Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Woods.
Hi Mackenzie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been drawn to babies, women, and birth. As the oldest kid on the block growing up, I nannied and babysat from a pretty early age and was just obsessed with babies. I remember watching the series “A Baby Story” with my mom growing up and was fascinated by women’s bodies and the process of bringing life into the world. I nannied for a mom who was a chiropractor and a doula and she introduced me to the world of birth work! When my best friend asked me to be her doula in 2024 I completed a training and supported her as she brought her daughter into the world. Witnessing the raw, transformative power of birth solidified my calling and ignited a passion within me. Being present during such an intimate and transformative moment was nothing short of life-changing. I have been fortunate enough to have several mentors who have helped me build my business from there!
For almost 12 years I’ve also worked as an ocean lifeguard, EMT, and in search and rescue which gave me a strong foundation for remaining calm and steady in high-intensity situations. My background in healthcare helps me bring a grounded, reassuring presence into the birth space while my passion for women and birth allows me to hold space with compassion, advocacy, and a deep respect for the natural process of birth. My own health journey has drawn me towards a more holistic view of the body and birth as a normal physiological process, while also recognizing the value and role of further medical care when it’s needed.
I am also a birth and motherhood photographer which is rooted in my education and experience in graphic design and surf photography. I feel so lucky to be able to blend my passion for women, birth, healthcare, and art as my career!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since making the decision to become a birth doula I have been extremely blessed with opportunities to be mentored and grow my client base. While there have also been many moments of learning and growth, it’s been a relatively smooth road overall!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my work I support families in two ways – as a birth doula and as a motherhood photographer. As a doula, I walk with families through pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum by offering calm, grounded support and evidence-based guidance. I provide several birth prep sessions, hands-on labor support, as well as emotional and spiritual support for both parents as they welcome the newest member of their family. On the creative side, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and Digital Media with an Action Sports Emphasis and years behind the camera capturing surf photography, families, lifestyle, and birth. I aim to capture motherhood in a way that feels raw, intimate, warm, and timeless. I focus on real moments and the unique dynamics of each family with the goal of capturing photos that truly reflect who they are. I’m most proud of my ability to combine both skillsets – as a doula and motherhood photographer – to serve families with both presence and memory, supporting them in the moment as well as giving them something beautiful to look back on after.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really think of it as luck. I believe that God has guided my steps and opened the doors that were meant for me and closed the ones that weren’t. From the people that I’ve met to the opportunities that have come my way, I see His hand in all of it! That doesn’t mean my path has always been easy – there has been a lot of hard work, struggle, and trusting His plan for my life through the uncertainty. I believe my path both in birth work and photography has been shaped by God’s timing and provision, not chance or luck. I believe that the families I serve have always been part of God’s plan for my life and theirs intertwining – that He brings us together for a purpose, whether it’s to be a steady hand to walk them through their birth, to capture their story authentically, or simply to be a source of peace and encouragement in this season of parenthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sundreamdoula.com
- Instagram: @sundreamdoula
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565914416720&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sundream-doula-san-clemente?uid=SxhBHBtxp_3kcmSFO1UnIA&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Alaina Nunez
Beach Roze Birth Photography
