MEET THE FOUNDER & visionary

Hey, I'm Betsy the Doula!

I started Thrive Together Doulas because I wanted to build the kind of doula team I always dreamed of, one where families feel deeply supported during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Where doulas themselves also are cared for, connected, and able to thrive in their work without burning out.

We’re a team serving families across Topeka, Lawrence, and the greater Kansas City area—committed to providing care that’s both deeply personal and beautifully collaborative.

My Journey Into Birth Work

When I look back, the seeds for my involvement in birth work were planted in my own birth experiences. I prepared for a natural birth by choosing to give birth at a free-standing birth center and hiring a doula. My first birth was so long and hard. I labored for 27 hours, working hard to keep contractions coming, because my baby was in a wonky position. I didn’t know it at the time but my body was unbalanced, and that imbalance contributed my him being in a wonky position and having such a long, exhausting labor.

I was so grateful for my friend and doula by my side at the birth center because she encouraged me and gave me the confidence to keep going. She was also there for the birth of my second baby, another empowering experience that shaped how I think about support during labor.

After my second child’s birth, I felt deeply called to support other women in their journeys through pregnancy and birth. I began the training and certifying process and became a Certified Labor Doula in 2016 through Childbirth International.

Since then, I’ve supported almost 100 births and each one has been so unique, sacred, and deeply impactful.

Why I Believe Birth Prep Matters

By the time I gave birth to my third and fourth babies at home, I could see how much my body preparation made a difference. My third was a fast 1.5-hour labor, and my fourth was a beautiful 4-hour water birth where my daughter came easily into my arms. These experiences lit a fire in me to help other women prepare their bodies, minds, and hearts for birth in ways that felt grounded and empowering.

That passion led me to deepen my education even further. After my fourth birth, I became a Certified Body Ready Method Pro, trained postpartum doula, and childbirth educator. The Body Ready Method, in particular, resonated deeply with me because it gives women simple, yet effective tools to help balance their bodies for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. It’s the kind of preparation I wish I’d had for my first birth and it’s now a cornerstone of how I support families.

Supporting Families and Doulas Alike

As a postpartum doula, I love coming alongside families in those early weeks to provide overnight care, newborn education, and ongoing support. I’m especially passionate about helping parents feel rested, confident, and truly seen during postpartum. It's a time that’s often overlooked, but so critical for the health of the whole family.

Thrive Together Doulas is more than just me - it’s a team. Together, we’re creating a culture where doulas collaborate, share the load, and bring the collective knowledge and expertise of a team to each family we serve. I’m committed to leading this agency in a way that prioritizes sustainable support, so doulas can show up for families with energy, presence, and passion without sacrificing their own well-being.

Life Beyond Birth Work

Outside of birth work, I’m a wife to Matt, a professional wedding photographer and phenomenal fashion photographer. (I may be biased, but I think he’s the best photographer in the greater Kansas City area!) We homeschool our four amazing kids (ages 12, 10, 6.5, and 3) and love playing board games as a family. I also appreciate slow mornings spent outside reflecting and journaling.

Betsy's Philosophy on Birth & Postpartum

Childbirth is a beautiful, sacred and normal, physiological process that, when left alone or minimally interfered with, will unfold safely and without complication. I believe mothers deserve to be informed and given time to make the decision that is best for their family. I strongly desire every family to be supported in birth and postpartum so that they can feel strong, confident, and connected.