Holly was born in Memphis with midwives in the hospital- one of the first births of this sort in the state. She was raised with an inherent trust in the birthing process and while attaining a Bachelor’s degree from Hendrix she learned what a Doula was as she ushered the life-changing delivery of her very first client. Holly became involved in Birth Works in 2000, completed her first degree, and went on to graduate UAMS nursing school as an RN- all the while continuing to help women learn about and experience more natural forms of childbirth. After becoming a certified Birth Works Doula, teaching childbirth classes, and working in Labor and Delivery at Baptist Little Rock she continues to hone her skills at assisting families in making decisions, advocating for their positions and accomplishing the goals for satisfying births of their children.

Nicolle S. Fletcher, a native of San Diego, CA, moved to Arkansas in the spring of 2007.  She has been married to Phillip D. Fletcher for 14 years and birthed 3 children, Nicollus-13, Najee'-11 and Nichelle-10, without medicine in 3 different hospitals across the states.  Nicolle attended the University of California, RIverside (UCR) to acquire a B.A. in Social Relation.  She then put that education to ood use with Thessalonica Family Services in Temecula, CA helping severyly emotionally damaged youth for several years.  Shortly after that mision, her husband Phillip joined the United States Army and they became a military family.  During those seven yars in the military, Nicolle developed a passion and deeper understanding for the hearts of women.  That passion continued even after the family moved to Arkansas.

Since living in Conway, Arkansas Phillip and Nicolle along with their three children founded a non-profit, City of Hope Outreach.  It is here that yo can see a glimpse into the heart of Nicolle.  She is passionate for the underserved.  Pregnant women are certainly  among the underserviced in regards to birthing rights, options and understanding.   Nicolle has worked as a Certified Doula and Childbirth Educator of Birth Works Doula Services in Little Rock, Arkansas since February 2010.  It is her mission and passion to create more environments that women can gain understanding and respect about their birthing options.

I became involved with Birth Works in the spring of 2009. I was preparing to apply to medical school with the intention of becoming an obstetrician, but I was often conflicted about this path. I wanted to provide women with birth choices, support, and good care; however, I also felt that I would not fit into a culture where, based on my experiences shadowing doctors and nurses throughout high school and college, interventions were often the norm rather than the exception. One evening, I happened to see “The Business of Being Born”- before this, I was not aware that midwives and doulas were still in practice. That was exactly the kind of support I wanted to provide! I contacted Birth Works soon thereafter.

While training as a student doula, I felt I was finally fulfilling my true purpose. I saw clearly what I had intuitively known all along- women did not need any instructions, they did not need any coaching, they did not really need anything but a safe and loving environment. A woman’s body inherently contains the knowledge of childbirth.  She knows what to do. Near the end of my training, I gave birth to my son at home with a midwife, and it fully reinforced how the amazing process of childbirth is something women’s bodies are adapted to do. 

I feel the work of a doula is reminding each woman of just that- you already know what to do. By holding the space for a mother to voice her birth vision and work with her in the realization of that vision is just the beginning of an empowering journey to motherhood. Helping mothers to grow in their knowledge of and trust in the process is so special to me. I love helping mothers, partners, and family members prepare for their birth, because each birth is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome a unique individual into the world.