About Your Whole Life Doula! Nurturing the Sacred Thresholds of Life in the Greater Seattle Area
Hi there! I am Keli Schurman-Darby the owner/operator of Your Whole Life Doula! My journey as a doula began with a deep realization that every life transition from the first breath to the last deserves a steady, compassionate presence. Serving the Seattle, King and Snohomish County communities, I bring a holistic and inclusive approach to birth, postpartum, grief, and end-of-life care. I believe that being a doula is about more than education; it is about holding sacred space for your story, fostering resilience, and providing a grounded sense of calm when you need it most. Whether you are welcoming a new addition or saying a difficult goodbye, I am here to walk beside you with intention and grace.
A little more about me, I was an actor and a career nanny prior to my work as a Doula. I would consider my energy as warm, empathetic and humor filled! I am naturally the "therapist" friend, a deeply attuned listener, observant and great under pressure. I am a bookworm, self development nerd, romance buff and love fur babies! I love Indian and Italian food, 90s/2000s r&b/hip hop/pop/numetal and the current baddies of pop and hip hop!
The Philosophy of Whole Life Support
I believe that every transition from birth to the final legacy of life deserves to be held with compassion and dignity. My 'whole life' doula care honors the full spectrum of movement through life's thresholds, providing a steady presence during the profound moments of pregnancy, postpartum, bereavement, and end-of-life transitions. It is my belief that no one should walk these sacred paths alone, but rather with the support of a dedicated companion who bridges clinical care with meaningful, natural connection.
Full Spectrum Doula and Childbirth Ed Certification
BADT
Comprehensive training covering birth, postpartum, and reproductive health advocacy with a focus on social justice and inclusive care. Also a trained and certified Childbirth Educator.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Advocate
PAILAdvocate Certification
Advanced training in supporting families moving through pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and neonatal death with sensitive, trauma-informed care.
Training, Certifications & Education
Continuing education is a vital part of my commitment to you. I am constantly expanding my knowledge in trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ inclusive support, and cultural humility to ensure every family feels safe and seen.
Other certifications include Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Certified Lactation Educator and Spinning Babies Trained!
Birth and Postpartum Training and Certification
BASTYR Center for Allied Birth Vocations, DONA, NAPS
Comprehensive training in birth and postpartum support as well as ongoing continuing education and professional certification. PMADS and continuing ed around evidence based and physiological birth.
End of Life Doula/Death Doula/Psychedelic Doula
Guardian at the Gateway PDA, IAPP
Specialized education in providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support during the dying process and bereavement care. Also currently training in psychedelic support for life transitions and end of life care.
Kind words from a wonderful family!
We interviewed four different doulas and immediately knew Keli was the one. From our very first conversation, we felt an instant connection — she made us feel comfortable, heard, and deeply aligned with our family values. That sense of trust only grew from there.Before the birth, Keli met with us multiple times to go over our birth preferences and walk us through what to expect at Overlake Labor & Delivery. She helped us feel truly prepared and confident, while also reassuring us that our wishes would be respected. Knowing she would be there not only for support, but also as an advocate and mediator with hospital staff, gave us so much peace of mind.
Once labor began and we called her in, Keli was an absolute calming godsend — and truly a labor positioning guru. As a first-time mom planning an unmedicated birth, I faced some intense and scary moments, including baby decelerations. Through it all, Keli helped both me and our baby feel safe and well cared for. Whenever I needed a hand to hold, a grounding touch, or encouragement, she was right there reminding me that I was strong and capable.
During particularly stressful moments — including when the hospital team seemed slow to respond and my OB wasn’t present when I was ready to push — Keli remained calm, steady, and supportive, helping keep my husband grounded as well. Her presence made an enormous difference in how safe and supported we felt during the birth of our son.
We also asked Keli to capture photos during the birth, and we are beyond grateful for the beautiful, emotional moments she documented — they are memories we will treasure forever.
As if her birth support wasn’t incredible enough, Keli has continued to be an invaluable part of our lives as our overnight postpartum doula. In the midst of sleep deprivation, feeding challenges, and all the unknowns of first-time parenthood, she has provided endless support, practical guidance, and thoughtful resources to help us overcome hurdles and feel more confident as parents.We could not be happier with the care, compassion, and expertise Keli has provided — both in bringing our baby boy into the world and in caring for him afterward. We are so incredibly grateful to have her in our lives and cannot recommend her highly enough.
-Shayla G. Snohomish WA