Emma Talley (she/her), Birth Doula (DONA)

My name is Emma Talley and I am a DONA trained birth doula and student of midwifery through the Association of Texas Midwives training program. I came to this work after the life-altering home birth of my daughter. I knew I was meant to be a birth worker after experiencing the empowerment that comes from delivering a baby with the strength of a support system backing me the whole way. Before becoming pregnant, I hadn’t considered that I had voice, choice and power in my daughter’s birth story. Now, I am passionate about helping people take charge of their stories, too. My nature is calm, compassionate, open-minded, and I often reach toward laughter to find ease in the tough moments. I am a supporter of all identities, abilities, and walks of life. Before I became a doula, I was an elementary teacher, then an environmental educator and farmer. I truly love helping people, plants, and, now, families grow! When not supporting a birth, I’m trying to keep up with my young daughter or dreaming of the next travel plans with my partner. I love running, true crime podcasts, and picking weeds in my garden.

I believe all births - no matter the birth plan or location - deserve intentional, relational care that empowers the birthing person to make evidence-based informed decisions in a safe space. How you bring your baby into the world matters, and you should feel heard, empowered and supported to reach the goals you set in bringing your baby earthside. A support system can make all the difference in the physical, emotional, and spiritual highs and lows of birth, and I would be honored to be that support for you. I will be your witness, bestfriend, personal pregnancy and birth Google, and birth fairy. I’ll be the person you can cry with, swear at, and send pictures to with the question…. “Is this normal?”

This is your family's story, not mine. As your doula, I will be as visible or invisible as you need. Whether that is quietly offering hip squeezes and sips of water, helping you dance and laugh through the big sensations, or suggesting ideas to your partner when they aren't sure what to do next, my role is to support your birth however it benefits you in meeting your baby. I look forward to learning about you and your goals, and would be honored to be part of your story.