Kelly Collins, Doula+

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.

12/20/2025

"The holidays are the perfect time to reflect and just "be". But how many of us can actually do that? Sure we have some time off to spend with our families, but how much time do we dedicate to doing just that? We get so caught up in worrying about being the perfect hostess and getting everyone the perfect gift, but the reality is that none of that matters. No one is going to care whether or not you catered your dinner. No one is going to care about how much time you spent hanging lights and decorating. What your friends and family really want is you, mom. Your time. Your advice. Your presence. Your love. Simply being you could be just what your family and the world needs to.

There are many ideas and misconceptions about Mary, but what we know for sure is that she was a dedicated mother who loved her family. She was a very special woman and she was with Jesus in every pivotal moment in his life. Even after Jesus left home to fulfill his destiny, Mary followed him and was always there when he needed her-even when he died. Just imagine what God saw in her that she should be the mother of our Lord and Savior. Even one of her other sons, James, became a major church leader. She was and still is a beautiful example of both womanhood and motherhood.

God sees the same thing in you that He saw in Mary." From my blog post: A Mother Like Mary.

http://www.bestofbothworldsnc.com/blog/a-mother-like-mary

12/14/2025

💦 Water broke, no contractions?

👉 Follow + comment BIRTHPOD for my podcast birth class!

✨ COAT check:
C — Color (clear/pink, NOT green/brown)
O — Odor (mild, NOT foul)
A — Amount (note it)
T — Time (note it)

❗Pad + cough test = leaking? It’s likely water.

🛁 Bath/shower OK, no s*x (infection risk).

⏰ No need to rush in unless 4-1-2 or 5-1-1.

💥 No Pitocin right away! Try ni**le stim, movement.

⭐ Comment THIRD for 3rd trimester guide!

12/07/2025

✨ THE BABY SHUSHER ✨

If there’s one little gadget that consistently surprises families I support, it’s the Baby Shusher. This tiny sound machine mimics rhythmic “shushing". Yes, the same comforting noise babies hear in the womb and it works wonders for calming fussy newborns and helping everyone get more sleep. 😴

As a doula, I love it because:
🤍 It supports the 5 S’s calming method (especially “Shush”)
🤍 It frees parents from having to manually shush for long stretches
🤍 It’s portable which is perfect for naps on the go, car seats, travel, and postpartum appointments
🤍 It helps babies settle faster, which means YOU get more rest, more predictability, and more peace during those early weeks

Parents with little ones tell me that the Baby Shusher feels like having an extra set of hands during witching hour or fussy nights. And honestly? Anything that supports sleep and sanity in the fourth trimester is a win. 🙌🏽

Give this 🎁 to the new mom or dad in your life. They will be thanking you well into the new year!

12/02/2025

✨ Giving Tuesday Gratitude & Spotlight ✨

I couldn't let the day go by without spotlighting an amazing local non-profit that is near and dear to me.

Triangle Area Parenting Support NC is an organization that continually pours into new parents and families with the kind of care, compassion, and excellence that truly changes lives.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about TAPS before because their impact is real. From perinatal education and peer support groups, to postpartum mental health resources, infant feeding support, community baby showers, and practical essentials for families in need, TAPS shows up for parents in every season. Their programs remind families that they are not alone, and that community care is still alive and well.

And at the center of it all is their executive director, Monica Richardson, a leader who embodies grace, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to her family, team and community. Her heart for families is evident in every workshop she leads, every family she uplifts, and every partnership she builds. Monica leads with both passion and purpose, ensuring that parents feel seen, supported, and empowered during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

✨ How you can support TAPS this & holiday season:

• Donate — whether it’s $5 or $50, every gift helps a family feel held.
• Purchase items from their holiday wishlist for new parents and babies.
• Share their mission with your friends, clients, church, or workplace.
• Volunteer your time, skills, or services.
• Keep their work in prayer as they continue serving families across our community

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give today, please consider supporting Triangle Area Parenting Support NC ( ). When we uplift organizations like this, we help build a stronger, healthier, more connected community for every parent and every child.

12/02/2025

✨ Giving Back on Giving Tuesday ✨

Today I want to express my gratitude for my community of supporters who share my posts, send me referrals and reach out with encouragement and love.

This , I want to say thank you with some gifts 🎁

✨ To any expecting families:
Enjoy a complimentary class with any booked consultation in December. Don't delay-I only have 4 available appointments left on my calendar!

✨ To my fellow birth workers:
One individual will receive 2 complimentary business consultations. Please DM or email me your 2026 goals and how you would like to be supported. You have until 5 pm on December 17th to inquire and be considered.

I hope and pray that I can continue to be a blessing to my community.

And stay tuned, there is so much more to come in 2026!
www.bestofbothworldsnc.com

How/what are you giving today? Share in the comments below 👇🏾

11/29/2025

Happy Small Business Saturday!

Today we celebrate the heart of our communities: the dreamers, makers, healers, and helpers who pour their passion into serving others. As a doula and women’s wellness advocate, I know firsthand how transformative it can be when expecting and new moms have a strong support system around them.

In honor of , I’m spotlighting four incredible local businesses that nurture, support, and pour into new and pregnant mothers in the most beautiful ways. If you’re a mom, mom-to-be, or simply want to invest in your wellness, these are my favorites:

💚 Amber Massages
A go-to for deeply restorative prenatal and postpartum massage. Amber’s touch is intentional, grounding, and exactly what an overwhelmed mind and tired body need.

💚 Davis Family Chiropractic
A warm, family-centered practice offering gentle chiropractic support for pregnancy, alignment, and overall wellness. Their care helps moms move through pregnancy with more comfort and confidence.

💚 Radiance Physical Therapy
Specializing in pelvic floor therapy and postpartum recovery, Radiance PT helps moms reconnect with their bodies, heal effectively, and regain strength from the inside out.

💚 Triangle Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center
A trusted hub for pain relief, mobility, and functional rehab, especially helpful for moms navigating the physical changes of pregnancy and beyond. Their patient-centered approach makes all the difference.

Small businesses fuel connection, choice, and care. When we support them, we support real families and futures, including our own.

So today, take a moment to show some love:
✨ Book a service
✨ Buy a gift card
✨ Shout them out
✨ Share this post

Let’s uplift the entrepreneurs who pour their hearts into caring for others. Our community is stronger because of them.

Share your favorite local business in the comments 👇🏾

11/27/2025

Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

I hope and pray your heart is filled with gratitude and your belly is full of good food.

What are you thankful for today?

11/27/2025

If you've ever heard the phrase "eating for two" you shouldn't take it seriously. While it is important to have a nutrient-rich diet during pregnancy for both you and your baby, it is even more important to properly nourish and replenish your body after birth.

Immediately after birth, several things happen to the body. Physiological changes such as brain chemistry, immune function, gut changes, cellular shifts, muscle composition are all happening while the nervous system becomes sympathetic (freeze/fawn/fight/flight) putting the body in survival mode. In this state, digestion and gut function are altered dramatically. Gastric juices, acids and enzymes stop being produced in order to focus on healing from birth and producing breast milk. Food cannot be properly digested and nutrients aren't being absorbed into the body normally.

The postpartum body is depleted of vital nutrients after labor and birth. It is important to properly nourish the body in order to heal and recover. When supported out of the sympathetic state and gut health is prioritized, levels of enzymes and gastric juices return to a normal state within weeks thus accelerating the recovery process. When gut & digestive health aren't supported immediately after birth, symptoms like bloating, constipation, irritability and larger hormone shifts occur.

Bottom line: A new mother's need for nourishment increases immensely even though her ability to digest has slowed drastically. The postpartum body needs a specific nourishment regimen to maximize nutrient intake causing hormones to balance and regulation of the nervous system. Consuming fully cooked foods that are rich in protein & fat and warm the body will best aid the body in healing and recovery on every level.

Now I'm not saying you can't have some dressing and pie tomorrow, but prioritize balance.

If you're looking for guidance on how to thrive during your postpartum period and receive whole body care & support, call me today to schedule a consultation.

Now offering:

✅ Doula Support
✅ New Parent Mentorship & Customized Nutrition Plans
✅ Childbirth Education & Parenting Classes
✅ Family Consulting Services

www.bestofbothworldsnc.com