Doula Ashley Cabrera

First-time mama.
Unmedicated to 10 cm.
10 lb 3 oz perfect boy.

Encouraged to consider induction because her baby was measuring big…instead of moving forward in fear, she chose to slow down, read the evidence, pray, and walk this out with trust day by day.

Until one of those days, as the sun went down, sure enough labor began. She labored beautifully and unmedicated all the way to complete, gave her body well deserved rest at 10 cm, and then pushed as she felt the urge to meet her 10 lb 3 oz baby with strength, patience, and maybe a little blissful shock (peep that awe struck face in the background)

So often, third trimester size estimates can be off by a pound or more and shouldn’t be treated as an absolute reason for induction in healthy mothers even if they were actually more accurate. Mama, have the information, and then listen to your spirit.

Every birth is unique.
Every baby is different.
And every mother deserves the space to make informed, supported decisions for her body and her baby.

Big babies can be born.
God is never surprised.

Being a doula is so personal. In the days leading up to I am praying and and dreaming with you for the experience you need. Each birth stays with me, and in the days that follow, the moments continue to resonate in my heart.

I’ve been blessed by this work, in ways I imagine I can’t fully comprehend here in this life, but as I’ve been reminded lately …there is a time to pour out and a time to be still.

In this season, I am stepping back to rest, be present with my family, and serve well the families I have already walked through birth with, along with the ones I am committed to and blessed to be with in 2026. 🥰

For the time being, I will be accepting repeat clients only.

Thank you for allowing me to hold your hand in some of the most sacred and vulnerable moments of your lives. It is a privilege I never take lightly.

It’s wild to think there was a time when husbands weren’t encouraged in birth spaces. The very person who loves her most was often asked to wait outside while she labored alone.

I’m so thankful we now have the privilege of witnessing something different at birth…husbands holding their wives, praying with them, encouraging them, and walking through each surge side by side.

It looks different for every couple, but God designed marriage to be a partnership: to carry burdens together, to support one another, and to help lead each other closer to Heaven through every sacrifice, until one day we experience the truest and fullest joy with Him.

In many ways, the journey of labor feels like a small reflection of the greater journey of marriage and life; the surrender, sacrifice, love, and trusting God through the hard moments until new life and joy are revealed.

And it just so happened to be revealed super cute with a ton of hair looking like his beautiful mama…but I’ll let her share that. 😍

📸: shared with permission as always

The other night I was asked to share a favorite labor affirmation for three of my Bible study sisters. When I closed my eyes, a flood of beautiful, positive phrases came to mind that I’ve heard so many times befor but I have a had time moving from my favorite “affirmation”…Jesus on the cross.

For some women, that image may feel too heavy for labor.But for others, it is exactly what we need in the hardest moments, to lift our eyes beyond ourselves and see the thorns, the blood, the outstretched arms… His labor of love for us.

In that place, we remember that suffering can hold so much purpose, that love can carry us further than fear,and that we are NEVER alone in the pain.

Some labors are really really HARD (and I’m sorry if I was remiss in reminding any of you that beforehand.)

Labor may actually break you…

Let it.
Let it open you.
Let it weaken you.
Let it bring you face to face with THE love that laid everything down for you.

And from that place, bring forth new life.

You CAN do hard things (that’s a solid one too.)

Join Sara and Sharon on March 24, 2026 @3:00 PM! Space is limited, so mark your calendar and reserve your place. We look forward to seeing you there!

“When preparing for the birth of our second son, I knew barring any medical emergencies—that a VBAC was attainable. However, my husband and I also knew how important it was to have someone in our corner who worked for us and our birth goals and wishes, rather than for the medical institution. We wanted someone who could assist with comfort measures and movement during labor, and who brought a wealth of birth knowledge to offer recommendations grounded in experience.

I knew that when the big day came, I would need someone to help me get out of my over-thinking brain and into limbic-system labor land. Decreasing adrenaline and increasing oxytocin would be key.

Doula Ashley with Doulas of Jacksonville helped me do exactly that. Ashley used her knowledge of breathing techniques, Hypnobabies, Spinning Babies, and physiology—along with her own faith—to help me stay cool, calm, and collected, centered on God’s plan for the birth of our son

With her virtual and hands-on guidance, I was able to labor at home as long as possible—arriving at the hospital with what felt like most of the heavy lifting in the rearview mirror. While my initial goal was an unmedicated birth, Ashley provided clear guidance on risks and benefits and helped us discern that an epidural at transition was what my body needed to rest and ultimately actualize the goal of a vaginal delivery

When the non-preferred words “Pitocin” and “vacuum assist” left providers’ mouths and entered our delivery room, Ashley helped me remain calm and confident in declining interventions, trusting my intuition, my body, and the Lord’s provision. I truly feel that without Ashley’s experience, comfort, and support, the course of our journey would have been significantly altered. In the words of my husband, “We are not having another baby without Ashley.” -K.R.

“I found Ashley while researching VBAC-friendly doulas, because I knew from the very beginning that a VBAC was what I wanted—even before she officially became my doula. From our very first conversations, she was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and generous with advice through text. Honestly, deciding to hire her was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Ashley was always available—whether by call or text—whenever I needed reassurance, answers, or support. When it came time for birth, it was truly a wild ride, and she was there through all of it. She stayed up with me through the night, helping me manage pain as my original plan was to go unmedicated. When I ultimately decided an epidural was the best choice for me, she was nothing but supportive and never once made me feel like any decision I made was the wrong one.

She helped me through countless positions when my baby did not want to come out, trusted my instincts when I knew he was coming, and advocated for me every step of the way. I’m so incredibly grateful to say we had a successful VBA2C—my absolute dream birth.

Ashley is now truly a friend for life. She still checks on me to this day and even brought me a delicious breakfast casserole after birth 🥹💛. I will forever be thankful for her and the role she played in helping bring my baby into this world.

You will not regret hiring Ashley.” -M.G.

I want you in that September or November spot 🥳. Rene was such a great midwife for me during my prenatals at the birth center! I know you will love her too!

Updated homebirth availability for 2026! 🤍✨

Visit www.coastalmidwiferycare.com to schedule a free consultation!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRPeXsYjkUt/?igsh=bWZwaG1keTB2OXQx

A. Got mamas that could be going into labor soon so afternoon coffee ain’t it…. B. Laborade > Gatorade C.Meal prepping chicken thighs Like a maniac lately. Chicken breasts are out 👋 for the foreseeable future.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRNRQObDmyt/?igsh=MWxiMTBtNDdjYWpydA==

I used the Mood Support everyday in my immediate postpartum and still use it seasonally 3.5 years later! This postnatal is more whole body recovery! I love that it has methylated folate and of course like everything else I’ve tried and loved it’s Third Party Tested🧐 and prayed over! 🥹 Who else loves Pink Stork?!🥰 #pinkstorkis10