Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Kinner.
Hi Natasha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For me, this work is about connection, empowerment, and reminding people that support in birth isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Every family I support has the potential to impact generations, and that ripple effect is why I became a doula. I wanted people to understand their bodies and their options.
From first periods to pregnancy, society often treats these life changes like no big deal, when really they’re powerful, hormonal experiences that shape us. Understanding them gives you strength, confidence, and clarity.
I trained at Bastyr University and started supporting families in Florida, in hospitals and home births. I learned how to help clients navigate decisions, trust the labor process, and stay grounded under pressure. I spent years bartending before this, talking to all kinds of people, learning how to connect, pivot in stressful moments, and find common ground. Birth is the same. No matter how different we are, the transition to motherhood is universal. That connection, that shared humanity, is why I love supporting people through this experience.
When I moved back to Michigan, I joined Live Light Birth & Family and eventually took over as owner. Now I mentor doulas, build systems that prevent burnout, and make sure families receive continuous, trustworthy care. I love guiding couples to work together, lean on each other, and step into parenthood with hope instead of fear.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not really, and whose life is? My biggest turning point came when my daughter was born with a heart condition. I was already a doula and being in the NICU opened my eyes to a whole new layer of what families need. Parents in that setting carry so much: fear, exhaustion, the strain on mental health, and the impact it has on siblings and the entire family system. That experience changed not only how I support families but how I live this work. Every day with my daughter I practice what I teach. I advocate, ask questions, make tough decisions, and make sure she has the best care possible.
Before that, my path was anything but straight. I moved a lot as a kid, traveled in my 20s wondering what I would do with my life, and even moved out of the country. I explored yoga, found doula work, and realized it aligned with me. Choosing a certifying agency, figuring out where to start, and overcoming fear and self-doubt were challenges every step of the way. Doula work was not even mainstream ten years ago, so the path was unclear.
Through it all, I have learned to say yes to the right opportunities such as the chance to become a doula, training at Bastyr University, moving to Florida, moving back to Detroit, finding and eventually purchasing Live Light Birth & Family. I have also learned the value of saying no and setting boundaries.
The biggest obstacle is balance. Balancing business, supporting families, and my own family is an ongoing challenge. Life is full of them, and how you perceive those challenges matters. I have learned from every one of them, grown stronger, and I look forward to what comes next.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Live Light Birth & Family is here to walk with families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. We provide compassionate, evidence-based support that helps families feel informed, seen, and empowered at every step. Our H.E.A.R.T. approach, which is honest, evidence-based, affirming, relationship-centered, and trustworthy, guides everything we do. We create spaces where every family feels valued and fully supported because we know that with the right care, birth can be joyful, growth-filled, and confidence-building. The impact does not stop at the delivery room. It shapes how families connect, thrive, and grow together long after those first days.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am a middle child, a little wild and a little rebellious, always wanting to stand out. When everyone was choosing the violin, I chose to play the viola just to be different. We moved quite a bit, and I made friends wherever I went. I was a “good kid” and liked being recognized for doing well, and I was also naturally drawn to helping others. Teachers would ask me to walk classmates to the office, sit with someone who needed extra support, or help with things they were struggling with. People trusted me to be steady, and I stepped into that role without even thinking about it.
Looking back, it makes sense that this carried into the work I do now. I learned early on how to connect, care, and be present for people, and that foundation still guides how I show up for families and my team today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livelightdetroit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livelightdetroit?igsh=MTMyb3NydnlpNTV3bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19TwporVXj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
