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 published 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 and wrote monthly for the e-newsletter,
"Empowerment for Healthy Living," when it was published.  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 and facilitates the
breastfeeding component of Expectant Parents Boot Camp at The Please Touch Museum.  
Brittany has also organized and facilitated a free community screening of the documentary,
"Food, Inc." in the spring of 2011.  She worked with the non-profit organization
"WomenCare" organizing an event featuring world-renowned midwife Ina May Gaskin in
May 2011.  Blossoming Bellies has also been featured in the July 2011 issue of herbalist
Susan Weed's ezine "Wise Woman Herbal Healing with Susun Weed."

Blossoming Bellies began with Brittany teaching classes in her home in South Philadelphia.  
She now teaches at South Philadelphia Community Acupuncture on vibrant East Passyunk
Avenue in South Philadelphia, where she shares space with the acupuncture practice of
Lauren Buckley and the chiropractic care of Ohm Chiropractic.  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 (former location of the
Maternal Wellness Center).  She is excited to have brought group Birth Works classes to
the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, facilitating workshops at Still Waters Holistic Health
Therapies.  Breastfeeding support by Brittany will soon be offered at PharmDirect Rx,
located at 23rd and Grays Ferry Avenue, beginning in November.  Brittany also helps
mentor and guide new 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