Thank you so much for your interest in our company and our fine staff of Birth & Postpartum Doulas! By way of introduction, please allow Mother’s Care to share a bit about the Birth Doula care provider you are considering to assist you during your pregnancy, labor, birth and/or the postpartum period.

Kandra was born in Washington State, raised in British Columbia, Canada and ‘grew up’ in Tanzania. During her late teens, she moved back to the midwest, and where she lived for several years until moving to South Florida.  Her journey towards becoming a Doula was what some might think to be “non-traditional”.  Her previous work history was in the service industry.  After moving back from Africa she joined the team at Starbucks Coffee where she diligently served the coffee loving community for 10 years.  (We, as lovers of all things coffee-related, love this about her!)  Her heart of service helped her at work but also laid the foundation to explore more and use her talents where she felt she could make a greater impact.  

After a close friend became pregnant and had an unfortunate experience with the Doula she hired, Kandra knew that her friend deserved a better, more positive labor and birth.  In fact, all women do! Having a Doula should help you achieve that goal, not detract from it.  Kandra shares,  “That [experience] led me to my own realization that no woman should have to face birth with a cloud of fear hanging over the room.  I strongly believe that no birth experience should be shrouded by fear.  Many times, the ‘horror’ stories of all the things that went wrong are spoken of or shared first and very rarely are the beautiful births shared or passed on. I view my role as a doula [is] to make sure that this birth experience is one that is viewed with positivity and cherished, no matter the setting, no matter if medicated or unmedicated”. She strongly feels that she is not there to “be the voice of the birthing mother and speak for her; rather, I simply want to educate and give her the tools needed for her to speak and let her voice be heard”. 

Kandra is a DONA International Certified Doula.  As a Birth Doula, she has been providing prenatal preparation, labor and birth support, post-birth maternal recovery education, guidance and instruction on infant care and breastfeeding/infant feeding basics. She has assisted clients in various birth settings and is one of our “HydroDoulas” who provides guidance and information on the use of water immersion during labor and / or water birth adding other tools like aromatherapy and MCs HydroDoula© Labor Pool!).  Kandra uses tools and methods such as the birth ball, massage, counter pressure, partner support and much more.

For clients experiencing a medical induction of labor and/or the use of pain medications Kandra states, “My ‘tools’ may change, but my role as a doula is to offer support throughout the birth experience, so maybe the support would change from a more physical aspect to that of mental and emotional support”.  Mother’s Care has seen the amazing growth Kandra has had as a Doula.  Her experiences as a Doula has also meant that she has shared birth stories with clients who have presented very severe and complicated outcomes.  These experiences have provided unique opportunities to observe what challenges can be presented in the birth setting and how to overcome them mentally and emotionally and recuperate from a traumatic birth experience. Kandra shines in providing a non-judgmental, listening and supportive ear to her clients and focuses on helping you reach your birth goals in order to reduce the chances of a negative birth experience and outcome.

Need a Birth Doula who has knowledge and training on comfort measures and strategies for labor?  Kandra is also one of MCs Prenatal Comfort & Relaxation Techniques Educators!  Kandra takes part in teaching various strategies for labor and birth for couples birthing in Memorial West Hospital.  If you attend any classes at Memorial West in Pembroke Pines, you may get to experience and benefit from the wealth of knowledge she shares during Childbirth Education courses.  Kandra’s input provides comprehensive information, demonstration and hands-on techniques parents who attend the classes will learn. Her segment focuses on teaching non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, breathing and deep relaxation, birthing positions and techniques and much more!  For those who plan to utilize pain medication, Kandra provides up-to-date, evidence-based information on positioning strategies that can be used when laboring and birth with pain medication. Her ability to help you be prepared for your birth doesn’t stop there!  Kandra also teaches MCs own, “Fear-Less Childbirth”© .  This 5-class series was created to meet the needs of mothers and their partners who express a higher than normal level of anxiety, stress or fear surrounding childbirth than what most consider to be “normal fear” related to giving birth. This class will help you discover what fears and concerns you may have, how that fear can be safely addressed and managed all while teaching you simple techniques that can help to create an environment of calm, peace and joy during the birth process.

After working as a Birth Doula, offering postpartum care was a natural progression for Kandra so she added to the services she provides by including Postpartum Doula assistance.  As a mother of her own smaller children, Kandra recognizes the important connection between the birth and postpartum transition.  She is knowledgeable and provides all manners of newborn care as a Postpartum Doula.  She is also able to assist new mothers with their physical and emotional recovery after the birth by providing evidence-based guidance, tips and advice on recovery measures and more! Combining her experiences as a breastfeeding and pumping mother, along with being a trained professional, she is able to assist her clients with breastfeeding, pumping and support of bottle fed infants who drink either formula or breastmilk.  Kandra is able to offer instruction and information on formula use and safety if you choose formula/bottle feed so you get the most updated, evidence-based information.  Kandra helps clients understand night routines, infant calming and soothing techniques and so much more!

It was through her work as a Birth and Postpartum Doula that led Kandra to pursue and complete Certification as one of MCs Certified Breastfeeding Specialists.  In 2023 she embarked on the coursework that would prepare her to learn, “how to best help other moms”. She received her Certification as an MC & LER Certified Breastfeeding Specialist.  Her training and certification allows her to teach moms who are nursing proper feeding and latch-on techniques and address the common challenges that might arise when nursing an infant so they can be corrected or avoided.  Along with the fundamentals of breastfeeding, Kandra is able to provide guidance and assistance related to hand-expression, pumping and breastmilk collection and storage.

On a personal note, Kandra and her husband are very involved in their local church and share a love for children and family. A few years ago they opened their hearts and home to become foster parents, caring for many over several years then adopting one before their first child was born. Their family has since expanded to include a total of 4 beautiful children. “As a foster mom I have learned great empathy towards all walks of life.  Birth and parenthood don’t have to be this scary thing that happens before a child enters the world. It can be an absolutely calm and serene life changing moment, while finding what you are truly capable of”. Kandra is kind, caring and has an amazing sense of humor.  “When I’m not chasing babies (my own or otherwise), I love to read and share classic “dad jokes”.  I LIVE to make my husband crack a smile at my corny jokes!”

We are pleased that Kandra will share in your birth and/or postpartum experience! We promise her confidence and expertise will prove to be invaluable during your pregnancy, labor, birth and when you have your baby home with you!  Thank you for considering Mother’s Care to serve your family!

Kandra’s Favorite Scripture/Quote:

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”  Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT