Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen VelMartin.
Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins over 15 years ago in Florida, where I was involved in street ministry through my church. I worked closely with women in crisis—many of whom were navigating incredibly difficult circumstances and searching for a way to change their lives, even if they weren’t sure how. That experience deeply impacted me. It taught me the importance of showing up with compassion, listening without judgment, and offering support that honors each person’s dignity and strength.
Over time, I realized that my heart was especially drawn to supporting women during pivotal transitions. That led me to birth work, where I saw the same need for advocacy, emotional presence, and empowerment. Becoming a doula felt like a natural extension of the work I’d already been doing—just in a different setting. Today, I continue to walk alongside women and their families, helping them feel seen, heard, and supported during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every journey has its ups and downs as you navigate the path ahead, and mine has definitely had both. It hasn’t always been smooth. When I first started out in street ministry in Florida, I was working with women in crisis—many of whom were facing trauma, addiction, and deep uncertainty about their futures. That work was emotionally intense and spiritually stretching. I often felt the weight of wanting to help but not always knowing how.
Transitioning into birth work brought its own challenges. As a doula, you carry the emotional load of others while also managing your own life. There were seasons of doubt, financial strain, and learning how to set boundaries while still being fully present. But through it all, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness. Each struggle has shaped me, deepened my compassion, and reminded me why I do this work. The hard moments have made the victories—those quiet breakthroughs, those sacred births—all the more meaningful.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Bump and Beyond Family Services, the heart of the work lies in helping families feel seen, supported, and confident from pregnancy through early parenthood. Founded by **Karen VelMartin**, a **Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula**, Bump and Beyond offers a range of services designed to meet each family where they are.
“I believe that every family’s journey is unique,” says Karen. “Whether it’s preparing for birth, adjusting to life with a newborn, or finding healthy sleep rhythms, my goal is to provide personalized, compassionate care that truly fits each family’s needs.”
From birth doula services that offer emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy and labor, to postpartum care that nurtures parents as they recover and bond with their baby, every service is rooted in understanding and empathy. Karen’s pediatric sleep consulting program helps families find gentle, developmentally appropriate sleep solutions without compromising connection.
**Our Approach**
Bump and Beyond Family Services takes a holistic, client-centered approach to birthing and parenting. Each family’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is prioritized through evidence-based care and heartfelt connection. “Parenthood is a transformative experience,” Karen shares. “It’s not just about getting through the sleepless nights — it’s about helping families thrive through them.”
By integrating education, empowerment, and ongoing support, Karen and Bump and Beyond Family Services guide families with warmth and wisdom — helping them embrace the beautiful, sometimes messy, always meaningful journey of life from bump to beyond.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next five years, I foresee significant growth and evolution in the doula and pregnancy resource center industry. As awareness about the importance of maternal health and support continues to rise, the demand for doulas and comprehensive pregnancy resources is expected to increase substantially.
One of the key trends will be the integration of technology into maternal care. Telehealth services, virtual consultations, and online support groups will become more prevalent, making it easier for expectant parents to access the support they need, regardless of their location. This means providing not only prenatal and postnatal medical guidance, but also mental health counseling, nutrition education, parenting classes, and access to social resources that families can access anytime, anywhere. This digital transformation will also enable doulas and pregnancy resource centers to reach a broader audience and provide continuous support throughout the pregnancy journey.
Additionally, there will be a growing emphasis on personalized and culturally sensitive care. As the population becomes more diverse, it is crucial for doulas and pregnancy resource centers to offer services that respect and accommodate different cultural practices and preferences. This approach will help build trust and ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they need.
Furthermore, I anticipate an increase in collaboration between doulas, healthcare providers, and community organizations. By working together, these entities can create a more holistic and supportive environment for expectant parents. This collaboration will also help bridge gaps in care and ensure that individuals have access to a comprehensive range of services, from prenatal education to postpartum support.
Lastly, there will be a continued focus on advocacy and education. Doulas and pregnancy resource centers will play a crucial role in raising awareness about maternal health issues, advocating for policy changes, and providing education to both expectant parents and the broader community. This effort will help create a more informed and supportive society, ultimately leading to better outcomes for parents and their babies.
Overall, the future of the doula and pregnancy resource center industry looks promising, with advancements in technology, personalized care, collaboration, and advocacy driving positive change.
Big Shifts and Changes Ahead
• Holistic, Family-Centered Care: The industry is moving from focusing solely on expectant mothers to serving entire families, including fathers, partners, and extended relatives. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of family well-being and seeks to strengthen family bonds throughout pregnancy and beyond.
• Community Partnerships: Collaboration with local health providers, faith organizations, schools, and social service agencies will become increasingly common, allowing pregnancy resource centers to address broader needs like housing, employment, and education.
• Personalized Support: Data-driven systems can help tailor care plans to the unique circumstances of each family, ensuring that support is both relevant and effective.
• Increased Accessibility: Removing barriers to care—whether financial, geographical, or cultural—will be a major priority. Mobile clinics, online resources, and multilingual staff will help ensure every family in Raleigh and Wake Forest has access to the help they need.
My Ultimate Goal
My ultimate goal is to become a pregnancy resource center that provides holistic care, serving one family at a time in Raleigh and Wake Forest, NC. I envision a future where every family feels supported, informed, and empowered during the pregnancy journey and beyond. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and compassion, I aim to set a new standard for care—meeting the diverse needs of our community and building healthier, happier families for generations to come.
Pricing:
- 30 Minute Free Consultation
- Birth Doula Support – $950 A great option for first time parents or those that want more support and resources! What’s Included: Complimentary consultation Unlimited phone/text support 4 prenatal meetings to discuss your birth preferences and options, and postpartum planning Childbirth Education Classes Unlimited labor support 1 postpartum meetings to check in, follow up, and provide support
- Postpartum Doula Support – Starting at $25/hr. A great option for first time parents or those that want more support and resources! What’s Included: Complimentary consultation Unlimited phone/text support 60 daytime hours Postpartum Classes and Workshops Breastfeeding assistance Newborn care Holistic Pediatric Sleep Coaching Assistance 24/7 virtual availability for the first 7 days after birth
- I also accept Medicaid – WellCare and Healthy Blue
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bumpandbeyondfamilyservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpandbeyondfam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BumpandBeyondFamilyServices/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-velmartin-mcd-mcpd-mbe-mce-5bb488253/
