Compassionate doula services in Birmingham, Alabama.

It is our solemn oath to offer you mercy, grace, compassion and empowerment as you define your legacy in the moments to come.

At Eleison Doula Services, we believe birth and death are sacred moments of transition. Because of this, nobody should have to go through them alone.

“Eleison” is a Greek word that means “mercy.” The Greek words for “Lord, have mercy,” are “Kyrie, eleison,” in other words, ‘Lord, soothe me, comfort me, take away my pain, show me your steadfast love.”

“Doula” is also a Greek word, meaning “servant.” So at Eleison Doula Services, we see ourselves as servants of mercy.

Eleison doulas offer mercy in many different ways. For instance, a soft voice offering encouragement. Secondly, a warm touch or cool breeze providing needed comfort. Thirdly, an ear that listens deeply and attentively. Fourthly, a prayer. In summary, someone who understands that what you are going through is a sacred moment and will unflinchingly stand beside you through the joy and pain that this journey entails.

For support in the beginning:

Meet your doula in Birmingham, Rachel Bailey

Rachel Bailey is a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and VBAC specialist serving families in Birmingham, Alabama and surrounding communities. She founded Eleison Doula Services after discovering that research and education, while important, were only part of what families need during pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks with a new baby.

Before becoming a full-time doula, Rachel spent 20 years teaching public health in higher education. Her background in medical anthropology taught her to look closely at how culture, institutions, health beliefs, and communication shape people’s experiences of health and healthcare. She brings that same curiosity and respect to the families she supports. As a labor and postpartum doula in Birmingham, Rachel now ushers future generations into the universe, and elevates the birth experiences of her clients.

Rachel has experienced both unexpected cesarean births and VBACs herself. Those experiences taught her something she now brings to every client: preparation matters, but so does having support when birth doesn’t follow the plan. In preparing for the birth of her first child, Rachel believed research could ensure a smooth, unmedicated, and fulfilling birth. However, she quickly realized that education is just one tool among many for achieving the birth experience you desire. She learned to add connection, comfort, and emotional support to that original recipe.

Having given birth in a variety of ways, including medical induction, C-section, and VBAC, she has gained a deep understanding of the birthing process. This experience has equipped her with a unique ability to meet parents where they are and genuinely honor their choices.

This distinctive blend of life lessons and book learning has created a foundation of sincere, nonjudgmental, and unbiased support. Rachel’s own birth stories have played a significant role in this journey. In addition, she found a meaningful foundation of acceptance and comfort from her community of mothers and her Orthodox Christian faith community. This background inspired Rachel to use her past to empower others’ futures.

Rachel’s Orthodox Christian faith is an important part of how she understands service, mercy, and human dignity. She is happy to pray with clients who want that support while providing respectful, nonjudgmental care to families of many backgrounds and beliefs.

Rachel brings together three kinds of experience that shape her work as a doula: professional training in birth and postpartum support, a background in public health and medical anthropology, and firsthand experience with different kinds of birth. She uses that combination to provide practical, evidence-based information without pushing families toward a particular kind of birth.

Certifications and Degrees include:

• MSc & PhD in Anthropology – Durham University, England
• BA in Chemistry and International Studies – Washington University in St. Louis
• Labor Elite – ProDoula
• Postpartum – ProDoula
• VBAC Specialist – ProDoula
• Infant Feeding Educator – ProDoula
• Childbirth Educator – ProDoula
• Basic Life Support certification – American Heart Association

For support in the end:

Meet your doula in Birmingham, Nicholas Bailey

Nicholas holds his role as an end-of-life doula with great reverence. Above all, his life path finds purpose in his faith and in the company of the families he humbly serves.

In 2018 Nicholas found himself searching for answers when his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer. The period between her diagnosis and passing was brief. But the experience inspired him to be better educated so he could help others facing imminent mortality.

Nicholas discovered his passion for working with senior adults during his time as Assistant Director of the Senior Center in Jacksonville, Alabama. In that role, he formed profound connections with individuals approaching the end of life, striving to help clients find meaning in every moment. Together with their loved ones, he assists them in preparing for their final days and beyond. Additionally, Nicholas brings experience in providing respectful transportation for the departed and actively participates in a church burial society. Therefore, he generously shares his extensive knowledge of postmortem practices with those seeking to understand their options and the necessary steps for caring for their loved ones after death.

Nicholas’ spirituality continues to grow stronger, as he is emboldened by the honor of supporting families and loved ones through death, grief, and acceptance. As the Subdeacon at his church, you will find Nicholas preparing the hall with festive seasonal adornments, and lighting candles, and incense to create a warm, welcoming, full sensory experience for those who worship.

Nicholas imparts these rituals into his doula services when asked to provide a sanctuary in his client’s homes. The creation of a sacred space to transition is highlighted by his gentle therapeutic touch, comforting presence, and trusted companionship.

As the scribe for many in their final moments he documents their legacies and because of this, Nicholas has become a collector of memories. This connection feeds the fire within him to continue to comfort and accompany those seeking solace as they transition.

Certifications and Degrees include:

• BS – University of Alabama
• EOLD – Lifespan Doulas
• NHFA-National Home Funeral Alliance
• CEUs
  • How to talk about End-of-Life
  • Compassionate Communication: how to connect with a loved one living with dementia
  • Real World Dementia Care
  • Forging the Future of Palliative Care

Our Inspiration

Meet Matushka Olga Michael

Throughout this journey, we are inspired by the example of St. Olga of Alaska. Because of her ministering to the needs of others, she is the most recently canonized saint of the Orthodox Church in America. Olga was an Indigenous Alaskan best known for her work as a midwife and her care for women in extremely difficult circumstances. Crucially, she provides the example that we strive to follow as Eleison doulas through her habit of meeting each person where they were – culturally, physically, and spiritually – and listening compassionately to provide the support that was needed.

As we pray in the Orthodox Church, Through the prayers of St. Olga of Alaska, Lord have mercy on us!

If you would like to learn more about St. Olga, you can read about her on our blog.