ASHLEE BYRD
I’ve been a birth doula and the owner of Nested Oak since November of 2016. Since then I have served over 150 families through birth and feeding their babies. My passion for all things pregnancy, birth, and postpartum began during my own journey into motherhood. The more I prepared for birth, the bigger my passion grew. Like most stories in life, my son's birth didn't go exactly as planned. God did, however, completely transform the way I saw myself through it. I now find great joy in walking with other families through their own transformation stories as they grow their families.
I have a deep love for Jesus, my husband, our two children, family, and our community of friends and family. We are faithfully connected to a church in downtown OKC and love being a part of what God is doing in our city. In my free time, I’m usually with my family, community of friends, or painting.
My BIRTH PHILOSOPHY
Nested Oak was birthed out of a dream to see families thrive as they grow and expand.
It is my goal to help my clients feel prepared, respected, and confident; regardless of how their journey unfolds. Although the number one goal of birth is a healthy mama and healthy baby, i believe there is much more to the story. Birth is a transformative experience for the entire family and holds great value for the rest of your life. My hope is that with the addition of a doula to your birth team, you will begin or continue this marathon of raising children with strength, confidence, and loving support.
I do not believe there is a “one size fits all” best way to birth your baby. I do, however, believe in the importance of informed decision making and Agency along the way. I believe there is a time and place for medical intervention and technology in the context of evidence based care. I don’t believe birth is something to be feared. I do believe it can be a peaceful and joyful experience. Lastly, I deeply respect care-providers and I believe in the importance of a trustworthy and open partnership with whomever you choose to care for you and your growing family.
I support families in hospitals, birth centers, and at home.
Professional Education & Experience
I have been a birth doula since November 2016 and have had the honor of serving 160+ families.
Hospital Experience
Mercy
OU
Integris Canadian Valley
Integris Baptist
Lakeside Women’s Hospital
St. Anthony’s
AllianceHealth Midwest
St. John (Tulsa)
Integris Edmond
SSM Shawnee
Stillwater Medical Center
OSU Tulsa
St. Mary’s in Enid
Education and Training
November 2016: Attended Birth Doula training through Birth Boot Camp.
December 2016: Began mentorship program with Lauren Scarbrough, owner of Sparrow Song Birth Services.
May 2017: Completed mentorship program with Lauren Scarbrough, owner of Sparrow Song Birth Services.
April 2019: Attended the Building Bridges for Healthier Birth Outcomes Conference
December 2020: Evidence Based Birth VBAC course
January 2021: Began Certified Lactation Counselor course through Healthy Children’s Project.
July 2021: Certified as a Certified Lactation Counselor through The Academy of Lactation Practice and Policy.
January 2022: Renewed Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification through The American Red Cross
July 2023: Obtained Cross-Over Birth Doula Certification through Birth Arts International
September 2024: Recertification for Certified Lactation Counselor through The Academy of Lactation Practice and Policy.
Professional Experience
Hospital Birth
Home Birth
Birth Center
Induction
Birth via Cesarean Section (planned and unplanned/emergency)
Unmedicated Birth
Medicated Birth
Clients who have experienced previous abuse/trauma
Clients receiving care from OB/GYN, CPM, and CNM
High Risk
Twins
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean