Who We Support
At Khumalo Birth and Beyond, we are dedicated to creating a safe, affirming, and accessible space for all families. We proudly serve clients of every race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, body type, and background. This includes disabled parents, neurodivergent individuals, and those with chronic illness.
We believe that every person deserves compassionate, respectful care — tailored to their unique needs. Whether you're seeking birth support, postpartum care, education, or wellness services, we’re here to walk alongside you with dignity and understanding, every step of the way.
If you have specific access needs or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and autonomy matter deeply to us.
Meet Your Doula
Merissa Khumalo
My journey into birth work didn’t start in a delivery room—it began as a pre-med student at the University of Kentucky, full of ambition and curiosity, studying on a full academic scholarship. But life had other plans. During my second semester, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and had to leave school. What followed was a season of healing, learning, and redefining what it meant to care for myself—especially as a young Black woman living with a disability.
Eventually, I returned to school, graduated, and became a STEM teacher, where I found deep purpose in guiding and empowering young minds. When the pandemic hit, I leaned into entrepreneurship, exploring marketing, product design, and herbalism—an unexpected but transformative chapter that taught me how to listen to my passions and follow my own rhythm.
I continued my long-term side job working as a nanny, and took on marketing roles, but something deeper was calling. When I stumbled across the world of birth work, everything clicked. I enrolled in a doula training course, and it felt like coming home. I realized that I already had everything I needed—holistic knowledge, a deep understanding of wellness and body mechanics, and the kind of lived experience you can’t get from working a 9-5.
I’ve worked as a pharmacy tech, shadowed labor and delivery doctors, dabbled in personal training, yoga, and dietetics, studied herbal medicine, marketed for grassroots organizations in South Africa, and tried just about every wellness trend in search of healing. Each path, each pivot, has shaped the doula I am today.
Now, as a full-spectrum doula, educator, and advocate, I am here to support you—whether you are preparing to welcome a child, healing after birth, navigating parenting, or becoming a caregiver yourself. This work is heart work, and I’m honored to walk beside you.
Welcome to a space where care is holistic, support is inclusive, and every part of your journey is honored.
Education and Experience
As a doula and childcare provider, I hold certifications from reputable institutions and undergo continuous training to stay updated with the latest evidence-based practices and holistic approaches in supporting childbirth and early childhood development.
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Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
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Associate's Degree in Biology, Minor in Psychology
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Study Abroad experience in Capetown, South Africa
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Certified K-5 STEM Teacher and Learning Specialist
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Certificates in UX Design and Environmental Education
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10 years experience as a nanny and childcare provider
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1000+ hours of volunteering, learning, and mentoring for non-profit organizations in Lexington, KY
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Certified Full-Spectrum Doula and Bereavement Doula
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Certified Family and Community Herbalist
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Certified Essential Oil Specialist
Holistic Philosophy
At Khumalo Birth and Beyond, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves personalized, respectful, and holistic care throughout their birthing and parenting journey. We prioritize the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our clients, offering comprehensive support that integrates evidence-based practices with holistic principles. Our approach is centered on empowering families to make informed choices, fostering a nurturing environment, and promoting a sense of confidence and empowerment during this transformative phase of life.