The birth of a child is a sacred event for the entire family. It is an honor and privilege to support a mother as she goes through this life-changing experience.
LET'S CONNECT
Lea’s love for birth began early. With a mother who was both a childbirth educator and labor and delivery nurse, she grew up in awe of the beauty and power of childbirth. That sense of wonder only deepened as she experienced her own journeys through pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Before becoming a mother of five, Lea taught high school Spanish and English to immigrant students. She then devoted herself fully to raising her children, and as they grew more independent, she followed her long-held calling to support families in childbirth.
Lea completed Bastyr’s DONA-approved birth doula training and went on to study Spinning Babies® techniques, training alongside her daughter, a labor and delivery nurse. Supporting women through birth is now a passion that spans three generations in her family.
In addition to her work as a doula, Lea coaches at a CrossFit-style gym. She is especially interested in how movement and exercise can prepare women for childbirth and support healing in the postpartum season.
Lea and her husband have been married for nearly 30 years and enjoy serving together in their local church. Each year, one of her greatest joys is traveling to Mexico, where she translates for American and Mexican churches as they work together to bring God’s love to agricultural communities in the Valley of Mexicali.
When she isn’t working with families, Lea loves gardening, crocheting, hiking, playing with her dogs, and spending time outdoors.
Lea would be honored to walk alongside you and support you in having your best possible birth experience.
Lea Coats was our Doula and she was an invaluable member of our birth team. She provided excellent information in our prenatal meetings and was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive during our birth process as well. She has a very calm and comforting presence and was also a great advocate for us with hospital staff when needed. I cannot recommend her enough!
Emily Thompson
We met Lea through our church before we even knew that she was a doula or that I was pregnant. When the time came to start choosing birth workers, I knew that Lea would be an incredible asset to our team through her warm and compassionate personality. Throughout our pregnancy Lea checked in regularly to see if she could provide resources or insight on any pregnancy concerns we were having. During the appointments together she brought coping techniques for us to try and educational information to help us wrap our heads around the process of birth. She has always been professional, genuine, and kind in her delivery of information! My birth ended up being an unexpected c-section in the hospital instead of a planned homebirth, and I can’t imagine having gone through it without Lea. She skillfully and calmly managed my pain, my husband’s sleep schedule, and nurse’s questions or directives as issues arose. I felt so cared for and respected under her care, and she was the one constant throughout a long birth of many nurses and doctors coming and going. I would highly recommend Lea to anyone looking for additional support in pregnancy!
Jess Fowler
Lea is a personal friend of mine and has been a blessing in my life since I met her; she's been an earth angel in so many ways to me and my husband in early 2025, my husband and I lost a pregnancy, and Lea was the one person who showed up for me during that time of loss and heartbreak. When I found out I was pregnant again 9 months ago, she was one of the first people I felt eager to tell the good news to. She has been so helpful throughout my entire pregnancy, giving my husband and me her time and love selflessly. On day 3 past my due date, I started having contractions; Lea came to my home and monitored me and the baby. She gave me stretches and positions that helped move the baby and prepare me for labor, and she rode with me to the hospital, where we found out I was dilated to 8 centimeters. I believed I was maybe 3 centimeters; I was honestly taken aback by that. Because I suffer from a lot of anxiety, but when Lea is in the room, that anxiety vanishes. I believe her spirit and presence helped me remain calm during my contractions. When we arrived at the birthing center, my choice for birth, she helped me manage contractions, gave me breathing techniques and reminders, helped me manage my anxiety, made me tea, prayed with me, and remained by my side for the entire 6 hours of labor before our baby girl made her grand appearance. Lea went out of her way to make my birthing experience so special and calm. Lea is so compassionate and has so much love to offer mothers and fathers too! I strongly believe being a doula is not only her passion but her calling. She is a true blessing to know. Thank you so much, Lea, for the big, important role you took on and for making my birthing experience so special and memorable. We love and cherish you, so much!
Shantel
My husband and I are first time parents and were originally hesitant about getting a doula but it ended up being the best decision ever. The process was very straightforward and fast and once we met with the prospects, we ended up choosing Lea whom we LOVE. From the very beginning she worked with us and always tried her best to accommodate our very complicated pregnancy situation. When we unexpectedly had and induction which later turned into an emergency c-section, she was a great support system and helped us remain calm in a situation where we were overwhelmed and scared. Her knowledge, energy, and constant support were invaluable to us during such a vulnerable and important moment and we could not recommend her enough. Even after the delivery she continued to check in on us and make sure we were settling okay. She will always hold a special place in our heart and we will definitely work with her again if we choose to have another child.
Guilianna Varela
Lea Coats stepped in as our substitute doula after our original doula came down with the flu, and she truly rose to the occasion during our 40-hour labor. Her experience and knowledge were invaluable, especially since our baby was slightly out of position. Lea used countless techniques and positions to successfully guide the baby into the correct place, all while maintaining a calm presence that kept us focused and encouraged. We are so incredibly grateful for her!
Andrew Regis
