Story & Lesson Highlights with Ashley Leonard of Cumming

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Leonard. Check out our conversation below.

Ashley, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
A postpartum doula is there to support the whole family as you adjust to life with a new baby. I’m not a nanny or medical provider; instead, I’m here to nurture, guide, and provide evidence-based information so you feel confident in your new role. That might look like helping with newborn care, supporting feeding however you choose, making sure you get rest, light household help, or just being a calm, reassuring presence when things feel overwhelming. My role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to support your parenting choices and help you find what works best for your family

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ashley!

My journey into birth and postpartum work began with the birth of my first child, when I discovered a deep passion for supporting families during such a transformative time. I became certified as a birth doula in 2017 through the International Doula Institute and supported many families through both birth and the early postpartum period. As my own children have grown, I’ve shifted my focus to postpartum care for the time being, though I plan to return to supporting birthing families in the future.

With a background in Early Childhood Education, I’ve worked for over a decade with children from birth through age six. I began as an infant room teacher and later served as Lead Teacher for one-year-olds, though my heart has always been with newborns and infants. My experience also includes roles as an Assistant Georgia Pre-K teacher and as Assistant Director of a local childcare facility, supporting both families and staff.

Now, as a mother of three school-aged children—two girls and a boy—I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work as a postpartum doula. I am passionate about helping families navigate the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby, whether it’s your first or your fifth. Every stage brings unique needs, and I love being there to guide, support, and ease the transition so parents feel confident, cared for, and empowered.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. He ran his own lumber company with four locations, and growing up I got to see firsthand the long hours, dedication, and sacrifices it took to build and maintain a business. More than that, he showed me the importance of integrity, treating people with respect, and finding pride in a job well done. Those lessons have stuck with me and shaped the way I approach work in my own life.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to trust the process and stop being so hard on yourself. You’re doing better than you think, and all the challenges you’re facing are shaping you into someone stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than you realize.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d say I care most about family and connection, being reliable, and serving others. Whether it’s supporting new parents as a doula, donating milk, or helping someone find stability, I try to live by compassion, integrity, and showing up even when it’s hard. I also value honesty, personal growth, and a good laugh; those keep me grounded.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell is about a woman who made room for others. Who fed babies when mothers struggled, stayed overnight so a new parent could finally sleep, donated her extra milk to families in need, and quietly helped an elderly man find stability. I hope they remember that I treated everyone with dignity, kept my word, and chose compassion over convenience. If they laugh about me, I hope it’s because I was warm, a little stubborn about doing the right thing, and always ready with a cup of tea and a listening ear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blisspostpartum.com

Image Credits
Self