Kelly Collins, Doula+

02/10/2026

Register for the Postpartum Pep Rally 👇🏾
https://www.facebook.com/share/1HD7RQxFx2/

02/05/2026

Hey 👋🏾

How's your 2026 going so far?

Have you already started planning all the things and filling your calendar?

It's okay. Let me help you.

As a wife, homeschooling mom and entrepreneur with a WFM job, I stay busy. So I have already planned my time off for the year. I'm working on some special projects so I know that I will need down time to rest, spend time with my family and do absolutely nothing. I always want to be sure that I am ready and available to handle whatever may come my way.

But here's the thing: no amount of vacation time will be enough if your day-to-day isn't structured or regulated in some way.

In my line of work, burnout is very real. I have learned that certain habits must be in place in order for you to be productive and balanced because how you show up is important. Setting boundaries, not overcommitting, prayer and time with God and managing your time & energy well all help to sustain your well-being instead of having to recover from life every time something unexpected happens. Because life be lifing, right?!

So use those vacation days, but be as intentional about your 'time on' as you are your time off.

02/04/2026

Why Paid Parental Leave Falls Short for NICU Parents

Imagine: your doctor "accidentally" breaks your water during a 33 week cervical check (I don't even want to talk about how this happened 😒), you're rushed into an emergency csection, your baby is taken to the NICU and when you update your new boss on things their response is, "Will you be at work on Monday?"

Chile please!! 😳😤😡😫😵‍💫

There is so much to unpack here. Premature birth. Emergency c-sections. Unpaid parental leave. Job loss. Lawsuits. And these a just a few stories in a pool of countless women who have experienced this same heartache and injustice.

No new parent should have to choose between their baby, mental health and career.

After an emergency C-section and a premature birth, a new mom says her employer still wanted to know if she would be at work the following Monday. Her story reveals the impossible reality many NICU parents face.

02/03/2026

✨ New on the Blog: Double Feature ✨

This week I'm talking about all things family, finances and your favorite city.

In "Birth, Babies and Budgets", I outline everything you need to know this year about family care costs like birth, healthcare and long-term family planning for child and adult caregivers and how you can start preparing now.
http://www.bestofbothworldsnc.com/blog/birth-babies-budgets-in-2026

In "The Raleigh Advantage", I share why raising your family in Raleigh, one of the nation's top-rated cities, will not only give you peace of mind with job security, education and community, but allow you to make countless memories with your loved ones with all that our city has to offer.
http://www.bestofbothworldsnc.com/blog/the-raleigh-advantage

Read more to get all the info you need to ensure your family thrives in 2026 and beyond.

01/31/2026

A 136-kilogram (300-pound) whale placenta was just found floating at the ocean’s surface off Hawaiʻi — a discovery so rare that many marine scientists may never encounter one in their careers.

Researchers from Pacific Whale Foundation initially thought they were approaching floating debris. Instead, they realized they had stumbled upon a fully intact whale placenta — something that usually sinks almost immediately after birth. “This tissue typically sinks quickly after being released from the mother,” explained chief scientist Jens Currie, making the find exceptionally unusual. The presence of a large section of umbilical cord suggested the birth had occurred very recently, even though the mother and calf were no longer nearby.

Under federal research permits, the team carefully recovered the placenta and transported it for scientific study in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi Health and Strandings Lab and Griffith University. Only about 1% of the tissue was sampled. Scientists will analyze it for contaminants like microplastics, mercury, and PFAS — offering rare insight into maternal health, fetal development, and how pollution may affect whales before birth.

Beyond science, the moment carried deep cultural meaning. In Hawaiian tradition, such biological material is sacred. Guided by Indigenous cultural practitioners Kiaʻi Kanaloa, the team followed strict protocols to ensure respect. After research is complete, the placenta will be returned to the ocean at the exact location it was found, accompanied by traditional prayers and offerings — honoring both scientific responsibility and cultural stewardship.

01/05/2026

The American College of Nurse-Midwives mourns the devastating death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, CNM, who died from complications of childbirth. Dr. Smith was a respected midwife, scholar, and advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to respectful, evidence-based, and equitable care.

That a Black midwife and maternal health expert died after giving birth in the United States is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. Her death underscores the persistent and well-documented reality that Black women—regardless of education, income, or professional expertise—face disproportionate risks during pregnancy and childbirth due to systemic racism and failures in care.

We grieve Dr. Smith’s loss and recognize it as a profound failure of the systems meant to protect birthing people. In her honor, ACNM commits not only to reaffirming our values, but to intensifying our actions to dismantle racial inequities in maternal health, strengthen accountability in care systems, and work alongside Black midwives, clinicians, and communities to prevent future tragedies.

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Smith’s family, loved ones, and the midwifery community. We carry her legacy forward with urgency, humility, and resolve.

12/30/2025

✨ My 2025 Year In Review ✨

Year 10 was one for the books! While I wasn't nearly as busy with births as last year, it was still very fruitful. I spent A LOT of time behind my desk this year studying, teaching and writing. But I'm truly proud of myself because this is what balance looks like as a solo doula who also homeschools and works a part-time WFH job.

Like I always say, this work isn't for the faint of heart. I shared in the joy and excitement of several families this year, but also unexpected grief and medical challenges that tested our faith. But the Lord is faithful and he continues to order my steps in this work and I'm excited for what's to come.

As always, I'm grateful for the lessons, experiences and connections. Thank you to all of my clients, supporters and my family & for believing in my dreams! Cheers to bigger & better in 2026! Happy New Year!

12/24/2025

Early this morning during my time with the Lord, I naturally thought about Mary being in early labor with Jesus (doula brain) while en route to Bethlehem, likely riding a donkey. What must that have felt like?

And then my mind quickly started to focus on Jesus' life here on Earth. While his birth was miraculous, it was very unassuming. This long anticipated event was one of humble and quiet beginnings. An event that took place in the animal stable of a stranger. An event that was first announced to ordinary shepherds (not royalty) who happily rejoiced because the prophecy of the Messiah had finally come to pass. From the very beginning, His life declared that God’s power is not dependent on human prestige.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently resisted worldly measures of greatness. Though fully divine, He did not cling to power or privilege. He walked among the poor, touched the sick, ate with sinners, and welcomed children— the very people society often overlooked. He listened more than He demanded attention, and He served rather than sought to be served. His humility was active and intentional.

In His leadership, Jesus redefined authority. He washed His disciples’ feet (an act reserved for the lowest servant) and told them plainly that true greatness is found in serving others. He led with gentleness, patience, and compassion, never leveraging His position for personal gain.

In His death, He served humanity one last time, making the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus accepted the cross so that we may be redeemed and receive everlasting life.

His life invites us to walk the same path: lowering ourselves, serving others and trusting that God is glorified not through our elevation, but through our surrender.

I was speaking with my son a couple of weeks ago about how the last days and Jesus' return was talked about when I was his age, but seemed so far away. But the evidence is clear that we are living in the last days and Jesus' return is closer than we think. We are again anticipating his arrival.

What a time to be alive!

This Christmas, let the phrase "Jesus is the reason for the season" take on a deeper meaning as we patiently wait for His return.

12/24/2025

New on the Blog 👇🏾

Can grief and gratitude coexist during the holidays? Explore how this duality can lead to a greater spiritual connection to God.

12/23/2025

Best of Both Worlds Doula Services has prayerfully concluded business for 2025.

BOBWDS will be closed from December 23rd through January 4th as we honor this holy season, rest and spend time with family. Wishing you peace, joy, and abundant blessings in 2026 🤍

Happy Holidays All! Be well & stay safe!

12/21/2025

✨ This holiday season, give the gift of a doula ✨

Many people hire a doula for a friend or family member especially if they don't live close by. It's very reassuring to know that their loved one is well taken care of and what a wonderful gift to receive! So if you are looking for the perfect gift for the new parent in your life, consider giving the gift of a doula. Because doula support will have a lasting impact on mom and the whole family.

Want to know a secret? You don't have to leave your house and sit in traffic for the perfect gift! BOBWDS gift certificates are available for purchase! Send an email to kellycollins@bestofbothworldsnc.com for more information.