Meet Nancy

I’m Nancy Cowans, co-founder of Sokana Collective. I have been a Labor and Postpartum Doula since 2008 and am also a Lactation Counselor. Over the years, my work has evolved from primarily providing direct birth and postpartum support to mentoring doulas, developing programs, and leading special projects that strengthen the quality and accessibility of doula care.

I’m passionate about supporting not only families, but also the doulas who serve them. Through mentorship, training, and ongoing guidance, I help doulas grow their skills, confidence, and ability to provide meaningful, client-centered care. I’m especially passionate about the postpartum period and believe that having the right support can make a significant difference as new parents find their footing, build confidence, and settle into life with their newborn.

My approach is grounded in a simple philosophy: “Meet the family where they are.” I believe every family deserves to be seen, heard, respected, and supported without judgment. Whether I’m mentoring a doula, developing a new program, or supporting a family, I bring compassion, lived experience, and a deep commitment to Birth Justice to my work.