Now accepting Illinois Medicaid
Aetna Better Health | MERIDIAN

walking through birth, postpartum
and motherhood, together.

doula services for STL Metroeast area

© Kristen Gaither. All rights reserved.

About

After birthing my second daughter, I was left with an unshakable desire to pursue birth work and help women replace fear with confidence, empowerment, and peace in the birth process.Why Nesting Collective?
In the book of Genesis, the Spirit "brooded" over the unformed universe like a mother bird over her nest, ready to stir up life. We see this same sacredness at each birth and are convinced there is nothing quite like the moment new life comes forth.
The word collective reflects our aspiration to have many doulas serving our community (gotta start somewhere!), but also expresses our desire to surround you so you never feel alone on this journey. It also honors the strength, beauty, and intuition of the collective of mothers that have birthed before us.We would be so honored to help you prepare for this extraordinary time and walk alongside you every step of the way.Training and Certifications
June 2021 - Certified Doula (full-spectrum, culturally congruent) - Jamaa Birth Village
March 2024 - Certified Birth Doula
- Childbirth International
Oct 2025 - IL Medicaid Certified Doula

SERVICES

Prenatal Birth PrepOur doula would love to connect with you at any point in your pregnancy. We spend the pregnancy building a trusting relationship through an orientation meeting followed by 2 prenatal visits that will help you feel prepared and confident heading into labor, birth, and postpartum.During these visits we focus on:
- emotional, physical, and spiritual check-ins
- getting to know your history, lifestyle, & strengths
- exploration of birth goals, concerns, & desires
- birth & postpartum plan creation
evidence-based information on childbirth, coping & comfort measures, common interventions, & patient rights
- partner/birth team preparation
- ongoing phone & text support
Labor & Birth SupportWhen you choose to have us attend your birth, we will be on call starting at 37 weeks and meet you where you need support laboring. We provide continuous labor support, comfort measures, work alongside your primary birth partner & care providers, and intercede in prayer throughout labor. We also act as the "keeper of the space" ensuring the environment remains calm and the care reflects your birth preferences, informed choice, and intuition as much as possible. We will stay with you 1-2 hours after baby is born or until you feel comfortable and are ready for some family-only bonding time. We will also do an in-home postpartum visit within the first two weeks to wrap up our time together. This in-home visit incudes:
check-in with you & baby
remembering & processing your birth, talking through anything that has come up postpartum & sharing resources that may be helpful.
Daytime Postpartum Services
Daytime Shift Options:
Tuesday-Friday | 8:30a-12:30p or 4:00p-8p
1-2 shifts per week, 4 hr-shifts
Morning Shift Focus:
- Emotional/recovery check-ins and resource referrals for Mom
- Newborn care concerns (soothing, sleep, feeding, etc.)
⁃ Caring for baby while Mom rests
⁃ Light Housework (picking up, laundry, trash, dishes, vacuuming, etc.)
⁃ Light meal prep
Evening Shift Focus:
⁃ Bring dinner
- Help you prep and organize for the evening

Pricing

Nesting Package ($950)This includes all the above services: 3 prenatal visits, labor & birth attendance, and 1 postpartum visit. If you decide to hire us, you'll pay $300 of the fee as a deposit at the time of signing our contract and the remainder by 37 weeks gestation.

Prenatal Only ($300)This includes an orientation and two prenatal care sessions to prepare your birth & postpartum plans, receive birth education resources, and practice with your team. If you decide to hire us, you'll pay $100 of the fee as a deposit at the time of signing our contract and the remainder by your second prenatal appointment.

Postpartum Only ($30/hr ($120/shift)- Payment for the week due upon receipt on Fridays upon completion of that week’s services, schedule on Sundays for the week.
- Deposit - $60 to schedule first shift (50% of first 4-hr shift)

InsuranceKristen Gaither is Medicaid Certified and can currently accept Illinois Medicaid plans through BCBSIL, Meridian, and Aetna.

Connect with our doula

KIND WORDS

"Kristen was exactly the labor support that I needed for my home birth. She was my third doula (3rd baby), so I had learned what I was looking for in a doula. Kristen was exactly the doula that I needed! She was so kind, thoughtful, and respectful in her approach. The prep she included before birth was more thorough than I had experienced, and it really prepared her for how to best support me before and during labor. At the end of my pregnancy, Kristen shared a birth prayer guide that she created, which helped me work through anxiety and prepare spiritually for birth. Kristen was the strong, calming support that I needed during labor. While it wasn't my easiest labor, she helped it be my favorite birth experience of the three. I would absolutely hire Kristen again and have already recommended her to friends."
Jenna, St. Charles
"Kristen was our doula for the birth of our second child, and it was such a game changer having her there! The birth of our first son was pretty traumatic, and we knew we wanted a doula for extra support with our second. We were so glad we chose Kristen. She is very resourceful, assuring, has a calm demeanor, and helps to create a peaceful atmosphere With her input and support, I felt confident and empowered in decision-making. Kristen helped my husband know how to best support me and be included in the birth. I had to be induced 5 days early. Kristen helped put my mind at ease about that, and with her help, I was able to give birth without pain medication of any kind. We especially liked that she shares our Christian faith and that, when we asked, she included prayer into the process when difficult or concerning situations came about."
Annie, Chesterfield, MO
"Working with Kristen as a doula was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Throughout the entire process Kristen was available to answer any questions that my husband and I had. She made sure to explain things in a way that we both understood, and made sure we actually understood them before moving on to something else. Throughout my entire pregnancy I felt that I had much less anxiety than I would have otherwise if I hadn't been working with and relying on Kristen. Scott and I can't recommend Kristen and her doula services enough for expectant mothers."
Sadie, Jerseyville
"I had an amazing experience with Kristen as my doula, both in prenatal care and during labor, delivery, and postpartum. During my pregnancy, Kristen provided helpful resources for my husband and me, and helped educate us about our options in preparing for birth. She went above and beyond providing support and materials with some small complications that I had, and was frequently checking in to address questions or provide research on situations as they arose. During my labor, she was a crucial asset to help me achieve goals that I had set, providing amazing physical and emotional support to help me cope with pain. She is incredibly attentive, but knows how to read the room and give space when needed. We loved our experience with Kristen, and would be happy to use her again for any future pregnancies in a heartbeat!"
Justine, Alton, IL
"I would 110% recommend Kristen as a birth doula for any expecting momma! What was most important to me was she sees pregnancy and birth through the lense of Scripture and God's perfect design. During our prenatal visits, she was very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable about all things birth related: pregnancy exercises, birthing/laboring positions, natural pain management techniques, evidence-based care, etc. She was available via email and phone to answer any questions or concerns I had, often sending me relevant research articles and materials to guide me in decision-making. During labor, she was very calm and encouraging, reminding me of my birth goals, providing needed hydration/support/comfort/reminders during each contraction. Thanks to her skillful and compassionate coaching, and God's provision, I was able to complete a natural labor and delivery in 6-7 hours, delivering a 9lb baby with no tears!! I am forever grateful for her guidance through this pregnancy and birth. ."
Hannah, Mt. Vernon, IL