Meet the Birth Professionals
in the Blossoming Bellies Mentorship
Program!
in the Blossoming Bellies Mentorship
Program!
Interested in Joining Our Level One Program for Birth Professionals?
Birth professionals in the Level One Mentorship Program are working with Blossoming Bellies support for the first time in their birth work journey. They are obtaining both day and night email and phone support from Brittany, observing a birth class or both a breast/chestfeeding and infant care class if pursuing postpartum work, learning about advocacy in the laboring room and communication with care providers prenatally and postpartum, and attending Brittany's "Creating Space" training for birth professionals. In addition, they participate in face to face meetings where they are provided support in developing their business, preparing and working with clients, and growing in their role as a community birth worker.
Space is limited for the mentorship program.
Contact Brittany to find out more about the program!
Birth professionals in the Level One Mentorship Program are working with Blossoming Bellies support for the first time in their birth work journey. They are obtaining both day and night email and phone support from Brittany, observing a birth class or both a breast/chestfeeding and infant care class if pursuing postpartum work, learning about advocacy in the laboring room and communication with care providers prenatally and postpartum, and attending Brittany's "Creating Space" training for birth professionals. In addition, they participate in face to face meetings where they are provided support in developing their business, preparing and working with clients, and growing in their role as a community birth worker.
Space is limited for the mentorship program.
Contact Brittany to find out more about the program!
Current Mentees in the Level One Mentorship Program
Dr. Gabriela Rivera
Dr. Gabriela Rivera, or Gaby, graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences and Biology. After graduating, she moved from New York to Philadelphia to study physical therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, where she graduated with her Doctorate. She started her career working with older adults in long term care and assisted living facilities. However, Gaby gained a strong interest in pelvic floor physical therapy and obtained several certifications to become treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Her passion and expertise lie in providing care and support to prenatal and postpartum women, helping them navigate the unique challenges and changes their bodies experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
With a background in physical therapy, Gaby is committed to empowering women to achieve optimal pelvic health and overall well-being. Her approach is holistic, addressing not only physical aspects, but also emotional and psychological well-being during this transformative stage. In addition to her work as a physical therapist, Gaby is an aspiring birth doula. She looks forward to helping women during pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum! Her goal is to establish package deals that offer pelvic floor physical therapy sessions and doula services for her clients.
Gaby’s mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to embrace the transformative journey of motherhood with confidence, strength, and resilience. She is dedicated to enhancing the physical and emotional health of women during the prenatal and postpartum stages, supporting them on their path to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling motherhood.
Learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy at https://www.restorethefloorpt.com or by calling (267) 209-0930. Gaby can be directly reached at grivera@restorethefloorpt.com.
Dr. Gabriela Rivera, or Gaby, graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences and Biology. After graduating, she moved from New York to Philadelphia to study physical therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, where she graduated with her Doctorate. She started her career working with older adults in long term care and assisted living facilities. However, Gaby gained a strong interest in pelvic floor physical therapy and obtained several certifications to become treat pelvic floor dysfunction. Her passion and expertise lie in providing care and support to prenatal and postpartum women, helping them navigate the unique challenges and changes their bodies experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
With a background in physical therapy, Gaby is committed to empowering women to achieve optimal pelvic health and overall well-being. Her approach is holistic, addressing not only physical aspects, but also emotional and psychological well-being during this transformative stage. In addition to her work as a physical therapist, Gaby is an aspiring birth doula. She looks forward to helping women during pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum! Her goal is to establish package deals that offer pelvic floor physical therapy sessions and doula services for her clients.
Gaby’s mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to embrace the transformative journey of motherhood with confidence, strength, and resilience. She is dedicated to enhancing the physical and emotional health of women during the prenatal and postpartum stages, supporting them on their path to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling motherhood.
Learn more about pelvic floor physical therapy at https://www.restorethefloorpt.com or by calling (267) 209-0930. Gaby can be directly reached at grivera@restorethefloorpt.com.
Graduates of the Blossoming Bellies Level One Mentorship Program
Lili Domenick
Lili (she/her) is a Birth Doula serving families in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Lili has completed doula training through both DONA and Ancient Song and is a current volunteer with the Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support (PALS). Lili believes every person should have access to a supportive, affirming, and healing birth experience that is centered around their needs and desires. Lili loves building relationships with her clients, supporting them in envisioning and navigating their labor and birth experience, and walking alongside them as they step into their own power and wisdom.
Lili’s work is heavily inspired by and grounded in reproductive justice and anti-oppressive practices.
Outside of her doula practice, Lili has experience working in a community-based youth education program, facilitating Sexuality Education workshops for youth and adults, and working alongside Spanish-speaking immigrant communities in South Philadelphia.
Lili can be reached at lilidomenick@gmail.com or lilidomenickdoula.com, and offers support to both English and Spanish speaking individuals.
Lili (she/her) is a Birth Doula serving families in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Lili has completed doula training through both DONA and Ancient Song and is a current volunteer with the Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support (PALS). Lili believes every person should have access to a supportive, affirming, and healing birth experience that is centered around their needs and desires. Lili loves building relationships with her clients, supporting them in envisioning and navigating their labor and birth experience, and walking alongside them as they step into their own power and wisdom.
Lili’s work is heavily inspired by and grounded in reproductive justice and anti-oppressive practices.
Outside of her doula practice, Lili has experience working in a community-based youth education program, facilitating Sexuality Education workshops for youth and adults, and working alongside Spanish-speaking immigrant communities in South Philadelphia.
Lili can be reached at lilidomenick@gmail.com or lilidomenickdoula.com, and offers support to both English and Spanish speaking individuals.
Evana Cooper
Evana Cooper is a certified Midwives Assistant, Labor and Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator. She certified as a doula and childbirth educator in 2019 with AMANIBIRTH. She is an experienced youth educator, and a committed advocate to the necessity of families experiencing empowered birth experiences.
A mother of four herself, she began her journey to birth-work after experiencing first-hand the struggles of birthing her own children without assistance from any immediate family. She now strives to pass on what she has learned to other mothers and works tirelessly under her own brand to serve, educate, and empower families through labor and postpartum.
Evana services central and south Jersey as well as the greater philadelphia area.
Possessing an array of certifications in blood borne pathogens, neonatal resuscitation, adult and infant CPR, Rebozo use, labor acupressure, and pelvic biomechanics (just to name a few). Evana aims to ensure every family has the most comfortable birth, and postpartum experience that they possibly can.
She also was recently blessed to be a part of the NJ Doula Dialogues program whose aim was to create a digitally-archived storytelling narrative of all that it's taken to work as a doula during COVID-19.
Evana can be reached at evanabirths@gmail.com.
Evana Cooper is a certified Midwives Assistant, Labor and Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator. She certified as a doula and childbirth educator in 2019 with AMANIBIRTH. She is an experienced youth educator, and a committed advocate to the necessity of families experiencing empowered birth experiences.
A mother of four herself, she began her journey to birth-work after experiencing first-hand the struggles of birthing her own children without assistance from any immediate family. She now strives to pass on what she has learned to other mothers and works tirelessly under her own brand to serve, educate, and empower families through labor and postpartum.
Evana services central and south Jersey as well as the greater philadelphia area.
Possessing an array of certifications in blood borne pathogens, neonatal resuscitation, adult and infant CPR, Rebozo use, labor acupressure, and pelvic biomechanics (just to name a few). Evana aims to ensure every family has the most comfortable birth, and postpartum experience that they possibly can.
She also was recently blessed to be a part of the NJ Doula Dialogues program whose aim was to create a digitally-archived storytelling narrative of all that it's taken to work as a doula during COVID-19.
Evana can be reached at evanabirths@gmail.com.
Adriane Thomas
Adriane Thomas (she/her) is a postpartum doula (certificate pending through DONA) who supports families in the critical time after a birth. She was inspired to become a postpartum doula by her own experience postpartum and as a new parent. She brings empathy, non-judgmental support and humor to every situation. Adriane centers the parent’s needs, encourages rest and aims to build confidence and reduce isolation. She believes rest, support and community are essential to the life-changing journey of becoming a parent.
Adriane understands the range of feelings and stressors that early parenthood brings and how needs may shift from day-to-day or hour-by-hour. Adriane works with parents to create a system that works for their needs in this nebulous period. Adriane works with all parents, including adoptive and second/third time parents.
Adriane is a native Philadelphian and recently moved back to the area after 11 years in Baltimore. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore and 15 years experience as a social worker, community organizer, researcher and project manager for programs with individuals, families, schools and communities in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Adriane currently lives in Jenkintown borough with her family. She enjoys reading, hiking, running, sustainable living, exploring new coffee shops and spontaneous dance parties with her son.
Adriane can be reached on Instagram @your_doula_adriane, email at doula.adriane@gmail.com or by text/phone at 267-209-0574.
Adriane Thomas (she/her) is a postpartum doula (certificate pending through DONA) who supports families in the critical time after a birth. She was inspired to become a postpartum doula by her own experience postpartum and as a new parent. She brings empathy, non-judgmental support and humor to every situation. Adriane centers the parent’s needs, encourages rest and aims to build confidence and reduce isolation. She believes rest, support and community are essential to the life-changing journey of becoming a parent.
Adriane understands the range of feelings and stressors that early parenthood brings and how needs may shift from day-to-day or hour-by-hour. Adriane works with parents to create a system that works for their needs in this nebulous period. Adriane works with all parents, including adoptive and second/third time parents.
Adriane is a native Philadelphian and recently moved back to the area after 11 years in Baltimore. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Maryland Baltimore and 15 years experience as a social worker, community organizer, researcher and project manager for programs with individuals, families, schools and communities in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Adriane currently lives in Jenkintown borough with her family. She enjoys reading, hiking, running, sustainable living, exploring new coffee shops and spontaneous dance parties with her son.
Adriane can be reached on Instagram @your_doula_adriane, email at doula.adriane@gmail.com or by text/phone at 267-209-0574.
Jasha Buckery
Jasha is an outreach advocate, a poet, and a lover of green spaces. She is a trained MamaGlow birth and postpartum doula with aspirations of becoming a fertility doula and a traditional midwife. She approaches birth work with emphasis on being a strong community, building trust, and practicing empathy. She believes that birth is sacred and exposes the core of who we are, therefore a birthing person should be guided through the process holistically and with the knowledge they feel most important to their journey.
Prior to becoming a doula, Jasha background as a case manager has centered on advocating for others and organizing trauma-informed care for the most vulnerable individuals. She is passionate about reproductive justice , feminism and teaching others about body literacy during their pregnancy and labor through varies somatic practices.
While in college majoring in anthropology she researched cultural traditions in fertility and women’s reproducing agency in many societies. Her anthropology studies of women and fertility was motivated by her own family birth stories, especially that of her mother who experienced natural birth with all her children. She loves having the opportunity to continue listening to women's stories in her birth work, while helping them confront the traumas that intersect with gender, race and maternal health. The strong need for women's stories to be heard was a contributing factor to her journey to become a doula. However her motivating force was witnessing her sisters birth experiences and wanting to do everything possible to help others define the birth space in new uplifting ways.
Jasha is also interested in promoting healing in the prenatal and postpartum period through helping mothers with self-care, advocacy and herbal remedies. In her free time she likes to focus on reading, cooking, and practicing yoga and meditation. For more information Jasha can be reach at thesayebirthdoula.com, by email: thesayebirthdoula@gmail.com or on Instagram @thesayebirthdoula.
Jasha is an outreach advocate, a poet, and a lover of green spaces. She is a trained MamaGlow birth and postpartum doula with aspirations of becoming a fertility doula and a traditional midwife. She approaches birth work with emphasis on being a strong community, building trust, and practicing empathy. She believes that birth is sacred and exposes the core of who we are, therefore a birthing person should be guided through the process holistically and with the knowledge they feel most important to their journey.
Prior to becoming a doula, Jasha background as a case manager has centered on advocating for others and organizing trauma-informed care for the most vulnerable individuals. She is passionate about reproductive justice , feminism and teaching others about body literacy during their pregnancy and labor through varies somatic practices.
While in college majoring in anthropology she researched cultural traditions in fertility and women’s reproducing agency in many societies. Her anthropology studies of women and fertility was motivated by her own family birth stories, especially that of her mother who experienced natural birth with all her children. She loves having the opportunity to continue listening to women's stories in her birth work, while helping them confront the traumas that intersect with gender, race and maternal health. The strong need for women's stories to be heard was a contributing factor to her journey to become a doula. However her motivating force was witnessing her sisters birth experiences and wanting to do everything possible to help others define the birth space in new uplifting ways.
Jasha is also interested in promoting healing in the prenatal and postpartum period through helping mothers with self-care, advocacy and herbal remedies. In her free time she likes to focus on reading, cooking, and practicing yoga and meditation. For more information Jasha can be reach at thesayebirthdoula.com, by email: thesayebirthdoula@gmail.com or on Instagram @thesayebirthdoula.
Meredith Stapleton
Meredith Stapleton, a Philadelphia-based dance artist, is a birth doula and childbirth educator pending certification from Birth Arts International. She found her way to birth work through intensive research during her own pregnancy, which beautifully expanded upon her background in dance and women’s studies. Meredith has since cultivated a rich understanding of the potential for empowering the moving body through labor, and a deep appreciation for the unique relationships birth work allows her to develop with client families. Meredith currently teaches yoga at Temple University, and has taught in dance at Muhlenberg College, Swarthmore College, and The University of Iowa, as well as Koresh School of Dance and Philadelphia Dance Academy. Meredith is also the Member Coordinator and an Artist In Residence at Mascher Space Cooperative where she maintains a solo dance practice and organizes performances and community gatherings. For more information, follow @arribadabirth on Instagram, visit www.meredithstapleton.com or email stapleton.meredith@gmail.com.
Meredith Stapleton, a Philadelphia-based dance artist, is a birth doula and childbirth educator pending certification from Birth Arts International. She found her way to birth work through intensive research during her own pregnancy, which beautifully expanded upon her background in dance and women’s studies. Meredith has since cultivated a rich understanding of the potential for empowering the moving body through labor, and a deep appreciation for the unique relationships birth work allows her to develop with client families. Meredith currently teaches yoga at Temple University, and has taught in dance at Muhlenberg College, Swarthmore College, and The University of Iowa, as well as Koresh School of Dance and Philadelphia Dance Academy. Meredith is also the Member Coordinator and an Artist In Residence at Mascher Space Cooperative where she maintains a solo dance practice and organizes performances and community gatherings. For more information, follow @arribadabirth on Instagram, visit www.meredithstapleton.com or email stapleton.meredith@gmail.com.
Shannon Taylor
Shannon is birth and postpartum doula, children’s yoga teacher, professional dancer and reiki practitioner from Philadelphia PA, supporting the Philadelphia and surrounding suburban areas. Shannon has an educational background in Athletic Coaching receiving her BS at West Chester University. From a young age Shannon knew supporting people would become her life’s purpose. Her journey began in 2020 during her prenatal yoga training with LL Studio when she discovered the world of birth work. Immediately, she answered the call to birth work and completed her full scope doula training with Sumi’s Touch in 2021. Shannon aspires to encourage birthing people to reclaim their power through physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
Shannon strongly believes in patient/family centered care. She believes birth is a sacred space of transformation, revealing the purest aspects of ourselves. Shannon is honored to hold space and be present with clients during this special moment in their lives.
Shannon can be reached at her website https://venusbirthspace.com or by email at venusbirthspace@gmail.com
Shannon is birth and postpartum doula, children’s yoga teacher, professional dancer and reiki practitioner from Philadelphia PA, supporting the Philadelphia and surrounding suburban areas. Shannon has an educational background in Athletic Coaching receiving her BS at West Chester University. From a young age Shannon knew supporting people would become her life’s purpose. Her journey began in 2020 during her prenatal yoga training with LL Studio when she discovered the world of birth work. Immediately, she answered the call to birth work and completed her full scope doula training with Sumi’s Touch in 2021. Shannon aspires to encourage birthing people to reclaim their power through physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
Shannon strongly believes in patient/family centered care. She believes birth is a sacred space of transformation, revealing the purest aspects of ourselves. Shannon is honored to hold space and be present with clients during this special moment in their lives.
Shannon can be reached at her website https://venusbirthspace.com or by email at venusbirthspace@gmail.com
Melanie Betancur
Melanie is a bilingual certified professional labor doula and a public health educator and advocate. She is currently studying to become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator to provide the needed knowledge and support to many families. Additionally, she has a BS in Public Health Education and a Masters in Public Health.
Her goal is to provide equal and nonjudgmental labor support and education to everyone including low income families and minorities. One day she hopes to expand her business to provide as well social work services and resources from a community liaison.
When Melanie is not supporting families, she is working as a Community Health Worker and Health Educator for Atlantic Health Systems. She loves spending time with her family and friends especially her cat named Cheese. She is continuously working on her self with self-care and personal development practices. During free time she also enjoys makeup art and baking.
Melanie can be reached by phone at 973-970-3586 or by email at reverencebirth@gmail.com.
Melanie is a bilingual certified professional labor doula and a public health educator and advocate. She is currently studying to become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator to provide the needed knowledge and support to many families. Additionally, she has a BS in Public Health Education and a Masters in Public Health.
Her goal is to provide equal and nonjudgmental labor support and education to everyone including low income families and minorities. One day she hopes to expand her business to provide as well social work services and resources from a community liaison.
When Melanie is not supporting families, she is working as a Community Health Worker and Health Educator for Atlantic Health Systems. She loves spending time with her family and friends especially her cat named Cheese. She is continuously working on her self with self-care and personal development practices. During free time she also enjoys makeup art and baking.
Melanie can be reached by phone at 973-970-3586 or by email at reverencebirth@gmail.com.
Candace Shillingford
Candace is a birth doula and completed her childbirth education through Mindful Birthing and Parenting Foundation in April 2021. She gained a passion for birth work while attending a childbirth class when she was pregnant with her oldest at the age of 18. "Listening and observing the instructor helped with childbirth education, comfort measures, nutrition, and most of all our own emotions towards our pregnancies, ourselves, our births, and our parenting." Candace knew she wanted to become a childbirth educator and give back to the community what she was given - HOPE!
Candace is a licensed social worker focusing on mental health in the black community. She completed a master’s degree in social work, with a focus on trauma and related experiences. Candace practices therapy from a humanistic and trauma-informed care approach gravitating towards the individual needs, as evidenced by finding creative ways to engage the individual in the sense of supporting them. Her work experience has focused on connecting the mind and body of individuals and families on rebuilding their relationships and overcoming their traumatization.
In addition, Candace is an advocate for black maternal mortality and brings awareness and strategic planning to overcome the barriers and political issues regarding equal health care to black women. She is an active member of the OVA Steering Committee in which they discuss effective ways to dismantle the racism and inequality of health care for black birthing women in the City of Philadelphia.
Candace is a birth doula and completed her childbirth education through Mindful Birthing and Parenting Foundation in April 2021. She gained a passion for birth work while attending a childbirth class when she was pregnant with her oldest at the age of 18. "Listening and observing the instructor helped with childbirth education, comfort measures, nutrition, and most of all our own emotions towards our pregnancies, ourselves, our births, and our parenting." Candace knew she wanted to become a childbirth educator and give back to the community what she was given - HOPE!
Candace is a licensed social worker focusing on mental health in the black community. She completed a master’s degree in social work, with a focus on trauma and related experiences. Candace practices therapy from a humanistic and trauma-informed care approach gravitating towards the individual needs, as evidenced by finding creative ways to engage the individual in the sense of supporting them. Her work experience has focused on connecting the mind and body of individuals and families on rebuilding their relationships and overcoming their traumatization.
In addition, Candace is an advocate for black maternal mortality and brings awareness and strategic planning to overcome the barriers and political issues regarding equal health care to black women. She is an active member of the OVA Steering Committee in which they discuss effective ways to dismantle the racism and inequality of health care for black birthing women in the City of Philadelphia.
Kelly Anne Davis
Kelly Anne came to find birthwork by way of her experience caring for families as an early childhood educator and becoming a mother herself. Currently a postpartum doula in training with Childbirth International, she is also a volunteer breastfeeding counselor through the Breastfeeding Resource Center in Abington, Pa. Newly postpartum, she is learning in real time while deepening her understanding of healing the birthing body, recognizing newborn cues and establishing lactation.
Her own births have two contrasting stories, as both came with complications. First, a six week stay in the NICU and more recently, advocating for her own VBAC while pregnant during a pandemic. She believes every birth is beautifully unique and she hopes to support families in any capacity that leaves them feeling confident and empowered.
Kelly Anne has also served many catered events as both chef and support in addition to teaching children’s culinary classes through COOK in Rittenhouse Square. She plans to highlight food and nutrition as part of her postpartum doula work by offering meal planning, teaching valuable skills to older siblings or stocking the family freezer.
If you are interested in postpartum virtual counsel or in-person support, you can reach Kelly Anne through email at fernfiddleandfrond@gmail.com
Kelly Anne came to find birthwork by way of her experience caring for families as an early childhood educator and becoming a mother herself. Currently a postpartum doula in training with Childbirth International, she is also a volunteer breastfeeding counselor through the Breastfeeding Resource Center in Abington, Pa. Newly postpartum, she is learning in real time while deepening her understanding of healing the birthing body, recognizing newborn cues and establishing lactation.
Her own births have two contrasting stories, as both came with complications. First, a six week stay in the NICU and more recently, advocating for her own VBAC while pregnant during a pandemic. She believes every birth is beautifully unique and she hopes to support families in any capacity that leaves them feeling confident and empowered.
Kelly Anne has also served many catered events as both chef and support in addition to teaching children’s culinary classes through COOK in Rittenhouse Square. She plans to highlight food and nutrition as part of her postpartum doula work by offering meal planning, teaching valuable skills to older siblings or stocking the family freezer.
If you are interested in postpartum virtual counsel or in-person support, you can reach Kelly Anne through email at fernfiddleandfrond@gmail.com
Kayla Lloyd
Kayla Lloyd gained a passion for birth work after having her daughter back in 2019. After her birthing experience she truly understood how important it was to have that additional support of a doula.
Kayla has an educational background in Psychology receiving her BA at Rowan University. Kayla is an aspiring doctoral student in the study of Clinical Psychology looking to focus her specific area of study on postpartum depression for women and men in urban communities. Upon completion Kayla desires to open a Wellness/Resource Center to service her community and uplift and encourage all women, especially women of color, providing therapy and continuing to service the community with the services she currently provides.
You can contact Kayla by phone at 856-213-2565, on her website at www.aboundinglovedoula.com, or by sending an email to aboundinglovedoulas@gmail.com. You are more than welcome to follow social media IG & Facebook @Aboundinglovedoula.
Kayla Lloyd gained a passion for birth work after having her daughter back in 2019. After her birthing experience she truly understood how important it was to have that additional support of a doula.
Kayla has an educational background in Psychology receiving her BA at Rowan University. Kayla is an aspiring doctoral student in the study of Clinical Psychology looking to focus her specific area of study on postpartum depression for women and men in urban communities. Upon completion Kayla desires to open a Wellness/Resource Center to service her community and uplift and encourage all women, especially women of color, providing therapy and continuing to service the community with the services she currently provides.
You can contact Kayla by phone at 856-213-2565, on her website at www.aboundinglovedoula.com, or by sending an email to aboundinglovedoulas@gmail.com. You are more than welcome to follow social media IG & Facebook @Aboundinglovedoula.
Charlene Tate
Charlene is a trained Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educator through Birth Arts International. She is currently studying to become a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and is also enrolled as a midwifery student at the National College of Midwifery.
Charlene became interested in birth work after experiencing her own traumatic births. She believes that the lack of knowledge of her rights and the birthing process, contributed to her inequitable treatment. Therefore, she has vowed to educate birth parents and their partners, about the importance of evidence-based practices and informed consent. She hopes to empower parents to be the author of their own birth stories. Charlene strongly believes in inclusivity and strives to meet the needs of the culturally diverse population throughout the Philadelphia area. She can be reached at ctate@birthevolution.org.
Charlene is a trained Childbirth and Breastfeeding Educator through Birth Arts International. She is currently studying to become a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and is also enrolled as a midwifery student at the National College of Midwifery.
Charlene became interested in birth work after experiencing her own traumatic births. She believes that the lack of knowledge of her rights and the birthing process, contributed to her inequitable treatment. Therefore, she has vowed to educate birth parents and their partners, about the importance of evidence-based practices and informed consent. She hopes to empower parents to be the author of their own birth stories. Charlene strongly believes in inclusivity and strives to meet the needs of the culturally diverse population throughout the Philadelphia area. She can be reached at ctate@birthevolution.org.
Sara Spokane
Sara Spokane is a trained labor doula through ABI (certification pending) and a current nursing student at Rowan College of Burlington County. She is currently serving the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. Sara has had an interest in birth for a while that has since developed into a passion once she discovered what a doula does and decided to pursue her training to become one. She feels as though birth work is what she’s meant to do and wishes she’d gotten into it sooner!
As a practicing Registered Medical Assistant for the last 7 years and nurse-in-training, Sara has perfected her therapeutic communication skills and has a calming presence that will play a key role in helping her clients and families focus and relax during labor. Sara plans to continue on in the birth world by also becoming a certified postpartum doula and breastfeeding counselor, as well as furthering her nursing education to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Outside of birth work, Sara is an avid animal lover and you can typically find her spending time with her friends and family at the beach, concerts, or a Philadelphia Eagles game.
Sara strongly believes in patient/family-centered care and informed decision-making. Her primary goal as a doula is to make her clients feel as safe and comfortable as possible by providing a peaceful, non-judgmental environment to explore all of their birth options. To learn more, check out www.gentleheartdoulaservices.com. Sara can be reached at gentleheartdoulaservices@gmail.com, on Facebook at Gentle Heart Doula Services, or on Instagram: @gentleheartdoula_nj.
Sara Spokane is a trained labor doula through ABI (certification pending) and a current nursing student at Rowan College of Burlington County. She is currently serving the South Jersey and Philadelphia area. Sara has had an interest in birth for a while that has since developed into a passion once she discovered what a doula does and decided to pursue her training to become one. She feels as though birth work is what she’s meant to do and wishes she’d gotten into it sooner!
As a practicing Registered Medical Assistant for the last 7 years and nurse-in-training, Sara has perfected her therapeutic communication skills and has a calming presence that will play a key role in helping her clients and families focus and relax during labor. Sara plans to continue on in the birth world by also becoming a certified postpartum doula and breastfeeding counselor, as well as furthering her nursing education to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Outside of birth work, Sara is an avid animal lover and you can typically find her spending time with her friends and family at the beach, concerts, or a Philadelphia Eagles game.
Sara strongly believes in patient/family-centered care and informed decision-making. Her primary goal as a doula is to make her clients feel as safe and comfortable as possible by providing a peaceful, non-judgmental environment to explore all of their birth options. To learn more, check out www.gentleheartdoulaservices.com. Sara can be reached at gentleheartdoulaservices@gmail.com, on Facebook at Gentle Heart Doula Services, or on Instagram: @gentleheartdoula_nj.
Katherine Hackett
Katie is a Full Spectrum Doula, Nanny and Musician in the Philadelphia area. Her birth work has a focus in reproductive justice and she advocates for safe, peaceful spaces.
Katie has a background in child care spanning almost ten years. She specializes in multiples and has cared for numerous sets of twins and triplets from infancy into school aged.
She gradually moved her focus into birth work after working in postpartum spaces as a child care provider and was profoundly inspired by the book “Birth Work as Care Work." Katie decided to be Full Spectrum because she believes that doula work extends itself to abortion, birth, postpartum, miscarriage, adoption, fertility and beyond. She has trained with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn, NY.
“Only when our whole selves are recognized and honored in the care we receive can we come closer to obtaining birth justice - for true reproductive freedom means celebrating the needs of every person at all stages of sexual and reproductive life, not subsiding all bodies within one paradigm of reproductive care.”
Katie can be reached by email at KatherineRHackett@gmail.com and at www.hackettdoulaservices.com.
Katie is a Full Spectrum Doula, Nanny and Musician in the Philadelphia area. Her birth work has a focus in reproductive justice and she advocates for safe, peaceful spaces.
Katie has a background in child care spanning almost ten years. She specializes in multiples and has cared for numerous sets of twins and triplets from infancy into school aged.
She gradually moved her focus into birth work after working in postpartum spaces as a child care provider and was profoundly inspired by the book “Birth Work as Care Work." Katie decided to be Full Spectrum because she believes that doula work extends itself to abortion, birth, postpartum, miscarriage, adoption, fertility and beyond. She has trained with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn, NY.
“Only when our whole selves are recognized and honored in the care we receive can we come closer to obtaining birth justice - for true reproductive freedom means celebrating the needs of every person at all stages of sexual and reproductive life, not subsiding all bodies within one paradigm of reproductive care.”
Katie can be reached by email at KatherineRHackett@gmail.com and at www.hackettdoulaservices.com.
Shakera Holness
Shakera is a birth and postpartum doula and reiki practitioner based in West Philadelphia but serves a wide radius around the city. She has always been drawn to babies and other little ones since she was small. She was always seen at family gatherings with a baby in her arms. With the knowledge of her love for babies and small children, she set out to get degree in biology with a pre-physical therapy concentration. She had the hopes of becoming a pediatric physical therapist but that soon changed when she came across birthwork! While still in college,she stumbled across a midwifery office doing a project. This lit a spark in her that she could not see coming. Many people say that birth work is not something that you choose, it chooses you. This was no different for her. When people ask how she got into birthwork it's hard to put in words because it was such a calling and she just knew it was for her.
She began her journey by enrolling in a birth doula training with Birth Arts International in June of 2017. She was able to start doing the work over her school breaks. After graduating in December 2018, she decided to make the jump and start pursuing birth work as a career. She is starting her business called Divine Nine Doula Services. She then did her postpartum doula and a reiki training in 2019. She believes that everyone has a divine knowledge within them that helps guides us through life and this knowledge is present for birth and postpartum. She is dedicated to helping families get in touch with this knowledge and feeling comfortable with living it out. As a doula, she wants families to feel empowered and true to themselves during labor and these early stages of parenthood. She wants to bring spirituality and sacredness into birthing and parenthood. One way she does this is by helping facilitate healing with reiki prenatally, during birth and postpartum.
She feels like everyone deserves a doula and loves supporting all family types. She would especially love to reach families of color, queer families and other non- traditional family stuctures! She has also supported families that can not afford a doula through PALs and Pettaway Pursuit Foundation. She is committed to giving individualized to each and everyone one of her clients. Shakera’s long term goals are to incorporate lactation support, yoga, classes and many more aspects into her practice. For now, she is dedicated and honored to be present with clients at this special time in their lives.
Shakera can be reached at her website www.divineninedoula.weebly.com or by email at divine9doulaservices@gmail.com.
Shakera is a birth and postpartum doula and reiki practitioner based in West Philadelphia but serves a wide radius around the city. She has always been drawn to babies and other little ones since she was small. She was always seen at family gatherings with a baby in her arms. With the knowledge of her love for babies and small children, she set out to get degree in biology with a pre-physical therapy concentration. She had the hopes of becoming a pediatric physical therapist but that soon changed when she came across birthwork! While still in college,she stumbled across a midwifery office doing a project. This lit a spark in her that she could not see coming. Many people say that birth work is not something that you choose, it chooses you. This was no different for her. When people ask how she got into birthwork it's hard to put in words because it was such a calling and she just knew it was for her.
She began her journey by enrolling in a birth doula training with Birth Arts International in June of 2017. She was able to start doing the work over her school breaks. After graduating in December 2018, she decided to make the jump and start pursuing birth work as a career. She is starting her business called Divine Nine Doula Services. She then did her postpartum doula and a reiki training in 2019. She believes that everyone has a divine knowledge within them that helps guides us through life and this knowledge is present for birth and postpartum. She is dedicated to helping families get in touch with this knowledge and feeling comfortable with living it out. As a doula, she wants families to feel empowered and true to themselves during labor and these early stages of parenthood. She wants to bring spirituality and sacredness into birthing and parenthood. One way she does this is by helping facilitate healing with reiki prenatally, during birth and postpartum.
She feels like everyone deserves a doula and loves supporting all family types. She would especially love to reach families of color, queer families and other non- traditional family stuctures! She has also supported families that can not afford a doula through PALs and Pettaway Pursuit Foundation. She is committed to giving individualized to each and everyone one of her clients. Shakera’s long term goals are to incorporate lactation support, yoga, classes and many more aspects into her practice. For now, she is dedicated and honored to be present with clients at this special time in their lives.
Shakera can be reached at her website www.divineninedoula.weebly.com or by email at divine9doulaservices@gmail.com.
Aaliyah Muhammad
Aaliyah is a Birth, Postpartum, and holistic fertility doula as well as a certified vaginal steam practitioner. She is a native of West Philadelphia. Aaliyah’s passion and journey to become a Doula came long before she knew what it was, after having two of her own children was when she decided it was time to take the leap and become formally trained. In 2018 she begin her formal training.
Aaliyah has always been compassionate about supporting mothers who lack a reliable support system, as well as those who need the extra support. She believes all mothers deserves a doula who is nonjudgmental and wholeheartedly present for expecting parents during their pregnancy and postpartum phases. This is a major area of focus for her, as she believes that it takes a village to raise a child.
Aaliyah has a strong inclination to young mothers, being one herself she realizes the obstacles that one could face as well as the stigma that comes with having a child at a young age. She helps them not only with their newfound responsibilities of being a mother but also guides them through the mental challenges that comes with the newfound responsibility.
Aaliyah is driven to bring awareness to the urban communities. Having been born and raised in an urban neighborhood herself, she knows firsthand the need for and likewise the lack of support in these areas. She hopes to not only work with birthing people in urban communities, but also to educate and encourage them.
Aaliyah believes that all birthing people from all walks of life have the necessary tools for successful birthing and parenting. She takes pride in aiding them to reach their full potential. She understands no two individuals are exactly the same and thus she treats all birthing people according to their needs. This approach has enabled her to employ the best practices to help people get in tune with their bodies, minds, and their new addition.
She started her company Aaliyah Cares Holistic Wellness in 2019 intending to assist women through natural practices. Having studied herbal medicine Aaliyah is a strong believer that what we need to heal our bodies comes from the earth. Her company Aaliyah Cares Holistic Wellness is currently serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas with hopes to expand in the future.
You can learn more about Aaliyah and the services she offers by visiting the website aaliyahcaresholisticwellness.com or by email info@aaliyahcaresholisticwellness.com.
Aaliyah is a Birth, Postpartum, and holistic fertility doula as well as a certified vaginal steam practitioner. She is a native of West Philadelphia. Aaliyah’s passion and journey to become a Doula came long before she knew what it was, after having two of her own children was when she decided it was time to take the leap and become formally trained. In 2018 she begin her formal training.
Aaliyah has always been compassionate about supporting mothers who lack a reliable support system, as well as those who need the extra support. She believes all mothers deserves a doula who is nonjudgmental and wholeheartedly present for expecting parents during their pregnancy and postpartum phases. This is a major area of focus for her, as she believes that it takes a village to raise a child.
Aaliyah has a strong inclination to young mothers, being one herself she realizes the obstacles that one could face as well as the stigma that comes with having a child at a young age. She helps them not only with their newfound responsibilities of being a mother but also guides them through the mental challenges that comes with the newfound responsibility.
Aaliyah is driven to bring awareness to the urban communities. Having been born and raised in an urban neighborhood herself, she knows firsthand the need for and likewise the lack of support in these areas. She hopes to not only work with birthing people in urban communities, but also to educate and encourage them.
Aaliyah believes that all birthing people from all walks of life have the necessary tools for successful birthing and parenting. She takes pride in aiding them to reach their full potential. She understands no two individuals are exactly the same and thus she treats all birthing people according to their needs. This approach has enabled her to employ the best practices to help people get in tune with their bodies, minds, and their new addition.
She started her company Aaliyah Cares Holistic Wellness in 2019 intending to assist women through natural practices. Having studied herbal medicine Aaliyah is a strong believer that what we need to heal our bodies comes from the earth. Her company Aaliyah Cares Holistic Wellness is currently serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas with hopes to expand in the future.
You can learn more about Aaliyah and the services she offers by visiting the website aaliyahcaresholisticwellness.com or by email info@aaliyahcaresholisticwellness.com.
Amy Brickman
Amy brings evidence-based practices, light-hearted humor, and compassionate, intuitive care to her clients. As a photographer with a degree in Public Health, Amy views birth through the two different but complementary lenses of science and creativity. This allows her to implement science-based knowledge with the intuition, eyes, and heart of an artist.
Amy’s undergraduate studies focused on maternal and women’s health but she didn’t find her way into the birth world until she was pregnant with her daughter. Suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (think intense morning sickness) throughout her entire pregnancy and postpartum depression led her to realize the importance of consistent, knowledgeable, and compassionate support systems in the transition to parenthood.
“Labor is a powerful, transformative rite of passage. The way we birth is something that stays with us through our lifetime. My goal is to help facilitate the most peaceful, empowering, and positive experience possible for birthing people and their partners. I believe strongly in informed decision making, inclusivity, consent, and each individual's inner strength. Through active listening, shared information, hands-on support, movement, and a little bit of laughter I will help you navigate the journey of labor."
You can learn more about Amy and her services at www.solsticeborn.com or by emailing her at amy@solsticeborn.com.
Amy brings evidence-based practices, light-hearted humor, and compassionate, intuitive care to her clients. As a photographer with a degree in Public Health, Amy views birth through the two different but complementary lenses of science and creativity. This allows her to implement science-based knowledge with the intuition, eyes, and heart of an artist.
Amy’s undergraduate studies focused on maternal and women’s health but she didn’t find her way into the birth world until she was pregnant with her daughter. Suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (think intense morning sickness) throughout her entire pregnancy and postpartum depression led her to realize the importance of consistent, knowledgeable, and compassionate support systems in the transition to parenthood.
“Labor is a powerful, transformative rite of passage. The way we birth is something that stays with us through our lifetime. My goal is to help facilitate the most peaceful, empowering, and positive experience possible for birthing people and their partners. I believe strongly in informed decision making, inclusivity, consent, and each individual's inner strength. Through active listening, shared information, hands-on support, movement, and a little bit of laughter I will help you navigate the journey of labor."
You can learn more about Amy and her services at www.solsticeborn.com or by emailing her at amy@solsticeborn.com.
Kayla Zibbell
Kayla is a birth doula and a registered nurse who offers holistic and compassionate prenatal, labor, and postpartum support services to pregnant folks in the Philadelphia area. While learning about the unique nature of each person’s story, Kayla makes it a priority to create a comfortable, non-judgemental, safe and affirming space where her clients can be heard. A space to navigate all birthing options, explore personal expectations and share her knowledge on everything from pregnancy to breastfeeding to traditional ways of healing and maintaining postpartum wellness. Kayla’s primary goals are to help her clients and their families discover the tools to make empowered, educated decisions in order to advocate for themselves and to improve the overall health outcomes of parent and baby.
After working in a number of different roles in reproductive health care, Kayla was most drawn to birth work for its ability to turn one of the most vulnerable moments in somebody’s life into one in which they can be the most powerful. She began her doula practice working in the prison system as a birth doula for incarcerated women, a population whose reproductive health is dangerously at risk and whose rights and choices are consistently limited. Kayla strongly believes all people who become pregnant deserve bodily autonomy, nurturing support and unlimited access to high quality healthcare.
Kayla completed her foundational birth doula training with DONA International in 2015 and later completed an advanced doula training with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Western Massachusetts, she went on to study Sociology, Anthropology and Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of Redlands in Southern California. Later, attending Thomas Jefferson University’s accelerated nursing program.
In addition to her doula practice, Kayla works as a Public Health Nurse Educator with a local non-profit providing in-home support and evidence-based education on pregnancy, parenting, feeding, preventative health and early childhood development.
Kayla now serves the Atlanta, GA area. Contact her at sunfolkdoula@gmail.com or through www.sunfolkdoula.com.
Kayla is a birth doula and a registered nurse who offers holistic and compassionate prenatal, labor, and postpartum support services to pregnant folks in the Philadelphia area. While learning about the unique nature of each person’s story, Kayla makes it a priority to create a comfortable, non-judgemental, safe and affirming space where her clients can be heard. A space to navigate all birthing options, explore personal expectations and share her knowledge on everything from pregnancy to breastfeeding to traditional ways of healing and maintaining postpartum wellness. Kayla’s primary goals are to help her clients and their families discover the tools to make empowered, educated decisions in order to advocate for themselves and to improve the overall health outcomes of parent and baby.
After working in a number of different roles in reproductive health care, Kayla was most drawn to birth work for its ability to turn one of the most vulnerable moments in somebody’s life into one in which they can be the most powerful. She began her doula practice working in the prison system as a birth doula for incarcerated women, a population whose reproductive health is dangerously at risk and whose rights and choices are consistently limited. Kayla strongly believes all people who become pregnant deserve bodily autonomy, nurturing support and unlimited access to high quality healthcare.
Kayla completed her foundational birth doula training with DONA International in 2015 and later completed an advanced doula training with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Western Massachusetts, she went on to study Sociology, Anthropology and Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of Redlands in Southern California. Later, attending Thomas Jefferson University’s accelerated nursing program.
In addition to her doula practice, Kayla works as a Public Health Nurse Educator with a local non-profit providing in-home support and evidence-based education on pregnancy, parenting, feeding, preventative health and early childhood development.
Kayla now serves the Atlanta, GA area. Contact her at sunfolkdoula@gmail.com or through www.sunfolkdoula.com.
Ariel de Roche
Ariel is a birth doula and maternal health researcher based in New York City. Growing up in a large tight-knit family, she has always been surrounded with pregnant bellies and tiny humans. This combined with her background in epidemiology (research) has greatly informed her profound passion for evidence-based information, sexual and reproductive health research, and advocacy.
She initially aspired to be a clinician and through that journey, discovered her love for research while working in adolescent sexual health. Then during some time spent in Guatemala, something clicked! While visiting a midwifery clinic, one of the comadronas said “You don’t choose birth work, it chooses you.” She later returned to the States and immediately signed up for a birth doula training with DONA. She believes that she has indeed been chosen to do this work.
Her goal as a doula is to create a container, a space where one feels seen and heard. Birth is such a sacred time and through birth work, she seeks to continue to empower and encourage all folks, in all ways.
Ariel serves the New York City area. You can learn more about Ariel and her services at www.amdoula.com or email her at arielmariedoula@gmail.com.
Ariel is a birth doula and maternal health researcher based in New York City. Growing up in a large tight-knit family, she has always been surrounded with pregnant bellies and tiny humans. This combined with her background in epidemiology (research) has greatly informed her profound passion for evidence-based information, sexual and reproductive health research, and advocacy.
She initially aspired to be a clinician and through that journey, discovered her love for research while working in adolescent sexual health. Then during some time spent in Guatemala, something clicked! While visiting a midwifery clinic, one of the comadronas said “You don’t choose birth work, it chooses you.” She later returned to the States and immediately signed up for a birth doula training with DONA. She believes that she has indeed been chosen to do this work.
Her goal as a doula is to create a container, a space where one feels seen and heard. Birth is such a sacred time and through birth work, she seeks to continue to empower and encourage all folks, in all ways.
Ariel serves the New York City area. You can learn more about Ariel and her services at www.amdoula.com or email her at arielmariedoula@gmail.com.
Victoria Goins
Victoria is an actor and birth doula residing in Philadelphia. Being raised in a matriarchy, Victoria always held a high level of respect for motherhood. Her family was always welcoming new members, however, it was child rearing/upbringing that dominated their conversations. It wasn’t until her adult years that she began investigating birth as a holistic process that her passion for birthwork blossomed and her respect for motherhood deepened.
Upon realization of the maternal mortality crisis plaguing the U.S., Victoria began volunteering as a doula with two Philadelphia organizations, The Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support (PALS) and the Maternity Care Coalition. It was working with these mothers that reinforced what Victoria's matriarchy had already embedded in her -"mamma knows best." No matter what circumstances surround the birth Victoria believes every mother deserves an informed pregnancy, a tailored birth plan, and continuous labor support with comfort measures adapted to her needs. Her services are centered around the belief that empowered women who are supported in trusting themselves and their bodies are able to experience the divinity in childbirth. You can learn more about Victoria and her services at dyvinedoula.com.
Victoria is an actor and birth doula residing in Philadelphia. Being raised in a matriarchy, Victoria always held a high level of respect for motherhood. Her family was always welcoming new members, however, it was child rearing/upbringing that dominated their conversations. It wasn’t until her adult years that she began investigating birth as a holistic process that her passion for birthwork blossomed and her respect for motherhood deepened.
Upon realization of the maternal mortality crisis plaguing the U.S., Victoria began volunteering as a doula with two Philadelphia organizations, The Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support (PALS) and the Maternity Care Coalition. It was working with these mothers that reinforced what Victoria's matriarchy had already embedded in her -"mamma knows best." No matter what circumstances surround the birth Victoria believes every mother deserves an informed pregnancy, a tailored birth plan, and continuous labor support with comfort measures adapted to her needs. Her services are centered around the belief that empowered women who are supported in trusting themselves and their bodies are able to experience the divinity in childbirth. You can learn more about Victoria and her services at dyvinedoula.com.
Hanan Abdul-Hameed
Hanan's fascination with labor and maternal wellness began 20 years ago when she witnessed her nephew's birth. Since that time her seventeen year marriage has yielded three beautiful children, now 11, 9, and 7. She was inspired by the work of the midwives who helped her deliver naturally and since has also cultivated a deep appreciation for anatomy and physiology. She pursued this passion first by helping neighbors, family, and friends through their labors and now through a labor and post-partum doula certification program.
Hanan was especially affected by the loss of her twin girls at five months. This experience has motivated her to develop a holistic approach to the pregnancy and postpartum process including both the physiological aspects of mothering as well as the spiritual into her practice. She centers the experience of mothers, making sure the journey for her clients is appreciated for its texture and nuance. Not only does she enjoy meeting new people from other cultures, but she takes into account her clients' values and experiences while developing her approach to their care, including but not limited to a focus on reproductive justice.
Throughout her certification process through the renowned DONA and CAPPA training programs, she has and continues to volunteer as an Infant Cuddler at Einstein Hospital. She has further enriched her academic repertoire by attending workshops in palliative care and perinatal mood disorders. Her long-term ambition is to become certified nurse midwife. In her free time she enjoys gardening, hiking, sketching, reading, and cooking Indian and African cuisine. Contact Hanan at hananabdulhameed7@gmail.com.
Hanan's fascination with labor and maternal wellness began 20 years ago when she witnessed her nephew's birth. Since that time her seventeen year marriage has yielded three beautiful children, now 11, 9, and 7. She was inspired by the work of the midwives who helped her deliver naturally and since has also cultivated a deep appreciation for anatomy and physiology. She pursued this passion first by helping neighbors, family, and friends through their labors and now through a labor and post-partum doula certification program.
Hanan was especially affected by the loss of her twin girls at five months. This experience has motivated her to develop a holistic approach to the pregnancy and postpartum process including both the physiological aspects of mothering as well as the spiritual into her practice. She centers the experience of mothers, making sure the journey for her clients is appreciated for its texture and nuance. Not only does she enjoy meeting new people from other cultures, but she takes into account her clients' values and experiences while developing her approach to their care, including but not limited to a focus on reproductive justice.
Throughout her certification process through the renowned DONA and CAPPA training programs, she has and continues to volunteer as an Infant Cuddler at Einstein Hospital. She has further enriched her academic repertoire by attending workshops in palliative care and perinatal mood disorders. Her long-term ambition is to become certified nurse midwife. In her free time she enjoys gardening, hiking, sketching, reading, and cooking Indian and African cuisine. Contact Hanan at hananabdulhameed7@gmail.com.
Hannah Brenneman
Hannah is an anthropologist, educator, yoga teacher, and aspiring birth doula who has been surrounded by a family of strong, smart, empowering women since she was born. At 14 years old, Hannah was introduced to the world of doulas when her mother hired one to attend the VBAC hospital birth of Hannah’s baby brother—her first birth since the Cesarean birth of Hannah and her twin sister, Sophie, nearly a decade and a half earlier!
Since then, Hannah’s fascination with birth and passion for educating and supporting others has followed her in her travels and studies around the globe, growing stronger every year. Hannah is in the beginning stages of shifting her long-term career goals towards the world of birth work and is currently enjoying growing as a birth doula, pre- and postnatal yoga teacher, and volunteer at Planned Parenthood.
Her yoga training, international work as an educator, interest in learning from birth practices and rituals around the world, and work in holding space combine to inform how she relates to her clients. Above all, Hannah seeks to listen sincerely, adjust her approaches to meet and support her clients where they are—physically, emotionally, spiritually—at all stages of pregnancy and postpartum, and ensure that they have as much information and time as possible to make decisions that best suit their unique preferences and needs.
Hannah’s long-term goals in the world of birth work include striving to incorporate elements of holistic nutrition, yoga and breathwork, lactation counseling, and relationship coaching into her clients’ labor, birth, and postpartum experiences.
Outside of birth work, Hannah can usually be found listening to podcasts, cooking and baking, or taking photos around Philadelphia. Hannah can be reached at alheliame@gmail.com.
Hannah is an anthropologist, educator, yoga teacher, and aspiring birth doula who has been surrounded by a family of strong, smart, empowering women since she was born. At 14 years old, Hannah was introduced to the world of doulas when her mother hired one to attend the VBAC hospital birth of Hannah’s baby brother—her first birth since the Cesarean birth of Hannah and her twin sister, Sophie, nearly a decade and a half earlier!
Since then, Hannah’s fascination with birth and passion for educating and supporting others has followed her in her travels and studies around the globe, growing stronger every year. Hannah is in the beginning stages of shifting her long-term career goals towards the world of birth work and is currently enjoying growing as a birth doula, pre- and postnatal yoga teacher, and volunteer at Planned Parenthood.
Her yoga training, international work as an educator, interest in learning from birth practices and rituals around the world, and work in holding space combine to inform how she relates to her clients. Above all, Hannah seeks to listen sincerely, adjust her approaches to meet and support her clients where they are—physically, emotionally, spiritually—at all stages of pregnancy and postpartum, and ensure that they have as much information and time as possible to make decisions that best suit their unique preferences and needs.
Hannah’s long-term goals in the world of birth work include striving to incorporate elements of holistic nutrition, yoga and breathwork, lactation counseling, and relationship coaching into her clients’ labor, birth, and postpartum experiences.
Outside of birth work, Hannah can usually be found listening to podcasts, cooking and baking, or taking photos around Philadelphia. Hannah can be reached at alheliame@gmail.com.
Amy Pelak Rothstein
Amy's path to birth work has grown out of the births of her own children and from listening to the birth stories of friends, neighbors, and family members. During her first pregnancy, she was shocked to learn how little she knew of the labor and birth process and of how many people emerge from birth feeling defeated rather than empowered. After she and her husband participated in an independent childbirth prep course, Amy’s curiosity for all things childbirth emerged and has grown steadily since then.
Amy completed her doula training via Birth Arts International and her childbirth educator training through the International Childbirth Education Association. In addition to formal training, she also draws from the intuition, knowledge, and awareness she has gained from her own pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. She is currently a mother of two and was able to achieve the unmedicated births she desired within two different hospitals. Birth was a transformative experience for her in learning her own physical, emotional and mental strength.
Amy strives to help pregnant folks and their partners approach labor and birth feeling empowered and educated rather than fearful and unaware. More info about Amy can be found at www.littleenginebirths.com and she can be reached at amy@littleenginebirths.com.
Amy's path to birth work has grown out of the births of her own children and from listening to the birth stories of friends, neighbors, and family members. During her first pregnancy, she was shocked to learn how little she knew of the labor and birth process and of how many people emerge from birth feeling defeated rather than empowered. After she and her husband participated in an independent childbirth prep course, Amy’s curiosity for all things childbirth emerged and has grown steadily since then.
Amy completed her doula training via Birth Arts International and her childbirth educator training through the International Childbirth Education Association. In addition to formal training, she also draws from the intuition, knowledge, and awareness she has gained from her own pregnancies, births, and postpartum periods. She is currently a mother of two and was able to achieve the unmedicated births she desired within two different hospitals. Birth was a transformative experience for her in learning her own physical, emotional and mental strength.
Amy strives to help pregnant folks and their partners approach labor and birth feeling empowered and educated rather than fearful and unaware. More info about Amy can be found at www.littleenginebirths.com and she can be reached at amy@littleenginebirths.com.
Sophie Davis
In her work as a birth doula, Sophie Davis embraces patience and her innate listening abilities to make her clients feel heard. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and from a young age she has always adored babies. She completed her foundation training with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn in July 2016. Upon moving to Philadelphia in October 2017, she began working with the Maternity Care Coalition as a community doula.
Sophie is motivated to help her clients feel empowered and supported in their births. She dreams about a world in which consent in labor is paramount. Her goal at every birth is for her client to understand what is going on and to help them feel powerful in any scenario. Sophie uses her prenatal yoga teacher training to get her clients moving and to prepare their bodies for labor. She has experience supporting single parents as well as partnerships.
Outside of birth work, Sophie dances Contact Improvisation and she holds a BA in photography. She works every day at maintaining a practice of kindness for her body through yoga, dance, baths, massage, and eating well; she encourages her clients to be equally kind to their bodies. Sophie can be reached at sophmdavis@gmail.com.
In her work as a birth doula, Sophie Davis embraces patience and her innate listening abilities to make her clients feel heard. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and from a young age she has always adored babies. She completed her foundation training with Carriage House Birth in Brooklyn in July 2016. Upon moving to Philadelphia in October 2017, she began working with the Maternity Care Coalition as a community doula.
Sophie is motivated to help her clients feel empowered and supported in their births. She dreams about a world in which consent in labor is paramount. Her goal at every birth is for her client to understand what is going on and to help them feel powerful in any scenario. Sophie uses her prenatal yoga teacher training to get her clients moving and to prepare their bodies for labor. She has experience supporting single parents as well as partnerships.
Outside of birth work, Sophie dances Contact Improvisation and she holds a BA in photography. She works every day at maintaining a practice of kindness for her body through yoga, dance, baths, massage, and eating well; she encourages her clients to be equally kind to their bodies. Sophie can be reached at sophmdavis@gmail.com.
Jodi Silberstein
Jodi Silberstein is a birth and postpartum doula and enthusiastic home cook. She came into this line of work through her job as the marketing manager for a maternity/newborn store in Brooklyn. She was drawn not only to the new parents walking in full of questions and concern, but watching other employees, most of whom were doulas, interact with compassion and patience. Jodi took a cue from her cowrkers, quit the marketing world, and pursued her passion for birth work.
After her training through DONA, Jodi got her start volunteering for the Philadelphia Alliance For Labor Support. She finds joy in creating calm, stress-free environments and believes in giving her clients all the tools they need to stay at ease and in control of their birth and the confidence to develop their unique parenting style. She is also trained in babywearing, Bengkung belly-binding, and breastfeeding.
Jodi takes a special interest in learning about her clients’ cultures and traditions and likes to incorporate this into her work either through labor support or the food she cooks for them. In Jodi’s down time, she is making meals for friends and family and planning camping trips with her brother.
Jodi can be reached at: 732-865-0750, jodi@jodiraedoula.com, @jodiraedoula.
Jodi Silberstein is a birth and postpartum doula and enthusiastic home cook. She came into this line of work through her job as the marketing manager for a maternity/newborn store in Brooklyn. She was drawn not only to the new parents walking in full of questions and concern, but watching other employees, most of whom were doulas, interact with compassion and patience. Jodi took a cue from her cowrkers, quit the marketing world, and pursued her passion for birth work.
After her training through DONA, Jodi got her start volunteering for the Philadelphia Alliance For Labor Support. She finds joy in creating calm, stress-free environments and believes in giving her clients all the tools they need to stay at ease and in control of their birth and the confidence to develop their unique parenting style. She is also trained in babywearing, Bengkung belly-binding, and breastfeeding.
Jodi takes a special interest in learning about her clients’ cultures and traditions and likes to incorporate this into her work either through labor support or the food she cooks for them. In Jodi’s down time, she is making meals for friends and family and planning camping trips with her brother.
Jodi can be reached at: 732-865-0750, jodi@jodiraedoula.com, @jodiraedoula.
Julia Mooney
Julia was originally inspired to doula work after experiencing the power of doula support at the birth of her second child. Her first child had a known, severe heart complication and was born via c-section at CHOP. Looking back, a doula would have been so beneficial at that stressful delivery! For Julia's second baby, she wanted more control over her birth experience, so she hired a doula to help her through an unmedicated delivery. The experience was transformative and empowering. Giving birth on her own terms inspired her to help other mothers achieve the birth that's right for them. Since then she has trained in the field of birth professionals and completed her training workshop at Shanti Uganda, a birth-house in Uganda that offered a non-western perspective on the universal experience that is birth.
Julia believes that birth is a normal, timeless milestone in a woman's life, and one that we all have a right to undergo on our own terms. A woman who has a satisfying birth blossoms with confidence and self assurance - this makes for happy families and happy women! For Julia, her role as a doula is to support that experience for moms - new moms, experienced moms, moms who want unmedicated births, planned c-sections, and everything in between.
For ten years Julia has been a public school teacher, in addition to her interest in birth work. She offers a non-judgmental, professional, down-to-earth companion for the mother and other support people who may be present at a baby's birth. Learn more about Julia at www.juliamooneybirthdoula.com or by emailing her at julia@juliaranson.com.
Julia was originally inspired to doula work after experiencing the power of doula support at the birth of her second child. Her first child had a known, severe heart complication and was born via c-section at CHOP. Looking back, a doula would have been so beneficial at that stressful delivery! For Julia's second baby, she wanted more control over her birth experience, so she hired a doula to help her through an unmedicated delivery. The experience was transformative and empowering. Giving birth on her own terms inspired her to help other mothers achieve the birth that's right for them. Since then she has trained in the field of birth professionals and completed her training workshop at Shanti Uganda, a birth-house in Uganda that offered a non-western perspective on the universal experience that is birth.
Julia believes that birth is a normal, timeless milestone in a woman's life, and one that we all have a right to undergo on our own terms. A woman who has a satisfying birth blossoms with confidence and self assurance - this makes for happy families and happy women! For Julia, her role as a doula is to support that experience for moms - new moms, experienced moms, moms who want unmedicated births, planned c-sections, and everything in between.
For ten years Julia has been a public school teacher, in addition to her interest in birth work. She offers a non-judgmental, professional, down-to-earth companion for the mother and other support people who may be present at a baby's birth. Learn more about Julia at www.juliamooneybirthdoula.com or by emailing her at julia@juliaranson.com.
Elizabeth Weinstein
Elizabeth Weinstein is a birth doula and movement artist. She believes in the power of the birthing body and supports the creation of transformative and peaceful birth experiences. She loves birth work for its centrality in many of our cultures’ most important pursuits, including honoring women’s bodies, transforming our health care systems, creating safe and connected communities, building movements for reproductive justice, and upholding traditional ways of healing.
As a doula, Elizabeth offers compassionate care, skilled physical support, and a passion for patiently sharing her knowledge of all things pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Elizabeth has spent many years as a professional dancer and movement educator, and strives to find the places where movement, improvisation, and childbirth braid together. She works with clients to find connection and wisdom in their own bodies and to safely dance their way through labor.
Elizabeth completed her doula training with Birth Arts International in 2010, and has since had the honor of studying breastfeeding support with Nikki Lee, placenta encapsulation, and working as a member of Maternity Care Coalition’s community doula program. In 2010, she traveled to Brazil to study the role of ritual in natural childbirth alongside elder midwives and maintains a deep belief in the importance of woman-centered care. Elizabeth is also an advocate for survivors of sexual trauma and aims to build a trauma informed model of care and birth support. Birth is our way into the world, and Elizabeth is grateful to offer her heart and hands to the work of joyful welcome. Elizabeth can be reached at www.elizabethweinsteinbirth.com.
Elizabeth Weinstein is a birth doula and movement artist. She believes in the power of the birthing body and supports the creation of transformative and peaceful birth experiences. She loves birth work for its centrality in many of our cultures’ most important pursuits, including honoring women’s bodies, transforming our health care systems, creating safe and connected communities, building movements for reproductive justice, and upholding traditional ways of healing.
As a doula, Elizabeth offers compassionate care, skilled physical support, and a passion for patiently sharing her knowledge of all things pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Elizabeth has spent many years as a professional dancer and movement educator, and strives to find the places where movement, improvisation, and childbirth braid together. She works with clients to find connection and wisdom in their own bodies and to safely dance their way through labor.
Elizabeth completed her doula training with Birth Arts International in 2010, and has since had the honor of studying breastfeeding support with Nikki Lee, placenta encapsulation, and working as a member of Maternity Care Coalition’s community doula program. In 2010, she traveled to Brazil to study the role of ritual in natural childbirth alongside elder midwives and maintains a deep belief in the importance of woman-centered care. Elizabeth is also an advocate for survivors of sexual trauma and aims to build a trauma informed model of care and birth support. Birth is our way into the world, and Elizabeth is grateful to offer her heart and hands to the work of joyful welcome. Elizabeth can be reached at www.elizabethweinsteinbirth.com.
Heather Renee Noren
Heather Renee, a Florida transplant, moved to Philadelphia in November of 2014. She has always known that her passion lies with being of service to families (coming from a large family herself). She started working with children from an early age, and has been a nanny for the past five years. Her introduction to the world of birth work came through a dear friend, who was a doula and aspiring midwife. Immediately, she became enthralled with the magic that is birth. In late summer of 2015, Heather Renee completed training to become a birth doula in South Philadelphia, with Birth Arts International. Since this time, she has continued to actively expand her education regarding birth, birth activistism, birth in underserved communities, trainings on birthing in LGBTQ communities, and how to be of greater service to families of all variations and backgrounds. Heather Renee feels her role, as a birth doula, is to provide a safe environment for people to give birth; to create a loving space for a birthing person’s voice in decision making; and to help birthing families feel supported throughout the duration of this transition into parenthood. Heather Renee believes that each birth is a unique, powerful, and normal process of life; that all have the right to a supported, peaceful, and dignified birth.
Aside from her work as a Birth Doula, you can find Heather Renee deepening her practice as a certified yoga instructor; volunteering with the Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support, community houses and studios; traveling, exploring nature and studying plants; volunteering in addiction and recovery outreach; and learning from various communities around the world. Going forward, Heather Renee plans to continue her education in birth and postpartum work, lactation support, placenta encapsulation, and to work towards becoming a Certified Midwife, and deepening her practice throughout her community. She feels it is the deepest honor to be of service to birthing families throughout such a precious and celebratory period in their lives, in order that they may have their best possible birthing experience. Heather Renee can be reached at hnoren1@gmail.com or HeatherReneeWellness.com .
Heather Renee, a Florida transplant, moved to Philadelphia in November of 2014. She has always known that her passion lies with being of service to families (coming from a large family herself). She started working with children from an early age, and has been a nanny for the past five years. Her introduction to the world of birth work came through a dear friend, who was a doula and aspiring midwife. Immediately, she became enthralled with the magic that is birth. In late summer of 2015, Heather Renee completed training to become a birth doula in South Philadelphia, with Birth Arts International. Since this time, she has continued to actively expand her education regarding birth, birth activistism, birth in underserved communities, trainings on birthing in LGBTQ communities, and how to be of greater service to families of all variations and backgrounds. Heather Renee feels her role, as a birth doula, is to provide a safe environment for people to give birth; to create a loving space for a birthing person’s voice in decision making; and to help birthing families feel supported throughout the duration of this transition into parenthood. Heather Renee believes that each birth is a unique, powerful, and normal process of life; that all have the right to a supported, peaceful, and dignified birth.
Aside from her work as a Birth Doula, you can find Heather Renee deepening her practice as a certified yoga instructor; volunteering with the Philadelphia Alliance for Labor Support, community houses and studios; traveling, exploring nature and studying plants; volunteering in addiction and recovery outreach; and learning from various communities around the world. Going forward, Heather Renee plans to continue her education in birth and postpartum work, lactation support, placenta encapsulation, and to work towards becoming a Certified Midwife, and deepening her practice throughout her community. She feels it is the deepest honor to be of service to birthing families throughout such a precious and celebratory period in their lives, in order that they may have their best possible birthing experience. Heather Renee can be reached at hnoren1@gmail.com or HeatherReneeWellness.com .
Dara Belcher
Dara was called to begin a journey in birth work after being blessed with her daughter in 2016. She completed formal training through DONA International and is a member of Maternity Care Coalition's Community Doula Program which has allowed her to receive training in areas such as breastfeeding support and providing care in the postpartum period.
Dara strives to promote an environment where mothers are comfortable and confident enough to have the birthing experience they desire. She places value on one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Prior to becoming a doula, she gained invaluable experience as a mental health therapist. She is a graduate of Spelman College and went on to earn a Masters in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. Dara has an extensive history supporting individuals dealing with substance abuse and trauma. Through her previous work as an emergency services therapist, she learned how to maintain and promote calm in unpredictable situations.
Dara currently resides in South Jersey. Her family is from Trinidad & Tobago, which is where she spent her childhood summers. Dara has been fortunate enough to travel to many countries over the years and enjoys learning about other cultures. She makes sure that the support and resources she provides to families are individualized to meet their specific wishes and needs. Dara will be working towards becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant and is focused on expanding her knowledge in birth work on an ongoing basis to always be able to best serve families. Feel free to contact her at darathebirthdoula@gmail.com and visit www.darathebirthdoula.com.
Dara was called to begin a journey in birth work after being blessed with her daughter in 2016. She completed formal training through DONA International and is a member of Maternity Care Coalition's Community Doula Program which has allowed her to receive training in areas such as breastfeeding support and providing care in the postpartum period.
Dara strives to promote an environment where mothers are comfortable and confident enough to have the birthing experience they desire. She places value on one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Prior to becoming a doula, she gained invaluable experience as a mental health therapist. She is a graduate of Spelman College and went on to earn a Masters in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. Dara has an extensive history supporting individuals dealing with substance abuse and trauma. Through her previous work as an emergency services therapist, she learned how to maintain and promote calm in unpredictable situations.
Dara currently resides in South Jersey. Her family is from Trinidad & Tobago, which is where she spent her childhood summers. Dara has been fortunate enough to travel to many countries over the years and enjoys learning about other cultures. She makes sure that the support and resources she provides to families are individualized to meet their specific wishes and needs. Dara will be working towards becoming a Certified Lactation Consultant and is focused on expanding her knowledge in birth work on an ongoing basis to always be able to best serve families. Feel free to contact her at darathebirthdoula@gmail.com and visit www.darathebirthdoula.com.
Marlee Moses, Birch Tree Birth Services
Marlee works with her clients from a foundation of evidence based knowledge and compassionate service. Catering her approach to each individual or couple based upon their particilar personalities and learning styles, Marlee views her role as a doula as a place to "become like water" molding to the specific desires, aspirations, and needs of each client while supporting them as the journey of the childbearing year unfolds.
Skilled at holding space for others, she has attended workshops on peer counseling and guided meditation. She has experience as a women's health educator and menstruation workshop leader. She is a Dona trained doula with continuing education credits in working with survivors of abuse and holds a broad knowledge base of the needs of single parents in particular. As one of the first in her community to become a mother, she has supported many people on their journey into parenthood and has attended births both in a free standing birth center and hospital setting. Her approach is holistic in nature and rooted in the importance of self care.
In addition to her birthwork, she is also a published writer, musician, visual artist, mother, and human rights activist. She lives in Fishtown with her nine-year-old daughter and husband and has called Philadelphia her home for 15 years. Contact Marlee for birth doula services at moses.marlee@gmail.com and check out her website at www.marleemoses.com.
Marlee works with her clients from a foundation of evidence based knowledge and compassionate service. Catering her approach to each individual or couple based upon their particilar personalities and learning styles, Marlee views her role as a doula as a place to "become like water" molding to the specific desires, aspirations, and needs of each client while supporting them as the journey of the childbearing year unfolds.
Skilled at holding space for others, she has attended workshops on peer counseling and guided meditation. She has experience as a women's health educator and menstruation workshop leader. She is a Dona trained doula with continuing education credits in working with survivors of abuse and holds a broad knowledge base of the needs of single parents in particular. As one of the first in her community to become a mother, she has supported many people on their journey into parenthood and has attended births both in a free standing birth center and hospital setting. Her approach is holistic in nature and rooted in the importance of self care.
In addition to her birthwork, she is also a published writer, musician, visual artist, mother, and human rights activist. She lives in Fishtown with her nine-year-old daughter and husband and has called Philadelphia her home for 15 years. Contact Marlee for birth doula services at moses.marlee@gmail.com and check out her website at www.marleemoses.com.
Maria Larson
"I have had many experiences in my life that brought me to pursue my “Doula Journey”. I have a long history of child-care including being an au pair in the Netherlands and as a long-term nanny for two families in Philadelphia. I have three amazing children and each one was a very different birth experience. I understand first-hand how challenging this time of transition can be
This is where my philosophies as a Doula have come to rest. Many couples are unaware of how to take control of their birth choices, and that these choices must be respected. I am dedicated to helping them find joy in the birth of a child and to assist in establishing a healthy bond, success in breastfeeding, and a satisfying postpartum recovery."
Contact Maria for birth and postpartum doula services at mamadoula3@gmail.com.
"I have had many experiences in my life that brought me to pursue my “Doula Journey”. I have a long history of child-care including being an au pair in the Netherlands and as a long-term nanny for two families in Philadelphia. I have three amazing children and each one was a very different birth experience. I understand first-hand how challenging this time of transition can be
This is where my philosophies as a Doula have come to rest. Many couples are unaware of how to take control of their birth choices, and that these choices must be respected. I am dedicated to helping them find joy in the birth of a child and to assist in establishing a healthy bond, success in breastfeeding, and a satisfying postpartum recovery."
Contact Maria for birth and postpartum doula services at mamadoula3@gmail.com.
Jenna Mihursky
As a nursing student at Drexel University, Jenna found her passion for birth during her Women's Health rotation. She discovered being a support person during such a life-changing moment to be extremely rewarding and thus pursued doula training through DONA this past October. To complement her training, she began an internship in January 2015 at Maternity Care Coalition and assists the public policy team in advocating for maternal and child health. As a doula, she plans to empower women and their partners to take control of their birthing experience to bring forth joy and love during such a wonderful time in their lives. Contact Jenna at jenna.mihursky@gmail.com and check out her website at http://www.jmdoulaservices.com. Due to a great work opportunity with families, Jenna is not currently taking on doula clients.
As a nursing student at Drexel University, Jenna found her passion for birth during her Women's Health rotation. She discovered being a support person during such a life-changing moment to be extremely rewarding and thus pursued doula training through DONA this past October. To complement her training, she began an internship in January 2015 at Maternity Care Coalition and assists the public policy team in advocating for maternal and child health. As a doula, she plans to empower women and their partners to take control of their birthing experience to bring forth joy and love during such a wonderful time in their lives. Contact Jenna at jenna.mihursky@gmail.com and check out her website at http://www.jmdoulaservices.com. Due to a great work opportunity with families, Jenna is not currently taking on doula clients.
Current Level Two Birth Professionals
Birth professionals in the Level Two Mentorship Program have either worked with Brittany previously to complete the Level One Mentorship Program and/or have attended at least 50 births. They are now continuing to obtain support from Blossoming Bellies in the form of night and day email and phone contact, observation of infant feeding and infant care classes, participation in Brittany's training "Creating Space" for birth professionals (most participants attend this workshop several times over the course of their work!), and attend up to six monthly webinars covering a variety of topics. Level Two participants spend their mentorship gaining insight into their birth work as their experience and skills grow, further developing the techniques beneficial to assisting clients in having positive and healthy birth experiences that they can easily integrate into their postpartum, and developing a deeper understanding of and reflection on the personal, social, and cultural forces that affect reproductive care in the current birth climate.
Contact Brittany to join the program!
Birth professionals in the Level Two Mentorship Program have either worked with Brittany previously to complete the Level One Mentorship Program and/or have attended at least 50 births. They are now continuing to obtain support from Blossoming Bellies in the form of night and day email and phone contact, observation of infant feeding and infant care classes, participation in Brittany's training "Creating Space" for birth professionals (most participants attend this workshop several times over the course of their work!), and attend up to six monthly webinars covering a variety of topics. Level Two participants spend their mentorship gaining insight into their birth work as their experience and skills grow, further developing the techniques beneficial to assisting clients in having positive and healthy birth experiences that they can easily integrate into their postpartum, and developing a deeper understanding of and reflection on the personal, social, and cultural forces that affect reproductive care in the current birth climate.
Contact Brittany to join the program!
Brittney Reyes
Brittney is full-spectrum doula, with a specific focus on birth and postpartum support. Her goal is to help guide each birthing person to feel empowered by connecting to their intuition, and encourage them to maintain complete autonomy at all times. Brit places immense value on implementing trauma-informed care with each of her clients, staying mindful of how deeply one’s life experiences may impact their entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. She loves having the ability to remind birthing people everywhere what they’re capable of, and provide them with the education, tools, and resources they can utilize to feel completely prepared to make the birth of their dreams a reality. She knows that no birth will look the same as another, and will always support her clients’ choices and decisions based on what they know is best for their body.
Brit has been passionate about women’s healthcare, reproductive rights, and caring for others for as long as she can remember, and has had a love for all-things science since childhood. She carried these interests into college, graduating with a degree in Biology & Health Sciences. Her original career path has immersed her into the pharmaceutical industry for the last five years, and it has allowed her to gain first-hand exposure to the lack of education and support there is for birthing and postpartum people, and she wants to contribute to making a change in a powerful way. She carries her knowledge of medical systems, natural physiological processes, and scientific research into her birth work.
Currently residing in Philadelphia, PA, Brit spends her free time tending to her many, many plants and getting cozy with her cat named Arlo. She is thrilled to be able to provide support to birthing people and their families in her area, and is preparing to offer hypnobirthing services and reiki healing to her clients sometime in the near future. Brittney can be reached by phone at (484) 934-4055 or via email at bringyourownbirth@gmail.com.
Brittney is full-spectrum doula, with a specific focus on birth and postpartum support. Her goal is to help guide each birthing person to feel empowered by connecting to their intuition, and encourage them to maintain complete autonomy at all times. Brit places immense value on implementing trauma-informed care with each of her clients, staying mindful of how deeply one’s life experiences may impact their entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. She loves having the ability to remind birthing people everywhere what they’re capable of, and provide them with the education, tools, and resources they can utilize to feel completely prepared to make the birth of their dreams a reality. She knows that no birth will look the same as another, and will always support her clients’ choices and decisions based on what they know is best for their body.
Brit has been passionate about women’s healthcare, reproductive rights, and caring for others for as long as she can remember, and has had a love for all-things science since childhood. She carried these interests into college, graduating with a degree in Biology & Health Sciences. Her original career path has immersed her into the pharmaceutical industry for the last five years, and it has allowed her to gain first-hand exposure to the lack of education and support there is for birthing and postpartum people, and she wants to contribute to making a change in a powerful way. She carries her knowledge of medical systems, natural physiological processes, and scientific research into her birth work.
Currently residing in Philadelphia, PA, Brit spends her free time tending to her many, many plants and getting cozy with her cat named Arlo. She is thrilled to be able to provide support to birthing people and their families in her area, and is preparing to offer hypnobirthing services and reiki healing to her clients sometime in the near future. Brittney can be reached by phone at (484) 934-4055 or via email at bringyourownbirth@gmail.com.
Graduates of the Blossoming Bellies Level Two Mentorship Program
Nicole Sawyers
Nicole Sawyers Todd (She/Her) is a mother of three, and a doula who offers professional, inclusive birth preparation/support and overnight postpartum care to expectant and new families in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Nicole began her journey towards birth work in the fall of 2014, after the birth of her youngest son. Her own birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding experiences lead her to the realization that there are gaps in care that must surely be filled. After a year of self-study, she completed a birth doula training program through CAPPA, (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and decided shortly thereafter that postpartum care was an integral piece of the puzzle. She continued on by taking the postpartum doula training through CAPPA, and began working with families immediately. She is constantly expanding her knowledge through literature, continuing education courses and workshops, enjoys learning from those who have come before her, and is a professional member of Evidence Based Birth. She has personal as well as professional lactation experience, is knowledgeable in acupressure for birth, pelvic biomechanics, VBAC support, birth after previous trauma/loss and postpartum twin-care. She is also a registered Hypnobabies Hypno-Doula, and holds a rebozo certification.
Nicole is a firm believer in compassionate, intuitive, non-judgmental, Evidence-Based support and the positive impact it can have on an entire family. Whether it be the support she provides throughout pregnancy, labor and birth, or during the sacred postpartum transition; she prides herself on the importance of maintaining a professional relationship - and at the same time, remaining open and humbled to the possibility of connecting on a deeper level. She truly understands that “it takes a village” and believes that this approach has been an asset to her work as a doula, and the families that she has served.
Aside from her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, attending musical events, nature, art, and is a total plant-based “foodie.”
Nicole can be reached at 267-777-0815, Nicole@NorthernStarDoula.com, and her website is https://NorthernStarDoula.com
Join her on Social media!
Facebook.com/NorthernStarDoula
Instagram.com/NorthernStarDoulaPhilly
Nicole Sawyers Todd (She/Her) is a mother of three, and a doula who offers professional, inclusive birth preparation/support and overnight postpartum care to expectant and new families in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Nicole began her journey towards birth work in the fall of 2014, after the birth of her youngest son. Her own birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding experiences lead her to the realization that there are gaps in care that must surely be filled. After a year of self-study, she completed a birth doula training program through CAPPA, (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and decided shortly thereafter that postpartum care was an integral piece of the puzzle. She continued on by taking the postpartum doula training through CAPPA, and began working with families immediately. She is constantly expanding her knowledge through literature, continuing education courses and workshops, enjoys learning from those who have come before her, and is a professional member of Evidence Based Birth. She has personal as well as professional lactation experience, is knowledgeable in acupressure for birth, pelvic biomechanics, VBAC support, birth after previous trauma/loss and postpartum twin-care. She is also a registered Hypnobabies Hypno-Doula, and holds a rebozo certification.
Nicole is a firm believer in compassionate, intuitive, non-judgmental, Evidence-Based support and the positive impact it can have on an entire family. Whether it be the support she provides throughout pregnancy, labor and birth, or during the sacred postpartum transition; she prides herself on the importance of maintaining a professional relationship - and at the same time, remaining open and humbled to the possibility of connecting on a deeper level. She truly understands that “it takes a village” and believes that this approach has been an asset to her work as a doula, and the families that she has served.
Aside from her professional work, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, attending musical events, nature, art, and is a total plant-based “foodie.”
Nicole can be reached at 267-777-0815, Nicole@NorthernStarDoula.com, and her website is https://NorthernStarDoula.com
Join her on Social media!
Facebook.com/NorthernStarDoula
Instagram.com/NorthernStarDoulaPhilly
Current Level Three Birth Professionals
Birth professionals in the Level Three Mentorship Program have worked with Brittany previously to complete the Level Two Mentorship Program. They are now continuing to obtain support from Blossoming Bellies in the form of night and day email and phone contact, three one on one meetings, and attending up to six monthly webinars covering a variety of topics. Level Three participants have an opportunity to dive deeply into the research and intimate aspects of birth work while honing in on skills and continuing to have guided support in their work.
Contact Brittany to join the program!
Birth professionals in the Level Three Mentorship Program have worked with Brittany previously to complete the Level Two Mentorship Program. They are now continuing to obtain support from Blossoming Bellies in the form of night and day email and phone contact, three one on one meetings, and attending up to six monthly webinars covering a variety of topics. Level Three participants have an opportunity to dive deeply into the research and intimate aspects of birth work while honing in on skills and continuing to have guided support in their work.
Contact Brittany to join the program!
Graduates of the Level Three Mentorship Program
Paige Greeley: Graduate of the Level One Mentorship and Level Two Mentorship and Level Three Mentorship
”I have always been fascinated by what the female body is capable of,” says Paige Greeley. “It’s deeply satisfying to help a woman who is bringing a new life into the world.” Paige works in the Philadelphia area. She trained through DONA International and is available for on-call birth doula support, as well as morning, daytime, evening or overnight postpartum assistance for infants and new parents. “I support the birth person and family through the birth process and fourth trimester. I do my very best to make the transition from pregnancy to family as special as possible.” Originally from the coast of Maine, Paige is also a working artist with an MFA from Ohio University in Painting + Drawing. You can find her paintings around Philadelphia, New York City, and California. She is a dedicated animal lover, especially her rescue dog Wayne, and tends many houseplants in her spare time. Since working at a survivor advocacy service during graduate school, she has never doubted what direction her career would take. “Caring for women is what I was meant to do,” she says.
Paige can be reached at https://www.paigegreeleydoula.com/ for birth and postpartum support.
”I have always been fascinated by what the female body is capable of,” says Paige Greeley. “It’s deeply satisfying to help a woman who is bringing a new life into the world.” Paige works in the Philadelphia area. She trained through DONA International and is available for on-call birth doula support, as well as morning, daytime, evening or overnight postpartum assistance for infants and new parents. “I support the birth person and family through the birth process and fourth trimester. I do my very best to make the transition from pregnancy to family as special as possible.” Originally from the coast of Maine, Paige is also a working artist with an MFA from Ohio University in Painting + Drawing. You can find her paintings around Philadelphia, New York City, and California. She is a dedicated animal lover, especially her rescue dog Wayne, and tends many houseplants in her spare time. Since working at a survivor advocacy service during graduate school, she has never doubted what direction her career would take. “Caring for women is what I was meant to do,” she says.
Paige can be reached at https://www.paigegreeleydoula.com/ for birth and postpartum support.
If you are an expectant family and are interested in learning more about the doulas being mentored by Blossoming Bellies and/or interviewing them for your birth or postpartum support, please send me an email at britt@blossomingbelliesbirth.com or contact the doula directly.