hello, I’m Karissa

Hi Friend! Welcome to A Village - Family Doula Services. My name is Karissa Handley and I am a DONA International trained Postpartum Doula working towards certification. I am an Iowa native with an eight-year life tour in Cincinnati, OH. I love salt and vinegar chips and Root Beer flavored Zevia. I consider my biological time clock to be about 15 minutes later than everyone else’s and frequently remember that giving myself grace is often some of the best medicine.

I am beyond blessed to have birthed four children. I am continually floored by the power of a woman’s body and what it can do. From my own postpartum experiences, I became aware of the oversight of families once they welcome home a new baby. “Exactly who is advocating for women and their families so they can feel successful?”

I first found an “itch” and was drawn to the wellbeing of women and specifically pregnant or newly postpartum women in 2019. I considered doula work, but I put that dream on the backburner while I worked in Corporate America. During that time, I started a company-wide wellness group to help support women, specifically for expecting mothers. We updated handbook policies, lactation rooms, coached managers of expecting women, we brought in speakers to talk about postpartum depression & worked with local diaper banks… WE DID A LOT! But I still dreamed of doula work.

I had a lifechanging 2024 and shortly after welcoming my fourth baby, I decided to take a look at that 2019 dream and make it a reality. What a blessing from God to be able to pursue this dream!

Together, I look forward to partnering with you, to help you reach your full parenting potential.

The Fourth Trimester

The Fourth Trimester is a term that refers to the 12-week period after a mother delivers her baby. What a vulnerable time. It is hard to describe to someone who has not yet experienced birth and postpartum and it can sometimes be painful to look back on past postpartum experiences. It can be particularly difficult if you feel like you are missing out on “your village” or don’t know how to summon them. Learn more about the benefits of having a doula postpartum and my approach below.

My Approach

  • I will help provide evidence-based information and support. This may look like soothing techniques, lactation support, bottle-feeding support, education on newborn behavior or postpartum recovery expectations.

    If we encounter a situation that requires attention, I will make a referral for you so you can get the help that you need.

  • My role as a postpartum doula is to provide emotional support, actively listen and encouragement the new mom and family. After all, you as the parent know best what is best for your baby - but sometimes with the lack of sleep and raging hormones parents can feel doubt and insecure about their parenting choices.

  • It takes a village to raise a baby, so let’s make sure your days go more smoothly! I can help with the baby’s laundry, dishes, pump part sanitation, light meal prep to ensure you get nourishing meals, or help you organize or restock baby areas, so you are set up for success.

  • Already have kiddos at home or other integration hurdles? No problem. Let’s make sure they feel included as well. My job is to help the entire family adjust and settle in.