Supporting Women and Families

Empowering Your Birth Journey

All About Sacred Beginnings Doula

Meet Your Doula

Lydia Ratcliffe

Everything pregnancy, birth, labor, and babies has been the biggest passion of my life, and it would be an honor to hold space for you during this sacred time in your life.

I am born and raised in Noblesville, Indiana and come from a large family. Growing up as the oldest of 4 I spent a lot of my time caring for my younger siblings, which sparked my love for all things pregnancy and babies

I have two Blue Russian cats, Geo and Blue. In my free time I enjoy baking sourdough bread, gardening, spending time with my fiancé, and embroidering.

I have a degree in Community Health from Indiana University Bloomington. Before becoming a doula I was an in-home caregiver, and then a Patient Care Technician at Bloomington Hospital.

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is someone who is trained in labor support that stays with you for the entirety of your labor, delivery, and a few hours postpartum. They attend births wherever the birthing person feels most safe: hospital birth, birthing center birth, or home birth. A birth doula can provide support to you emotionally, mentally, and physically before, during, and after labor and delivery. Doulas are there to advocate for your wants and needs during birth, and to help make sure you are heard by the rest of your birthing team. Not only are doulas beneficial to the birthing person, but also to their partner.

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula is someone who is trained in postpartum support for both mother and baby. Postpartum doulas are trained in the healing process post vaginal birth and cesarean section birth. They are trained in lactation support, and are up to date on safe sleep guidelines. They act as a guide to help parents learn how to care for their new baby, and help the birthing person through their recovery. Postpartum doulas can help with light house work, caring for the baby, making snacks for the birthing person, and encouraging fluid intake. A postpartum doula is going to encourage you to take the rest you need to recover, and is a trusted person to care for your baby while you do so.