Essence of Peace Doula, LLC

I’m Callie Hodge, founder of Essence of Peace Doula, LLC. My journey into birth work is not just professional; it is deeply personal and purpose driven. After over 35 years in federal service, including 15 years as a Copyright Specialist at the Library of Congress, I felt a calling to step into a space where I could support families during one of life’s most sacred transitions: birth. This work chose me as much as I chose it. Essence of Peace Doula, LLC offers compassionate, culturally competent support for families through prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum recovery. We are committed to empowering families, especially in underserved communities, to have informed, respectful, and joyful birthing experiences. Our approach integrates holistic wellness practices that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. We believe in supporting the whole person through natural, emotional, and spiritual care that promotes balance and healing throughout the perinatal journey. This includes incorporating mindfulness techniques, nutritional guidance, herbal support, and emotional resilience-building to help clients feel grounded and whole. We value the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and cultural well-being and tailor our services to honor each person's unique path to wellness and parenthood. We also celebrate and integrate cultural traditions that have supported birthing people for generations—such as ancestral storytelling, spiritual rituals, the use of herbal remedies passed down through families, and honoring the matriarchal wisdom in our communities. These traditions are embraced to restore sacredness to the birth experience and affirm cultural identity throughout the journey to parenthood.