I met Maureen at the Ecological Babies potluck a couple of months ago and actually spoke quite a bit about photography with her husband, Jeffrey – who also turned out to be a student in a class I was the TA for this summer (and this semester too)! Small world
Maureen is the owner of Foundations of Birth and is a birth doula serving the Tallahassee area. I was incredibly lucky that I have a great relationship with my in-laws, and my mother-in-law was a fabulous resource for a birth coach – but if I didn’t have them around, I totally wish I would have had a doula!
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Hi Maureen!

photo provided by Maureen Ott
Where are you from and how did you end up in Tallahassee?
I am from a little place called Seminole, just minutes from the Gulf Beaches, tucked in between St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida. I came to Tallahassee to attend FSU in 2002, where I met my wonderful husband.
How did you decide start Foundations of Birth?
Surrounding the pregnancy and birth of my two daughters, I realized how much I loved everything pregnancy, birth, and parenting related. I found a birth doula workshop with DONA International, and started from there.
Who is your biggest influence/inspiration?
My husband, my girls, my midwives, and the amazing birth and attachment parenting community Tallahassee has to offer.
What is the one thing you could impart to an expecting mom looking for a doula?
A doula is there to support you. Be sure that you and your doula are a good fit, and will support your plan and desires through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. A doula educates and helps with any fears or questions this time may bring for you and your partner.
What’s your best advice for balancing work and family?
It’s kind of like a healthy diet. You eat a salad for lunch today, so that you can splurge on dessert tomorrow. My family is very supportive and I am very driven and passionate. There are times when I have to turn down a family movie to meet with a client or leave a birthday party to attend a birth, but I believe that is what life is about. Ultimately, my family is first and foremost. They are the love of my life. They are what make me be the best I can be!
What does the future hold in store for you?
I am a big dreamer, and may not be able to squeeze them all in. Ultimately, I want to be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator, birth photographer, and midwife, in addition to my doula-ing. Oh, and get a Master of Public Health degree concentrating in maternal and child studies so I can research and publish why what I love is so important, while teaching and showing my girls how to dream and succeed.
What are your favorite things to do with the kids in Tallahassee?
I love planting vegetables, herbs, and flowers with my girls-they love watching them grow. We like going to The Tallahassee Junior Museum, Winthrop Park, and I love taking them to see The Tallahassee Ballet performances.
What are the three words your spouse/partner would use to describe you?
Passionate, dreamer, and awesome…I asked him
Lastly – what would you advise others just starting out as a businesswoman?
Having mentors to talk with and ask questions was a huge help. A lot of time and physical, emotional, and mental energy go into starting a business, so be prepared. It’s your business, so you are able to work at your own pace. Don’t overload yourself and always be on the lookout for inspiration.


































