Birth Doulas Click the photo of any doula below to access their profile page and learn more about them or get their contact information. Natalie Skomski Birth Doula & Postpartum Support Amy Schlageter Birth Doula Bridget Strub, CD(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Hospital-Grade Breast Pump Rentals Enuma Okafor Birth and Postpartum Doula Services Jocelyn Semple, BEC, CD-L Birth Doula & Breastfeeding Educator Morgan Moy M.S., CCC-SLP/L TSSLD Birth and Postpartum Doula care Rebecca Dilley CLC,Birth and Postpartum Doula Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Breastmilk jewelry Megan Stavalone, DC Birth Doula, Chiropractor Molly Deutschbein, LMT, CST, CD, RYT Full Spectrum Doula, Birth Doula, Pregnancy Bodywork, Spinning Babies Aware Practitioner Phyllis Sharp CD(DONA), CLC Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Placenta Specialist, Lactation Support, Childbirth Classes Jenna Roberge-karns Birth Doula Stephanie Kiesow-Edoh, MA, MPH, CLE Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Educator Melody E Osgood, LAc, trained doula Birth doula, in-home acupuncture, in- office acupuncture Shannon Pessin Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator Melissa Ebner Birth Doula CD(DONA), Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor Margo Fox, MSW, DONA Trained Birth Doula Birth Doula Services Christine Landers, BD, HCHD, PES Birth Doula, Hypno-Doula, Placenta Specialist Joanna Jackson (BAI, CAPPA) Birth Doula (BAI) Postpartum Doula (CAPPA) Nesting Party Coordinator Julie Hobart Birth and Postpartum Doula, Massage Therapist LaKeisha Washington, MPA, CD(DONA) Birth Doula, Birth Photography, Placenta Services Ashley Wyffels Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Childbirth Educator Tamara L Albert, CD(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth preparation classes Julia M. Sittig, MSW, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth Education, Doula Training Melissa Keyes Birth doula, postpartum doula, breastfeeding consultant, breathing techniques, birthing support and parent education Kathryn Franke, MA, CD(DONA) Birth Doula Eileen Steinchen, LMHC Birth Doula Bert Kiehle Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula Mary Feeney, MS, RN-BC Birth Doula Danielle Cisneros Birth doula Angela Payne Birth Doula, RN Student Michelle Grosodonia Maiola CD (DTI), ERYT-200, Reiki Master Birth and Postpartum, Pre-Postnatal Yoga, Reiki Healing Adriana Lozada, AdvCD(DONA), CSC, CEMC, CBP Birth Doula, Healthy Sleep Consultations, Birth and Postpartum Prep. Classes Jennie Kieffer, CLC, CD(DONA), CVD(TVL) Birth Doula, Birth Photographer, Lactation Counselor Mindy Class, CD(DONA), CLC Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula Allison Kelly Birth Doula Lauren Dearman Birth Doula, ASL Interpreter Shannon Glaser Birth Doula Kirsten Elting -BA, CD(DONA), LCCE, CLEC, CLC Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Educator and Counselor Sarah Ozimek Birth & Postpartum Doula

Birth Doula Profile Meet Danielle Cisneros Birth doula My name is Danielle and I’ve recently completed the doula training! I have experienced two births myself, one an emergency c section and a VBAC! I’m so passionate about beginning my doula journey to help support women during their births! ​ 9074408965 Weilandwoodslearning@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Amy Schlageter Birth Doula My journey into the world of healing arts began in 2016 when I became certified as a Reiki practitioner. Through Reiki, I discovered the profound impact of energy flow on our overall well-being. By encouraging a healthy flow of energy in the body, I help my clients lower stress levels and promote natural healing. The birth of my grandson in October marked a pivotal moment in my life. Witnessing the miracle of life and the strength of the women around me ignited a deep desire to support and uplift other women during their childbirth experiences. As my family celebrates this new addition, we are also joyously preparing for the arrival of our second baby, a precious little girl, further enriching our lives with love and anticipation. ​ Driven by this newfound passion, I embarked on the path to becoming a doula. I recently completed doula training and am currently pursuing certification through DONA International, ensuring that I provide the highest level of care and support to expectant mothers and their families. In addition to my doula work, I hold a certification in completing 7 chakras energy work, further enhancing my ability to facilitate holistic healing and balance. ​ With over 26 years of experience working at UR Medicine, I bring a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to my practice. My mission is to empower women, honor their unique birthing journeys, and provide unwavering support every step of the way. Womb to World Doula Care https://schlageteramy.wixsite.com/mysite 5852598929 ​

Birth Doula Profile Meet Christine Landers, BD, HCHD, PES Birth Doula, Hypno-Doula, Placenta Specialist Imagine having your very own fairy godmother by your side, guiding you through the journey of childbirth! That's where I come in, as a Birth Doula, specializing in Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis, and a Placenta Specialist. With me by your side, you can expect nothing but the best support and advocacy throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. Armed with all the information you need, you'll feel confident and empowered to make informed decisions that are best for you and your little one. From start to finish, I will do my best to make sure that your birth experience is nothing short of pure joy and unforgettable memories! Majestic Doula Care https://majesticdoulacare.com/ (585) 204-0731 MajesticDoulaCare@Gmail.com

Childbirth Educator Profile Meet Tamara L Albert CD(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth preparation classes Since 1993 I have been married to my wonderful husband, Bryan. Together we have five children: Abigail, Rebekah, Bethany, Timothy and Phoebe. We have personally experienced five joyful births (over a span of 15 years 1995 – 2010). I LOVE birth and am passionate to help others have a joyful birth experience. I have been serving couples in birth work since 2002 and am eager to share my wisdom and experience with others. As a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and a certified birth doula (professional birth assistant) with DONA International, it is my sincere desire to support you to have a joyful birth experience. Our family lives in Geneseo, NY and we are active in our church. Childbirth: A Joyful Experience http://www.tamara-albert.com 5855037984 tamaralynn2@outlook.com

Fertility Doulas Click the photo of any doula below to access their profile page and learn more about them or get their contact information. Michelle Grosodonia-Maiola FULL SPECTRUM DTI Fertility Doula. Fertility yoga Molly Deutschbein, LMT, CD, RYT Fertility Doula, Full Spectrum doula, Fertility Bodywork, Yoga for Fertility

Birth Doula Profile Meet Morgan Moy M.S., CCC-SLP/L TSSLD Birth and Postpartum Doula care In 2018, I gave birth to my daughter through an unexpected cesarean section. Only after this did I realize there was so much more to birth than the average person knows. After my birth, I wanted to use my experiences as a way to support others through their birth journey. This led me to find my passion and I attended both birth and postpartum doula trainings, and since then have begun attending births. My goal as a birth and postpartum doula is to inform parents and parents-to-be on their choices during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. I also aspire to become a certified lactation consultant to complement my doula services. Besides my passion for birth, I also work as a speech language pathologist with a specialization in pediatric feeding therapy. As a little bit more about me, I married my high school sweetheart, whom I met when we were both attending West Irondequoit high school. We still live in the area and plan to live here for the years to come. In my spare time I like to crochet, walk our dogs, and swim with my daughter. The Moy You Know Doula Care & The Doula Duo https://www.thedouladuo.com/ 585 314 8526 themoyyouknow@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Allison Kelly Birth Doula Completed training for birth and lactation with Beautiful Birth Choices. ​ 5854899961 akelly1013@live.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Bridget Strub, CD(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Hospital-Grade Breast Pump Rentals Bridget is passionate about supporting families in the Rochester area. She has been a doula since 2015 and a childbirth educator since 2018. She has worked in home and hospital birth settings and has supported births of all kinds. Bridget believes that peace can prevail in birth and parenthood, regardless of the specifics of the situation, and she views her role as a catalyst to help that happen. She supports her clients with a calm strength and physiologically supportive, evidence-based approach. Wildflower Birth Support http://www.wildflowerbirth.co (585) 880-5387 bridgetthedoula@gmail.com

Postpartum Doulas Click the photo of any doula below to access their profile page and learn more about them or get their contact information. Mindy Class, CD(DONA), CLC Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula Kat Head Postpartum Doula Morgan Moy M.S., CCC-SLP/L TSSLD Birth and Postpartum Doula care Rebecca Dilley CLC, Birth and Postpartum Doula Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Breastmilk Jewelry Michelle Grosodonia Maiola Full Spectrum Doula, Pre-Birth, Birth and Postpartum, Pre-Postnatal Yoga, Reiki Healing Ashley Wyffels Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Childbirth Educator Chelsé Inman Postpartum Doula Babywearing Educator & Consultant Julie Hobart Birth and Postpartum Doula, Massage Therapist Erin Hegeman, Advanced Holistic Doula Postpartum Doula Stephanie Kiesow, MA, MPH, CLE Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Educator Sarah Ozimek Birth & Postpartum Doula Melissa Ebner Birth Doula CD(DONA), Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor Kirsten Elting -BA, CD(DONA), LCCE, CLEC, CLC Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Educator and Counselor Janet McAdoo Post Partum Doula Heather Acomb Postpartum Doula, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Instructor Mabel Primus, CLC Postpartum Doula and Lactation Counseling Amanda Moore Postpartum Doula Bert Kiehle Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula

Childbirth Educators Click the photo of any educator below to access their profile page and learn more about them or get their contact information. Tara Rice, IBCE Birth doula, postpartum doula, postpartum nutrition coach, belly casting Tamara L Albert CD(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth preparation classes

Birth Doula Profile Meet Melody E Osgood, LAc, trained doula Birth doula, in-home acupuncture, in- office acupuncture I'm a licensed acupuncturist, NCCAOM diplomate of acupuncture, certified hospice and palliative care acupuncturist and trained doula. I strive each day to provide the best possible care and education for my patients. Since a very young age, I always knew that I wanted to be a healthcare practitioner to help others on their journey to health. Originally intending to become a doctor, I attended Rochester Institute of Technology and studied Biomedical Sciences. It was while attending that program that I discovered that the Biomedical Approach to healthcare did not resonate with me. I took some time to evaluate my position after my Bachelor’s degree and in the process, I discovered acupuncture and loved that the paradigm is more about treating both the root and the branch of the illness. I later enrolled at the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and New York Chiropractic College. While in school, I discovered not only a passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine but also what acupuncture could do for my patients. After graduating, I took a particular interest in the life cycle and in the transitions we make as we go through events such as birth and death. This led me to pursue my certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncture as well as my DONA training as a Doula. I am currently working towards full DONA certification and I'm continuing my learning constantly in order to stay up to date and provide my patients the best care possible. Osgood Family Acupuncture, PLLC https://osgoodfamacu.com 5852100258 Melody@osgoodfamacu.com

About Doulas Birth Doulas Helping families feel empowered to make informed choices about their care in pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Providing physical and emotional support throughout labor, birth and the early postpartum hours. Meet the Birth Doulas Postpartum Doulas Helping families make a smooth transition into parenthood by providing assistance with newborn care, breastfeeding support, household duties and emotional support in the postpartum period. Meet the Postpartum Doulas Birth Doulas - What is included with their support? Every doula offer their own unique aspects to support, however the majority include the following: ~One complimentary consultation (over the phone, in person or via video chat) ~One to two (or more) prenatal visits ~Unlimited email, text and phone support ~Access to carefully curated list of community resources ~24/7 On-call support from 38 weeks until your baby is born ~Continuous support throughout labor, delivery and immediate postpartum support in the birthing location of your choice ~Backup doula support if needed ~One or more postpartum followup visits This is typical of birth doula support, but may not reflect the specifics of every doula's practice within our cooperative. Be sure to ask about this at your complimentary consulatation to discover what their particular offerings include. Postpartum Doulas - What is included with their support? Postpartum doula support is tailored specifically to you and your families needs. It can be provided at any time throughout the first year of your baby's life and may look like any of the following (please be sure to check with an individual doula to learn about what their specific support entails): Physical Support - Assistance with postpartum recovery, breastfeeding support, nutritious snack and meal preparation, care for child while parents rest, help with babywearing, assistance on outings, an extra set of hands to help with anything! Emotional Support - Listening without judgement, validating your joys and concerns, support as you bond with new child and adjust to the transition of life with them, watching for signs of postpartum depression, discussing various options and supporting your choices, care for child while parents take personal time, support for non-birthing partner, strategies for positive family communication Household Support - Laundry, light housework, nursery and supply organization, spending time with other children in the home and facilitating their adjustment to a new sibling, taking photos for you Informational Support - Sharing techniques on feeding, bathing, dressing, newborn care and development, etc, providing evidence-based information on numerous topics pertaining to infants and parenthood, sharing of local resources and support groups, information on baby gear, providing resources for partner, help with navigating various sources of information What other support services can a doula offer? The doulas in our cooperative offer a variety of complementary support service options to our community. We have acupuncturists, chiropractors, placenta encapsulation specialists, massage therapists, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, a hospital-grade breast pump rental provider, breast milk jewelery designers, feeding therapists, yoga instructors and so much more! Additionally, there are other kinds of doulas beyond birth and postpartum as well! Doula support can be utilized in bereavement, pregnancy loss, fertility and more. There are specialized trainings for the full spectrum support, but we do have some doulas in our community of offer these levels of support. If you are interested in a specific support service and would like to be connected to the appropriate person, please use our contact form to let us know. Who typically hires a doula? The short answer is anybody who is preparing to have a baby or who has a baby at home! Doulas are all about providing you with an abundance of care, support and all the information you need to make fully informed, confident decisions. So, regardless of your choices in pregnancy, birth or parenthood, a doula is there for you 100% and wants to see you succeed in your goals, however you may define them, and connect you with the resources you need to do so. Where do doulas attend births? Birth doulas attend births wherever their clients are. Doulas in our cooperative have attended births at all the local and regional hospitals of our area and have worked with the homebirth midwifery groups to provide support to birthing people in their homes as well. Birth Doulas - What do they do and what their benefits? Birth doulas are trained in the normal process, anatomy and physiology of birth. They use a variety of methods to infuse the birth experience with calm, peace and unconditional support. A great deal of work is done prenatally to establish a trusting relationship with clients and enhance their intuition, knowledge and confidence in the birth process. Support can be provided in both home and hospital births to all people regardless of their particular choices about how their birth will unfold. Doulas offer continous support and individualized strategies for comfort throughout labor and they can help facilitate conversations with medical providers to ensure birthing people know their options in order to provide informed consent. Numerous studies have shown that impartial, continuous doula support during labor can increase the satisfaction of the experience for both the birthing person and their partner as well as reduce the need for augmentation, instrumental intervention or surgical birth. Because birth doulas are hired directly by the clients they will be working with, they answer only to them. They are able to support birthing people without distraction or conflicts of interest within any particular system. Is there a difference between a midwife and a doula? Yes! There's a big difference between doulas and midwives, but we typically get along really well! Midwives are trained medical providers who support women from puberty all the way through menopause. They generally uphold the midwifery model of care which is highly person-centered, holistically supportive and promotes the normal, phsyiologic process of birth. As with doulas, midwives care for patients who make any number of choices in their birth experiences. Midwives work collaboratively with a physician in cases where instrumental or cesarean birth is required. Doulas and midwives often have similar approaches to birth and so we compliment one another very well. Though they are both focused on the overall well-being of the birthing person and their baby, they have two very distinct roles in that the midwife will always be the one to perform clinical tasks or exams, make diagnoses and catch the baby and the doula is there to support the birthing person and their family to enhance their overall mental and emotional well-being and physical comfort. How do medical providers and doulas work together? Birth doulas work collaboratively with nurses, midwives and physicians to provide holistic support for their clients throughout the birth process. Often, a doula can help facilitate conversation between a birthing person and their provider to ensure their questions are being answered, their concerns are being heard and their preferences are being honored. Birth doulas offer a unique role on the birth team in that their only responsibility is to the birthing person and their family. Often in pregnancy, doulas and their clients develop a level of trust and familiarity that is a welcomed addition to the birth room in which providers can be unknown. Because doulas do not perform any clinical tasks, conduct exams or make diagnoses, they are able to focus their attention solely on how the birthing person is feeling and coping with the experience at any given moment. How much does doula support cost and why? The average fee for birth doula services in Rochester is around $1,000. The average fee for postpartum doula support is around $30-35/hour. When a doula sets their fee, they take into account the following: -Unlimited text, email and phone support throughout time of contract -Prenatal and postpartum visits -On call access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 38 weeks until baby is 1-2 weeks old -Length of the birth - while some may only be a few hours, they can stretch to a few days -Childcare costs, travel fees, administrative and business costs, etc. -Amount of time and money invested in professional development to enhance skills There is a misconception that newer doulas can offer their services for free. However, to create a sustainable work environment and situation for themselves, each doula often decides to establish at least a minimal fee in order to cover the basic costs of doing this work. If you are concerned about paying the fee for doula support services, please consider the following: -What items could you sell, or could you host a garage sale, to cover the cost? -Could you put doula support on your shower registry? -Do you or your family members have any services that could be exchanged for a portion of the fee? Will the doula take the place of my spouse, partner or family member?" Not if we're doing it right! Doulas seek to facilitate a positive experience for all people involved in both the birth and pospartum experience. Our wisdom of caring for a birthing or postpartum person is only one component to the equation. Your other chosen support people know you much more intimately than we ever can, so they bring a critical knowledge to the equation as well. When the two team members work together to create a circle of support around a birthing or postpartum person, that is when the real magic happens. Even the most supportive and knowledgeable of partners or family members will need breaks for rest, nourishment, and emotionally processing such momentous events. A doula can provide care for all involved in large and small ways so that they can be fully present and participate at the level they are most comfortable. Postpartum Doulas - What do they do and what are their benefits? Postpartum doulas offer informational, physical and emotional support to families within the first year of a baby's life. Postpartum support can allow the birthing parent to devote the time needed to recovering after birth and tend to the intense demands of adjusting to the transition of life with their new baby. Additionally, it can difuse the stress of caring for basic household tasks such as meal preparation and housecleaning. Lastely, postpartum doula support can help build confidence by providing newborn-care and evidence-based education. Studies have shown that postpartum doula support can decrease postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and enhance the feelings of positivity surrounding the postpartum period.

Birth Doula Profile Meet Jenna Roberge-karns Birth Doula Jenna has been a birth doula for 1 year, but has taught child and family development classes for 5 years. She is well versed in compassion, active listening, and comfort measures; such as the rebozo. She values each of her clients and does her best to ensure her clients have the birth they want. Jenna is dedicated to furthering her education and training, while pursuing her certification through DONA International. Roc birth support 5852980545 roberge2010@gmail.com

Welcome to the Doula Cooperative of Rochester, NY We are so glad you are here! What is a doula? About Us Support for families and doulas We are a collaborative group of doulas serving families in Rochester, NY and its surrounding areas throughout pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Additionally, we offer community and educational support for doulas in our area. Get to know us! Looking for a doula? You're in the right place! This site is packed with information about birth and postpartum doula support. You will find answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about doulas and get to know some of the doulas in our cooperative. If you are inquiring about doula support, we invite you to contact a doula individually through their profile or by completing our contact form which will be circulated to all the doulas in our membership. Meet the Doulas! Looking for a doula community? We welcome all doulas to our cooperative regardless of their training organization, certification status and areas or frequency of practice. Membership benefits include monthly opportunities for networking, skill enhancement and professional development. Additionally, our members have access to doula service requests and have the opportunity to list their profile and contact information on our site. Join our Community!

Birth Doula Profile Meet Lauren Dearman Birth Doula, ASL Interpreter Lauren took her DONA Birth Doula training in November 2023. She has been an ASL Interpreter since 2012, and is fluent in American Sign Language. Lauren hopes to support birthing people and their partners in their primary language. ​ 9086938456 laurendearman@comcast.net

Birth Doula Profile Meet Bert Kiehle Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula Bert has had birthwork in her heart since she was a little girl. Once she learned what a doula was, she knew this was her ultimate calling! She believes that pregnant & birthing people are the most sacred and precious members of our society, and is honored to be invited to join families in their journey. Bert is a DONA Certified Birth Doula, DONA Trained Postpartum Doula, and Certified Lactation Counselor. She is currently accepting clients for all services, please check out her website for more information! ​ https://www.robertakiehle.com 5857492718 rbkiehle@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Stephanie Kiesow, MA, MPH, CLE Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Educator The postpartum period is a time of magnificent growth and expansion. For those of us who are just becoming parents, or are already parents, it can be a great time to call on community and build up a network of support. As a trained postpartum doula (DONA) and experienced newborn care educator, my goal is to assist you with your needs, which may look slightly different for each person. Working together, we can create a specialized plan for you and your family. Some components of postpartum care that may be of interest include: feeding assistance, baby-wearing, newborn care, navigating breastfeeding and the workplace, and creating developmentally appropriate activities for your little one. I received both a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. In support of my own breastfeeding journey and to assist others, I am a Lactation Educator, certified through the University of California, San Diego. I look forward to connecting with you! Petal & Plum Doula Services http://www.petal-plum.com (585) 233-1410 stephanie@petal-plum.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Ashley Wyffels Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Childbirth Educator Growing up I always knew I wanted to work with babies. I went on to get a degree in early childhood development and have worked in the childcare field for over 10 years with infants. After becoming a certified pediatric sleep consultant in 2019 and working with many families, I realized there was so much more I could do to help parents thrive. This led me down the path of becoming a birth and postpartum doula. Educating and supporting families is my passion and I feel very privileged to get to do this work! My goal as a birth doula is to inform and support parents so they feel heard and remember birth as a happy experience. I was fortunate enough to have a positive birth experience when I had my daughter in 2014 but I know that is not the case for everyone. I would love to be able to change that. My goal as a postpartum doula is to make the transition of having a new baby as smooth as possible. I also have a degree in Early Childhood development, I am a certified pediatric sleep consultant and work as a nanny. I plan to become a certified lactation counselor in the future as well. I grew up in the Victor area and just built a house in Farmington where I live with my family of 3. We have a beautiful, sassy daughter who is my reason for being and keeps me always striving to do more! Doulas and Beyond http://doulasandbeyond.com 5854691782 doulasandbeyond@gmail.com