Knowledge Experience Wisdom
A positive birth experience starts with knowing your options and being empowered by knowledge. Birth Help has been a steady source of this empowerment through childbirth education and doula support for 40 years to families in the Baton Rouge area.
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves". Today’s definition has expanded to include “a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period (DONA International).”
René Johnson
I’m a doula, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m invited to witness one of the most sacred, intimate, life-changing events in any family. For a few hours, or a few days, I share their vulnerabilities, their fears, and desires as they work to complete something incredibly difficult and beautiful. And I’m blessed to say that I’ve worked as a doula for over 45 years, supporting families at more than 1100 births, which means I’ve helped “birth” babies who are now my clients having babies of their own.
Childbirth impacts a woman for the remainder of her life. Therefore, how she’s treated and cared for before and during labor is crucial, and part of my role is to be a loving presence during the entire process. Doula support has been referred to as “mothering the mother”.
Being a doula is what I’m meant to do in this lifetime. Someone once asked me, “What do you get from being a doula?” It’s simple. I'm invited to witness miracles.
Bailey Reihm
Bailey’s journey into birth work began after welcoming her first son at Birth Center of Baton Rouge in 2018. That moment sparked a deep calling to support other women during one of the most sacred and powerful times of their lives.
Bailey became a BEST-Certified Doula and began attending births in 2020. As an experienced Baton Rouge doula, Bailey joined Birth Help’s team in 2025 and has served as a doula at more than 70 births. Bailey has participated in a Spinning Babies Workshop, learning techniques to optimize baby’s position for birth..
While Bailey is especially passionate about natural, unmedicated birth, her heart as a doula is to ensure every mother feels deeply supported, respected, and empowered, no matter what their birth plan looks like. She is a steady source of peace, encouragement, and evidence-based information, and is honored to walk alongside families with compassion, prayer, and presence as they welcome new life.
When she’s not serving families, you’ll find Bailey enjoying time with her husband and three boys. She enjoys serving in church, getting lost in a good book, sipping strong coffee, and caring for her ever-growing collection of houseplants.
Claire Ross
Claire is a BEST-Certified Birth Doula who completed certification in 2019. She has supported more than 70 families during their birth experiences. Claire has participated in a Spinning Babies Workshop, learning techniques to optimize baby’s position for birth..
Giving birth to her first child ignited a passion to help other women during childbirth. She enjoys helping parents navigate the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. “I recognize that each birth experience is unique and deserves individual attention.” This enables Claire to personalize her support for each couple she serves.
Claire’s process working with clients is developing connection, facilitating an understanding about options, helping them connect with the right providers, and feel confident in advocating for themselves. Her goal is to empower clients to make informed decisions, feel supported, and have a positive birth experience.
Claire has experience with vaginal and cesarean births, working alongside OBs and midwives at Ochsner, Woman’s Hospital, and Birth Center of Baton Rouge. She’s worked with low-risk clients and those with medical challenges. Additionally, her experience includes clients with prodromal labor, those with labor/birth challenges, and women who’ve previously experienced traumatic birth.