In the News
Meet Olivia Samples
Iowa’s First Black Doula – Mama Glow
I am, as far as anyone knows, the first black doula in Iowa. Being the only black doula has been a great weight. I see so many women who look like me struggling; not only with birth but with finances, relationships, opportunity.
Stillborn in Iowa
Iowa’s Search for Answers to Shrink the Disparities for Mothers of Color
Stillbirth rates in Iowa are among the lowest in the county, yet African-American mothers living here are still twice as likely to experience the heartbreak.
Women Stepping Forward
To Help Diversify Iowa’s Birthing Community
Emily was featured in part two of a series on WHO TV to bring attention to Iowa's under-represented birthing community and spark a conversation for change.
Client Reviews
“Thank you so much to Emily Rose! Labor was about 6 hours and her presence was such a blessing! She was right there supporting me and my husband, giving us a voice of reason, and such an amazing coach! Not only did she help during birth but she was a vast resource in preparing us! You are the best! If you need a doula check her out!” - Abbi R. - Jan. 14, 2020
“I could not recommend Emily enough. Upon my very first consultation with her I felt connected to her and that she was exactly the calming and encouraging support person I needed in my birth space. We met several times before birth and talked about my hopes and fears when it came to labor and she helped me feel empowered and that my wishes were validated. During labor she was amazing. She offered gentle touches that made my contractions feel more bearable and would motivate me with supportive statements. I know there would be no way i could have had a natural birth without her on my birth team. After I had my daughter she has checked in on us many times and is always willing to help out with anything we need. I felt like I gained a friend in this process and I feel so extremely lucky that we had Emily as part of our birth team. You will not regret hiring Emily to enhance your birth experience!” - Jami D. - Dec. 11, 2019
“I would wholeheartedly recommend Emily to anyone. She is kind and warm and easy to talk to, and we felt comfortable with her as soon as we met her. She is a fountain of knowledge and resources and experience with local birthing options. She encouraged me to trust my instincts and switch providers when no one else I knew had any experience with the midwives I wanted. She was awesome during and after the birth, holding the space and reminding me that I was in charge. I ended up having a cesarean, and she really helped me to process my feelings about it in the following weeks. Her encouragement and support made us feel ready and capable as new parents more than any book we read or class we took. We would 100% hire her again in a heartbeat.” - Melissa V. - Dec. 1, 2019
“Where to begin? Emily absolutely revolutionized our birth experience. Having knowledgeable, attentive, genuinely caring support every step of the way during my high risk pregnancy, delivery, and in the postpartum phase has been indescribably helpful and anxiety-reducing. I felt prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for labor which aided in a calm, empowering transition for my little one to come into this world. Emily has been a dear family friend since I can remember and being able to utilize her expertise in this new phase of life was so special. She treats every pregnancy, mama, and baby with individualized and quality care. Cannot say enough good things about Emily and her doula services! If you are even slightly considering using her, DO IT.” - Kylee S. - May 22, 2019
“I don’t know what I would have done without Emily during my birth. As a first-timer, feelings of doubt and fear definitely crept up through labor. There are many things during my labor that are hazy, but I will never forget the intense moments I was doubting my ability to keep going when she told me ‘these contractions are strong but they are not stronger than you.’ ...I held onto those words the rest of labor and was able to push through with her support. She always seemed to know exactly what to do and say to help my husband and I feel at ease. Her kind and loving energy was irreplaceable during the most vulnerable moments of our lives - we are forever grateful and will, no doubt, invite her into our birth space again next time.” - Danielle L. - June 12, 2018