Every birth is a story.

At Ozark Origins, we walk beside you as yours begins. Rooted in the quiet strength of the Ozarks, we offer soulful, grounded care through every chapter—birth coaching, doula support, postpartum care, placenta encapsulation, and prenatal yoga. Your path into parenthood is powerful and uniquely your own. We are here to support you as your story begins—clearly, confidently, and with compassion.

  • Jac Start

    BIRTH DOULA, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR, PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION

    Jac grew up in a family of women, with a mother who worked in Labor and Delivery. With birth being a common dinner table discussion, her passion started at a young age. But it wasn’t until later in her adult life, inspired by the book "Birth Matters," that she began her journey to becoming a Doula. Jac feels driven to help spread knowledge and positive encouragement to women; uplifting them to reclaim their power throughout pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. If not submerged in birth one way or the other, Jac can be found trekking her way to a river or at home getting creative and making elaborate costumes, finding any excuse to dress up with her fiancé and slew of furry animals.

  • Melissa Eudy

    BIRTH DOULA, YOGA TEACHER, CERTIFIED LACTATION COUNSELOR

    Yoga opened me up to myself. I started practicing yoga over 10 years ago as a way to fitness. After years off and on the mat, I started a consistent practice in 2020 as a way to mental stability and grounding in a dark, lonely, and confusing time in life where I didn't have tools, resources, or awareness to understand the things I was going through. I completed yoga teacher training with an amazing group of women and mentors at Yoga Story, and I was pregnant with my second baby the entire time. Teacher training was profoundly healing and connected me to myself, the mother in me, the work I do with women & families, and my babies & family in an incredible way. Yoga opens me up to my most authentic self so my energy can elevate others, and not cause chaos. It continually supports me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually and I am honored to share this practice with everyone in the community.

    Melissa is devoted to supporting, empowering, and educating mothers, families, and communities. Melissa is a 200hr RYT, Birth & Postpartum Doula, and Certified Indigenous Lactation Counselor. 

    When she isn't teaching, practicing yoga, or helping families in birth & postpartum, she loves to spend time with friends, dabble in crafts, music & poetry, go on adventures, and spend time in nature & in water with her husband Travis, son Tripp, daughter Maya, and pets Sahara & Ash.

  • Ava Ellis

    BIRTH DOULA, POSTPARTUM DOULA, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR, YOGA TEACHER

    Hey there, I’m Ava! I have been a birth + postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and 200hr certified yoga teacher for over 5 years. My work centers around providing evidence based, unbiased support. I won’t lie, it’s a pretty sweet gig – I have the privilege of seeing families form & parents rock their new roles everyday.

    My passion for pregnancy and postpartum also extends beyond my work as a doula. I am fortunate to work with several organizations striving to improve the maternal mortality rate in Arkansas; as well as serving on the Arkansas Reproductive Health Advisory Board.

    When I’m not doing birth-y things, you might find me chasing down my kiddos, drinking coffee (see: kids), or snuggled up with a blanket & book.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A doula is a non-medical professional trained specifically to support families through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. The scope of a doula includes emotional, informational, and physical support. While a doula won’t make decisions for you, they will guide you through the decision making process by offering evidence-based information.

  • Of course! This is your birth. Doulas support you however you choose to birth - whether that means a homebirth or a planned cesarean section. Your doula will have tools to help down whatever road you take.

  • The goal is never to replace your partner during labor! A doula is supportive to both the birther and their partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent they feel comfortable.

  • In some cases, yes! It is becoming more common for insurance companies to cover doula services, but many have different requirements for coverage. I am happy to work with you to see if we can get your doula support covered! I am able to accept HSA funds.

    I regularly work with clients who want to use their Walmart Doula Benefit.

  • I try to respond to my clients as quickly as possible. If you have an urgent question, please feel free to call - day or night. Otherwise, I ask that you shoot me a text and know that I will get back to you as soon as I can!

  • I am based out for Fayetteville, AR and serve the greater Northwest Arkansas area.

    I attend births at Willow Creek, Washington Regional, Mercy Rogers, Northwest Bentonville, and Northwest Siloam Springs. I also attend home births in a slightly wider radius.

Contact us

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