A Moment to Pause and Reflect on 2025
I honestly cannot believe it is already February. January always feels like a catch up month after the holidays, a time to get back into a rhythm and find our footing again. I always secretly wish that the new year would not really begin until March or April.
I had planned to share this reflection earlier in January, but between being on call, family responsibilities, and then the snow and ice storm that hit our area, the timing just did not line up. Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost loved ones, been displaced, or has been navigating power outages and uncertainty during this season. We have been holding so many families close. Many of our own clients and team members have dealt with hardships this week because of the storm.
Even though it is February now, it feels important to pause and reflect on 2025.
2025 by the Numbers
In 2025, Nashville Doula Services had the honor of supporting
222 families at birth
225 postpartum shifts
Over 1,700 hours of hands on care
Behind these numbers are long labors, short labors, quiet postpartum mornings, overnight support, tears, laughter, listening, and trust. Each number represents real families who invited us into one of the most vulnerable and meaningful seasons of their lives. That trust is something we never take lightly.
Ten Years of Nashville Doula Services
2025 also marked ten years of Nashville Doula Services.
Ten years of learning, growing, and continuing to refine how we show up for families. Ten years of staying rooted in the belief that families deserve steady, compassionate, knowledgeable support through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
This work is emotional, physical, and deeply human. It asks a lot of our team, and it is also incredibly meaningful. I am so proud of the care our doulas provide and the way they continue to show up with skill, humility, and heart. I know that we will have more amazing experiences in 2026.
Reflections from Our Team
Below are some reflections from our doulas. What stood out to them in 2025. What they learned. Moments that reminded them why this work matters and what they are carrying forward into 2026.
‘What stood out to me most was how many mamas wanted more information on the choices to make for the birth of their babies!
A lot of them had done their own research, but they still learned something new! I love helping them to make these informed decisions that empowers them to have
a beautiful birth!” Doula Dawn Cerino
“Last year I had the opportunity to be reminded God answers prayers. I was able to work with a couple who had struggled for infertility for some time. With her being an African American women and having high risk health issues, the cards were stacked against her. The mother shared with me that they had had a loss last Christmas and they had been praying continuously while listening to a certain song. With this pregnancy, they continued praying, listening to that same song as her husband sang “you are my sunshine” to her belly. At her birth this year not far from Christmas, that same song played as the beautiful baby boy was born and during their golden hour, her husband sang “ you are my sunshine” to their long awaited son. It was a pleasure to witness and support their birth story.” Doula Kimberly Coleman
“Time and time again, I arrive to support a laboring mama and she melts into tears of relief, knowing she’s not alone.” Doula Kathie Sonner
“In 2025, I witnessed and supported foundational connection. The beauty of a mother and father bonding with their baby, healing and thriving from birth, learning to meet their baby’s needs, and building the foundation of parenting brought hope and passion to my role as a postpartum doula. I'm thankful to have the opportunity to support and teach parents the biggest gift they can give their child, connection and meeting their needs!” Doula Kristin Hunzicker
“Having supported families through pregnancy and birth for the past 24 years, I am still amazed at all there is to learn. While I have a lot of technical, research-based knowledge, the thing that has really moved me over the past couple of years is the importance of emotional connection. Families come in all shapes and sizes, birth comes in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing that remains constant is that expecting parents want to feel seen and heard and supported in their personal choices. I learned years ago the phrase, “It’s not MY birth.” If parents have made decisions based on reliable information, I will support those decisions. But what I’ve learned recently is that it’s not always enough to think to myself, “I support you.” Some families need to hear the words out loud; they need to know that I’ve got their backs 100%. And this is a big part of that connection – knowing their doula will provide a safe space for them to begin their journey of learning to be new parents.” Doula Tracy Good
With Gratitude
To every family who trusted Nashville Doula Services in 2025, thank you. Thank you for inviting us into your birth spaces, your homes, and your stories. As we move further into this year, we do so with full hearts, deep gratitude, and a continued commitment to caring for families with the respect and presence they deserve.
With Gratitude,
Vicki
Some of our team at our annual Christmas dinner 2025.
A picture with Sherry, our Admin Coordinator. When you reach out to NDS you will most likely speak with Sherry or myself.
