It All Began with His Grace

Hello, I’m Stephanie!

Inspired by the enduring love described in Song of Solomon 3:4, my husband and I embarked on a journey over 40 years ago in Southern California, dedicating our lives to ministry and music publishing for the global church. We were blessed with five children, with five more angels watching over us from heaven. Our children have all graduated from college and are flourishing in their respective careers across Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, and Virginia Beach, where I also cherish time with my two grandchildren.

Now residing in Franklin, I live with my middle daughter, a couple of grand-dogs, and my spirited Havanese, Frankie. We relish any opportunity to come together as a family! Though my beloved husband has since passed, joining our family of believers in heaven, I am comforted by the words, "It is well with my soul."

Throughout my motherhood journey, I have navigated a spectrum of experiences—from early pregnancy issues due to low progesterone, losses in the second trimester, to the challenges of a frank breech baby and cesarean section. I've also experienced the joy of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), inductions with and without pitocin, births with and without epidurals, and an ectopic pregnancy resulting in the loss of a fallopian tube. Each of these experiences has deepened my faith and expanded my knowledge.

Driven by the words of Esther 4:14, "For such a time as this," I am privileged to dedicate my time and energy to supporting new mothers. I aim to help them express their unique voices through a safe, healthy, and loving pregnancy, birth, and baby care experience. It is equally a joy to empower fathers to be exemplary partners and coaches as they lay a strong foundation for their growing families.

I am honored to guide each family through their birth stories, wherever God leads us. Blessings to all who join us on this sacred journey at Graceful Births.

Stephanie, Founder of Graceful Births

Testimonials from Stephanie’s Clients

  • The Vammen Family

    Review - 5 stars! 

    My husband and I were looking for a birthing class and we came across Stephanie, who was willing to come to our home for the class, and while pregnant, I wasn't passing up any opportunities to not leave the house. As soon as she walked in our house, there was a calming presence and my birth worries were already starting to melt away. She greeted our dogs like she'd known them for years and the 4 hours came and left quicker than any 4 hours I've had since. It's hard to describe the 180 degree in preparedness that we felt from the beginning to the end, and even knowing we could reach out to her any time after was more than we anticipated. She truly cared about our birth journey and treated us like we were her own. She's very experienced and the perfect mom energy to make us feel like we've truly got this and had someone in our corner. I can't recommend Stephanie enough and will never forget the knowledge and peace she brought to our birthing story at the perfect time. We can't thank you enough! 

  • The Caraballo Family

    Stephanie is an amazing doula! I can’t say enough good things about her and I would recommend her over and over again. She first came to my home and did a four hour childbirth course with me and my husband. It was super educational and covered topics including labor, delivery, pain management, postpartum, breathing techniques, and newborn care. She was a blessing to have when I went into labor! She met us at the hospital,  coached me through breathing and labor positions, and never left my side. Thanks Stephanie!

  • The Tidwell Family

    Stephanie was truly a gift to have through the birthing journey of our daughter. She was kind, thoughtful and helped us make informed decisions, and she was an ally and advocate for us in the hospital. Her loving nature and warm presence made us feel comfortable and confident when working with her. She made all the difference for us. We highly recommend and would work with her again.

  • The Tremaine Family

    As a first time mom, I had no idea what to expect during pregnancy or birth. And the massive amount of information online felt totally overwhelming! But Stephanie went above and beyond to help me prepare. I was also afraid I wouldn’t be able to stand up for myself in the hospital, but Stephanie was there to stand up for me and the birth experience I wanted. I am so thankful for her calming presence!

  • The Lancaster Family

    Stephanie was so caring, calming, and helpful while preparing for the birth of our child. During labor, she held my hand for hours on end and answered any questions we had. If she didn’t know the answer, she made sure we got an answer. Stephanie was a hands-on advocate for myself and our baby. I could not recommend anyone more capable, experienced, and kind than Stephanie. Truly blessed to have had her with us during this precious part of our lives!

FAQs

  • Our comprehensive doula services include prenatal education, partner training, virtual childbirth and breastfeeding classes, birth planning, labor support both at home and in the hospital, breastfeeding support, and a postpartum visit. Our experienced doulas are dedicated to guiding you through your pregnancy and birth journey.

  • No, our fee remains the same regardless of when you hire us during your pregnancy. We recommend engaging our services early to fully benefit from detailed birth planning and education throughout your pregnancy.

  • To secure a doula for your due date, start by scheduling a consultation with us. We’ll meet to discuss your needs and hold your due date for 10 days, giving you time to decide. To finalize the booking, complete our online form and submit the required deposit to secure your spot.

  • Absolutely! We provide support before, during, and after cesarean births. Depending on hospital policy, your doula can be present during the procedure to offer comfort, facilitate initial breastfeeding, and provide post-surgery care information.

  • Our support is not limited by time. We stay with you throughout your labor and delivery, no matter how long it takes, ensuring you have the support you need.

  • Yes, we fully support all types of birth experiences. Whether you choose an epidural or other medications, we provide comprehensive support using techniques like rebozo and peanut ball to enhance your comfort during labor.

  • Yes, we are committed to integrating faith into our support if you wish. We can pray with you, share scriptures, and use religious affirmations throughout your pregnancy and labor.

  • Yes, we offer standalone childbirth classes and postpartum preparation sessions, which cover everything from hospital bag packing to nursery setup. These services are available to all, whether or not you are a birth doula client.

  • Doulas and midwives serve different roles. While midwives manage the medical aspects of childbirth, doulas provide emotional, educational, and physical support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. We focus on comfort and advocacy from a non-medical perspective, enhancing your birth experience.