From Nurturing Newborns to Supporting Birth: Kelly Carter’s Path to Doula Work

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Introduction

Hi! I’m Kelly (she/her), and I’m so excited to be starting this journey as a birthworker with Bebo Mia. I live just north of Seattle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where I’ve worked as a nanny for the past 15 years, mainly with infants and toddlers. Over the last few years, I’ve also trained as a Newborn Care Specialist and Pediatric Sleep Consultant, and I’ve found so much purpose in helping families feel more confident and supported in the early stages of parenthood.

Discovering My Calling

Growing up, I thought I’d become a teacher, and later I actually started down the path to becoming a nurse—but nannying kind of found me. I quickly realized it was the perfect mix of everything I loved: caregiving, teaching, and supporting families during some of the most vulnerable and important moments of their lives. It became more than just a job—it became my calling.

A Life Surrounded by Families

I’m 40 now, single, and while I don’t have kids of my own, I’ve spent my life surrounded by little ones. Motherhood didn’t happen for me, but I’ve found a ton of joy and meaning in helping others on their parenting journeys.

Taking the Next Step into Birthwork

Over the past year, I’ve been feeling pulled to take the next step and become a certified doula. I knew I wanted to support families even earlier in their journeys and be part of the moment when everything begins.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. It allows me to pursue this training and deepen the work I care about most: helping families feel supported, informed, and confident during one of the most transformative moments of their lives.

Looking Ahead

I’m so excited to continue learning, growing, and building a career that supports families in meaningful ways.

A Message from Bebomia

As we reflect in 2026, we are so honoured to look back on our March 2025 scholarship recipients and the beginning of their journey into birthwork.

Each of these stories reminds us that birthwork is not just a career path, but a calling rooted in care, advocacy, and transformation. Through this scholarship, we had the privilege of supporting emerging birthworkers as they stepped into roles that have the power to change how families experience pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

We are incredibly proud of this cohort and the paths they have begun to create. The impact of this work extends far beyond a single moment — it lives on in the families they support and the communities they continue to strengthen.