We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiley Tkaczyk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiley, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents are very grounded, loving and intelligent people, and I am so grateful for their guidance. My father is very wise, committed, but also lighthearted. One lesson he has emphasized throughout my life is, “Don’t worry about the things you can’t control; only focus on what you can.” This simple but powerful advice has instilled a deep sense of safety within my nervous system, which has positively impacted how I perceive things. It has taught me to navigate uncertainty with a calm mind, allowing me to approach challenges with clarity and confidence.

My mother is the most selfless and compassionate person I know. She embodies kindness in everything she does and serves as a wonderful example of the qualities I aspire to exude as well. I have countless stories her going above and beyond to help others, including helping complete strangers. Her example is what led me to pursue my calling to work in emotional support.

Together, my parents have demonstrated unwavering loyalty and dedication, not just to each other but to our family, community and all that they pursue. Their love and support has created a strong container that encourages me to take risks and explore new opportunities.

I’ve been fortunate to draw from their strengths in shaping my career path. From my dad, I’ve gained confidence, discipline, and determination, while from my mom, I’ve learned to tap into my warm and nurturing energy to support others. As a result, I strive for success in my business endeavors while building a career rooted in meaningful service.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a birth and postpartum doula, a birth photographer and a preconception/pregnancy guide. My mission is to facilitate a conscious connection to the birthing journey. After spending over a decade in the healthcare space, I became disenchanted with the conventional approaches to birth and medicine in general, which led me down a path of deep exploration, specifically about how we are created. I became captivated by the transformative nature of birth as it was designed to be the most life changing, unpredictable, and beautifully primal initiation in a woman’s life. However, as birth has been overpathologized, many have lost touch with their instincts and intuition, the true guiding lights of this sacred process.

My approach isn’t just about being an informational resource or a physical pillar; it’s deeply rooted in facilitating a woman’s reclamation of herself and her inner knowing. I serve as a reflection to help clients make choices that align with their desires and values, ultimately leading to conscious and meaningful experiences. I view the birthing journey as a shedding process – there are aspects of a woman that she must be prepared to let go of, along with new qualities to acquire as she steps into motherhood. This requires deep self awareness, self love, and an understanding of oneself.

This isn’t just about the birth itself, but the entire journey everything from preconception to parenthood. It’s a time of deep reflection, filled with opportunities for exploration and growth that are always available if one chooses to engage with them. I support my clients in navigating the emotional and spiritual dimensions of this process, helping them establish a profound connection to themselves, their baby, and their evolving identity as parents.

I am deeply passionate about the work I do because of the profound human connection it brings. Developing close bonds with families and being invited into this sacred, intimate container for the birth of new life and witnessing the rebirth of parents is deeply transcendental.

Beyond traditional support, I provide virtual doula services for those seeking guidance without physical presence, as well as one on one sessions focusing on preconception, mindset cultivation throughout pregnancy and labor, birth preparation, and interactive Q&A with doula and midwife perspectives.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

To thrive in this work, you need a sense of business acumen. You have to learn how to position yourself in the market with clarity around your mission, offerings, and goals, and move with definitiveness. You have to be true to yourself, rather than a carbon copy of what you think others, such as organizations, institutions, or clients, expect you to be, especially if it doesn’t align with who you are. People pick up on that and it doesn’t serve anybody.

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial as birth is unpredictable. Just like I teach my clients the art of surrender and trust in divine timing, I have to embody that in my own life. Sometimes, you’re on call 24/7 – you might miss a wedding, a concert, or leave a dinner party after just five minutes; but that’s part of the magic of this work.

Being a birthworker requires a significant amount of physical and mental stamina. I need to care for myself deeply so that I can remain grounded and present for the families I work with. And more than anything, being a doula requires attunement to your intuition which allows me to respond to the needs of the family in a way that’s loving, genuine and supportive. My instincts guides me in the moments when there’s no roadmap to move with confidence and compassion, even in the most unpredictable situations.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

First, I find it important to show up exactly as myself. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true and it’s important. I’d rather have someone see who I am and determine whether my personality, philosophy, and approach align with their needs than to misrepresent myself to close a deal or get a client. Building genuine connections develops trust, transparency and lays the foundation for a positive relationship. I often say that selecting a doula is a “vibe check” – I spend a lot of time with the families I support and I join them in their most intimate, sacred space, so our energies have to align.

Secondly, I am highly intentional in everything I do. Whether it’s the colors I choose for my branding, how I communicate, or who I choose to work with, everything is done with purpose. There’s a “why” behind every action I take, and that level of thoughtfulness resonates with those I work with.

Lastly, my passion and obsession for what I do is the driving force behind everything. I don’t wake up to a job I dislike, I don’t count down the minutes until the day is over, and I’m not just working for the weekend. I feel a deep sense of pride and purpose each day and it fuels my commitment to continually grow in my role, ensuring that I provide the best support possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.doulakiley.com
• Instagram: doulakiley