Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Vinikas.
Hi Kira, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up attending births alongside my mother, who was a midwife. I still vividly remember the first time I saw her explain the placenta—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for supporting women and children. Growing up watching my mother care for women instilled in me a deep well of wisdom and patience. Today, as a Birth Doula, I bring that same wisdom and patience to the families I serve—holding space, offering guidance, and walking alongside them through one of the most transformative times of their lives.
With an abundance of babies in my life, I’ve had a child on each hip for as long as I can remember. I began nannying at just 12 years old and, over the years, have cared for children of all ages, from newborns to 10-year-olds. At one point, I was responsible for seven children at once. As a Postpartum Doula, I have supported families with twin infants, navigated night feeds, implemented sleep schedules, and more.
I received my DONA training as a Birth and Postpartum Doula with Jessie Remer at Mother Tree Birth Services in Oregon. Jessie was a pioneer in the field—one of the first to help get doulas covered by insurance and to establish an in-hospital, on-call doula program. I later trained in Hawaii with midwives as a Birth Assistant, deepening my hands-on experience and skills. Eventually, I found my way back home to Florida, where I’ve had the privilege of working with Tree of Life Birth & Gynecology and Full Circle Midwifery.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been easy. In the early days, working overnight postpartum shifts for months on end left me feeling like I was running on fumes. The lack of sleep was overwhelming—but it taught me the importance of balance. I learned how to care for myself so I could show up for families as a Postpartum Doula with a full cup. Supporting twins has always been a unique challenge and joy—especially when both little ones are crying and need comfort at the same time.
During COVID, being a Birth Doula was especially difficult, with hospitals limiting attendance so much that even partners were sometimes barely allowed at births. I attended more homebirths during that time. Despite the long nights, the long drives, and the challenges along the way, being a doula remains one of the most fulfilling and heartwarming callings I could ever imagine.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Birthing Journeys?
As a Birth and Postpartum Doula, I provide professional, compassionate support for families through pregnancy, birth, and the early months of parenthood. Trained to meet the physical, emotional, and informational needs of both mother and family, I offer non-judgmental guidance, evidence-based education, and practical, hands-on care tailored to each stage of the journey.
During pregnancy and birth, I offer continuous support, comfort measures, and encouragement, while also helping partners feel confident and involved. I recognize the profound and lasting impact that birth can have on a mother, and I serve as a steady, reassuring presence—empowering families to navigate labor with confidence. I work alongside the healthcare team to ensure families feel informed, respected, and supported.
In the postpartum period, my role expands to caring for the entire family as they adjust to life with a new baby. I provide guidance on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, newborn soothing techniques, and coping skills for new parents. I may also assist with light household tasks, prepare nourishing, nutrient-rich meals, and help older children adapt to their new role as siblings. In addition, I support breastfeeding and troubleshoot nursing challenges.
As a Holistic Nutritionist, I specialize in prenatal nutritional support and postpartum healing through deeply nourishing meals. I work with women who have had to come off anxiety medications during pregnancy, helping them face emotions head-on and release patterns that no longer serve them. I support women who have specific fears around childbirth and want to be free of those concerns. I support women who after trying all external fertility approaches, are ready to look within—exploring emotional or energetic blocks that may be preventing conception. I support women who desire to do the deep internal work to not pass on patterns and beliefs to their child and to prevent postpartum depression
My work often includes guiding mothers through releasing traumas held in the body so they don’t pass those beliefs, fears, and feelings onto their child. This generational healing offers new babies the freedom to grow without carrying the weight of their ancestors’ past. It’s the heart behind my business name, Birthing Journeys—because I believe birth is not only about bringing a baby into the world, but also about birthing a new version of the mother herself. The greatest shift I see in many women is the release of control, because birth, at its core, is an invitation to surrender.
Whether in the birthing room or at home in the weeks and months that follow, my goal is to help families feel confident, cared for, and deeply supported during one of life’s most transformative seasons.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The two greatest mentors in my life as a birth worker are my mother, Sara Liebling, CNM, former owner of Conscious Care, a midwifery center, and Tomasina Betts, LM, CPM. Both of these powerful women have guided me through the challenges and the light of birth and life.
My mother began bringing me to births when I was just a baby. I vividly remember being four years old, attending a birth with her, and watching her explain the placenta. My first thought was, “Yuck—it looks like a brain!” Now, thirty years later, I see the placenta as a sacred picture of the Tree of Life. Growing up surrounded by a community of strong midwives and women deeply shaped the path I walk today. I am who I am today due to my Mother’s influence.
Tomasina has been a mentor to me for most of my life. A strong, Spirit-connected midwife, she is guided by her heart and has always embodied the deep wisdom and power of birth.
Other influential mentors along my journey include Jessie Remer, owner of Mother Tree Birth Services in Oregon, who provided my DONA Birth Doula training. Jessie is a true inspiration—one of the first to get doulas covered by insurance and to establish a 24-hour onsite doula support program for hospitals.
Another mentor is Rachel Strumpf, CPM, of Gentle Beginnings Midwifery in Hawaii, who welcomed me with open arms while I pursued midwifery school. Rachel encouraged me to expand my education with classes like Breech Without Borders, and she modeled the Hawaiian Aloha spirit in her care—massaging women’s feet, singing to them, and creating a deeply nurturing presence.
I am also grateful to Kaleen at Tree of Life Birth & Gynecology, who accepted me as a student and birth assistant when I returned to Florida. My time at Tree of Life has been rich with learning and hands-on experience, and I continue to carry those lessons forward in my work today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BirthingJourneys.care
- Instagram: @Birthing_Journeys
Image Credits
Thank you Bia photography for these photos. Thank you Juliana and Sebastian for doing this photo shoot with me!
