2022
meet the doulas
Sara and Tara met in 2012 at Park Church in Denver.
They have walked through singleness, engagement, marriage, the birth of their children, and many other life events together. They have been occasionally mistaken for each other or confused as sisters, and are definitely kindred spirits! They love being doulas alongside each other!
Tara mcdougal, CD(DONA)
I was born and raised in Parker Colorado but went to Texas Christian University to obtain my nursing degree. I was a bedside nurse for the last 12 years, the last 9 years being at Children’s Hospital on the cardiac progressive care unit. I am married to my husband Jacob and we have 3 spunky and fun children, Gracie Lynn, Harrison and Ellie Jo. I enjoy creating, decorating, and cooking. My kids keep me busy! We spend a lot of time outdoors exploring new play grounds and nature, bike riding and walks.
During Gracie’s birth I wanted an unmedicated birth experience and considered a doula but ultimately felt I could be my own advocate and didn’t want anyone else in that intimate birthing space. I ended up receiving medical interventions that led to an episiotomy and vacuum assisted delivery. I struggled for a long time after her birth because I felt that her birth was “taken” from me. I truly longed for someone to look me in the eyes in that labor room and empower me by saying “I believe in you, you were made to do this and I know you can!” I realized that in my labor experience would have benefited so greatly from a doula, providing emotional support and reminding me of my right for informed consent before making decisions. 4 years later my best friend asked me to be her birth doula and I completed my DONA birth doula training. I was blown away from all I learned about the birthing process and decided I would love nothing more than to have a career that empowers woman by saying “YES you indeed can do this!” God gave me a heart to serve others and combined with my first love of nursing, being a doula is a great match!
sara raab, CD(DONA)
I am a Texas native but relocated to Denver after attending Wheaton College. My husband, JD, and I were married in 2014 and now live in Lakewood, CO with our 3 contagious and investigative sons, Howie, Harvey, and Walt. I spent several years working in hospital administration and patient privacy, prior to starting a communication consulting business with my husband. I love exploring the world with my kids, being creative through cooking, and getting lost in a story.
My journey to becoming a doula began in college when I explored a career as a patient advocate and then shortly after college, began to think about midwifery. Little did I know at the time that there was already a career that combined both of those interests! My oldest son was born at a birth center, and it was such an empowering experience to see the natural and purposeful design of labor. During all of my labors, my support team was invaluable to me, and I cannot imagine having to go through it without them! I know the importance of having people around you that you trust and can support you in one of the most intimate experiences of your life, and I believe that my calm, confident demeanor combined with my DONA birth doula certification makes me a valuable addition to your birth team.