Meet our Owner/Founding Doula, Jacquelyne
Hi everyone! I'm happy you are here!
My name is Jacquelyne Livengood, I am the owner of Wild Roots Birth Collective, a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, and Student Midwife, former CNA. I am CPR/First Aid + Neonatal Resuscitation certified.
My love for birth and supporting mama's has spanned over the last 30+ years! I am a mom of 6 + 3 bonus kiddos, I had 4 beautiful, supported, home births with my first 4 babies, with my midwife present (well for 3 of them), and had planned that my 5th daughter would follow suit and be born at home, but that pregnancy came with many complications,my water broke at 24 weeks, I was hospitalized and they began prepping for delivery, thankfully, the meds slowed down the contractions, and I was able to go home a week later on bedrest, only for it to happen again at 34 weeks, 5 days, which led to a failed induction,and she was delivered by emergency c-section at 35 weeks. My son followed suit 6 years later.
I have expirienced so many challenges in my pregnancies, from miscarriages, hemmoraging, hyperemisis gravidarum, pre-term baby, precipitious birth (the one the midwife didn't make it to on time ,LOL) large babies, ranging from 9 lbs 1 oz - 10 lbs 3 oz., I had should dystocia with the biggest baby, plus 2 c-sections, I've kind of experienced it all! Whew!
Those contrasting experiences - the empowered, supported home births and the lonely, clinical c-sections, shaped my calling. I understand both sides of birth, and I know firsthand the power of having someone who will listen, hold space and advocate for your voice and choices to be heard and respected. I'd love to be that SUPPORT for you!
Anyone that knows me also knows by BIGGEST passion in birthwork is LOVING on my POSTPARTUM Mama's! The client reviews speak for themselves. I am certifying to do Ayurvedic Postpartum Massage, I also offer BengKung Belly Binding, and offer concierage-level postpartum support for the families I support.
Meet Portia ~ Lead Certified Birth Doula, BFPC
Hey! I'm Portia Kniffen, DONA Certified Birth Doula, BFPC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.
I have been a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor for 14 years at the Washington Co. Health Department. My passion is helping moms and babies learn more about breastfeeding.
What I offer:
One-on-one virtual consultations, Guidance on breastfeeding techiniques and positions, Troubleshooting common breast problems, Support with latch issues, Pain managment, and milk supply. I also have tips to help moms with pumping, storing milk and transitioning to solids. Breastfeeding can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone.
I am a DONA Certified Birth Doula, I am passionate about educating my clients prenatally, supportingthem throughout their labor and birth, all the way to baby latching for the first time.
Supporting mothers through their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey, with care and compassion.
Meet Stephene ~ Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula
I’m Stephené Dill, M.Ed. (UMSL, 2020) — a certified birth and postpartum doula, CPR/First Aid certified, and a Missouri Medicaid provider. I also serve as a behavioral health case worker supporting individuals with co-occurring disorders and substance use.
My passion for doula work is rooted in faith, education, and advocacy, helping families feel confident and supported during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I am building a babywearing lending library to make hands-on education and a variety of carriers accessible to all families. I have also joined the team of volunteers at Greater St. Louis Babywearing.
In 2027, I will begin my journey toward becoming an IBCLC, inspired by my own breastfeeding experiences and the dedicated lactation support I received along the way. I have personally overcome challenges such as low supply and latch difficulties, and I’m committed to walking alongside other mothers facing similar hurdles.
I believe God created me for this work — to love, serve, and support families during one of life’s most incredible seasons.
Meet Terri ~ Birth Doula + Birth Photographer
I’m Terri Jones, MSW. I am 26 years married, mom of 3 incredible kids. I have a bachelor’s and Masters degree in Social Work. I have spent the majority of my Social Work Career working in Pediatric Emergency Departments. I believe this gives me a unique perspective in working with potential families.
I have also worked as a portrait photographer for 21 years. This has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I have watched so many families grow over the years. Recently even begun photographing senior sessions of kids I photographed as newborns. What an amazing honor that is.
I have such a deep connection to families I have worked with either in the emergency room or when photographing them. Some photography clients have become years long friends. I feel drawn to continue that with more growing families in a different way. I want to support women and their families to have the birth they want and will do that through education, advocacy and support. I want them to feel prepared to bring a baby into the world and to parent that child. It is an immense blessing.
I have started my certification journey through Maternity Wise Institute to become a— a certified birth and postpartum doula, and lactation counselor. In addition I would love to photograph your birth as I believe it will help you to remember the events of the day.
Like many other Doulas, I feel this is where I am meant to be.
I believe I have been led in this direction and I can not wait to help many families.
Meet Sarah ~ Birth Photographer + Lactation Consultant
Hi, I’m Sarah Zepeda, my love for babies started when I was a little girl, I was always the one drawn to caring for little ones and that turned into a passion of caring for families.
In 2014, I turned that lifelong passion into a career as a doula, lactation counselor, and birth assistant. For years, I walked alongside families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, offering encouragement and care during such a tender and life-changing season. And as a mama of three myself, I know firsthand just how beautiful, overwhelming, and fleeting those moments can be.
That same love for nurturing families is what led me to photography. Now, instead of being by your side in the birth room, I get to freeze these milestones in time—pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and everything in between. My heart is to celebrate your strength, your love, and your unique story through images you’ll treasure forever.
Meet Haley ~ Postpartum & Birth Doula in Training
Hi! My name is Haley~ I am 21 years old. I am excited to begin my work as a Postpartum Doula. I have had a lot of experiences leading up to this. I have 9 nieces and nephews. During my free time I love spending time with my family, having bonfires and going on vacation.
I have been watching babies since I was 17, taking care of them changing their diapers, feeding them, all the good stuff.
For the last two years I have been living with my sister to help take care of her twins doing hands on things such as feeding them, takng them to their appointments, staying up with them at night. Some night were better than others, on the nights they were fussy and didn’t want to sleep I would just stay up with them and rock them until they fell asleep. So I have lots of experience with twin care as well.
I am passionate about being a doula, In preparing to begin this work, I took newborn care and breastfeeding classes at Mercy Hospital, and can’t wait to begin training as a Birth doula. I love taking care of babies and being around them. Knowing that I get to do for a job now, is exactly what I have been wanting to do.
My Credentials
A Credentialed Member of the Missouri Doula Association
Birth & Postpartum Doula Certification