Understanding The Doula Network

The Doula Network plays a meaningful role in modern pregnancy care by connecting expectant parents with trained doulas who offer emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the prenatal journey. Many mothers encounter the name The Doula Network when researching ways to enhance their pregnancy experience with personalized guidance that complements medical care. Some people also refer to it informally as Doula Network or TheDoulaNetwork, though The Doula Network remains the most widely recognized and preferred spelling.

Expectant mothers often appreciate how The Doula Network simplifies the process of finding a qualified doula who aligns with their preferences, values, and specific pregnancy needs. The platform typically works by matching individuals with doulas based on location, availability, and services, which can include prenatal education, Labor preparation, and postpartum planning. This approach reduces stress during pregnancy, since many families feel overwhelmed when trying to independently research and evaluate Doula Services.

Pronunciation remains straightforward, though some first-time readers hesitate over the word doula, which is pronounced “DOO-luh,” with emphasis on the first syllable and a soft ending sound. The full name, The Doula Network, therefore sounds like “thuh DOO-luh NET-work,” spoken clearly with even pacing across each word. Understanding pronunciation helps build confidence when discussing care options with healthcare providers, family members, or potential doulas during pregnancy planning.

Pregnancy often brings emotional shifts and uncertainty, and The Doula Network addresses these concerns by creating access to continuous support that extends beyond standard medical appointments. Doulas connected through the network typically provide reassurance, answer questions, and help mothers prepare for labor scenarios in ways that feel practical and grounded. This support becomes especially valuable for first-time mothers who want to understand each stage of pregnancy without relying solely on clinical explanations.

How The Doula Network Supports Expectant Mothers

The Doula Network offers structured access to professionals who focus on the emotional and experiential aspects of pregnancy, which often receive less attention in traditional healthcare environments. Expectant mothers can use the network to identify doulas who specialize in specific approaches, including natural birth preparation, high-risk pregnancy support, or culturally aligned care practices. This tailored matching process allows mothers to feel seen and understood, which can significantly improve confidence as pregnancy progresses.

Many doulas within The Doula Network provide consistent communication, which helps mothers navigate concerns that arise between medical appointments without feeling isolated or uncertain. They often assist with creating birth plans, explaining common procedures, and preparing coping strategies for labor, all while respecting the mother’s personal preferences and medical guidance. This kind of support fosters a sense of control and clarity that many women find empowering during pregnancy.

The Doula Network also helps bridge gaps between clinical care and personal experience by encouraging open conversations about fears, expectations, and physical changes that accompany pregnancy. Mothers often report feeling more prepared for labor because they receive continuous education that adapts to their evolving needs rather than relying on one-time consultations. This ongoing connection builds trust, which becomes a crucial element when facing the unpredictability of childbirth.

Why The Doula Network Matters to New Mothers

The Doula Network holds particular importance for new mothers because it introduces a level of personalized care that many traditional systems struggle to provide consistently during pregnancy. First-time mothers often face a steep learning curve, and the network helps ease that transition by offering access to knowledgeable doulas who can guide them through unfamiliar experiences. This support reduces anxiety and allows mothers to approach childbirth with greater understanding and preparedness.

New mothers benefit from having someone who focuses entirely on their emotional well-being, since medical providers must divide attention among many patients and clinical responsibilities. The Doula Network ensures that mothers receive continuous encouragement, practical advice, and reassurance that aligns with their unique situation and preferences. This individualized attention often leads to a more positive perception of pregnancy and childbirth, which can influence postpartum recovery and early bonding.

The presence of a doula through The Doula Network can also strengthen communication between the mother and her healthcare team by helping her articulate concerns and preferences more clearly. Many new mothers feel uncertain about asking questions or expressing discomfort, but doulas provide guidance that builds confidence in these interactions. This improved communication contributes to a more collaborative and supportive pregnancy experience that benefits both mother and baby.

The post What is The Doula Network? appeared first on Doula Momma.

HCA Florida Memorial Hospital
3625 University Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-702-6100

Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside Family Birth Place
4201 Belfort Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 
904-296-3700

Baptist Medical Center Clay
1771 Baptist Clay Dr, Fleming Island, FL 32003
904-516-1000

UF St. Johns/Flagler Hospital Birthing Center
400 Health Park Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-819-5155

Baptist Medical Center South
14550 Old Saint Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258
904-271-6000

UF Health North
15255 Max Leggett Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
ufhealthjax.org/locations/uf-health-womens-specialists-north
904-427-0411

Children’s Hospitals

Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital
800 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-202-8000

Baptist & Wolfson Town Center Emergency Room (ER)
4085 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 
904-202-6800

Wolfson Children’s Emergency Room at Baptist South
14550 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258
904-271-6060

Birth Centers

Transitions Birth Center
6885 Belfort Oaks Place suite 215
info@transitionsjax.com transitionsjax.com
904-990-0218

First Coast Birth Center
815 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
firstcoastmidwives.com/
904-990-3616

Midwives

First Coast Midwifery Services
815 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 firstcoastmidwives.com/
904-990-3619                                    

Sweet Grace Midwifery
sweetgracemidwifery.com
904-570-5792

Growing Families Midwifery Service
https://www.growingfamiliesmidwife.com
904-806-6240

Jacksonville Community Midwives
jacksonvillecommunitymidwives.com/home1
904-203-8559

Modern Midwives
modernmidwivesjax.com
904-834-1155

Full Circle Women’s Care
6871 Belfort Oaks Place, Jacksonville, Florida 32216 fullcirclejax.com
904-674-0022

UF Health Women’s Specialist North
15255 Max Leggett Pkwy Suite 4400, Jacksonville, FL 32218
ufhealthjax.org/locations/uf-health-womens-specialists-north
904-427-8898

North Florida Midwifery and Homebirth
Jessica Lakey, LM CPM
northfloridamidwiferyandhomebirth.com/
904-290-4114 

St. Augustine Ob/GYN
301 Health Park Blvd, Suite 219, St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-819-9898

Obstetricians

Full Circle Women’s Care 6600 Charing St Jacksonville, Florida 32216
904-674-0022

Dr Hyler Orange Park, Middleburg, and Fleming Island
904-264-1628

Dr. Wilkes SRB OB/Gyn
11945 San Jose Blvd Ste 400 Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-262-5333

UF Health Women’s Specialist North
15255 Max Leggett Pkwy Suite 4400, Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-427-8898

Dr. Glas, River City OBGYN
836 Prudential Drive, Ste #1103 Jacksonville, FL 32207
rcobgyn.com/
904-398-7654

Childbirth Educators

Karen Leishman
krleishman@gmail.com
doulamommfl.com 
904-662-6886

Erica Shulse thehappybabyny.com Also provides prenatal/postpartum coaching, nutrition coaching, and virtual postpartum support

Evidence Based Birth evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/

Mommy Labor Nurse mommylabornurse.com/spinningbabies.com/

Bringing Baby Home class, Janet MciLroy, M.A., BCMHC
Jacksonville, FL 32266
904-514-2523

Baby Bootcamp, New OB, Prepared Childbirth, Hypnobirthing®, Breastfeeding, Infant Massage, NAS Jax
https://jacksonville.tricare.mil/Patient-Resources/Classes/
904-542-2229

VBAC Support Groups

thevbacklink.com 

International Cesarean Awareness Network ican-online.org/support/
1-800-686-ICAN (4226)

VBAC.com 

Abused women’s shelters/support groups

Hubbard House 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline, available by phone at
904-354-3114 or by text at 904-210-3698.

Women’s Center of Jacksonville 5644 Colcord Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-722-3000

Birth Doulas

Doula Momma of NE Florida
doulamommafl.com
904-662-6886

Carolyn Houser Your Vision Doula
301-249-4052

Birthing with Jane birthingwithjane.com
904-349-0587

The Doula Network:-Medicaid provided doulas  thedoulanetwork.com

Natalie Beloved Birth Doula Services belovedbirthdoulaservices.com
904-521-5208

Doula Vonda Birth Services doulavonda.com
904-599-1058

Breastfeeding support groups/clinic/classes

NAS JAX Birth and Breastfeeding classes jacksonville.tricare.mil/Patient-resources/Classe/
904-542-BABY (2229) 

Breastfeeding support group baptistjax.com Free/in person

UF Health Jax Breastfeeding
101 Free/virtual class
ufhealthjax.org/community/support-groups-and-classes

Mommy Mingle UF Health North (meets 2^nd Tuesday of month) Free/in person breastfeeding and postpartum support group ufhealthjax.org/community/support-groups-and-classes.aspx#childbirth-and-parenting

Lactation Consultants/Counselors

Doula Momma of NE Florida LLC doulamommafl.com Karen, CLC (Tricare)

Lactation Lady Ellen, IBCLC lactationladyellen.com

Coastal Lactation coastallactation.com/ Kristin, IBCLC 
904-568-0581

Community Lactation communitylactation.com/ Amy Johnston, IBCLC
904-321-9089

Sunshine Lactation sunshinelactation.com/ Jess Willis, IBCLC (Tricare)
904-323-1418

Stephanie Vine, CLC Visiting Nurse stephanie.vine@nmcrs.org Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Kings Bay, GA
912-464-0041

LeLeche League of Florida virtual meetings lllflorida.com/virtual

Tongue/Lip Tie Correction

Dr. Bright Bright Smiles Pediatric Dentist 196 Everest Ln, Ste 1 St. Johns, FL 32259
904-584-9004 Also has Yulee office

Gary Myers Pediatric Dentist 3200 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg and 3267 Hodges Blvd #13, Jacksonville
904-505-2010

Dr. Daniel Wohl ENT Sunbeam Rd Suite 403, Jacksonville 32257 
904-262-7368

Child Abuse Protection Agencies

Florida Department of Children and Families myflfamilies.com
1-800-962-2873

Exchange Club Family Center exchangeclubfamilycenter.com 3119 Spring Glen Road, Suite 111 Jacksonville FL 32207-5921
904-306-9318

Family doctors/pediatricians

Rainbow Pediatric Center 3055 County Rd 210 St. Johns, FL 32259
904-223-9100

Mandarin Pediatrics 14810 Old St. Augustine Road, Suite 106 Jacksonville, FL 32258
904-268-7701

Carithers Pediatric Group 7741 Point Meadows Drive Suite 207 Jacksonville FL 32256
904-997-0023
2121 Park St, Jacksonville, FL
904-387-6200

Flip Flops and Lollipops Pediatrics 96279 Brady Point Rd Suite C Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
904-572-1884

ThriveWell Pediatrics, LLC 1539 Parental Home Rd, suite 5, Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-944-5437

Bluebird Pediatrics
bluebirdpeds.com
904-747-0797

Perinatal loss support groups/bereaved families support groups

Angels for Allison 4155 Oxford Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32210
904-312-9490

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Photography headquarters@nilmdts.org
720-283-3339

Community PedsCare
904-427-6505

Postpartum Support International
postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings/

Janet MciLroy, M.A., BCMHC Postpartum Support International
Jacksonville, FL 32266
psidirectory.com/listing/janet-mcilroy.html
904-514-2523

Star Legacy Foundation
Family Support for Stillbirth & Perinatal Loss | Star Legacy Foundation

Postpartum Doulas/Support Resources

Doula Momma of Northeast Florida
doulamommafl.com
904-662-6886

Doula Vonda Birth Services
904-599-1058

Nurse & Nurture (overnight baby nurses) Florida Nurses | Nurse & Nurture (nurseandnurture.com)
404-835-7580

Ludimila (Mila) LaFleur (newborn specialist/nanny) provides daytime and overnight care in your home for ages 0-2 in the Northwest St. Johns area.
508-377-2295

Postpartum depression resources and support groups

New moms support group baptistjax.com Free/virtual

Janet MciLroy, M.A., BCMHC Postpartum Support International
Jacksonville, FL 32266 psidirectory.com/listing/janet-mcilroy.html
904-514-2523

Grace House Counseling Center North Jax
422 New Berlin Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-269-0886

Mommy Mingle UF Health North (meets 2^nd Tuesday of month) https://ufhealthjax.org/community/support-groups-and-classes.aspx#childbirth-and-parenting

Postpartum Support International postpartum.net/get-help/psi-online-support-meetings
24-Hr Helpline: call or text 1.800.944.4773

Brave Health Online Mental Health Treatment – Brave Health (bebravehealth.com)

Chiropractor Resources

Thrive Family Chiro Christina Padilla jaxmobilechiropractor.com
904-437-4546

Vitality Family Chiropractic & Wellness 3636 University Blvd South, Suite B3 Jacksonville, FL
904-434-3465

Revolution Chiropractic 14866 Old St. Augustine Rd Ste 113, Jacksonville, FL 32258
904-348-0039

Blooming Bellies Chiropractic 8833 Perimeter Park Blvd STE 902 Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-479-0363

Vibrant Life Health Center 11798 San Jose Blvd STE 2, Jacksonville, FL 32223
904-683-8177

Slainte Chiropractic 2370 3rd St S #1, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
904-718-6330

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Brooks Rehabilitation
https://brooksrehab.org/services/physical-therapy/pelvic-health/

SB Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC
/https://www.sbphysicaltherapyandwellness.com/
904-655-9094

Kara Hogmire, PT DPT upliftpelvichealthpt.com 904-742-0306 (Travels to you)

Massage Therapy Resources

Mandarin Massage 3956 Sunbeam Rd #3, Jacksonville, FL 32257
904-874-9061

Little Bellies Ultrasound & Pregnancy Spa 4372 Southside Blvd suite 206
904-270-9952

Teen Parent Support Groups

Children’s Home Society of Florida chsfl.org/services/for-parents/healthy-families/
904-493-7744

Teen Parent Service Center Duval County Public Schools dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/18840

Maternity Clothes

Emergency Pregnancy Services 1637 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
904-308-7510

Clothes Mentor 11112 San Jose Blvd Suite 5 Jacksonville, Florida 32223
904-527-3382

Goodwill Jacksonville, FL   goodwill.org/locator/

Prenatal/Postpartum Exercise Classes

Yoga | Classes | Jacksonville | Riverside (solunayogaspa.com) Prenatal and postpartum yoga
904-680-7344

Jax Pilates by Jen jaxpilatesbyjen.com/
904-571-5599

Naturopathic Clinic

Balanced Healing of Jacksonville 8825 Perimeter Park Blvd #204, Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-420-8139

Early intervention programs for babies/kids with special needs 

Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation – Autism and Neurodevelopment Center
904-346-0394

Early Learning Coalition of Duval elcduval.org
904-208-2044

Bold Child Co. Pediatric occupational therapy. physical therapy. feeding therapy. developmental resources 14444 Beach Blvd #28, Jacksonville, FL 32250 hello@boldchildco.com boldchildco.com/ 

Growing Together Behavioral Center gtbjax.org/ school for autism
904-556-7330

Community Services & Programs

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Budget for Baby Workshop, Visiting nurses, pumping class, postpartum support for active and retired navy/marines www.nmcrs.org 

First Year Baby Safety Essentials/CPR baptistjax.com Free/virtual

findhelp.org/ find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs

Emergency Pregnancy Services 1637 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 904-308-7510, 6903 Merrill Road Jacksonville, FL 32277
904-446-9009
2300 Park Avenue Suite 204, Orange Park, FL 32073
904-215-2797

211/United Way of Northeast Florida

NE FL Healthy Start Coalition reduces infant mortality, improves children’s health (nefhealthystart.org)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St Johns County 1400 Old Dixie Hwy Saint Augustine, FL 32084 bbbsstjohns.org
904-829-9986

BBBS of Northeast Florida 40 East Adams St., Suite 220 Jacksonville, FL 32202 bbbsnefl.org
904-727-9797

Pace Center for Girls Thompson-Weaver Building 2933 University Blvd N Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-448-8002

Jewish Family & Community Services  jfcsjax.org
904-448-1933

Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida 4615 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-448-5995

Addiction Services & Support Groups

Azalea Project Healthy Start 157 E. 8th Street, Suite 119 Jacksonville, Florida 32206
904.359.2520 x302

Stepping Stone Center for Recovery 1815 Corporate Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216
855-947-2320

Beaches Recovery 390 16^th Ave S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
866-605-0532

Evidence Based Resources

Evidencebasedbirth.com

Cochrane Library (summaries are free) Cochrane.org

PubMed (summaries are free; sometimes links to free full texts

PubMed Central (all free full text articles)

MedLine medlineplus.gov

Childbirth Connection childbirthconnection.org

Midwife Thinking midwifethinking.com

VBAC Facts vbacfacts.com/

verywellfamily.com/

Helpful websites/podcasts

Evidence Based Birth Podcast and website    evidencebasedbirth.com/

Mommy Labor Nurse website and podcast    mommylabornurse.com/

Spinning Babies-Comfort in Pregnancy and Easier Birth  spinningbabies.com/

(Daily Essentials-exercises to prepare your body for labor/birth) https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/daily-activities/

Mamma Natural-Pregnancy, Babies, Parenting & Health Tips  mamanatural.com/

lactationtraining.com/resources/educational-materials/handouts-parents

kellymom.com Breastfeeding & Parenting

The post Resources for Moms and Moms to Be appeared first on Doula Momma.

Contact Form

Preferred Contact Method (*)

PhoneText

Estimated Due Date (*)

Submit Form

Email: krleishman at gmail dot com

The post Interested in Doula or other birth related services? appeared first on Doula Momma.

]]> https://doulamommafl.com/about-me/ Thu, 06 Feb 2020 20:12:51 +0000 http://doulamommafl.com/?page_id=41 Hello, my name is Karen and I’m a momma to two grown sons. I’ve been a registered nurse in Minnesota…

The post Karen Leishman RN BSN (Certified Birth Doula) appeared first on Doula Momma.

]]>

• Certified Birth Doula CD (DONA)
• Certified Childbirth Educator CCE (ACBE)
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

Hello, my name is Karen and I’m a momma to two grown sons. I’ve been a registered nurse in Minnesota and Florida for over 30 years and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Included in my experiences I worked as a postpartum and nursery nurse as well as an in the home baby nurse/postpartum doula. My in-home experience includes day and overnight duties. As a certified birth doula, I hold one-on-one consultations, attend many births, and help during postpartum recovery. I’m also trained as a certified lactation counselor and childbirth educator. Therefore, I can assist with breastfeeding needs and teach you about pregnancy, labor and birth in a group or private setting.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with every aspect of pregnancy, childbirth and babies. My personal and professional experiences allow me to provide caring prenatal, childbirth and postpartum support to other mommas here in northeast Florida. I would love to support you in creating and obtaining your ideal birth experience! Giving birth should be your greatest achievement, not your greatest fear. Let me help you as your doula.

To set up a free consultation, contact me.

The post Karen Leishman RN BSN (Certified Birth Doula) appeared first on Doula Momma.

“A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” – Dona International

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The role of a doula is to offer non-medical assistance, focusing on comfort, encouragement, and reassurance to the birthing mother. They utilize techniques such as massage, breathing exercises, and positioning to help manage pain and facilitate labor progress. By offering personalized support and advocating for the mother’s preferences, doulas aim to enhance the birthing experience, fostering a sense of empowerment and reducing anxiety.

Beyond labor and delivery, doulas often provide postpartum support, helping new parents adjust to life with a newborn. This support can include assistance with breastfeeding, newborn care education, and emotional support during the transition into parenthood. Postpartum doulas may also help with light household tasks and offer guidance on infant sleep and soothing techniques. By addressing both the physical and emotional needs of new mothers, doulas play a crucial role in promoting positive birth and early parenting experiences, contributing to overall maternal and family well-being.

What Can I provide as a Doula?

While I do not provide medical services as a birth doula, I can provide:

• References to local services, professionals, facilities, classes and support groups
• Sources to use for finding evidence-based information
• Assistance in writing and carrying out your birth plan
• Guidance to determine when you should head to the hospital or birth center
• Assistance in facilitating communication with clinical care providers
• Specific techniques and comfort measures to reduce discomfort, provide relaxation and allow the natural birth process to work
• Assistance with breastfeeding if desired

I am a calm and caring person and have attended and successfully completed the DONA Approved Birth Doula Training and the Birth Education Advocacy Mentorship (BEAM) Program. I am certified through DONA International. I am also a certified childbirth educator and have attended Hypnobirthing classes as a doula and a Spinning Babies workshop. I would love to help guide you and your family through this amazing time in your life.

To set up a free consultation, contact me.

The post What is a doula? appeared first on Doula Momma.

I offer, prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum doula services. As your birth doula, I will meet with you and your partner at least once before labor to become acquainted, discuss your birth history and plans and how we might work best together.

When you’re in active labor I will provide continuous non medical support including emotional and physical comfort both at home and at the hospital or birth center. I will remain with you after birth and help with initial breastfeeding if desired. I also love photography and will be happy to take some raw photos during labor and delivery if you like at no extra charge.

After birth I will meet with you at your home to review your birth, see how you are doing and answer any questions you may have.

As your postpartum doula, I will come to your home day or night to help care for you and your baby(s). I can provide emotional support, a listening ear and baby care as well as light housekeeping, dishes, laundry and simple meal prep (as time permits) on an hourly basis. If you would like any other services, feel free to discuss them with me.

I am also part of the Doula Network which covers certain clients with United Health Care, Molina and Sunshine Medicaid plans. Check out their website for more information. https://thedoulanetwork.com/ I am also a provider with Tricare for birth doula and lactation services and can accept those with Tricare Select or Prime. Contact me to determine eligibility.

My husband and I also recently started a placenta encapsulation business called Umay Placenta Treasures to include placenta prints and umbilical cord keepsakes. Check out our website in progress at UmayPlacenta.com

To set up a free consultation, contact me.

The post Doula Services appeared first on Doula Momma.