Denise Mills: Doula, Nurse, and Park Ranger
For a truly immersive and comprehensive experience, I am delighted to introduce you to Denise Mills—a remarkable individual whose diverse career spans nature conservation, healthcare, and birth support. With her extensive background and unwavering dedication, Denise offers unparalleled support to every family she serves.
Denise's professional journey commenced as a park ranger, fueled by her profound love for nature and a commitment to educating the younger generation. Her passion for the outdoors led her to roles as a camp director and environmental educator, where she inspired countless individuals to appreciate and preserve the natural world.
Transitioning into motherhood, Denise felt a calling toward the birthing community and began pursuing a path to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). During this period, she experienced a cesarean birth with her son, which reshaped her professional trajectory. Balancing the demands of new motherhood, she chose to channel her nurturing skills into a career as a Registered Nurse (RN), specializing in end-of-life care as a hospice nurse. This role honed her ability to provide compassionate support to both patients and their families during life's most challenging moments.
Denise's rich tapestry of experiences naturally led her to the realm of birth support. She embraced the role of a Certified Birth Doula, offering both birth and postpartum support. Her unique blend of medical expertise and deep empathy allows her to connect with families on a profound level, providing care that is both informed and heartfelt. Denise also serves as a nurse assistant to midwives in homebirth settings, further bridging the gap between medical and holistic care approaches.
In addition to her work in birth and end-of-life care, Denise has contributed her skills as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse at CooperRiis, a healing community in Asheville dedicated to mental health recovery. This experience has enriched her understanding of the emotional complexities families may face, enabling her to offer comprehensive support that addresses both physical and mental well-being.
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Denise in various capacities. Her unwavering dedication to doula work has made her an invaluable asset to our community. Families are instinctively drawn to her calming presence, which exudes the warmth and wisdom reminiscent of a seasoned grandmother—offering guidance without judgment.
Denise's medical background equips her with a thorough understanding of medical procedures and terminology, instilling confidence in the families she supports. Her personal birthing experiences—a cesarean delivery in a hospital setting and an unmedicated home birth—provide her with a well-rounded perspective that resonates with diverse birthing preferences.
Having called the Western North Carolina mountains and Asheville home for the past 30 years, Denise maintains a deep connection to nature. To rejuvenate, she cherishes time with her family at the coast, often paddleboarding alongside dolphins around Edisto Island. This balance between her professional commitments and personal passions exemplifies her holistic approach to life and care.
Denise Mills's multifaceted career and compassionate spirit make her a cherished member of our community, offering unparalleled support to families during some of life's most pivotal moments.
This month, I want to shine a spotlight on Martha Draughn. Martha has been a valuable member of our team for about two years now. Her presence alone brings a sense of joy and positivity to everyone around her.
As a birth and postpartum doula with Kooshlie Doula Services, Martha provides comprehensive support to families during these transformative times. When we discussed her passion for her work, it became evident why she loves what she does. Martha’s genuine desire to focus on the needs of the family during birth allows her to fully immerse herself in their support and that of their partner. She finds immense fulfillment in providing the peace, comfort, and joy that enable parents to relax, smile, and fully embrace the journey of parenthood.
Beyond her exceptional support during birth, Martha is also a skilled breastfeeding educator. During her clinical training in 2008, one of the local lactation consultants working with her was astounded by her natural talent and expertise in the field. Martha embodies the three core pillars of Kooshlie Care Doula Services: Educate, Empower, and Support. As a birth doula or a postpartum doula, she provides a nurturing and empowering presence, sharing her knowledge and skills to boost the confidence of new families.
The Best 1-Day Childbirth Class in Asheville, NC: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Birth
If you're expecting and looking for a childbirth class that provides a combination of hands-on learning, local expertise, and a relaxed atmosphere, Kooshlie Care Doula Services offers the perfect option for you. Held once a month in the cozy suburbs of Asheville, NC, the Kooshlie Care Bootcamp Birth Class is an immersive and practical experience for expecting parents.
What Are People Saying About Asheville’s Premier Childbirth Class?
Here’s what past participants have had to say about their experience:
- “The bootcamp class offered by Kooshlie fit both our schedules!”
- “This was a great refresher class for our second baby.”
- “Jessica teaches in a down-to-earth, cozy style.”
This class is designed to fit your needs, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey—whether you’re a first-time parent or looking for a refresher before baby number two. Jessica, the founder of Kooshlie Care and your instructor, brings over 10 years of experience as a doula and childbirth educator, ensuring you get the best and most up-to-date information.
The Perfect Setting for Learning
The class is held at Jessica’s home office, nestled in the beautiful suburbs of Asheville, NC. The classroom is a repurposed screen porch, offering a fresh, airy environment with year-round comfort. The space is equipped with marine-grade vinyl roll-downs for warmth during the colder months, making it a cozy setting no matter the season.
Childbirth is a significant life event that can profoundly shape a mother’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. While modern medical advancements have improved maternal and neonatal outcomes, childbirth is still a vulnerable time for many women, particularly those facing systemic barriers to care or heightened anxiety about the birthing process.
Enter doulas: trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Their presence has been shown to improve outcomes, reduce medical interventions, and enhance birth experiences in countless ways.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the transformative role doulas play, drawing on evidence from clinical studies and expert reports to highlight their impact on maternal health and overall birthing experiences.
Here at Kooshlie Care we offer support groups and classes to help you take advantage of these positive birth experiences.
