for help - holding space for both experiences (and everything in between) is a privilege that is not lost on me. ♥️ Some of my highlights were:

- navigating the decision of VBAC vs. RC and having my client feel overjoyed and secure in their decision
- five babies born within an hour of arriving at the birthing location ⚡
- a quiet, middle of the night birth with a non-preferred provider that we got JUST RIGHT
- completing the Community Aware Birthworker training and certification, starting the process of being in-network with some insurance
- beautiful release with CST extraordinaire that led to an emotional and triumphant birth after a very long, tricky labor
- an eager baby sliding out (with barely any pushing) into the hands of a very surprised nurse 😮
- doing the Plus Size Birth training, growing my understanding and skill in supporting folks of all sizes
- many fabulous networking events that expanded my referral list
- developing and practicing (very imperfectly) a self-care rhythm for after births ✌🏼
- encapsulating the largest placenta I've ever seen!
- helping clients find their power to ask questions, identify and challenge non-evidence based information, and make the best decisions for themselves and their babies 💪🏼🤓

In 2026, I look forward to completing my CLC certification with Childbirth International and learning craniosacral therapy with Dynamic Body Balancing! My focus word for the year is ATTUNEMENT. I am eager to support more families, continue to network with other professionals in the birth world, and grow my skills and ability to show up for people in the way they need. ♥️

Photo:

11/27/2025

Just here to remind you that it's okay to hold your baby for naps, even when they're technically toddlers. 💕

Carrier: Hope & Plum Lark - the very best! Coupon code in comments.

11/20/2025

Connection is so important in the postpartum period - check out this support group! 💜

Join us every Monday from 10:30am-12pm for our free postpartum support group at Naturally Well WBL! This cozy weekly gathering is a welcoming space for pregnant and postpartum folks ... and their little ones .... to connect, share, and be supported. Led by one of TCM’s midwives, the group is free, open to the community, and families from all birth settings and care teams are always welcome. We’d love to have you with us!

Drop ins welcome, but we encourage registering ahead of time -> https://twincitiesmidwifery.com/groups/

11/20/2025

Home birth scenes 💕

11/18/2025

Yay technology! Please contact me here or via phone until my website and email are functional again.

10/11/2025

Let's talk about bartering! Bartering is a valid form of payment that many birthworkers happily accept, but figuring out what to offer can feel intimidating! Here are some ideas:
- cleaning services
- music lessons
- graphic design
- bodywork
- childcare
- accounting services
- meal services
- pet care
- handy person services
- advertising

Bartering makes goods and services like doula care more accessible to all. Alternative forms of payment build a more equitable society. Please don't hesitate to reach out to discuss!

Have you bartered for good or services before? Let's hear about it!