​​Karen has a true love for helping expectant and new mothers and their loved ones. As soon as you meet her, you will see that she pours everything she can into the lives of those she serves. When you work with Karen, expect to find a life-long friend. She spends many hours researching and gaining knowledge concerning birth-related topics and wants to share her knowledge with you. Her specialized training includes: attending a Spinning Babies Workshop, CPR Certification, Neonatal Resuscitation Certification, a class in Craniosacral Therapy (a form of light touch body work), study of homeopathic remedies and more. She is also constantly learning and knows that each one of her clients have things to teach her as well. She wants to help you achieve your goals to have the best birth possible and be prepared for parenthood. It's your birth, you get to decide what matters the most to you so you can have the birth you choose. Doulas do not take the place of your partner, but give your partner great ways to be apart of your birth. Doulas help facilitate a very bonding experience for both of you!

Karen lives in Shelby with her family including her wonderful husband and 4 fabulous children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and the great outdoors. She also volunteers her time with local ministries including Community Bible Study and at her church. 
Karen attends hospital births within an hour of Shelby as well as birthing centers in Statesville, Asheville, Spartanburg and Greenville. She will also attend home births within an hour of Shelby NC.
Karen has experience with low to high-risk pregnancies, belly births (cesareans), medicated and natural births. She also has experience with pregnancy loss and premature births. Every expectant family can benefit from the presence, support and knowledge a doula provides! Families will find extra comfort in knowing their doula is a trained Registered Nurse with past NICU experience.

Karen is certified through Birth Arts International. The world needs more doulas! If you would like to learn more about the training programs they offer, visit www.birtharts.net

​My name is Renata Hale and I am a mom and guardian to four children. 
I became a doula not long after I endured my long, natural labor at a birthing center. It was very strenuous and I couldn’t have done it if I didn’t have my supportive birth team (my doula, midwive, and partner). After realizing how much a doula does and how necessary they are, that’s when I started my training. I wanted to be able to help someone, the way my doula helped me.
I see every pregnancy and birth as a miracle. Birth is sacred and it is a natural process that we were made to do. So I strive to make sure you feel confident, to help reduce stress, and that you are making informed choices for you. 
I feel it is a complete honor to help gestating parents through their journey into becoming a parent, whether it’s the first or last time. I will support you no matter what you choose, it is your birth, your way.
  
Renata offers Postpartum Belly Binding Services in addition to Birth Doula Services. Belly Binding Services include:
● I will come and show you how to wrap yourself.  
● Wrap materials  
● Instructional video so you can wrap yourself.  
● Warming paste to enhance healing (if desired).  
Areas/hospitals served: 
*I serve all hospitals, home births, and birthing center births within a two hour range of Clover, SC.  
Trainings/Certifications: 
* Birth doula training through Birth Arts International.  
* Bengkung Belly Binding training through Learn to Belly Bind