FAST FIVE: Mom of six Doree Handford knows you can't pour from an empty cup
Meet Doree Handford, a wife and a devoted mother of six who has spent the past two decades walking alongside families as they step into the world of parenthood.
Through her work as a childbirth educator, doula and unwavering friend, Doree has supported countless parents during one of the most transformative times of their lives. Her passion for building strong families and supporting overwhelmed parents has driven her to create meaningful community programs, including A Parent’s Paradise Charities and the beloved Coeur d'Alene Mom Prom event.
1) What is it like to be a doula and literally help women as they become mothers?
Being a doula is witnessing pure magic. There’s something incredible about watching new parents cross the threshold into parenthood — it’s one of the most sacred and powerful moments in life. My role as a doula is to offer support — sometimes that means guiding a mother through labor with position changes or counter pressure to ease discomfort, and other times it’s supporting the father, giving him the confidence to step in and be fully present. Birth can be unpredictable, and my job is to help parents stay grounded and informed during those unexpected moments. While I’m not a medical professional, I’m trained to understand the medical world of birth enough to help families feel calm and confident as they navigate labor. Ultimately, my purpose is to be a steady, reassuring presence — someone who helps parents feel seen, heard and empowered during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.
2) What motivated you to start A Parent’s Paradise and Mom Prom?
For over 14 years, I’ve carried a dream to create a space where parents can find rest, support and connection. That dream was born out of my own struggles with postpartum depression after my second child was born. He had a broken collarbone and cried constantly from the pain, while I was also caring for my 17-month-old toddler. I felt overwhelmed and isolated, yet every time I tried to reach out for help, I kept hitting dead ends. I’ll never forget visiting a doctor who dismissed my feelings by saying, “You can’t be depressed — you had your hair done.” I desperately wanted a place where parents could go when they felt like they had nothing left to give — somewhere they could rest, get guidance or simply feel heard.
That vision has stayed with me all these years, and A Parent’s Paradise is my way of bringing that dream to life. While we work toward building a physical space where parents can decompress and access resources, we’re already helping families by providing scholarships for doulas, pelvic health care and other vital services that parents often skip because of financial strain. Hosting Couer d'Alene Mom Prom has been a beautiful way to raise funds for these efforts while giving moms a joyful night out — something we all need more of.
Mom proms are held all over the USA as a night for moms to raise money for a good cause. I attended the Seattle Mom Prom 10 years ago and everything lined up last year to bring it to Coeur d'Alene.
3) What are a few life lessons you have learned in your time as a parent?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. For years, I believed that being a “good mom” meant putting my family’s needs ahead of my own — even if it meant sacrificing my health, sleep or mental well-being. But I’ve come to understand why flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on first — because when you take care of yourself, you’re in a better place to take care of those you love. When I make time for reflection, exercise and connecting with friends, I’m a better mom. My children get the best of me when I’m not running on empty. I believe parents need to know that caring for themselves isn’t selfish — it’s an act of love for their family.
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
One of my favorite traditions is spending time with my best friend once a year. We laugh until we cry, write funny songs and just decompress from our big roles as moms of large families. It’s one of the most refreshing and joyful things I do, and it’s a reminder that moms need those lighthearted moments just as much as they need support through the hard stuff.
5) What are a few words of wisdom you have for people who are about to become parents for the first time?
Don’t just wing it — take a childbirth class. It’s one of the best ways to walk into labor feeling informed, confident and prepared for whatever may come your way. Equally important is learning to ask for what you need. So often, new parents try to manage everything alone — but parenting was never meant to be a solo journey. Whether you need rest, guidance, or emotional support, don’t be afraid to reach out. There’s strength in asking for help, and I truly believe no parent should have to navigate this journey alone.
Please join us April 12 for Coeur d'Alene Mom Prom.
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Do you know someone in Kootenai County who makes our community awesome? Send Fast Five suggestions to Devin Weeks, dweeks@cdapress.com, to highlight locals who contribute their time and talents to make North Idaho such a special place.
