About Us

We are the help you need when you need it.

Our Mission

The Mothering Way provides families with nurturing support, education and information during one of the most challenging and rewarding transitions a family will ever make; the birth of a child. We want to co-create a birth and newborn experience that is joyous for every family.

Who We Are

The Mothering Way is the first group doula practice in Austin Texas. We have Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Massage Therapists, a Certified Hypnotist and an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant on staff.

Our Doulas are:
  • Trained Professional Birth and Postpartum Doulas
  • Experienced Mothers
  • Knowledgeable and Trained about Breastfeeding Concerns
  • Responsive and supportive to your needs
  • Gentle, caring and compassionate women who understand the needs of expectant and new parents

The Founder and Executive Director

Ryka George, Executive Director

Ryka George, CD (DONA), PCD (DONA), Lactation Specialist and Executive Director.

The founder of The Mothering Way, Ryka is the proud mother of two. The first DONA International (DONA) Certified Postpartum Doula in the state of Texas, she is also a Certified Birth Doula (DONA) and an ALACE ( Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators) -trained Professional Labor Assistant. Ryka completed the Texas Department of Health Intensive Course in Breastfeeding, Phases I & II, in 2002.

Ryka’s lifetime love of babies started when she was a child. In 1990, she was blessed with the birth of her first son Benjamin and again blessed 1994, when she gave birth to Daniel. She has enjoyed helping mothers with breastfeeding since 1992. Fascinated by birth and lactation for more than sixteen years, Ryka continues to broaden her knowledge in these fields by attending conferences, classes and trainings while also reading extensively.

She draws upon her training, her work as a doula and her experience as a parent to meet the individual needs of each family. Ryka would like every family to feel nurtured, supported and empowered before, during and after birth.

You may contact Ryka directly by email at ryka@themotheringway.com or by phone at (512) 527-8684.

The Assistant Director

Brenda Marlin-Reed, Assistant Director

Brenda Marlin-Reed, MA, CD (DONA) and Assistant Director

Brenda is a DONA International Certified Birth Doula. She is also trained by DONA International as a Postpartum Doula. She has completed the Texas Department of State Health Services course “The Principles of Lactation Management.”

Brenda is a mama of two amazing girls and was able to have two absolutely empowering births with the support of several extraordinary women. After experiencing the power of her community of women, Brenda decided she had to bring that feeling into her life by becoming a doula.

Brenda has had the unique opportunity to be employed by and to receive services from the Mothering Way. The birth of her second child was attended by a doula from the practice; in addition, she has received postpartum care, massage and hypnosis services. These experiences give her a multi-faceted view of this company. This unique perspective helps her to co-create a clear vision for the growth of The Mothering Way.

Brenda feels that her work as a doula propels her to reach inside herself and support moms in finding their strength. Brenda hopes that in some small way her efforts will help not only with the birth of a baby but also with the birth of the family.

Prior to becoming a doula, Brenda had a career in international development focusing on improving the lives of women in Latin America. The wellbeing of women around the world is very important to her. She plans to continue this part of her work by volunteering with women’s groups in Central America.

You may contact Brenda directly by email at brenda@themotheringway.com or by phone at (512) 289-7196.