Community Highlights: Meet Koryn Holden of Koryn Holden Doula Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Koryn Holden.

Hi Koryn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Colorado native and trained as a Petroleum Engineer. However, after the birth of my first child in 2018, I felt a strong calling to shift my career focus from the oilfield to supporting women, especially during the perinatal period.

In the spring of 2020, I completed my 200-hour Certified Professional Doula training with Allo Doula Academy. Afterward, I took time to enjoy my growing family and was pregnant with my second child. During this period, we moved from Wheat Ridge to Pueblo to be closer to family.

By the spring of 2021, I began my career as a doula in Southern Colorado. A year later, in spring 2022, I partnered with a local doula to establish the Southern Colorado Doula Collective. Our mission is to provide support to families during the perinatal period and to support fellow birth workers in the area. We organize various community activities, including a monthly Mom Group, breastfeeding support groups, childbirth education sessions, and an annual Mother’s Day event to bring the community together. Since its inception, our collective has grown to 13 members spread across Southern Colorado.

In my personal business, my goal is to support clients as they transition into motherhood. I offer personalized support, encouragement, and education to ensure a positive birth experience for women and their families.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Navigating the journey of growing my business while raising a family has definitely had its challenges. Birth work demands a significant amount of time and emotional energy. Being on call for two weeks before and after a woman’s due date means making substantial sacrifices, not just for myself but also for my family. The unpredictability of birth schedules requires a high level of flexibility, which can be particularly challenging when balancing family commitments.

One of the biggest struggles has been managing time effectively. There are moments when my responsibilities as a doula and a mother collide, requiring careful prioritization and support. The emotional toll of birth work can also be intense; supporting women through such a profound experience requires deep empathy and resilience, which can be draining.

Despite these challenges, I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my husband and family. Their understanding and assistance have been crucial in allowing me to pursue my passion. My husband’s encouragement and the willingness of extended family to step in when needed have provided a strong foundation for me to build my business.

Additionally, moving to Pueblo to be closer to family has proven to be a beneficial decision. It has provided a support network that helps me balance my professional and personal life. This transition period also allowed me to focus on establishing my business while ensuring my children were well cared for.

Overall, while the road has not been entirely smooth, the support from my family and the satisfaction of helping women through such a transformative time in their lives make it all worthwhile. Each challenge has been an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally, and I am committed to continuing this journey with passion and dedication.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Koryn Holden Doula Services?
Koryn Holden Doula Services was created with the mission of helping women feel prepared and empowered on their journey into motherhood. I consider it a true privilege to guide and walk alongside women during this sacred time, and I take this responsibility very seriously.

I specialize in birth doula support, providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and delivery. I also offer childbirth education classes to equip expectant parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate childbirth and make informed decisions. Additionally, I provide bengkung belly binding, a traditional practice that supports postpartum healing and provides physical comfort to new mothers.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach. I am known for providing both community and evidence-based resources to my clients, ensuring they and their partners can make the best choices for their families. I strive to go above and beyond to make my clients feel supported and cared for. This is such a special time in their lives, and I want them to know that while it can be challenging, they are fully capable and not alone in this journey.

Professionalism is a cornerstone of my practice. I work collaboratively with other healthcare providers across all birth locations, whether at home, in birthing centers, or hospitals. This teamwork ensures a cohesive and supportive environment for the families I serve, which is crucial for a positive birth experience.

I’m particularly proud of being able to provide these essential services to families in Southern Colorado. Forming the Southern Colorado Doula Collective with fellow doulas has been a significant achievement, allowing us to extend our support network and foster a strong community of birth workers and families.

In summary, Koryn Holden Doula Services is dedicated to supporting women and their families through personalized care, encouragement, and education. We are here to help them navigate the journey into motherhood with confidence and strength.

How do you define success?
For me, success is defined by the positive impact I can make on the lives of the families I support. When I see a mother feeling confident and empowered during her birth experience, knowing that she has the resources and support she needs, that’s success. It’s about providing personalized care and witnessing the strength and resilience of women as they transition into motherhood.

Success also means fostering a strong sense of community. Through the Southern Colorado Doula Collective, we’ve created a network where families can find support, education, and connection. Seeing this community grow and knowing that we’re making a difference in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.

On a personal level, success is about balance—being able to nurture my family while also growing my business. It’s challenging to navigate both, but when I see my children happy and thriving, and my clients feeling supported and empowered, I know I’m on the right path.

Ultimately, success is measured by the satisfaction and well-being of the families I work with, the strength of the community we’ve built, and the ability to maintain a fulfilling balance between my professional and personal life.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://korynholdenservices.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khdoula/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khdoula

Image Credits
Chanel Photography

 

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