I am really loving getting to know the Balanced Birth Support doulas! I continue to be in awe of their dedication not only to the birthing families that they work with, but also to their own families, community and the world around them.
Stephanie Capps is one of our North Carolina team members, providing doula and photography services to the families of Raleigh and the surrounding areas. As the mother of two young children, she left behind the corporate world to be a home with them and discovered a true passion for working with birthing families. In addition to being dedicated to her family and birth clients, Stephanie has found time to work with a local refugee family, providing them with essentials such as clothes and food as they settle into their lives in America.
Read on to learn some fun facts about Stephanie as well as how she came to be a birth worker.
Where were you born?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I currently live in Raleigh.
How long have you lived in the Raleigh area?
Three and a half years. I currently serve Raleigh-Durham, Cary, Apex and surrounding towns, and families delivering at Duke Regional, Duke, UNC, Wake Med, Baby and Co, and Women’s Birth and Wellness Center.
Tell me about the moment you wanted to be a doula.
I was pregnant with my second child and supporting my sister at her birth. I had never thought about being a doula, but was passionate about all things related to birth and babies. One of the nurses walked in and asked "oh, are you her doula?" and it was then that I realized I actually was! From then on I knew that was what I was supposed to be doing!
Are you a birth or postpartum doula? Or both? Why?
At this point in my life, I can only commit to attending births and supporting pregnant women during labor. Since I have 2 young kids myself, I can't figure out the logistics of the postpartum doula life, but it is definitely on my radar for the future.
What is your favorite book/author/movie/band? Why?
Unfortunately, I am not much of a reader (unless I have to!) But I love documentaries, movies, and music! My current favorite band is Birdtalker. Their music is filled with truth and it sounds awesome. My favorite movie is Baby Mama. It makes me laugh and of course is about pregnancy, so it makes sense!
What are some organizations that are near and dear to you? Do you do any volunteer or charity work?
So something that seems really hard about this season of my life is that being a stay at home mom with small kids limits my time, availability, and energy to give. I haven't had the opportunity to find a place to volunteer regularly yet. I am very passionate about social justice and am currently working with a Syrian refugee family that lives in my neighborhood. With the help of some friends from church, we have been able to provide them with some basic necessities, while also building community and helping them adjust to American culture.
Do you have any favorite quotes or poems?
"None of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
--Mother Teresa
Do you have any useless talents?
I can do quite a few tricks on the trampoline. Last time I tried, I did a standing backflip. I feel like that is pretty impressive for a 30 year old. Also, completely useless!
What do you like to do in a your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
I love shopping at thrift stores or yard sales. And also finding junk for cheap and making it useful.
If you could have an all-expenses paid trip to see any famous world monument, which monument would you choose?
I studied Religion in college and have a background in Hebrew, so I could say a trip to the Holy Land would be awesome!
What would you like your doula clients to know about you?
I am a down-to-earth lady that wants to support YOU and your desires for birth.
What do you hope to bring to a birth?
I hope to be able to provide my clients with a safe place. I want them to feel like they are surrounded with people who are FOR them and on their team.
What do you like best about being a doula?
My favorite part about being a doula is watching the moments where a husband and wife transition into mother and father.
What do you wish that more people knew about birth or pregnancy?
I wish that more people realized that they have options. Regardless of the town or hospital, we can always find an option that best suits mom's wishes.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
POWERFUL WOMEN, aka ALL WOMEN
Who do you look up to or idolize?
My grandma. She is the kind of lady that sews her own clothes, grows her own food, and reuses aluminum foil. She is practical and ethical, because it makes sense.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Teleportation. It would make attending births in other states a little easier!
To learn even more about Stephanie, visit her Balanced Birth Support profile page! Have you worked with Stephanie? Leave some love for her in the comments sections!
