Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Fee.
Hi Kathleen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey actually began as a postpartum doula in New Jersey. For years, I worked as a nanny for military families at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. I’ve always had a passion for working with babies and making meaningful connections with their families. Eventually, I decided to become a postpartum doula throughout New Jersey, with plans to move back to Charlotte, where I’d lived before. However, during that time, I met and fell in love with a Marine stationed in Jacksonville.
I did move back to Charlotte and joined Queen City Doulas, while also interning at Birth Story Boutique, knowing I wanted to expand my services. I was drawn to birth work and felt I could make a real difference, especially for military families. After only three months in Charlotte, I felt a strong pull to Jacksonville. I wanted to close the distance between my boyfriend and stepdaughter, and to focus on serving military families. Soon after, I became a TriCare provider and transitioned to working full-time as a birth doula for military families.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. The actual work—serving families—is the best part, hands down. The biggest challenge has been relocating and essentially starting over, not just once, but twice. Despite the hurdles, it’s been worth it every time, even knowing we might move again. On top of that, I had to learn the ropes of running a business. Setting up the LLC was straightforward, but managing it? That was a whole different story! I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received during that learning process.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boots and Roots Doula and Lactation ?
Boots and Roots Doula and Lactation is my way of providing specialized birth work and lactation support to families during pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and beyond. My heart is really in serving military families—hence the name ‘Boots and Roots.’ As a doula and lactation counselor, I’m proud to be a resource these families can rely on, especially since I can work under their insurance. Military life involves constant moves, deployments, and a lot of unknowns, and I believe all moms deserve unwavering support. My goal is to bring peace and reliability to all things birth-related, offering a steady hand during what can be an overwhelming time.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Being a birth doula involves navigating several potential challenges. Each client brings a unique set of circumstances, and with that comes a degree of risk. These can range from the emotional demands of providing continuous support, to managing the unpredictable hours that can disrupt personal life. It’s also essential to be mindful of liability and to always practice within the defined scope of a doula. Despite these considerations, the work is incredibly fulfilling, especially when contributing to a positive and safe birth experience. Balancing these risks with a commitment to providing fully informed options and advice is key to responsible doula work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bootsandrootsdoula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootsandrootsdoula?igsh=OTRmbnU2aXRkaDJi&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDk3FY7GD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
