Crystal Summerhays- Birth Doula and Birth Photography from Provo, Utah

Hi, I’m Crystal Summerhays.

My Personal journey into Motherhood and Doula Support

Motherhood has always been my greatest goal. But after a year of unsuccessfully trying to conceive, I found myself feeling hopeless and fear began ruling in my life. Finally, and with a little holistic help, that second line appeared.

In eager anticipation of motherhood, I immersed myself in knowledge, devouring information about the physiology of birth and babies, with each new insight, I felt a growing sense of confiedence - unlike anything I had experienced before.  

That preparation paid off, culminating in a beautiful, unmedicated birth in February 2021. The fear that once was so consuming began to dissolve, replaced by faith. And now, I knew how strong I truly was. 

In June 2022, I conceived naturally. However, at 9 weeks I learned there was no heartbeat, and I experienced the heart-wrenching and intense pain of a miscarriage. Amidst the struggle, I found myself, once again, drawing on the knowledge and strength cultivated during my birth journey. This new hurdle illuminated the profound impact that birthing had on me and sparked a new desire - to become a birth doula.

Answering the Call to Doula Support

I attended my first birth as a doula for my sister in September 2022. Just two months later, I completed doula training with Melissa Chappell. I also attended a birth with the guidance of experienced doula, Monica Wilkinson. Since then, I supported over a dozen laboring women, refined birth photography skills and welcomed two more of my babies at home.

Expertise and Certifications:

I hold a deep belief in the sacred nature of birth. My faith in God informs every aspect of my doula practice, guiding me to approach birth with reverence and gratitude.

I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.

  • Crystal is an amazing doula.

    From the consult call to the postpartum visit she was a clear communicator and showed that she cared. She listened to my concerns during our prenatal visits and sent me resources to help. The day I went into labor she was nothing short of attentive and helpful. I never felt like I was burdening her even through all the counter pressure and she did so many other things to help with labor - things that I didn’t even ask for like essential oils, foot pressure, and positive affirmations. I also had her take photos and those are a treasure. Overall I would highly recommend Crystal as a doula!

    -Jessica Gilbert

  • She is worth every penny and then some!

    Crystal is amazing! She supported me leading up to, during, and after I gave birth. I was able to have a VBA2C, and I know Crystal was a huge part of helping me succeed! She helped me figure out my preferences and get a birth plan together using her template, (the nurses even commented on how great the birth plan was!) and was a sounding board for all my anxiety and concerns. She was prepared and on the ball for my labor and delivery, offering counter pressure, words of encouragement, and all of her knowledge and expertise when the time came. She advocated for me in the hospital and was such a comfort to have with me! She also brought a really nice homemade meal afterwards, as well as checked on me postpartum. She went above and beyond to make sure I was care for, every step of the way.
    As if all this isn’t enough, she also took and edited photos and video of our birth story! I cherish those memories and am so glad she did that for me too.
    If you’re wondering whether to hire Crystal, don’t hesitate! She is worth every penny and then some!

    -Alyssa Bowles

  • Crystal has such a calming presence and cares so deeply for the moms she serves.

    Crystal is so wonderful! She has such a calming presence and cares so deeply for the moms she serves. My twin birth didn’t go according to plan and we had an emergency c-section but she helped make the whole situation less stressful and it was so nice to have someone we know with us! I know she is passionate about natural birth but she is happy to support what is best for each mom!

    -Janussa Rivest

  • She talked me through and kept me calm and hopeful

    Having Crystal as a Doula was incredible! She helped me with the birth of my daughter in 2022, and now she is helping me again with my baby due this summer! I felt so much more prepared and confident going into labor because of her! Some of the counter pressure and other coping mechanisms she taught me really helped, especially through the frequent early/false labor. She printed fantastic mantras that really helped me feel confident and calm and reminded me to keep myself in a good head space, and perhaps most importantly: the day of delivery, I was super stressed because my contractions slowed to a stop and I thought it was another false alarm. She talked me through and kept me calm and hopeful, whether it ended up being that day or not (spoiler alert: less than 8 hours later I was holding my baby!). In the hospital, her clear organization of my husband and sister (who came to the birth) was amazing-- she directed them to help them know how to help and how to balance not being in the way but also being there for me. She even handled it well when I snapped at her because I needed help breathing (a guided breathing practice)-- she took it in stride, without getting upset or offended, and responded quickly and efficiently and kindly. I highly recommend Crystal for your pregnancy and birth journey -- and I'm happy to have her help me again with this pregnancy!

    -Amber Schwartz

  • Crystal worked with me from the very beginning of my pregnancy with my thoughts and beliefs around birth.

    Crystal was an incredible support to me. She worked with me from the very beginning of my pregnancy with my thoughts and beliefs around birth. She helped me create the most incredibly detailed birth plan and I owe it all to her for helping me dream up my ideal dream birth and make it happen! She created affirmation posters for me that I hung around my birth space that helped me with my mindset. She was up for two nights by my side helping with counter pressure and so many things to help me during labor. She took detailed notes on the entire birth and even brought her fancy camera and acted as my photographer, too! There isn’t anything Crystal can’t do!

    -Shantelle Flake

  • I can’t imagine what my pregnancy and birth journey would have been like without Crystal!

    I can’t imagine what my pregnancy and birth journey would have been like without Crystal! She helped me have our rainbow baby in 2024. She was amazing through the whole experience! Throughout my journey she was happy to answer questions and help guide me through my journey. She helped us create a birth plan and provided us with the tools and resources to help us have a good birth experience.

    Due to preeclampsia I wound up having to get induced at 37 weeks and Crystal was able to accommodate the change and be there for me for my birth. Though induction was not a part of the plan Crystal was able to help guide us through a positive birth experience. She took notes and pictures throughout my birth experience which turned out amazing! I can not imagine going through this experience without her.

    -Felicia Asmus

  • Crystal is a wonderful doula!

    She was so helpful in preparing me for birth and creating a birth plan while maintaining flexibility. My labor was quite long and she guided me through every step and even made some of it fun with a dance party! I highly recommend her to help through the entire journey of pregnancy and birth not to mention the support she provided postpartum!

    -Rachel H.

  • I felt so much comfort knowing I had Crystal in my corner!

    I was so happy that I found Crystal. She was so knowledgeable and fun to work with! With it being my first unmedicated birth, I was unsure how things would go, but I felt so much comfort knowing I had Crystal in my corner! She was a great resource for me and helped me to accomplish my birthing goals!

    -Kenzie Sumsion

PHilosophy and approach

Created For Birth

We are created to birth our babies into this world. That process is more than just an event- it is a transformation. I carry this philosophy at the core of my approach. I believe in the innate strength within every woman, and my role is to guide and empower you, alongside the rest of your birth team, on your unique journey.

Combat fear with faith

Fear causes tension, tension leads to pain. When we face our fear, we replace it with FAITH, which allows us to relax and allow.

We emerge stronger and more resilient. Birth, with all its uncertainties and challenges, provides a crucial opportunity for personal growth.

Collaborative Effort

I value the essential role that partners, grandmothers, sisters and others play. My doula support extends beyond the individual, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment that fosters a sense of unity and believe it or not, FUN.

Empowerment

You are in in the drivers seat, I am the navigator. I love supporting your birth plan and empowering you to advocate for your choices. I provide knowledgeable guidance and suggestions throughout.

When we give birth, we can realize just how powerful we are. This strength carries with us throughout our lives and motherhood.