Welcome

Hey there! I'm Marie Engler, mama of two (Olive & Maxwell). With my first born, Olive, I wanted to have a non-medicated birth at home, but my husband & I settled on giving birth at a birth center (since it was my first birth). I had an insane labor experience that ultimately ended up with me giving birth in my bathroom.  Luckily, my husband & doula were there, but Olive made her appearance before my midwife or the paramedics had arrived. This experience was incredible & not only solidified the idea that it was time to change careers, but it also ensured that I would make it my mission to inform, support & love on soon-to-be mamas & their families during this magical time.

Luckily with my second child, Maxwell, I was able to have a planned home birth with my midwife and doula present.  It was such an incredible, positive experience and I would love to help other women have similar experiences.

I went to college to become a teacher & was super passionate about it, but after giving birth to Olive, I wanted to be able to be home more & watch her grow. After that wild birth experience, I knew becoming a doula and educating mamas was what I was meant to do. I want women to feel empowered & informed in their choices during pregnancy, labor, & as they move into motherhood. That is why I created Olive Doula Services.

Hi there! I’m Krista Smudde, mama to one sweet baby girl, Mckinnon. I always envisioned a natural birth and pregnancy for myself. I started researching evidence-based practices supported in the natural birth community and that research consistently encouraged the support of a doula. I am grateful to have had a beautiful birth experience at the birth center with my Midwife, birth assistant, and husband by my side. While my doula wasn’t present for my birth, she offered virtual services to me throughout my entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey - her name was Marie Engler. My personal birth experience paired with my passion to foster a community that empowers women in their birth experience, confirmed my need to become a doula. I dove into my certifications to become a birth and postpartum doula and breastfeeding counselor. Now I have the pleasure of being partners with someone equally as passionate about empowering mamas as I am. I’m so thrilled to be part of the Olive Doula Services team and supporting our mission to empower and inform women in their choices during pregnancy, labor, and as they move into motherhood.