Meet your night doula.
I decided to become a doula when I realized nurturing people could actually be a full-time career. After years working as a teacher and part-time caregiver, I came to understand that the part of my work I truly loved was looking out for the needs of others and offering support, while recognizing and honoring the uniqueness of every person. I believe this is the most meaningful work one could do.
During the birth of my son I was also very grateful to have the support of a doula in that magical but uncertain time, and this sparked my interest in that field. So I finally decided to begin my doula training at Bastyr University, and it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I feel very fortunate to help new families adjust to parenthood. As a parent of a highly imaginative, creative child (now young adult), I know firsthand how important nurturing, nonjudgmental, empathic support is — and how hard it can be to find. I had to learn to become and embody the support I needed most as a parent, my heart expanding exponentially, and this now carries over into my doula practice.
I grew up in Louisiana, graduated from art school, earned my master’s in art education, became a teacher and a mother. Now I am settled very happily in the lovely coastal town of Bellingham. When I’m not supporting families, you’ll usually find me painting, but I also love hiking, talking to my plants, or reading a good book with a cup of tea.
Kim Overton
Education
DONA International Postpartum Doula Training; Simkin Center, Bastyr University
Home Care Aid Training; WA DSHS
M.S., Art Education; Florida State University
B.F.A., Painting; Rhode Island School of Design
Certification
DONA International (in progress)
Northwest Association for Perinatal Support /NAPS (in progress)
Infant and Child First Aid/CPR, American Red Cross
Home Care Aid, WA DSHS