Birth Doula Profile Meet Shannon Pessin Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator Shannon is a DONA trained birth doula. Her love and passion for pregnancy and birth began during her own pregnancy in 2017. She is a mother to two boys; Jameson and Remington. Every woman deserves to feel empowered, educated, and supported. These elements are crucial in order to achieve a healthy and positive birthing experience. She is committed to supporting birthing people and families every step of the way. Shannon is dedicated to furthering her training and education to best support each family. Shannon enjoys living close to and hanging out with her extended family. She enjoys going to the beach, concerts on the shore, swimming, Seabreeze, hiking, and bike riding. I have a bachelor's degree in Sociology/Business/ and Public Health. Motherstouch585 5852177686 shannonlapoint@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Kat Head Postpartum Doula Hello! I'm Kat Head, and I would be honored to support you during your postpartum period. I trained as a postpartum doula through the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) in March 2019 and have been working with Rochester families ever since. In 2020 I became a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and really love the collaborative detective work that is lactation support. I enjoy working with families that use spoken English and/or American Sign Language. I became passionate about the postpartum period after having my first daughter in October 2017. I had a birth doula for that experience but hadn’t ever heard of a postpartum doula. I found that there is so much information out there about what to do or not do that it was tough to know who to believe or where to start. Now, as a doula, I feel strongly about providing evidence-based information and supporting whatever decision my clients come to. I am truly here to assist you in becoming the kind of parent you want to be. Areas of focus that I excel at include assistance with how to ask for help and community building, food preparation, spending quality time with older siblings, mental health support and bringing a calm and curious perspective to lactation challenges. In other areas of life, I am interested in ASL-English interpreting, being outside, homeschooling/unschooling, my amazing women friends, tarot, and the time to enjoy one amazing cup of coffee Kat the Doula https://www.katthedoula.com/ ​ katheaddoula@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Rebecca Dilley CLC, Birth and Postpartum Doula Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Breastmilk Jewelry I am blessed to be the mom to two fantastic kids. My children make my life as beautiful an adventure as they do at keeping me on my toes. As a wife, I have the privilege of being married to a great guy, who not only puts up with my birth enthusiasm and but also my crazy on-call working hours. My journey as a doula, in some ways, started with the love and wisdom of my mother. She taught me to believe in my own strength and abilities and to trust my instinct and my heart. With the birth of my daughter in 2012, her words truly impacted me in ways I had not expected. I realized that not only could my birth have been better but that all women deserve to have a birth where they take the lead in how their bodies bring their babies into this world. That knowledge weighed on me and with the upcoming birth of my son, in 2016, I decided to look into ways I could take the lead and that guided me to hiring a doula. Having a doula was so very beneficial and it changed the way I looked at birth and as a result launched me into a career of being doula, myself. I became a DONA trained doula in 2017 and with my newly gained confidence and knowledge quickly started to attend births. I went on to complete more certifications, including but not limited to, The Matrona's Holistic Birth and Postpartum Certification, the Certified Lactation Consultant training (CLC) and a certification in creating and selling Breast Milk Jewelry. The Doula Duo https://www.thedouladuo.com/ 5857485557 Thedouladuo2@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Erin Hegeman, Advanced Holistic Doula Postpartum Doula After the birth of her first child 2,500 miles away from family, Erin realized the importance of having others around to help during this important 4th trimester time period. A new baby brings many changes whether that baby is your first or fifth! A postpartum doula can provide support in many different areas to smooth this transition and help parents feel supported. Erin first trained as a postpartum doula in 2016 and became advance certified in 2018. ​ http://www.erinhegeman.com 3155731900 erin.hegeman.doula@gmail.com

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Heather Acomb Postpartum Doula, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Instructor Heather understands from her own postpartum experience how important this sacred period is for recovery— physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In addition, her years of training, teaching, and self-practice in the field of somatics gives her the necessary empathetic tools to support your labor and childbirth recovery in the immediate days and weeks postpartum. She is a dance educator, hatha yoga instructor, and holistic wellness practitioner. ​ https://www.heatheracomb.com/ (585) 455-5231 heatheracomb@gmail.com

Postpartum 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 https://www.thedouladuo.com/ 5853148526 thedouladuo2@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Adriana Lozada, AdvCD(DONA), CSC, CEMC, CBP Birth Doula, Healthy Sleep Consultations, Birth and Postpartum Prep. Classes My background is multi-layered and multi-cultural. A former print and online editor from Venezuela, the birth of my daughter sparked my passion for being a birth advocate. I have been a birth doula since 2007, and host of the acclaimed Birthful podcast since 2014. I am a certified advanced birth doula, postpartum educator, healthy sleep consultant, speaker, and author. Aside from having the immense privilege of talking to and learning from a multitude of maternity professionals on the podcast, I have additional training in Spinning Babies, rebozo, acupressure for birth and postpartum, and pregnancy loss. I hold birth doula certifications from both DONA International and The Matrona, and teach advanced doula workshops around the country. ​ https://www.birthful.com (585) 454.9898 adriana@birthful.com

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

Birth Doula Profile Meet Joanna Jackson (BAI, CAPPA) Birth Doula (BAI) Postpartum Doula (CAPPA) Nesting Party Coordinator Joanna discovered her passion for birth work over a decade ago as she served families with multiples in their homes for years! Her sought-after calm confidence, expertise and enthusiastic spirit led Joanna to become a Postpartum Doula (CAPPA, 2017) and a Birth Doula (BAI, 2022) to passionately serve our Greater Rochester, NY birthing community! Joanna believes birth is a normal life event and is a mind, body and spiritual passage that our loved ones have accomplished successfully for generations! You will find Joanna in homes with families practicing techniques, providing support, and coordinating the postpartum weeks ahead of time, so you are well prepared! She is the warm, inviting and knowledgable support you want in your corner before, during and after birth! She provides direct support during labor and delivery, putting into action the skills and techniques you've spent weeks planning and practicing with her beforehand. Working with Joanna you can expect a personalized approach to care as she meets you where you are in your journey. You will notice how she trusts your intuition and works with your team to grow the trust, knowledge and confidence desired by birthing people and their partners to ensure you strut into birth well informed and equipped! Life Room Doula https://liferoomdoulaservices.godaddysites.com 585-340-7440 liferoomdoula@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 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

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

Fertility Doula Profile Meet Michelle Grosodonia-Maiola FULL SPECTRUM DTI Fertility Doula. Fertility yoga I see you. I’ve been in your shoes. I felt called to this work while navigating my own fertility journey. I have personally gone through and worked with every IVF clinic in Rochester. I have supported people through all aspects of preconception. I’m a simple text away if you’re feeling you need support on your TTC journey. ​ 5859443474 viamirabella585@gmail.com

Postpartum 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

Postpartum Doula Profile Meet Kirsten Elting -BA, CD(DONA), LCCE, CLEC, CLC Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Educator and 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. In 2007 she gave birth naturally to her own beautiful daughter with the support of two wonderful doulas. ​ 585-750-4549 Believedoula@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 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 Eileen Steinchen, LMHC Birth Doula ​ ​ 3152009778 eeroach1@gmail.com

Birth Doula Profile Meet Phyllis Sharp CD(DONA), CLC Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Placenta Specialist, Lactation Support, Childbirth Classes Phyllis discovered a fiery zeal for birth at age 17. She knew that she wanted to uplift those who were experiencing pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. ​ Feeling called to serve those in her community, She became a DONA Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator and a Certified Lactation Counselor. ​ Phyllis use’s her education to specialize in Prenatal and Postpartum education as well as comfort measures in labor and general lactation support. ​Phyllis is a wife, a mother of five and grandmother to 9 beautiful children. Her goal is to extend her love for her family into her community so that her clients feel empowered, educated & supported during their journey into motherhood. Having been on this journey herself , many times, she knows that it can occasionally feel overwhelming to mom and/or the entire family to navigate the process of birth and postpartum, However her hope is to be there, through every aspect of it, to create stability, peace and growth. Birth work is Phyllis’ life, her joy and she not only embraces it but wholeheartedly loves it! As our relationship with each other grows, it is her hope that we will begin as strangers but quickly become family! Royalty Birth Services,LLC https://www.royaltybirthservices.com 5859696133 royaltybirthservices@gmail.com