Today we’d like to introduce you to Karriane Grow
Hi Karriane, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to becoming a birth and postpartum doula was deeply personal and born from a combination of experiences that illuminated critical gaps in women’s healthcare. For 21 years, I navigated the American medical system alone, fighting for a diagnosis of endometriosis. This isolating experience exposed me to the systemic challenges women face in receiving adequate and timely healthcare, and tragically, brought to light the shocking reality that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. This means countless women are navigating the already vulnerable period of pregnancy and childbirth without sufficient support. This realization, coupled with my eight years as a nanny, further solidified my understanding of the profound need for postpartum support. I witnessed firsthand the struggles families faced due to the lack of mandated maternal and paternal leave in the US, leaving new parents overwhelmed and unsupported during a crucial transition.
These experiences ignited a passion within me to make a tangible difference in the lives of other women. Through my doula training, I discovered a powerful avenue to provide compassionate care and support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. While I don’t have children of my own, I am a firm believer in the power of women supporting women. As a “girls’ girl,” I understand the importance of community and solidarity, especially during vulnerable life stages. I recognized that as a doula, I could offer not only practical support but also emotional guidance and advocacy, empowering women to navigate their own unique journeys with greater confidence and ease. I am driven by the belief that every woman deserves to feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout her reproductive journey, and I am committed to providing that support through my work as a doula, which I treasure.
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6483123/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/u-s-maternal-deaths-more-than-doubled-over-20-years-heres-who-fared-the-worst
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Embarking on my doula journey has been incredibly rewarding, yet establishing myself in this field has presented its challenges. Building a client base and effectively marketing my services has proven more difficult than anticipated. While investing in a business coach has provided invaluable guidance and support, the process of getting my name out there and reaching potential clients takes time. I’ve found it necessary to take on a part-time job to supplement my income as I continue to grow my doula practice. This experience has reinforced the reality that building a sustainable business requires dedication, perseverance, and often, additional financial support during the initial phases.
Other struggles were hearing of injustices where clients were not heard previously by their providers, but being able to hold space and bring healing to that delicate painful experience. Just listening as a birth worker and woman who has experienced injustices in women’s healthcare though has proven fruitful and brought healing to Moms.
Another hard thing is having to advocate for clients as I witnessed a nurse, when I stepped out briefly to eat with another doula, moving a client after she said a resounding “no” nearly causing complications that almost lead to a c-section if we had not been present and talked her through some mental exercises and telling her to listen to her body on what position was best for her. One hour later she was pushing and that nurse was no longer part of her team. This work is not easy, but it is necessary! It was amazing as she looked at me, holding her baby and said;
“If you were not here, this would have gone very differently, thank you.”
So, even with challenges, supporting others through pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum and sometimes through tragic loss is one of most amazing things I have ever done.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
With eight years of nanny experience and a 21-year personal journey navigating women’s health challenges, I bring a unique blend of practical and empathetic support to my work as a birth and postpartum doula. Cloud of Love Doula Services, reflects this nurturing approach, symbolizing the gentle care I provide. I specialize in mental coaching for childbirth, empowering clients to prepare mentally for both their desired birth and any unexpected turns. By building knowledge and practicing adaptive thinking, I help them access their inner strength and confidently navigate their birthing experience. Cloud of Love Doula Services is about holding the mother, physically and emotionally, creating a safe and supportive space for her transformation.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You do not have to do all things, simply being present with your client (and her partner or spouse) and showing up is what matters the absolute most. All of the training kicks in when it is needed, do everything in your power to remain present. Take care of your needs so you are there in the most crucial times throughout the journey. You do not need to overcomplicate things.
Also, as a doula , we can set the mood in the room not just for Mom, but as a signal to the hospital staff of what Mom wants and needs. It does not always work, but many read the room well if you set the tone when you get there, but if others are not respectful to the birth space, you doing that for Mom can make a huge difference in her experience, so stay grounded and keep your focus on her.
Pricing:
- $800 for my basic birth package including 2 pre term meetings, birth, one postpartum service for 3 hours, mental coaching, virtual support, comfort care education for early labor, and a comprehensive birth plan
- $500 for the Birth and one pre-term meeting for a comprehensive birth plan
- $200 for a comprehensive birth plan (can be done virtually)
- $35/ hour for postpartum care including light housework, taking care of other children, light meal prep, laundry, and caring for Mom
- $200 mindset coaching- four 30 minute virtual meetings with exercises to do in between (virtual support services for preterm, birth, and postpartum are also available)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cloudoflovedoula.wixsite.com/cloudoflovedoulaserv
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudoflovedoula/profilecard/?igsh=MXJvNGw3YW9qOWdmeA==
Image Credits
Melody Hartzler of Hartzler photography and Madyson Stites of EJ Birthing Services
