 As a doula with over a decade of experience, I have developed numerous relationships within the birth community and strive to stay informed about local birth news for the benefit of my clients and the surrounding parent community. Here are the latest updates regarding birth in the Triangle area. If you are planning to expand your family, there are some amazing resources and support options for you to explore. North Carolina Birth Center
Earlier this month, it was announced that North Carolina Birth Center will be closing. This news was sudden and very unexpected. If you read my last update or subscribed to the NCBC newsletter, then you know all that hard work and effort that was put forth to get the former Womens Birth and Wellness Center reconstructed and transformed into the beatutiful and welcoming facility for families. With just over a year in operation, the birth center was doing very well and hiring to accomadate more families, which makes this loss even more devastating. Here is words from the birth center's manager about NCBC's closing: "Two and a half years ago, I accepted a position to help open a birth center in Chapel Hill. I was the first employee hired and the only local team member, while the corporate leadership was based out of state. Over the last 2.5 years, I poured my heart into this work. I monitored construction, assembled furniture, maintain the website and social media, gave tours to EVERY prospective client who walked through our doors, onboarded patients, and supported our midwives as we built something truly special for families in our community. And now, that work is coming to an abrupt end. Not because the birth center failed. Not because there was a lack of patients, community support, or interest in the birth center model of care. In fact, we were growing and thriving. The reality is that the corporate company that managed our birth center, along with many others across the country, made business decisions that left the organization millions of dollars in debt. As a result, they are closing all of their birth centers, laying off employees, and abandoning patients who trusted them with their care. The heartbreak is difficult to put into words. After years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, everything we built is being taken away through circumstances completely outside of our control. But despite what has happened, my North Carolina Birth Center colleagues and I have made a decision: we will not abandon our patients. Thanks to the generosity of our building’s landlords, we have been allowed to remain in the space through the end of June. During that time, our midwives and staff are continuing to provide care, support, and guidance to our existing patients as they navigate new birth options. We are doing this without pay. We are not asking our patients for a single dollar, even though many employees are still owed weeks of unpaid wages. At the same time, we are covering essential expenses out of pocket, including internet service, office supplies, and other necessities required to continue caring for families during this transition. A local doula, Andrea Fowler, moved by what was happening, created a GoFundMe to support our team during these final weeks of service. Every donation will help us continue caring for patients, cover operating expenses, and provide some relief as we navigate the loss of our jobs and begin rebuilding our futures. If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply send words of encouragement, it means more than you know. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and reached out with support. Your kindness is helping us continue showing up for the families who need us most. With heartbreak, frustration, and hope, Mariam" Very special thak you to Andrea Fowler for organizing the fundraiser and helping the NCBC staff support the remaining families. Please join BOBWDS in making a donation. Haven Women's Health and Birth Center Haven Women's Health and Birth Center recently celebrated their 2nd birthday and are very close to welcoming their 200th baby! Check out their website for classes, support groups and schedule a tour if you're thinking about a birth center for your next birth experience. Aya Birth & Community Wellness Aya Wellness NC is now accepting accepting Medicaid for birth services for families due September 2026 & beyond. Curious about birth center birth? Aya’s Open House is later this month! You’ll get to:
Saturday, June 27, 10-1pm Aya Birth & Community Wellness 1412 Hudson Ave Durham, NC 27705 Special Beginnings Midwifery Special Beginnings Midwifery has opened their birth suites in Durham. The birth suites were thoughtfully designed to feel warm, peaceful, and deeply supportive so families can labor, birth, and bond in a space that feels safe and sacred. Home birth support is still available. Special Beginnings has also partnered with Well One Healthcare to bring primary care services to their Durham office. This is a choice friendly clinic and crunchy mommy friendly. Services include and routine check ups, newborn/pediatric, prenatal and adult care, FMLA paperwork and prior authorizations, labs & referrals and IV therapy. Abiding Love Birth Collective I am so excited to share my new birth collective with you! Since our launch in March, Abiding Love Birth Collective has grown into a wonderful community of Christian doulas and local business owners who are all dedicated to supporting families. I am so blessed to transition into this new phase of my career and am truly thankful for all the support and new clients who trust my leadership and our collective to support them. We are now accepting clients due in August and beyond and will begin accepting applications for new collective members later this summer. Stay tuned for more birth news!
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 As the holidays approach, many of us feel the excitement of family gatherings, the joy of giving, and the peace of rest. Yet for some in the Triangle area community, particularly those who are undocumented, unhoused, or facing food insecurity, the season may be bringing deep stress, uncertainty, and loneliness. This year, let’s expand what “giving back” means. Let’s lean into compassion, solidarity, and justice. Even small actions can help make our community safer, more welcoming, and more resilient.
Below is a guide to meaningful ways to support your neighbors during the holidays, especially those who might otherwise be vulnerable to ICE detention, homelessness, or lack of reliable food. Supporting Immigrant and Undocumented Neighbors a) Align with Local Advocacy Groups
Helping Those Without Stable Housing a) Support Local Homelessness Nonprofits
Addressing Food Insecurity in the Triangle a) Volunteer with Hunger-Relief Organizations
Building Long-Term Solidarity: Beyond the Holidays
This holiday season, giving back doesn’t have to look like expensive gifts or grand gestures. Sometimes the most profound impact comes from being present, offering time, empathy, and solidarity to neighbors who face real risk, instability, or hunger. Whether you help accompany someone to a court hearing, donate meals, or volunteer to sort food boxes, your actions reverberate: they affirm dignity, build trust, and strengthen our shared community. Let us remember: the holidays are not just about receiving. they’re an invitation to serve. Let’s lean in and come together. Your time, support and compassion can be a gift that changes lives. |
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
August 2026
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