At Born Motherhood, we believe that birth support should feel steady, personal, and deeply aligned with your values.
Our doulas are not simply listed providers - they are a carefully selected team of women who share the same philosophy of care. Each member brings her own experience, training, and perspective, but we are united by a commitment to calm support, emotional intelligence, and respect for the sacredness of birth.
Together, we serve families across Roanoke and the New River Valley, walking alongside mothers through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum season.
When you invite Born Motherhood into your story, you are not just hiring one doula.
You are stepping into a village of women who care deeply about the families they serve.
Take a moment to meet the team.
Carefully chosen. Deeply aligned. Here to serve.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Ayla Hartless
Founder & CEO, Born Motherhood
Certified Labor & Postpartum Doula
Thompson Method Breastfeeding Educator
Hi, I’m Ayla.
Before stepping into the birth world, I worked inside the medical system co-managing a long-term care unit, supporting families through vulnerable seasons and learning how complex healthcare can be. That experience shaped the way I approach this work today - with calm advocacy, clear communication with providers, and deep respect for the families I serve.
After the birth of my own children reshaped my calling, I became a certified labor and postpartum doula and the first Certified Breastfeeding Educator to bring the Thompson Method to Virginia. I have continued my training as a Midwife’s Assistant and in Advanced Practice Neonatal Resuscitation so I can support families not only with encouragement, but with practical knowledge and steady care.
Born Motherhood grew out of a conviction that mothers deserve to feel supported, informed, and deeply cared for during this season of life. Walking alongside families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is an honor I never take lightly, and it is a privilege to serve them during such a meaningful time.
The Women Who Walk With You
Each member of our team has been carefully selected for her training, character, and heart for serving families.
Jessie Worsley
Certified Full-Spectrum Doula
Hi, I’m Jessie Worsley, a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula serving families in Roanoke and the New River Valley.
My journey into birth work began before becoming a mother, when my husband and I started learning about holistic pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. What began as preparation quickly became a deep passion, and over time, I felt God gently calling me into this work. When I finally said yes, I stepped into what I now see as sacred, holy work-supporting families as they welcome new life.
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I believe God beautifully designed women’s bodies for birth-mind, body, and spirit working together. Birth is not only physical, but deeply spiritual and hormonal, and I strive to support families in a way that honors that design while also embracing the tools available when needed. My heart is for parents to feel heard, supported, and confident in every decision they make.
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I am especially passionate about serving first-time, VBAC, and home-birthing mothers. During pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, I offer calm, grounded, and prayerful support-providing encouragement, resources, and hands-on care every step of the way.
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Outside of birth work, I am a wife and mama who loves homesteading, reading, and spending time outdoors. It would be an honor to walk alongside you in this season.
Michelle Crigger
Postnatal Doula
Hello, my name is Michelle Crigger! I have been married to my amazing husband, Rob, for 29 years. Together, we have raised three wonderful children into young adulthood, and recently welcomed a son-in-law into our growing family. Our newest and most precious addition is our granddaughter, who has brought so much joy and sweetness into this season of life.
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While I may be new to Born Motherhood, I am certainly not new to the journey of motherhood. I have spent decades walking through the many seasons that come with raising a family, and each one has shaped my heart for supporting other mothers. I deeply believe that every woman deserves to feel secure, confident, and supported in her role, no matter what stage of motherhood she is in.
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As a postnatal doula, my desire is to come alongside you with a calm, nurturing presence—offering practical help, encouragement, and reassurance as you adjust to life with your baby. I strive to share my experiences as a wife, mother, and “Nana” in a way that helps you feel both cared for and equipped.
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It is truly an honor to support families during such a meaningful and tender time.
Brittany Thieman
Birth & Postpartum Doula
Hi, I’m Brittany Thieman, a birth and postpartum doula serving families in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas. I believe pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum season are sacred, transformative experiences, and every family deserves to feel supported, informed, and confident as they walk through them.
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My journey into this work began through my own experiences as a mother of four. I’ve seen firsthand how a calm, knowledgeable, and compassionate presence can shape the way a woman experiences birth and early motherhood. That understanding led me to become a doula so I could offer that same steady, encouraging support to others.
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As a Christian doula, my care is rooted in the belief that birth is a God-designed, life-changing moment. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered—supported both emotionally and physically as you make decisions for your family. My role is to provide encouragement, comfort measures, and evidence-based guidance so you can trust your body and your instincts.
When I’m not supporting families, I’m a homeschooling mama and pastor’s wife, embracing the full rhythm of family life. It is truly an honor to walk alongside women in such meaningful seasons.
Ashley Ewton
Certified Full-Spectrum Doula
Hi, I’m Ashley Ewton—a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula with over 20 years of experience supporting families from pregnancy through the toddler years.
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I bring a calm, nurturing presence alongside practical knowledge from both my work as a professional nanny and my background in the medical field. I love building meaningful relationships with families and offering steady support, encouragement, and guidance throughout each stage.
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I have a special love for the postpartum season—helping families settle in with confidence—and enjoy continuing to walk alongside parents through the first year, including introducing solids and baby-led weaning.
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As a natural teacher, I strive to create a space where families feel supported, informed, and confident—without pressure or overwhelm.
It would be an honor to walk alongside you—you were never meant to do this alone.
The Heart Behind Our Work
A glimpse into the connection, care, and support that shapes the way we serve families.
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Support Matters in This Season
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are some of the most meaningful and vulnerable moments in a family's life.
The people you invite into that space matter deeply.
At Born Motherhood, every member of our team is chosen not only for her training and experience, but for her heart to serve families with steadiness, wisdom, and respect.
It would be an honor for one of our doulas to walk alongside you.