Experience & Credentials:
Trained Birth Doula, DONA
Trained Postpartum Doula, DONA
Trained Childbirth Educator, BADT
CPR and First Aid Certified, Adult and Child
OR Certified Doula, Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital
Trained: Queer & Trans Affirming Birth, Moss Froom
Trained: Birthing at Every Size, Intimate Connections Doula
MFA in Creative Writing, Eastern Washington University
BFA in Theatre Directing, Lipscomb University
Owner, Thistle & Iris Birth Services
Mother of Murphy
Meet Tessa
Tessa Bryant (she/her) is a Nashville Unicorn, born and raised in Nashville, TN! She holds a BFA in Theatre Directing and an MFA in Creative Writing, and loves to integrate creative rest and expression in her work with clients. Tessa is DONA International trained both a birth and postpartum doula and BADT trained as a childbirth educator.
Tessa is a natural educator and advocate and has taught professionally at many levels, including acting as a lead teacher in toddler classrooms and as a professor at the undergraduate level. She especially loves working with first time parents, queer and trans folks, and plus size clients as they navigate unique challenges during gestation, birth, and postpartum.
As a doula, Tessa is excited to help birthing people and parents develop birth and postpartum support plans that work for their individual needs and values. She believes in supporting family-centered, evidence-informed, affirming birth and postpartum experiences. Drawing from her experiences as a full-time nanny, teacher, and director, Tessa is skilled at “reading the room” and matching the energy and needs of her clients.
When Tessa isn’t working, you can find her playing with her daughter Murphy, cooking and baking, crafting, and watching tv and movies with her film professor husband, Michael.
“If you’re considering a postpartum doula – DO IT! Tessa was invaluable during those first few months as we got our bearings as first-time parents. Her support helped me manage on tough days, when I needed a long shower, insight on baby care/feeding, or reassurance that I was doing something right. Tessa is very knowledgeable about infant development and gave great insight to my husband and I on ways we could more deeply engage our daughter as she was understanding the world. We were so happy with our decision to have a postpartum doula through East Nashville Doulas, and we lucked out getting matched with Tessa.”
“I would give 10/5 stars! Lol
The support and care I received from Tessa was exceptional! If you’re on the fence about hiring a doula I say go for it! My experience was so much better and less scary with their guidance!”
“I’d always heard nothing but great experiences with East Nashville Doulas, and knew this is who I’d reach out to with my second birth. My first call was with Andrea who was so kind and helpful. After a few questions about what I was expecting she set me up with Tessa. I don’t even know where to start! Tessa was more than I could ever imagine. It truly felt meant to be. I lost my mother days before going into labor. As you can imagine, this was very hard for me emotionally. Tessa was the exact support I needed and I couldn’t imagine anyone else being there for me, my husband and our baby. Highly suggest Tessa and the East Nashville Doulas.”
“Tessa’s presence and guidance were indispensable during our birth experience! Her professionalism, knowledge, and empathy were apparent throughout our time working together. She was respectful of our values and helped us to make the best decisions for our family. I cannot thank her enough for being there for us during a pivotal time in our life. I would recommend her to anyone looking to hire a doula!”