About Active Peace Maternity & massage
Feel seen, supported, and serenely prepared for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Hi, I’m Crystal Swanson.
Founder of Active Peace Maternity & Massage — a Black, veteran, and trauma-informed doula serving families in Colorado Springs and beyond.
With 14+ years of experience as a licensed massage therapist and support for over 300 births (and 800+ families through massage), I bring both clinical understanding and a calming presence to your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
My Philosophy: Peaceful, Personalized Pregnancy & Birth Support
At Active Peace Maternity & Massage, I believe every family deserves care that honors their whole journey — mind, body, and spirit. … My mission is simple: to bring peace, calm, and confidence to your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
Empathy has no script. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It's simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of 'you're not alone."
- Brené Brown
Who I Am
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and came to Colorado Springs through my time in the U.S. Army as a medic. Today, I serve families as a licensed massage therapist, birth doula, baby planner, and maternity coach. After eight years as a medic, I learned to stay calm under pressure, think holistically about care, and bring empathy into every encounter. I’m also a proud military spouse and mother of four, with three of my children born right here in Colorado Springs. My own home birth experience deepened my empathy for the families I serve today.
My Journey Into Birth Work
While I've always had an interest in massage and holistic care, I didn't set out to be a doula. I went to massage school in 2010 with the express goal of becoming a sports massage therapist, yet every time the opportunity arose, I was paired with pregnant clients because no one else wanted them. Very quickly, I discovered how much I loved supporting expecting parents through massage. That expanding to my training in labor massage and postpartum massage. And while provided massage to clients in labor or on bedrest, the nurses would ask, "Are you the doula?" and at first I had no idea what that even meant.
Then curiosity eventually led me to my first doula training in 2011 — and I knew I had found my calling. Over the years, I’ve combined my medical background, massage expertise, and holistic care training to create a unique approach that supports families through every stage: fertility, pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
Beyond Birth Work
When I’m not with clients, you can usually find me in my garden, soaking in my tub, sewing, reading, watching anime, or snuggling with my husband, kids, and our little zoo of pets (yes, even the bunny). I’m an introvert at heart, always learning, creating, and enjoying life’s quiet joys.
Licensed Massage Therapist, Doula, Maternity Coach, Family Herbalist, Baby Planner
What You Can Expect From Me
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Compassionate Doula Support → emotional, physical, and informational care through pregnancy and birth, whether whether you’re planning a hospital, birth center, or home birth in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas.
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Expert Prenatal & Postpartum Massage → easing discomfort, improving alignment, and supporting recovery.
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Whole-Person Care → weaving in herbal, nutritional, and lifestyle guidance when it serves you.
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Inclusive & Affirming Care → welcoming families of all identities and backgrounds, holding space for your unique journey.
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Trauma-Informed & Culturally Competent → creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where your voice is always honored.
Service:
Values:
Why Families Choose Me as Their Birth Doula in Colorado Springs
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Over a Decade of Service → supporting more than 300 births and 800+ families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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Massage Therapist + Doula → blending bodywork and birth support for comfort and confidence.
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Military Medic Background → bringing calm, steady presence and clinical understanding into every situation.
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Personalized Care → no two families are alike; I tailor my support to fit your unique needs.
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Grounded & Peaceful Energy → helping you feel calm, safe, and empowered throughout your journey.
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Commitment to Equity & Inclusion → serving Black, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, military, and blended families with respect and compassion.
Experience & Expertise:
Values in Practice:
I’m a Colorado Licensed Massage Therapist (since 2011), Certified Birth Doula, and Body Ready Method® Pro with advanced training in perinatal massage, infant massage, fertility massage, manual lymphatic drainage, baby planning, maternity concierge services, and holistic maternity care. My background as an Army medic and EMT gives me a strong clinical understanding, while my ongoing studies in herbalism and trauma-informed care deepen the whole-person support I bring to every family.
Ready to Begin Your Journey with Me?
If you’re looking for a birth doula in Colorado Springs who blends expertise with heartfelt care, you’re in the right place. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Explore Services
Serving the Colorado Springs area, including: Black Forest, Falcon, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Monument, and Peyton, Fort Carson, US Air Force Academy, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB.
Photos by Colorado Springs Birth Photographers Brezi Swann & Danica Donnelly
Copyright © Active Peace Maternity & Massage, LLC 2011-2025