Kat Stangler

CD(DONA) | CCE | FSD | MAMA

I was called to doula work well before I had children of my own. In 2018, I moved to the Pacific Northwest to live with my sister during her first pregnancy. Being present during her labor and childbirth ignited a profound desire within me. Bearing witness to the incredible strength, resilience, and wonder of childbirth sparked a total “ah-ha moment” and I knew this is what I was called to do.

The raw and unfiltered truths of pregnancy and childbirth is what ultimately drew me in, and has kept me in this line of work. This calling is not just about assistance; it’s about creating a space where each individual feels empowered and celebrated.

As a full-spectrum doula, I understand the deeply personal and diverse pathways that everyone takes on their journey to childbirth.

I have been privileged to work with over 75 families, including those expecting their first child, single parents, high-risk pregnancies, IVF pregnancies, water births and many other avenues to birth.

Each family has reinforced my passion for advocacy, guidance, and creating a calm and nurturing environment for birthing parents.

Training & Special Interests

Education & Certifications:

  • BA in Philosophy & Religious Studies – Hamline University, 2017

  • Full-Spectrum Doula Training (FSD) – Doula Trainings International, 2020

  • Certified Childbirth Educator (CCE) – Doula Trainings International, 2022

  • Certified Birth Doula (CD) – DONA International, April 2024

  • Current Member of the Childbirth Collective

Special Interests & Approach:

  • Transforming Birth Mindset & Dispelling Fears (Birthing From Within)

  • Advanced Coping Techniques for Labor Sensations

  • Optimal Fetal Positioning & Body Mechanics for Labor Progression

  • Evidence-Based Informed Decision Making

  • Trauma-Informed & Holistic Birth Care

  • High-Risk & Special Circumstances (ART Techniques, Inductions, VBAC’s, Plus Size, Over 40 & Much More)

  • The Golden Hour, Lactation Support, and Hormonal Balance Postpartum

A Letter To You…

Like every parent, my journey to birth was deeply personal and unique. For a decade, I was told I couldn’t conceive. So, I took a hard left and veered towards travel, adventure and spontaneity.

After college, I was rocking van-life for years, traveling from state to state until something unexpected happened…

I shockingly became pregnant with my daughter, and everything changed.

It was the middle of the first lockdown in March of 2020 when I found out the news. My partner at the time was overseas and stuck in his country because of the travel ban.

Like so many others, six-feet, masks, uncertainty, separation, isolation, vulnerability, and fear overtook what was supposed to be a magical time for me.

I was already a doula at this point, but experiencing pregnancy first-hand allowed me to truly understand the range of emotions and sensations that come with this time.

Since then, I have given birth to my two beautiful children, coming out stronger and with a purpose.

Through it all, I’ve learned that the most profound adventures often come when we least expect them, and that the journey, with all its twists and turns, is where we find our true selves.

And while I keep my personal journey separate from the support I give, it’s the universal truth that each persons experience to parenthood deserves connection, compassion and support is what drives my passion.

No matter how your journey to pregnancy begins or how your birth story unfolds, I will stand in awe of the strength and resilience within you, holding space for you every step of the way.

<3 Doula Kat

Outside of birthwork, I run on espresso. You’ll often find me hiding out at local coffee shops, dreaming, scheming, and sipping on quad shot lattes.

I have a deep passion for travel, especially when it involves adventure on trails, in a sea kayak, or simply getting happily lost in a new place. While I often daydream about future trips once my kids are older, right now, I cherish exploring the world through their eyes (3 & 4 years old).

A true lover of music, I’m always up for concerts, festivals, or just starting my day with a favorite record spinning. You might even catch me at karaoke, belting out some Stevie Nicks—because why not?

I live by the belief that laughter is the best medicine and there’s nothing a touch of humor can’t get me through. If you share this perspective, we’ll get along just fine.

"Kat is supportive, compassionate, intuitive, kind and incredibly knowledgeable. She was an invaluable part of our postpartum journey and taught us so much. She was exactly what we needed in order to feel empowered as new parents." - Lauren B.