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) 431-6115 MajesticDoulaCare@Gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Abbey Staffieri Birth Doula As a mom of two I have a passion for supporting women through their unique birth journeys. Having completed my doula training and currently working towards certification, my goal is to empower women to embrace their strength and make informed choices during childbirth. I am committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental support that helps women feel confident and in control, whether they're planning a natural birth, using medical interventions, or somewhere in between. Every birth is a personal experience, and I’m here to guide and support each woman in a way that honors her individual needs and desires. https://threeheartsdoularochester.my.canva.site/three-hearts-doula 5853550553 askivington1@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Jocelyn Semple, BEC, CD-L Birth Doula & Breastfeeding Educator Hi, I'm Jocelyn, a Rochester native and mom to three boys. I am a birth and bereavement doula. I am also a certified breastfeeding educator. My experience has taught me how to effectively support clients so they can truly enjoy this special chapter. My birth doula package includes: - Text, phone, and email support throughout your pregnancy. - On call period from two (2) weeks before your due date until baby arrives. - Two (2) Prenatal visits including birth planning support. - One (1) birth planning session. - One (1) feeding support session (lactation or bottle feeding) - Three (3) phone call check-ins - One (1) postpartum visit including feeding help as needed. - Use of a CUB chair during labor - Free labor TENS unit rentals I can't wait to experience your pregnancy and labor with you! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (585) 794-0387 or visit my website at therocdoula.com The Roc Doula http://therocdoula.com 5857940387 therocdoula@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Alyssa Actaea Birth Doula, CLC I care deeply about supporting my clients with a trauma informed approach that emphasizes communication and consent. I believe in autonomy and empowering birthing people. Trained Birth Doula via DONA International in 2022, working toward certification. Certified Lactation Counselor. Mother of one. Ever growing and learning with a passion for continuing education. I am currently enrolled and studying “Herbal Medicine for Women” with Dr. Aviva Romm with sights set on becoming a “Woman’s Herbal Educator”. I am also an artist and silversmith. I have a passion for herbalism. I consider myself a social justice advocate. With an eye for fine detail, I am forever fascinated by the forest floor. I love observing and connecting with the wild world. I enjoy walking in the woods with my baby and dogs. ​ 5855907403 alyssa.actaea@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Julia M. Sittig, MSW, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth Education, Doula Training My goal as a birth doula is to inform and support parents so they feel empowered and remember birth as a positive experience. Your birth experience matters! Beautiful Birth Choices http://www.bbcroc.com 585-613-1051 julia@bbcroc.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Stephanie Kiesow-Edoh, MA, MPH, CLE Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Educator Inspired by the power of presence and guidance within the birthing sphere, I believe the role of a doula is to support families during one of the most transformative moments in their lives. Over the past ten years I have worked with families and individuals from different backgrounds with the aim of empowering women through evidence-based data. A true believer of both data and intuition, I find that there often resides a place for both. I received both a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. As a strong advocate for gender equality and reproductive justice, I have had experience working on maternal and child health projects both domestically and abroad (topics including: menstrual health, pregnancy and postpartum education, stress and anxiety during pregnancy, and family relationships). In support of my own breastfeeding journey and to assist others, I also became a Lactation Educator, certified through the University of California, San Diego. My daughter, Calla, is one of my greatest inspirations to my work as a doula and serves as a continuous reminder of the sacredness of birth work. When I’m not at a birth, I enjoy spending time with my family, getting outdoors, and exploring new sites. I look forward to connecting with you! Petal & Plum Doula Services http://www.petal-plum.com 585-233-1410 stephanie@petal-plum.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Kathryn Franke, MA, CD(DONA) Birth Doula Kathryn’s interest in birthwork began with her first pregnancy in 2017. Her doula-supported birth was a profoundly transformative experience for her and from that day on, she simply couldn’t see herself doing anything other than supporting women through pregnancy and childbirth, too. As a military spouse moving every few years with her husband and young children, she knew she’d need time to make her dream come to life, so she decided to learn as much as she could about childbirth and supported her friends through their pregnancies in the meantime. In 2022, she became a certified doula through DONA International. Kathryn believes that pregnancy is a sacred season full of discovery, growth, vulnerability, understanding boundaries, embracing change, and releasing control. The amount of change that happens so rapidly and the availability of fear-driving information can often feel overwhelming. This is perhaps why she feels so strongly about her role in providing evidence-based information, and physical and emotional support as a doula. Her goal is to help families give birth with confidence and to feel at peace with each unique birth experience. She has supported first pregnancies, second pregnancies, repeat clients, medicated and unmedicated alike, and is grateful to each family who has trusted her in their birth space. In her spare time, Kathryn can be found on a run, baking bread, reading childbirth books, or hiking trails around western New York with her husband and 3 sons. ​ 229-506-0872 doua.kathryn.franke@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Amanda Moore Postpartum Doula Hello! I have worked with children and families in different aspects for over 25 years and have two adult children of my own. I am both birth and postpartum doula trained through DONA. Since 2019 I have put my focus on the postpartum period and have worked as a postpartum doula. I feel the postpartum time is overlooked and so much can be gained from additional support. Offering support to families during this time is a passion of mine and I look forward providing my services to fit what the needs are for your family. ​ 5853547854 joybegins@yahoo.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Shannon Glaser Birth Doula ​ ​ 585-784-0870 letsdoulait@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Michelle Grosodonia Maiola Full Spectrum Doula, Pre-Birth, Birth and Postpartum, Pre-Postnatal Yoga, Reiki Healing Michelle is a birth, postpartum, and full spectrum doula. She is passionate about the birth process and making birth inclusive for everyone. She seeks to support the birthing person as well as anyone else who is part of their journey. It was during her yoga teacher training prenatal section in 2013 that Michelle fell in love with how the body changes during birth. Since then she has been studying and furthering her knowledge of birth, yoga and energy healing. She is extremely honored to be able to hold space for those who are going through their fertility journey. Michelle is a registered yoga teacher and Reiki Master. She incorporates all of these into what she brings to a postpartum visit. She loves sports (especially the buffalo bills) her family/heritage and has a passion for learning. ​ 5859443474 mgrosodonia@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Sarah Ozimek Birth & Postpartum Doula Sarah is a birth and postpartum doula who believes every family deserves a respected, informed and transformative birth experience. Following the birth of her daughter in 2015 with two incredible doulas by her side, she found a calling to birth work and trained/certified with DONA International. She admires the strength of parents before, during and after childbirth, and encourages having a well-rounded support team to aid the journey to parenthood. Sarah is deaf, can provide services in English/ASL and enjoys meeting new families within Rochester's vibrant Deaf Community. She loves hiking with her family, swimming in lakes and exploring all the outdoor beauty Western NY has to offer throughout all four seasons. ​ 484-716-8065 sarah.e.ozimek@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Melissa Ebner Birth Doula CD(DONA), Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor I have a passion for helping others and for empowering people in any stage of life, especially as they are bringing new life into the world. Whether it be emotional support, physical support, relaxation techniques, or to simply occupy space so that they know they don’t have to go through birth alone. I am excited to use my intuitive and kind energy to help guide and empower families in their journey to parenthood. I have been an early childhood educator for 20 years in many different modalities, including Montessori education, family day care, and nanny work. It was a very natural transition from teaching and caring for young children and their families to becoming a doula. I truly love this heart work and I feel blessed every day. Melissa Doula https://www.melissadoulacare.com/ 6072729838 melissa.doulacare@gmail.com

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 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

Childbirth Educator Profile Meet Kirsten L Elting Birth Doula, VBAC Doula, Body Ready Method Pro, Lactation Counselor Kirsten has had the honor to attend many births since becoming a certified birth doula with DONA International in 2003. She has supported families during births at home and at the hospital. Her passion for all things pregnancy and birth related also led her to becoming a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator in 2004, a Certified Lactation Educator and Counselor in 2008, and another breastfeeding certification, Certified Lactation Counselor in 2021. Kirsten believes in supporting women and their families during their entire journey through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Believing that women are powerful when they understand their own innate ability to give birth and that pregnancy and birth are NORMAL. She has attended and supported first births to second and third births, natural and medicated births, and provided early post-partum and breastfeeding support. Kirsten provides evidence-based, factual, information and continuous emotional and physical support. By doing so, she hopes to help guide women and their families in making informed choices and decisions during pregnancy, birth, and early post-partum. Believe Doulas LLC 5857504549 believedoulas@gmail.com

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

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

Birth Doula Profile Meet Tamara L Albert, CD(DONA), LCCE Birth Doula, Childbirth preparation classes Tamara believes the process of birth is “labor” – work that should not be done alone. The value of labor support in the form of a loving husband (or coach) and a doula is immeasurable. She is passionate to help women have the kind of birth they desire. Tamara has been a certified doula with DONA (Doulas of North America) since 2003, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) since 2003, and has attended over 100 births - and counting! Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Science from Roberts Wesleyan College. Tamara is blessed to have an amazing husband and five incredible children. She absolutely LOVES working with pregnant couples! Childbirth: A Joyful Experience http://tamara-albert.com 585-503-7984 tamaralynn2@outlook.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Julie Hobart Birth and Postpartum Doula, Massage Therapist After devoting many years to massage therapy and holistic body work, I have realized that the balance between good health, career, relationships and spirituality are vital. I found a passion for working with expecting mothers and attended a birth doula training in February 2021. I then continued on to also take my postpartum doula training. I enjoy being able to guide birthing people from pregnancy through postpartum and provide a sense of calm when everything can feel so overwhelming. My goal as a doula is to help you feel empowered and support you through your birth and postpartum journey. I also continue to grow my prenatal massage practice in Victor. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. Healing Hands Wellness Studio https://healinghandsvictor.com/ 5859759904 hobartlmt@gmail.com

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