Walking With You — A West Seattle Doula’s Story
By: Jessica Meeds
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most sacred and transformative experiences of your life. It’s raw, beautiful, and—if we’re being honest—a little overwhelming at times. I was born and raised here in West Seattle, and now as a birth doula still rooted in this community, I have the privilege of serving families not just in our neighborhood, but across the greater Puget Sound region. I walk alongside women and their partners as they prepare for the arrival of their babies — offering support, reassurance, and a steady presence when it matters most.
I gave birth to my first two babies without a doula. I had a go with the flow attitude and truly believed the nurses and hospital staff would guide me through the process. And honestly, I didn’t feel I could justify spending money on a doula—it seemed more like a luxury than a necessity. When it came time to give birth, I was shocked how little direction I received. I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, and my husband felt just as lost.
By the time we were expecting our third, I knew I wanted a different kind of experience. I decided to invest in a doula, and it was worth every penny. The emotional, physical, and informational support she offered made a night and day difference, not just for me, but for my husband too. She guided him in how to support me in ways that were truly helpful, and she held space for both of us throughout the entire experience. For the first time, I felt truly supported, prepared for the birth experience I desired, and that experience stayed with me. It’s a big part of what led me to this work.
At the same time I was experiencing that redemptive, supported birth, my best friend was recovering from a traumatic birth of her own. When she became pregnant again, she asked me to walk with her through it. She wanted me to teach her everything I had learned, how to trust her body again, and to have someone by her side who knew her well and understood what she needed. I went through a doula training as I helped her prepare, and step into birth with confidence—but something shifted in me, too. I had found my calling.
What Exactly Does A Doula Do?
A doula is someone who walks with you through pregnancy, labor, and those early postpartum days. I’m here to provide emotional, physical, and informational support that’s completely tailored to you. Whether you are planning an unmedicated, epidural or cesarean birth. Whether you plan a hospital, birth center, or something quiet and cozy at home, I help create a calm, grounded environment where couples feel confident, supported, and truly cared for.
During your pregnancy, we spend intentional time together preparing for birth. We talk through what to expect in each stage of labor, how to create a flexible birth plan that reflects your values, and how to advocate for your preferences with confidence.
We also go over practical ways to prepare your body for labor —through movement, positioning, and gentle exercises that encourage your baby into an ideal position for birth. We practice coping techniques, from breath work to hands-on comfort measures, so you feel ready and grounded. We also make space to talk about those early postpartum days — what to expect, how to plan for rest, and how to ease the transition into life with your newborn.
When labor begins, I’m by your side offering steady guidance, encouragement, and hands-on comfort. Whether that’s message, counter pressure, helping you change positions, or simply holding space during intense moments, I’m there to help you feel supported and safe. I also support your partner — showing them how to care for you in labor so they feel confident and connected throughout the experience.
But…Do I Really Need A Doula?
It’s a fair question. And the answer? Maybe not need, but oh, does having one make a difference!
Here’s what the studies (and countless stories) tell us:
Shorter labors
Fewer interventions
Less stress and anxiety
Better outcomes for mom and baby
And partners feel more confident, too
But more than that, having a doula means having someone in your corner. Someone who listens, who helps you filter through the noise, who isn’t bound by hospital policy, who reminds you that your intuition is good and your body was made for this. Birth isn’t something you have to figure out alone.
Why I love Serving West Seattle Families
There’s something uniquely sweet about supporting families in my own backyard. Whether we’re meeting up at Ampersand Cafe to go over your birth preferences or I’m driving through familiar streets to meet you in labor, there’s a sense of home in the work I do. And that’s exactly how I want my clients to feel - safe, known, supported.
This little corner of the world shaped me, and now I get to pour back into it by serving families like yours!
If you’re expecting and wondering what it’s like to have a doula walk this journey with you, I’d love to connect. You don’t have to navigate birth alone. I am here to walk with you—every step of the way. Learn more about what I offer and how I serve at www.seattledoulajessica.com.
