woman with a white shirt sitting in front of a brick wall.

About Rosebay Doula

Inviting someone to support you during postpartum is a big deal, and it’s an honor I don’t take lightly. As a mom myself, I get how important it is to feel confident in your support team.

I am so excited to meet you. In the meantime, I’d love to tell you a little bit of my story.

Hi! I’m Kate.

As the oldest of four kids, I’ve always loved learning about pregnancy, birth, and babies, and family and community are central to my being. In college, I became a peer health educator, which further opened my eyes to the many issues facing our social and healthcare systems, and I knew I wanted to learn more about how we can do better. My curiosity led me to learn more about birth work and the role of a doula. This changed my path forever.

I became a DONA-certified Birth Doula, earned my bachelor's in Medical Anthropology and Global Health, a minor in Nutritional Science, and a master's in Public Health, Maternal and Child Health Services. During graduate school, I conducted and assisted with research on community-based birth and reducing maternal mortality and morbidity.

I have experience working for Bastyr University the WA state Department of Health, and a family support services nonprofit. Through all of these roles, I got to uniquely understand the needs of families and the resources available, striving towards a better future for all. When I welcomed my first child, I felt this calling in a whole new way. My own experience of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum seriously rocked my world, and I realized I needed to be right there, beside other mothers and families going through this amazing and life-changing transformation. I believe that the foundations of healthy, thriving societies are rooted in supported, nurtured, and celebrated families and communities. We weren’t meant to do this alone. And you don’t have to.

Early on, I was struck by Kate’s humility. She listened as I processed my anxieties out loud. She gave hand and foot rubs in the comfort of my own home. Her public health experience makes her a great resource for evidence-based guidance and WA state programs. As someone deeply embedded in our local community, she was also a great connector.

~Gloria

Want to know more?

Photo of a family with a baby.

Photo by Ike and Tash Photography

I live in Tacoma with my husband and son. I enjoy the local art scene, good food (cooking and eating), travel, and serving in my community groups and church. I’ve lived in Tacoma most of my life, and am grateful to live near my side of the family, while my husband’s side lives 7,250 miles away. Being far away from my in-laws has helped me understand the difficulty many new parents living far away from their support systems may face, another reason I believe doula work is so important.

I strive to be an inclusive and anti-racist doula and I honor, value, and lovingly serve all family types, traditions, cultures, and customs.

I also accept Medicaid (all Washington Apple Health plans). See more about payment and services in FAQ section.

Credentials, certifications & trainings

  • Certified Doula, Washington State Department of Health

  • Postpartum Doula Certification, Childbirth International

  • Formerly Certified Birth Doula, DONA

  • Master of Public Health, Maternal and Child Health Services, University of Washington

  • Bachelor of Arts, Medical Anthropology and Global Health, minor in Nutritional Science, University of Washington

  • Basic Life Support, American Heart Association, Grit City CPR

  • Infant and Adult CPR and AED Certified, Tacoma Fire Department

  • Safe Sleep Ambassador, Cribs for Kids

  • Research Ethics and Compliance Certified, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

  • Lactation Management for Doulas, Lactation Education Resources

  • Perinatal Behavioral Health Summit: Compassionate Care to Support Women, Birthing People, Children, and Family Health, Society of Addiction Medicine

  • Preventing the Primary Cesarean Conference, Washington State Hospital Association

  • Perinatal Psychosis Conference, Washington State Hospital Association

  • Reframing Health Disparities, Strategies that Work: Frameworks Institute

  • Preventing Native Maternal Mortality, Daybreak Star Doulas

  • Proud part of the Washington State Perinatal Collaborative, the Pierce County Perinatal Collaborative, and Momco International.

Follow Rosebay Doula on Instagram

View fullsize As a doula, I try to be ready for anything. When I say I’ve got you, I’ve got you. 🙌🏼 In other news, I was just thinking about how it’s wild that most moms are sent home from the hospital, not to be seen or heard from for 6 weeks
View fullsize Fun fact, I’m always up for in person consults! Hiring a doula is a big decision, be it for birth or postpartum. It’s a unique, intimate, yet professional relationship. We want to feel super safe and comfy with each other. 🤝 Of course, I
View fullsize Good news! Rosebay doula is now able to accept all Washington Apple Health plans for doula services. Yes, including postpartum (with some limitations)! Woohoo! 🍎 I remember I was working at the Department of Health back when I first heard talk abou
View fullsize As I said in my previous post, helping and holding space for families along their feeding journey is SUCH a privilege. These kind words from a client speak to my passion for this work. As your doula, I will support you and cheer you on. 🩷 Since I l