Meet Mary Pope

Founder | Family Care Coordinator

Postpartum Doula | Newborn Care Specialist | Parenting Educator | Doula Mentor

I started my journey as a doula in 2016 as a one-woman doula show - supporting families through birth and postpartum while teaming up with other local professionals I trusted. Even from the beginning, my vision was bigger than just solo care: I wanted to build a village. A place where new parents could feel supported, seen, and not so alone in the messy, magical newborn days.

As the demand for my care grew (and as I realized I still hadn’t figured out how to be in 2 places at once), I began building a small-but-mighty team of like-minded doulas who shared my heart for showing up for families in real, honest, and meaningful ways. That’s how Oh Baby! KC grew from a solo practice into the beloved agency it is today.

These days, I focus my energy on coordinating care for new families, mentoring my amazing team, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. I am no longer working in-person, but my fingerprints are on every part of the experience at Oh Baby! KC - from first consult to final check-in.

When I’m not matchmaking families with their dream doula or crafting new ways to make postpartum support even better, you’ll probably find me playing a video game with my teenage boys, knitting a sweater, sipping a mocktail outside with my husband, gardening, or listening to a fantasy audiobook while baking something sweet.

A few fun facts about me:

• I was born and raised in a small town in Northwestern Ontario, Canada and now hold dual citizenship (Canada + U.S.).

• I am half Native American (Oji-Cree) and spent much of her early life on or near remote northern Canadian Reservations.

• My first career was in the arts. I’ve been a piano teacher, wedding pianist, and even curated a local art gallery.

• I’m a big fan of MMA and was on track to earn my black belt (taking a hiatus for now).

Meet Darla

Postpartum & Newborn Care Specialist | Gentle Sleep Coach

Hi! I’m Darla - a Kansas City native with a deep passion for helping families not just survive the transition into parenthood, but truly enjoy it. Whether I’m supporting you in the days before birth, the first weeks home, or months down the road, I believe every family deserves trusted, compassionate care during this tender season.

My journey began after the birth of my daughter, when I saw firsthand how much support was missing in traditional postpartum care. I found myself instinctively showing up for friends and family: dropping off meals, tidying up, holding babies so parents could rest, or simply being a listening ear. When I later discovered the term postpartum doula, it clicked: this was what I was meant to do!

I trained with DONA International as a Postpartum Doula in 2018. A year later, recognizing how vital sleep is for the whole family’s well-being, I pursued additional training under Summer Hartman to become a Gentle Sleep Coach. Helping babies develop healthy sleep habits - and helping parents reclaim rest - has become one of my greatest joys.

I’d love to connect with you and help you find your rhythm so that your postpartum season feels balanced, supported, and even joyful.

Credentials:

• Postpartum Doula (DONA)

• Newborn Care Specialist

• Gentle Sleep Coach (trained under Summer Hartman)

• Infant CPR Certified

Meet Chelsea

Postpartum Doula | Certified Sleep Coach

Originally from New Hampshire, Chelsea moved to Kansas City in 2016 when her husband began his doctoral studies at UMKC. After a few years away, they’re thrilled to be back—this time for good.

She provides overnight postpartum support and is also a trained sleep coach, bringing a steady, reassuring presence to families in those first weeks and months with a newborn. Her love of babies started early (like, toddler-level early!), and she spent her younger years babysitting, nannying, and eventually teaching music to children from Pre-K through 6th grade for nearly a decade. After having her own baby in 2021, she felt firsthand how vital postpartum support truly is - and knew it was time to follow that calling.

She trained as a postpartum doula through DONA International and brings with her a background in Music Education, a deep well of compassion, and a natural instinct for what families need to feel confident, rested, and seen.

Known for her calm presence, thoughtful planning, and ability to tune in to what’s needed in the moment, Chelsea is a favorite among new parents navigating the newborn haze. Outside of doula work, she loves music (listening, playing, or singing!), getting outside for a good run, and going on adventures - big or small - with her husband, daughter & son.

Meet Lori

Certified Postpartum Doula | Newborn Care Specialist | Certified Lactation Counselor

I grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas, and am a Kansas girl through and through. Kansas sunsets are some of the best in the country!

I'm a certified labor and postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor, and newborn care specialist. I’ve also completed adult/infant CPR. My background is in massage therapy, but once I learned about birth and postpartum doulas, I immediately knew that was the work for me. I’ve always been drawn to babies, small children, and pregnancy in general. I absolutely love that I get to support families during this special time in their lives.

Some of my long-term goals include certifications in infant massage, craniosacral massage for pregnancy/infants, babywearing, and sleep coaching. I also love tiny houses and would absolutely run a tiny house hotel someday. Random, I know! I dream of lots and lots of travel, and to live overseas for at least a portion of my life.

People often say my strengths are my kindness/empathy, dependability, and work ethic. Outside of supporting families, I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking/trail running, and traveling. I'm currently obsessed with learning to bake lots of bread and just getting started with photography!

Credentials:

• Certified Birth Doula

• Certified Postpartum Doula

• Newborn Care Specialist

• Certified Lactation Counselor

• Infant CPR Certified

Meet Lilly

Certified Postpartum Doula | Infant Care Specialist

Hi there! I’m originally from Ballard, Missouri, a tiny town about two hours south of Kansas City with a population of around 150. I came up to Kansas City for school and work, and I’m so excited to now be supporting families here during such a special time in their lives.

I’m a trained postpartum doula and infant care specialist through ProDoula, and I’ve always been drawn to helping others, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. I grew up in a close-knit community where taking care of each other was just what you did, that mindset stuck with me.

What led me specifically to postpartum work was seeing how many families struggle after childbirth - not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. There’s so much attention on the baby, but new parents often feel isolated or unsupported. When I learned about the role of a doula, it just felt like the right path for me. I knew I wanted to be that calm, knowledgeable presence who helps families feel grounded, cared for, and more confident in those early weeks.

Outside of supporting families, I love spending time with my fiance, hanging out with my dog Ted (he’s the best walking buddy!), and being outdoors. I grew up hunting and still love it when I get the chance. I also enjoy traveling, playing sports, and watching movies - especially scary ones! Horror is definitely my favorite genre.

I’m currently finishing my associate’s degree in science and business, and I plan to continue growing in this work by pursuing additional training in lactation support and perinatal mental health. One day, I’d love to mentor new doulas and help make postpartum care more accessible and compassionate for every family, especially those in underserved communities.

Credentials:

• Certified Postpartum Doula (ProDoula)

• Infant Care Specialist

• Infant CPR Certified

Meet Dawn

Postpartum Doula | Overnight Support | Daytime Support

Dawn lives in Liberty, Missouri and brings over a decade of experience supporting growing families. She is a certified postpartum doula through the Midwifery Institute and is infant, child, and adult CPR certified. Dawn offers prenatal, postpartum, and sibling support, and is especially passionate about helping families adapt to the changes and challenges that come with welcoming a new baby into the home.

Caring for babies and their parents has always felt like second nature to Dawn. She’s known for her ability to connect with parents, truly listen to their needs, and offer practical solutions drawn from her wealth of experience. Families often describe her as calming, wise, and incredibly intuitive.

Dawn is currently pursuing additional studies in lactation support and sleep training to deepen her work with new parents. When she's not supporting families, she manages the office at a chiropractic practice - another role she loves because it allows her to help others stay healthy and happy. She’s also an avid reader and lifelong learner, always expanding her knowledge in family care. Most of all, she treasures every moment spent with babies and children, finding it both rewarding and deeply fulfilling.

Credentials:

• Postpartum Doula

• Certified Infant & Child CPR

Meet Terra

Postpartum Doula | Birth Doula | Certified Professional Midwife

Born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, Terra now lives there with her husband and two children. After spending time in Nebraska and Florida, she felt the pull of home and returned to be closer to family - a value that deeply shapes her approach to postpartum care.

Terra is a trained birth and postpartum doula, but is first and foremost a midwife. Her journey into birth work began after the birth of her daughter in 2011, but it was her home birth with her son in 2020 and the midwifery care she received that truly lit the fire. Since then, she’s been dedicated to walking alongside families as they navigate the tender days before, during, and after birth - making things feel just a little lighter, easier, and more supported.

Caring, empathetic, and deeply reliable, Terra is known for her soft heart and strong presence. She listens deeply, validates feelings, and reminds new parents they’re not alone in the transition. She believes being truly seen and heard in the postpartum period can be just as healing as rest.

Outside of supporting families, Terra loves spending time with her own, going on thrifting adventures across Kansas City, and enjoying solo drives with the windows down and music up loud.

Meet Olivia

Certified Postpartum Doula | New Parent Educator | Babywearing Consultant | Certified Lactation Counselor

Originally from Nebraska, Olivia went to Michigan for grad school but moved to Kansas City in 2021 with her husband & daughter to be closer to family.    

She provides postpartum doula services and lactation counseling. As a part of her services, she loves to offer babywearing education and meal prep. She became interested in postpartum support when she was working as a nanny while going to school for psychology. Many of the moms she worked for expressed to her that their postpartum time left them feeling unsupported and overwhelmed. 

She has a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology with a focus on maternal and infant mental health, and found that this was the job that would allow her to combine her skills and passions. Before becoming a doula she worked as an infant and toddler nanny for more than 10 years.

Olivia’s passion for this work and her genuine care for the families she works with is evident to everyone who knows her. She is knowledgeable about mental health & can help families implement techniques to promote mental wellness for the whole family. She is flexible and respectful of her clients' choices, and helps them reach their goals and build routines that work for them.

As she is new to KC, when she is not serving families, she is exploring the city with her family and loves to read mystery novels. 

Meet Jayde

Postpartum Doula | Overnight Support

Jayde is a trained postpartum doula with a background in nursing and a heart for supporting families in the tender newborn season. Originally from Topeka, she now lives in the small town of Tonganoxie with her husband and baby boy. The move brought her closer to KU Medical Center, where she worked as a Mother/Baby RN, caring for high-risk mothers and newborns in the hours and days after birth.

Jayde holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and brings a deep clinical knowledge to her postpartum work. After years on the hospital floor, she realized her true passion was caring for families in a more personal and ongoing way. Now, as a postpartum doula, she offers overnight support and practical guidance with a calm presence and a listening ear.

Known to many as a baby whisperer, Jayde is also an experienced baker and loves spending time in the kitchen. When she’s not supporting new parents, you’ll find her snuggled on the couch with her husband and sons, enjoying quiet family time or catching up with friends.

Credentials:

• Postpartum Doula

• Bachelors in Science of Nursing Degree

• Infant CPR+

Meet Lydia

Certified Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula | Birth Assistant

Originally from Dallas, Lydia has called North Kansas City home for 18 years, where she raised four amazing young adult children. It was her own journey through motherhood that ignited her passion for assisting and serving families with a calm, nurturing, and attentive spirit.

Lydia's path to becoming a doula began with a background in Elementary Education. In 2019, she completed her birth and postpartum doula training through DONA International. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she expanded her knowledge by taking an Introduction to Midwifery course through GEM Academy, which helped her cultivate even more intuitive skills. Lydia has also completed training in the Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth (PAATCh) and has finished birth assistant training.

As a postpartum doula, Lydia is highly observant and takes the time to truly listen to each family's unique needs. Her goal is to lighten a new mom's load, allowing both her body and mind to rest. Lydia knows firsthand the power of this support—after the birth of her last child, her aunt stayed with her for a month, a period that was a game-changer for her recovery. This experience drives her desire to help other families experience the same restful recovery, allowing them to fully bond with their baby.

When she's not supporting families, Lydia finds her ultimate form of self-care in nature. She loves hiking new trails, exploring new places, and connecting with her children and friends to reset her mind, body, and spirit.

Fun facts about Lydia:

• She once rode in a parade at age 8 while baby wearing and has the photo to prove it!

• A lover of simplicity, she'd be happy living in a tiny home.

• Her ideal vacation always includes nature, sun, and water.

Credentials:

• Certified Birth Doula(GEM Academy)

• Postpartum Doula(DONA)

• Birth Assistant(Uzazi Village)

• Adult and Infant CPR Certified

Originally from Brazil, Gabriela spent six years in Boston MA before making the move to Kansas City to pursue work and affordable college opportunities. Now based in the Midwest, she brings a global perspective and a deeply nurturing presence to every family she supports.

As a Newborn Care Specialist, Certified Postpartum Doula & Sleep Coach, she provides overnight newborn care with a strong foundation in newborn education and is passionate about helping families build healthy sleep habits from the start. She takes great care in creating gentle, predictable routines for both baby and parents. Supporting newborns has always been her calling, and she approaches it as a lifelong career.

Families often describe her as reliable, emotionally attuned, and full of quiet positivity. She’s the kind of doula who notices the little things, tunes in intuitively, and brings a sense of calm wherever she goes.

When she’s not caring for new families, you’ll find her exploring international cuisines, savoring a good book with a cozy cup of coffee, or planning her next travel adventure.

Credentials:

• Certified Postpartum Doula

• Newborn Care Specialist

• Infant CPR Certified

• Sleep Coach

Originally from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Kansas City has always been home to Alaina. She’s never moved away, and that deep-rooted connection to the area is something she truly values. Growing up here allowed her to build strong community ties and develop a genuine love for supporting local families. Serving families in the Kansas City area feels especially meaningful to her because it’s the community that shaped who she is.

Alaina is currently training to become a postpartum doula through ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association) and has a strong interest in postpartum support. She is deeply passionate about supporting families during the postpartum period through emotional support, newborn care, education, and creating a calm, nurturing environment for both parents and baby. She’s especially drawn to helping families feel confident, supported, and truly cared for during such a vulnerable and transformative time.

Her background is rooted in caregiving, with extensive experience nannying and caring for children and families. Through those experiences, she saw firsthand how powerful consistent, compassionate support can be—not just for children, but for parents as well. She was drawn to postpartum work because it allows her to walk alongside families during one of life’s most emotional and life-changing seasons, offering reassurance, education, and hands-on help when it’s needed most.

Families often describe Alaina as calm and grounding, especially in high-emotion or stressful situations. She is dependable and organized, and families know they can truly rely on her. Most importantly, she is a compassionate listener who makes people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Long-term, Alaina hopes to continue growing as a postpartum doula while building strong, trusting relationships with the families she serves. She is committed to expanding her education, deepening her skills, and being part of a collaborative team that provides exceptional care. Beyond postpartum work, she values lifelong learning, family-centered support, and continued growth both personally and professionally.

Outside of work, Alaina loves spending time with her family and being outdoors. She enjoys fitness, cooking and nutrition, and anything related to wellness. She’s naturally creative and loves planning, organizing, and working on passion projects. In her downtime, you’ll usually find her listening to podcasts, spending time with loved ones, or outside soaking up fresh air.

Credentials:

• Postpartum Doula (working toward certification!!)

• Infant CPR Certified

Meet Bridgette

Postpartum Doula

Bridgette was born and raised in Kansas City's Northland, and KC has always been home.

She provides postpartum and newborn care support for families as they adjust to life with a new baby. Bridgette is certified in Postpartum and Infant Care through ProDoula and as a Birth Doula through Birth & Beyond. She is passionate about caring for the whole family and creating a calm, supportive environment where parents feel seen, encouraged, and confident in their journey.

With more than 20 years of experience working with children and families, Bridgette's professional background includes hands-on caregiving in classroom settings, babysitting, nannying, and daycare administration. She has served as a support person through several births and has helped families navigate the transition into parenthood, welcome additional children, and adjust to the changes that come with each new stage of family life.

Becoming a mother deepened Bridgette's passion for supporting families. She has always been drawn to caring for babies and encouraging parents, and postpartum work felt like a natural way to combine her experience, training, and love for helping families feel supported during one of life's biggest transitions.

Bridgette's long-term goal is to help foster and build a supportive community for mothers - both new and seasoned. Whether it's newborn care, homeschooling, farm-to-table living, or simply having a friend to go to a yoga class with, she's your girl! She firmly believes that it takes a village and that we were never meant to do it alone.

Known for her big heart, passion, and determination, Bridgette loves building meaningful connections with the families she serves.

When she's not supporting families, you can find her hiking, photographing nature, traveling, teaching, or treasure hunting at local thrift stores.

Credentials:

• Postpartum Doula

• Infant CPR Certified

Meet Arely

Certified Postpartum Doula & Infant Care Specialist | NICU RN

Arely was born and raised right here in Kansas City! She loves this city so much and will forever root for our Chiefs and Royals.

She is a certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is also BLS, ACLS, and NRP certified.

Arely is a nurse with a background in the NICU, where she cared for tiny humans and their families - something she truly enjoys and feels she was made for. Her experience in the NICU deepened her passion for supporting families, and postpartum work felt like a natural next step. She loves getting to connect with families on a deeper level and helping as much as she can in the comfort of their home during this special time. 

Arely brings empathy, compassion, patience and a positive attitude to the families she supports. She believes in meeting families where they are and providing the calm, caring support they need as they adjust to life with a new baby. 

Her long-term goals are to help as many families as she can and travel the world. She also dreams of having a family of her own.

Outside of support families, Arely is incredibly family-oriented and love spending time with her family and friends. They are all very close, and time together is one of her absolute favorite things. She is also a sucker for reality TV and all things pop culture. She loves photography and baking, can’t live without music, and enjoys traveling and learning more about different cultures and places outside of the United States. 

Meet Jordan

Certified Postpartum Doula & Infant Care Specialist

Where are you from & what brought you to Kansas City? 

Trading Central California sunshine for Midwestern charm, my husband and I packed up our family and made the leap to Kansas City in July 2025 for his career- and we haven't looked back once, we have completely fallen in love with this place.

What services do you provide? Include any and all pertinent certifications, training, passions that relate to postpartum work. 

I am a certified Postpartum Doula and my deepest passion is mothering the mother. Bringing a newborn home is one of life’s most profound and vulnerable transitions, yet the modern postpartum experience often leaves families to navigate the fourth trimester in isolation. My role is to provide comprehensive, non-judgmental postpartum support tailored to the unique rhythm of your household. Whether you are recovering from birth, learning the nuances of newborn care, or simply trying to catch your breath, my goal is to ensure you feel deeply supported, entirely confident, and wrapped in comfort. From nourishing traditional meals and gentle physical care to overnight support that allows you to finally rest, I am here to hold space for you so that you can focus entirely on healing, bonding, and stepping gently into this new season of motherhood.

What is your background in? And what led you to Postpartum work? 

Mothering is what I’ve done best for the past 17 years with my own four children. Becoming a very young mother meant I didn't always know how to advocate for myself, and I lacked consistent support during my early recoveries. After a traumatic emergency cesarean, my body and mind took years to heal - an experience that profoundly shaped my appreciation for what consistent mental, physical, and emotional support truly means.

Mothering asks so much of us, and in order for our children to be well cared for it has to start with our own well-being. Because I know how deeply a mother needs to be held during this vulnerable time, I consider it a profound privilege to walk alongside women in this exact season. My foundation also runs deep through the foster care community in California, where I served as an emergency care provider for newborns with a wide range of needs, including transitions straight from the NICU. That journey ultimately brought my youngest child home to us through an emergency foster placement. Every single one of these experiences has forged my dedication to ensuring no mother ever has to navigate her fourth trimester alone.

What are your long-term goals? This can be in relation to postpartum work, or beyond! 

My long-term vision is rooted in deepening my impact as a postpartum sanctuary for families here in Kansas City while continually expanding my toolkit to honor the sacred transition of the fourth trimester. I want to build a practice that bridges modern postpartum care with time-honored, holistic traditions - incorporating specialized physical recovery methods, comfort measures, and traditional nurturing practices to offer families the absolute highest standard of physical and emotional nourishment.

Beyond individual bedside care, I see myself growing as a trusted educator and pillar for local mothers -helping to shift our culture away from the "bounce back" mindset and toward a standard of deep, unhurried rest and community care. Eventually, once my own children are grown, I would love to expand my calling to be part of the birthing process as a birth doula as well. Ultimately, whether I am supporting a healing mother through the quiet hours of the night, guiding her through her recovery, or walking beside her in the delivery room, my goal is to ensure every mother feels so thoroughly held that she can step into her new season with unshakable confidence and peace.

What are 3 strengths that people have noticed about you? 

​I have been told I have a very peaceful and calm presence. Having a background as a massage therapist, I naturally enjoy helping others feel completely at ease and building a foundation of deep trust. I love forming real, meaningful relationships with people. Once I know you, I know how to advocate and fight for you in your corner - I can be fiercely protective of the people I care for.

What are your favorite things to do outside of supporting families? Tell us about your hobbies & obsessions! 

I am an educator as well as a student, I have been homeschooled for the past 12 years. I enjoy reading, cooking for a crowd and hosting events, I love a good historical drama, could get lost for days inside an antique store, and to round out my old lady hobbies I am an avid plant collector.