Kat Stangler
Birth Doula | Postpartum Doula | Childbirth Educator
Over the past six years, I’ve supported families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with care that is intentional, steady, and deeply attuned. Based in Northfield, MN, I serve families throughout the Greater Twin Cities area, down to Rochester, and everywhere in between. My role is to help you feel informed, supported, and truly held as you move through one of life’s most transformative seasons.
I support all births and all bodies—whether you’re planning to give birth at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital. My approach is inclusive, evidence-based, and responsive to your individual experience, preferences, and needs.
I have experience supporting a wide range of journeys, including:
— Inductions
— Scheduled Cesarean births
— Medicated and unmedicated births
— Water births
— High-risk pregnancies and births
— ART / IVF conceptions
— Surrogacy journeys
— And more!
No two birth stories are the same. My role is to meet you where you are, offering steady, informed, and compassionate support every step of the way.
Education & Certifications
BA in Philosophy & Religious Studies – Hamline University, 2017
Full-Spectrum Doula Training (FSD) – Doula Trainings International, 2020
Certified Childbirth Educator (CCE) – Doula Trainings International, 2022
Certified Birth Doula (CD) – DONA International, April 2024
Current Member of the Childbirth Collective
My Approach
I approach each birth experience with a whole-body, personalized, and deeply connected mindset, honoring the individuality of every person and journey I support. My care is never one-size-fits-all—it is rooted in listening closely to your goals, your vision, and your circumstances, then shaping support that truly fits you. I blend evidence-based guidance with intuitive, grounded presence so you feel informed, empowered, and held throughout your experience. At the center of my work is the belief that when families feel seen, supported, and connected, they are able to move through birth with greater trust, confidence, and ease.
I was called to doula work well before I had children of my own. In 2018, I moved to the Pacific Northwest to live with my sister during her first pregnancy. Being present during her labor and childbirth ignited a profound desire within me. Bearing witness to the incredible strength, resilience, and wonder of childbirth sparked a total “ah-ha moment” and I knew this is what I was called to do.
The raw and unfiltered truths of pregnancy and childbirth is what ultimately drew me in, and has kept me in this line of work. This calling is not just about assistance; it’s about creating a space where each individual feels empowered and celebrated.
As a full-spectrum doula, I understand the deeply personal and diverse pathways that everyone takes on their journey to childbirth.
I have been privileged to work with 200+ families, including those expecting their first child, single parents, high-risk pregnancies, IVF pregnancies, water births and many other avenues to birth.
Each family has reinforced my passion for advocacy, guidance, and creating a calm and nurturing environment for birthing parents.
My Story
I run on espresso. You’ll usually find me tucked into a local coffee shop, dreaming things up over a vanilla latte—probably with The Office playing in the background.
I’m deeply drawn to travel, especially when it means time outside—on a trail, in a sea kayak, or wandering somewhere unfamiliar. While I daydream about bigger adventures down the road, right now I’m savoring the slower kind of exploring, seeing the world through my kids’ eyes.
I’m a mama to two wild and wonderful little humans (4 & 5) who have stretched me, humbled me, and reshaped me in all the best ways. Motherhood has cracked me open, and feeling it all has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Music is always playing in our house. I love live shows, a good record to start the day, and singing my thoughts out loud—sometimes very enthusiastically. There’s a good chance you’ll catch me belting out Pink Pony Club with my daughter in the grocery store aisle.
I swear by the power of laughter—it really is the best medicine—and life is just better when you’re laughing with the people you love. If that’s your vibe too, we’re going to get along just fine.
Outside of Birthwork
“Kat was absolutely magic. I had a doula with my first, but nothing compared to my experience with her. From the moment she walked in, everything felt calmer, more intentional, and honestly more manageable.”
— Elizabeth T.