Meet Our Doulas
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Meet our Doulas
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EveryStep’s doula services are provided to eligible clients through the EveryStep Care & Support and the Title V Doula program, which is administered locally by EveryStep. You can learn more about our contracted doulas below. Questions? Reach out to the EveryStep Intake team at intake@everystep.org or call 515-558-9946.
Yvonne Bahadely
Languages: English, Arabic
I am originally from the Middle East and came to the United States in 2013 as a newlywed. Most new mothers in my culture depend on their mother and grandmother to help with pregnancy and raising children. Unfortunately, I did not have this blessing. My first pregnancy and experience of giving birth while I was in a strange country with a strange language had a great impact on me. My birthing and postnatal experiences are engraved in my memory because I gained that experience through challenges and difficulties. I know very well what a new mother faces, especially if she is an immigrant or refugee with limited language and support. My husband and I now have three children, the youngest of whom is a 6-month-old girl. I love being able to empower these women based on my own knowledge as a strong mother, and what I have gained from courses and training.
Cassandra Bell
Languages: English
I’m proud to be a doula and decided to become one because I’m committed to guiding my community toward building a healthy foundation. This foundation’s cornerstone is wellness, and wellness begins at birth. Wellness encompasses movement, nutrition and mental health, and I encourage the families I work with to pursue wellness in all these ways. I especially enjoy watching mothers gain confidence and strength as they prepare for and journey through labor. I work with moms and families to prepare for this journey by educating them about labor and being there as needed throughout the pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I assist all bodies and families, and believe it is a privilege to be a part of welcoming the new generations to earth!
Jazzmine Brooks
Languages: English
As a certified fertility, birth, and postpartum doula and lactation specialist, birth work is important to me. Helping families create a positive birth experience brings me joy. I became a doula and founded Jai Olive Wellness to promote holistic living for rural women, and women of color and diverse backgrounds. I prepare individuals, families and birth parents to make the best, informed decisions in medical spaces and birthing rooms. I believe in empowering women by leading with love and care, as well as providing evidence-based knowledge to help guide informed decisions about their care. I specialize in working with families that have been labeled high-risk and have worked with families across the spectrum of life. All the materials I use are culturally appropriate. I love relationship-building with my clients, and I take joy in celebrating your wins.
Linda Brown
Languages: English
Inclusion and comfort — those are two words that summarize my goals as a doula. I received my training from CAPPA to become a labor doula. I work to provide emotional and physical care and support using evidence-based information to best serve those I am privileged to guide on their pregnancy and post-partum journey. Everyone deserves a fulfilling and safe pregnancy, labor and postpartum experience. I especially seek to support people of marginalized identities through informational support, personalized care and empathetic practices. I’m always looking to build knowledge of new ways to best exemplify inclusion and support, especially for those of marginalized identities, genders and bodies. My goal is to provide care and support while working toward the best possible outcomes.
Adrian Cain
Languages: English
Adrian is a U.S. Army veteran, advocate for social justice, community development and birth equity. She believes that black women were created to overcome ‘the hard things’ and that everyone has the right to access support and evidence-based information, which are the keys to having an empowered birth experience. Adrian is professionally trained in childbirth, postpartum care, lactation and COVID-19 community education and is a certifying doula through DONA International.
Founder of Motherland Doula Co., Adrian serves families in central Iowa and provides in-person and virtual education, inspiration and practical guidance. Her services are geared to support families physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually during their most precious season of life.
Nateiga Cameron
Languages: English
As a doula, I want to help make a pregnancy go as smoothly as possible by helping my clients deal with the unexpected, offering physical and emotional support, and trying to make the labor as peaceful as possible. My favorite part of the birth experience is seeing the family’s happiness, but also the mother’s realization that she was strong enough and able to deliver new life to the world. I know the importance of a support system, as I found myself pregnant and afraid at the age of 14. I was lucky enough to have family, friends and even teachers encouraging and reassuring me. Even then, I was not prepared for labor. I wish I’d had a doula. Now, 16 years later, I’m a mother 5 times over and I can be there for other moms. I’m very excited to support more women as a doula.
Dorcas Fitzgerald
Languages: English, Spanish
I was born and raised in South Texas and have worked in the medical field since 2010. As an interpreter for 11 years, I’ve learned to build a good rapport with patients, and I love using this skill in maternity work. The respect, dignity and ability to communicate I bring my clients helps them function in a difficult situation. Being genuine with my clients allows me to build trust and pass that on to the staff caring for them. The intensity of the birthing experience is an unparalleled wave of emotions. The tears of joy from the new dads are, without a doubt, overwhelming to witness. My greatest accomplishment in life is raising two fine gentlemen who are now ages 32 and 26. As a mother, I truly enjoy helping families with their precious God-given gifts.
Traunna Harris
Languages: English
I became a doula because I have witnessed those close to me struggle in their birthing and postpartum journey. This has driven my goal to provide emotional and physical support to birthing individuals who are navigating their pregnancy, birthing and postpartum journey. I want to do this while educating and empowering them to make informed decisions in medical spaces and aftercare. I received my labor and postpartum training through the National Black Doulas Association. I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, and I am currently working on my master’s degree in social work. I am humbled to be a supporting role in one’s path to early parenthood and I strive to provide a safe space of care and compassion to the families I assist.
Paola James
Languages: English, Spanish
I love being a doula! Supporting expecting families is my passion because I believe every mother deserves a birth experience that empowers her. Born and raised in Costa Rica, I speak Español and English. As an Afro-Latina mother of a baby girl that I have been breastfeeding for two years, I know the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. I’m a CAPPA-certified birth and postpartum doula, and a certified lactation specialist, ready to provide education, encouragement, tips and support. I am committed to working with Black and Latina moms because I know their strength and resilience. Together, we can embrace your journey, so you feel confident, powerful and ready to meet your little one with love and courage.
Latoya Lewis
Languages: English
Working in health and human services for over 20 years, I became a doula after witnessing inequities within the health system. I am the founder and owner of Mahogany Doula Services LLC and completed my birth doula training with DONA International. I provide birthing families with evidence-based resources to make informed decisions, in addition to emotional support and comfort techniques before, during and postpartum. Experiencing the miracle of birth and a baby taking its first breath is treasure that never grows old. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner of 21 years, my son and two fur babies. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Iowa, a master’s in public administration from Drake University, and a master’s in health administration from the University of Iowa, which has served me in assisting clients navigate the health care systems and receive equitable care.
Kristiana Lilly
Languages: English
My name is Kristiana, but everyone calls me Nana. I am a doula, a nail technician and a mother. My interest in birth work started when I gave birth to my own daughter. I believe a doula is a lost piece of culture and history. Since the beginning of time, women have supported women through birth — it was the natural order of life. Women deserve the benefits of a doula regardless of their income, age or race. As a doula, I specialize in prenatal nutrition and fitness. Small dietary changes and very moderate, light exercise has been proven to have very positive effects on birthing outcomes. I like to support moms prenatally by providing easy, nutritious recipes and personalized 5-minute workout plans. I look forward to supporting and connecting with you on your journey through motherhood.
Sydney Moore
Languages: English
As a doula, I believe my number one job is to make sure you are comfortable, educated and informed throughout your entire pregnancy and the postpartum period. As owner of Safera Services, LLC, I specialize in young (under age 24) and single moms. As the child of a teen mom and grandchild of one, I think it’s vital to give support and encouragement to parents in these sometimes-difficult situations. As a Black woman who knows the challenges of a medical system that wasn’t made to accommodate brown and black bodies, I love that I am able to provide support for so many that otherwise would not have access to this level of care. The personal payoff for me is when the baby is born, and the parent gets to hold them for the first time — it always leaves me in tears. I am a CAPPA-certified labor doula, trained postpartum doula and a certified lactation specialist. I also have a master’s degree in legal studies and a bachelor’s degree in English and Law, Politics and Society.
Rose Mugeni
Languages: English, French, Swahili, Kirundi, Kirwanda, Lingala
I am a certified prenatal, birth and postpartum doula with a passion for empowering women and families. I offer support as they navigate the beautiful and transformative journey of pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. I strive to bring knowledge, compassion and unwavering support to the pregnant woman's side to ensure she feels confident and empowered during this life-changing experience. I firmly believe that every birthing person deserves respect, informed choices, and continuous emotional and physical support throughout their birthing journey. I am proud that in my role as a doula, I can advocate for birthing desires and preferences, provide evidence-based information, and be a calming and supportive presence during this significant time in life.
Fausiya Nur
Languages: English, Somali
Bio Coming Soon
NaDine Phanfil
Languages: English
Birth is a beautiful and amazing family experience. I believe that even in the smallest of ways, birth work is vitally important to the health and wellness of all birth persons. I became a doula when I learned that black maternal health was declining and lives were being lost unnecessarily. My goal is to be a positive influence and support during every step of the birthing process. To accommodate my clients, I provide doula services virtually as well as in person. I’m continually learning about birthing best practices so I can best be of service to others. Born and raised in Des Moines, I am owner of Evry Breath Birthing Services, supporting the Des Moines metro and central Iowa. In my free time, I love to read and write stories, cook and bake. I’m also a big video gamer!
Jewelz Smith
Languages: English
Bio Coming Soon
Vanessa Wright
Languages: English
Bio Coming Soon
Jerrica Wynn
Languages: English
As owner of JaeCares Doula Services, I specialize in positive, motivational, affirmational births. I received my doula certification from CAPPA, have earned my postpartum doula certification, and have also received lactation training. Some women, especially teens, struggle with being happy or excited about their pregnancy and labor. I pride myself in providing a safe space for celebrating a new life and I also hold a special place in my heart for perinatal mood disorder and infant loss. I make sure to provide emotional, physical and educational support to the birthing family and I strive to help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience. I respect everyone’s beliefs, but my faith is one of my motivating factors in being a doula. I believe a woman’s body is a great design that can grow and birth an incredible creation. I truly believe and have faith that things happen as they should and when they should.
Sarah Yak
Languages: English, Dinka, Arabic, Sudanese Arabic
I believe all women deserve to have a positive and empowering birth experience and I am committed to providing my clients with the support and information they need to make informed decisions about their care. My experience as a mother of two young boys is what drives my passion for helping women and their families during and after birth. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a master’s in public health. My doula work is informed by my public health background and experience as a medical interpreter. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and refugees. I believe all women deserve access to quality health care, regardless of their language or cultural background, and I’m committed to providing culturally sensitive care for my clients.