Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Contreras.
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a Birth Doula, Birth Photographer, and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist. My husband and I have three daughters. They were all born in Santa Barbara, CA. I had a wonderful birth doula that supported us for all three of our births. I specifically remember walking through our neighborhood (in Santa Barbara) while in labor asking my doula how I could support other families like she had done for us. We moved to Colorado soon after I had our third baby in 2018. I looked into doula certification programs and landed on a training through DONA International. Soon after completing my training, I attended my first birth as a doula. I was hooked! I felt like I had finally found my calling. From the very first birth, I brought a camera with me so I could offer the family little keepsakes and capture fleeting moments. I loved the art and beauty of birth so much. I continued to learn and grow in my photography (the sky is the limit!) and LOVE that I have the opportunity to tell the story in photos. It is truly an honor to be invited into this sacred space. I document sweet moments of the families together, their first meeting, details of the birthers strength and what it took to meet their baby, and capturing the first couple hours of life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first started out as a birth doula, we were still getting acquainted with our new town. No one knew who I was and what I had to offer. Starting out and trying to get my name out there was harder than I thought it was going to be.
I also had young children at home, so we had to figure out how many clients I could take at a time and still have time to be with my family. As a birth doula, I am potentially on-call 24/7, so figuring out the work/ life balance was tricky.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Birth Doula, Birth Photographer, and Placenta Encapsulation Specialist with a deep passion for supporting families through one of life’s most powerful experiences. Birth work is ever-evolving, and I love continuing to learn. I’ve completed trainings like Spinning Babies® and am a Body Ready Method Pro. I remain committed to ongoing education so I can provide the best possible care for the families I serve.
What makes my work unique is how I weave these roles together. I offer physical, emotional, informational, and advocacy support while also documenting the birth story through photography—moving between these roles seamlessly, almost like a dance. This allows families to receive both the guidance and support they need in the moment, as well as the timeless images that preserve those once-in-a-lifetime memories.
I’m known for creating a joyful, lighthearted, and friendly presence in the birth space, while also being hard-working, dependable, and inclusive. Families often tell me that my ability to bring both calm support and uplifting energy helps them feel at ease and fully cared for. My faith is also an important part of who I am, and many families are drawn to the grounding and compassionate way it shapes how I serve.
In addition to my doula and photography services, I specialize in placenta encapsulation. Many of the families I support during birth also choose to include this service as part of their postpartum recovery, but I am often hired solely for encapsulation as well. Local doulas who don’t offer this option frequently refer their clients to me, trusting that I will provide safe, professional, and thoughtful care during this important stage.
At the heart of it all, my goal is to hold space with compassion, empower families with knowledge, and beautifully capture the strength, love, and connection found in birth no matter where (Hospital, birth center, or home) or how they decide to birth.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my education and training so I can bring the most up-to-date, holistic, and effective support to the families I serve. Birth work is always evolving, and I am committed to growing alongside it—through advanced trainings, mentorship, and new certifications. In addition to serving families, I also host monthly coffee meetups for doulas and birth photographers in the Denver area, creating space for connection, encouragement, and growth. I love mentoring and cheering on doulas and birth photographers, and I am passionate about fostering a culture of “Community Over Competition.” I look forward to continuing to serve this community with compassion, collaboration, and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MyDoulaKelly.com
- Instagram: @MyDoulaKelly
- Facebook: MyDoulaKelly
