go into birth confident

MEET TAKARA

Doula, Childbirth Educator & Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

Hello and welcome! I’m TaKara - mom to four, life partner to Marcus, and passionate birth worker.

Supporting women in what I affectionately call their birth era is an incredibly rewarding experience. As a mother of four, I know firsthand how transformative — and sometimes isolating — birth and postpartum can be. Despite navigating many births of my own, I didn't always feel heard, supported, or truly cared for throughout those experiences. That gap in maternity care became my calling. I believe strongly that birth usually works best when the birthing person is knowledgeable in birth, confident in their decision-making, and is largely undisturbed when laboring. Women don't need to be rescued - they need to be trusted. Women are built to birth.

I have also had the profound privilege of serving as a surrogate twice — an experience that deepened my understanding of birth in ways I will always be grateful for. It is, without question, some of the most meaningful work I have ever done.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I bring a deep commitment to inclusive, compassionate care. I believe every person deserves to be met with respect — no matter their background, family structure, or path to parenthood. My practice is a welcoming space for all.

My mission is simple: to help you have a birth experience you can look back on with warmth and pride. Whether you need a steady hand, a calm voice, or someone who will advocate for you when you need it most, I would be truly honored to walk alongside you during this pivotal and beautiful season of your life.

ACCEPTING
✓ Apple Health Plans (Medicaid)
✓ Private Pay
✓ HSA/FSA

SERVICE AREA
✓ Walla Walla
✓ Richland, Kennewick, Pasco
✓ Hermiston, Umatilla
✓ Pendleton, Athena, Milton

OFFERINGS
✓ Birth Doula
✓ Childbirth Education
✓ Lactation Counselor

PASSION FOR SUPPORTING
✓ Home Births
✓ Birth Center Births

GO-TO BIRTH COMFORT TOOLS
✓ Bath & Shower
✓ Aromatherapy
✓ Massage/Bodywork
✓ Calming words of encouragement

Fun Facts

How Many Kids: 4

Astrology: Gemini ♊️

Spotify on repeat: Witchz

Go-to Drink for Births: Iced Americano

Early bird or Night Owl: Night Owl 🌙

Hobbies: Gym, Paddleboarding, Rock Climbing, Reading, House Plants

Introvert or Extrovert: Introvert

Favorite TV Shows: Avatar, Psych, True Crime

Favorite Season: Fall

Ideal Birth Location: Home Birth

What would be on your labor playlist: Relaxing Instrumental Music

Three words your clients would use to describe you: Direct, Compassionate, Trustworthy

What is always in your doula bag: Labor Position Guide, Essential Oils, Rebozo, Snacks & Hydration

Favorite Food: Anything lemon or potatoes

Favorite Scent: ylang-ylang

Mountains or Beach Vacation: Neither. Give me a museum!

Favorite Vacation: One with my family, directly followed by one without my kids

Go-To Rituals after a birth: Eat, Shower, Sleep, Bodywork

Job if you weren’t a doula: Homebirth Midwife

empowering you in birth & postpartum

The ideal birth is one where you feel confident and in control.
Birth doesn’t just happen to you - birth is you.

Pregnancy - Birth - Postpartum
I am there to support your choices, elevate your voice when needed, and provide reassurance when you feel unsure. As your doula, my wish is for you to succeed in having a birth and postpartum experience that is satisfactory for you. Whatever your ideal birth and postpartum experience is, I want to help you achieve yours.

Additionally, I also provide individualized care and support as a Certified Lactation Counselor during your breastfeeding journey. I believe that the parent knows best for their baby; therefore, I offer you tailored guidance with your personalized goals.

Certifications & Education

Velvet & Bone - Somatic & Trauma-Informed Doula Training

Birth Doula Training, DONA International

Postpartum Doula Training, DONA International

Childbirth Educator, Childbirth International

Certified Lactation Counselor, Healthy Children Project

Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED, American Red Cross

Various continuing education courses, such as Spinning Babies Workshop, Breastfeeding Support, and Pelvic Biomechanics