Mary Duke, owner of My Sunshine Birth Services, is passionate about empowering families throughout their childbirth journey. Based in Owensboro and Bowling Green, Duke provides doula services, childbirth education, and advocacy for parents navigating the complexities of prenatal care and childbirth.
“My job is to make sure families have all the information they need to make informed decisions and feel heard throughout the process,” Duke said. “Whether it’s a hospital birth, a cesarean, or a low-intervention birth, I’m there to support them.”
Duke’s inspiration for starting My Sunshine Birth Services came from a recognized need in her community.
“Families were traveling out of state for the education and care they wanted,” she said. “I wanted to fill that role locally.”
Contrary to common misconceptions, she said, her work isn’t limited to unmedicated or home births. Her goal is to ensure families feel empowered and maintain autonomy throughout the experience.
“I specialize in working with families having hospital births, and I help navigate all kinds of birth plans, including medicated births and cesareans,” Duke said.
In addition to running her business, Duke is an advocate for expanding birthing options in Kentucky through the Kentucky Birth Coalition, which she has been involved with since its founding. She said the coalition successfully advocated for licensure for home midwives and is now working to legalize freestanding birth centers in Kentucky.
“Currently, many families travel to neighboring states like Indiana or Tennessee for birth center care,” Duke said. “These centers provide a safe, low-intervention option for low-risk pregnancies, with certified midwives and doctors on staff. Kentucky families shouldn’t have to leave the state for this option.”
The Kentucky Birth Coalition’s annual lobby day at the Capitol in Frankfort is a key part of their advocacy. Duke said supporters are often parents with small children. She said they use the time to meet with legislators to garner support for birth center legislation. This year’s event will be held on February 11, with cookies provided by Mellow Mushroom.
“Lobby day is always memorable,” Duke said. “It’s inspiring to see families advocating for safe birth options and engaging in civic responsibilities.”
Duke added that the coalition has faced opposition from groups such as the Kentucky Hospital Association. She believes in the power of grassroots advocacy.
“It’s truly a David-and-Goliath situation,” she said. “We’re parents and volunteers up against well-funded lobbyists, but we’ve shown that grassroots efforts can make a difference.”
Duke remains optimistic about the future, citing support from many local legislators.
“It’s about offering families safe, accessible birth options close to home,” she said.
For more information about My Sunshine Birth Services or to join the Kentucky Birth Coalition’s lobby day, visit them on Facebook here.
