Do you have any special skills or other services you provide other than being a birth doula? Currently training to become a La Leche League Leader. Where did you grow up? Where have you lived? Was born in Philadelphia Pa. moved at age 4 to Armstrong County, Western Pa. where I grew up on a 102 acre farm. I still live in Armstrong County. My husband and I own a 75 acre farm. You’re going out to a birth. What are your jams to get you in the mood driving out? I listen to a varie

Do you have any special skills or other services you provide other than being a birth doula? I am also a certified placenta arts specialist and postpartum doula. Where did you grow up? Where have you lived? I grew up just a few streets away from where I live now! You’re going out to a birth. What are your jams to get you in the mood driving out? Sometimes it is an audio book, other times its Imagine Dragons, Blue October or even Vitamin String Quartet to calm. What are your f

Do you have any special skills or other services you provide other than being a birth doula? Not at this time, but I have an interest in maybe becoming a lactation consultant some day. Where did you grow up? Where have you lived? I grew up in the small town of Kittanning, PA where I still reside with my husband of five years, and our two wonderful children Marshall (2 years), and Benjamin (3 months). I've only ever moved once and it was just from my parents house to the next

Do you have any special skills or other services you provide other than being a birth doula? I also teach Hypnobabies Childbirth Education Classes. I've also attended trainings on Spinning Babies techniques, working with survivors of abuse and one based on working with clients who have epidurals. Where did you grow up? Where have you lived? I grew up in this area in the small town of Cabot, Pa. I've always lived in Western Pa. I currently reside in another small town about 4

Approximately one-third of all births in the United States will occur by cesarean section. Some of these surgeries will be the unplanned culmination of unexpected circumstances. Other c-sections will be scheduled due to personal choices or medical reasons. No matter the situation, a family experiencing a cesarean birth will need solid, unwavering support as they process the questions and strong emotions that come with birth. For some, that support is best provided by a tr

KICKING OFF WORLD DOULA WEEK 1. We don't just show up for your birth. Many professional doulas include 1+ prenatal appointments that go over essential childbirth education and postpartum visits to make sure families are adjusting to life postpartum. 2. We have tough stomachs. We've seen so much bodily fluids, blood, placentas, and even cesarean surgeries being performed. Sometimes some even gets on us. It's all good! 3. On-call life is not for the faint of heart. Our schedule

A Guide for Parents I love taking photos. I love taking photos because I love love love to scrapbook. I took thousands of pictures before my husband and I had kids and since adding onto our family I'm a crazy person when it comes to pictures! My husband is a good sport and only complains mildly when I drag the family out in the wilderness a couple times a year to take a family photo. The baby is here! Time to grab the camera, right? Even if you've never really been a picture-

How To Continue Skin-to-Skin Beyond the Delivery Room You've read about the benefits initiating skin to skin with your baby immediately after birth. It may even be common practice in your hospital. You have it written out in your birth plan. Your birth goes well and the doctor or midwife places the baby directly on your chest just moments after birth. It's wet, warm, smells unfamiliar, and is one of the best moments of your life. There is nothing like holding your baby for th