Professional History

I came to this work of supporting families through the birth of my son in 2001. I took my first doula training in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That same year and began attending births. I became a certified childbirth educator in 2005. In 2006 I attended a DONA Postpartum Doula training. I worked with the Center for the Childbearing year teaching childbirth education, newborn infant care and DONA Birth Doula Trainings 2005-2011. I worked with Doulas Care in Ann Arbor in 2011-2014. Over the years I have also worked as a home birth midwife assistant. Two friends and I published a zine about childbirth called The Birth Project 2005-2010. I am Rebozo certified. I am also a 2003 graduate of the Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy and spent 15 years specializing in pregnancy and postpartum.

I now teach DONA Birth Doula Trainings in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area. I have also taught DONA Birth Doula Trainings in Detroit for the CHASS Clinic, FOCUShope, at the American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS) and with an HIV Peer Doula Program and am looking forward to working with more non-profit organizations in Detroit and surrounding areas. I also teach DONA Birth Doula trainings in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I am a co-founder of the Michigan Prison Doula Initiative (MPDI) a nonprofit organization that offers non-medical pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support to individuals affected by incarceration. Our Vision is "humanity in childbirth behind bars and beyond".

Outside of Birth Work

I am mom to two amazing adults. I live in Ypsilanti near Depot Town. I love to cook, kayak, hike, travelling and generally just be outdoors.

I have recently discovered my love of writing as a form of processing through my journey with stage IV cancer and spend my free time exploring this form of expression. I have been able to translate much of my career as a patient advocate in childbirth to my personal health journey. I am working on expanding my support offerings to people impacted by cancer and other life altering diagnosis.

In my down time like to put my degree in Fine Arts to use making small sculptures and jewelry. I have a workshop in my house that I love to escape to, usually to make random gifts for others.

I hope to meet you soon!
Kate Stroud CD(DONA,BDT(DONA)