Anna and Kate are two dedicated powerhouses committed to supporting families and the perinatal community. Their winding paths brought them together in 2024 and their combined 30+ years of experience launched them into collaboration bringing the world of birth and infant education and mental health together. Their driven outcome focused programming is revolutionizing the maternal and infant health landscape. They are committed to building partnerships with organizations and companies who are highly invested in improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Anna Rodney is a birth and postpartum doula trainer and a childbirth educator. She is the owner and founder of Birth & Baby University and Chicago Family Doulas. She has been preparing and supporting expecting and newly postpartum families since 2013. Anna has a Masters Degree in Education and incorporates her vast knowledge of birth and postpartum to offer classes that are evidence based, engaging and applicable. She offers a wide range of classes through Birth & Baby University including: Intro to Childbirth, Hospital birth Prep, Comfort Measures, Preparing for your VBAC, Preparing for Twins, Bringing Home Baby, Newborn Care 101 and Breastfeeding. All of her classes are available on the Birth & Baby University App and many classes are offered in both English and Spanish.
Kate Littlefield, MS, LCMHC is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and is the founder and owner of Through to THRIVE. She has been working in the field of mental health since 2010. She has advanced training with the Neurosequential Network, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Postpartum Support International. Kate is the Board Chair for Postpartum Support International Vermont Chapter and is a Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health 2025 Fellow. Experiencing the distinct gaps in perinatal health care with her own children in 2018, Kate utilized her extensive training in trauma, child development, and family systems to create Prep for Post, a comprehensive postpartum planning class that is evidence-informed and available via paper workbook and online class, and The First Year, a workbook that focuses on common themes from the first year with a newborn. The First Year will be available as an online class in 2025.