Brittany's path led her through many experiences before focusing her work on the need for
respect and humility in the amazing power, instinct, and normalcy of birth.  
Completing high school after her junior year with distinguished honors and a focus in visual
art and writing , Brittany went on to study Literature at Temple University, graduating cum
laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and certificates in both writing and honors.  
She maintains membership with Phi Beta Kappa, a national academic honor society.

Throughout college, Brittany worked for Trio Upward Bound, a national organization that
prepares inner city high school students for college.  In her role as tutor and counselor, she
gained experience in dealing with several different ages from ninth through twelfth grade,
understanding of differences in learning pace and ability, and comfort in leading group
discussions and projects.

Brittany went on to substitute teach for pre-school through eighth grade at Frankford
Friends School, strengthening her abilities in areas including the facilitation of group
activities, the development of all aspects of the person - physical, academic, spiritual,
emotional, and social, and the mentoring of children of all different ages and backgrounds.  

In addition to her education career, Brittany has completed a mentorship training program
which focuses on peaceful solutions to conflict through listening, reflection, and
understanding and the development of counseling skills.  She attended a Birth Works three
day workshop where she gained skills and techniques helpful in facilitating childbirth
classes and providing labor assistance.  (View her review of the Birth Works workshop on
the Birth Works blog here).  She has also completed birth doula training by both DONA
International and Birth Arts International and is currently enrolled in the Birth Arts
International Advanced Women's Herbal and Aromatherapy training course.

Brittany is a Birth WorksTM certified childbirth educator, a DONA certified birth doula and a
certified breastfeeding counselor with Nursing Mothers Alliance.  She has also completed
birth doula training with Birth Arts International and is currently completing a training course
through BAI in Advanced Women's Herbal and Aromatherapy education.  In addition,
Brittany maintains current Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid Certification.  Brittany
continuously furthers her knowledge through regular attendance at conferences,
workshops, and lectures, in addition to her home studies.

In an effort to make maternity care options available to all pregnant women, Brittany
volunteers her time in putting together the Philadelphia Guide to a Healthy Birth with
Choices in Childbirth.  The Guide is available at many midwifery and health care provider
offices as well as online at www.choicesinchildbirth.org.  Brittany is also a frequent
contributor to the Birth Works quarterly newsletter, having had several submissions
published, including a review of the three day workshop she attended.  She also speaks on
several pregnancy, postpartum, and health related topics at businesses around the
Philadelphia area, including Martindale's Natural Foods in Delaware County.  

Blossoming Bellies began teaching classes in her home in South Philadelphia and now
teaches at Queen Village Holistic Health in South Philadelphia.  She has since branched
out to serving other areas of the city, as well, including Mt. Airy and Fairmount.  Brittany was
a Birth Works facilitator at the Maternal Wellness Center in Mt. Airy and has continued
teaching Birth Works classes in Mt. Airy at The Nesting House (same location as the
Maternal Wellness Center).  She is excited to bring group Birth Works classes to the
Fairmount section of Philadelphia in September when she begins facilitating workshops at
Still Waters Holistic Health Therapies.  Brittany also helps mentor and guide doulas as they
begin their journey into the birth world.  

Providing women and families with information, alternatives, a listening ear, and love and
support is at the core of Brittany's goals.  In helping parents to recognize their strength as
humans, role models, and advocates for the needs and wishes of themselves and their
children, Brittany assists families in creating birth and parenting experiences about which
they feel positive, confident, and informed.  Her approach to birth and parenting focuses on
building awareness of one's intuition and combining it with learned knowledge in a way that
is respectful of the needs and abilities of each individual.  
About Brittany