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Meet The Labor and Postpartum Doulas
Stefanie Miller
Sara Marcus
Carol Braun
Stefanie Miller IBCLC, PCD, CD(DONA)
Contact: stefanie@thedoulagroup or (617) 460-0104
Experience and Certification: I have been supporting families in childbirth, postpartum and lactation since 2004. I received my Birth Doula Certification in October 2004 and my Postpartum Doula Certification in August 2005, both through DONA (Doulas of North America). I gained much of my childbirth support experience by working as a birth doula and research assistant at two of the country’s leading hospitals: Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). I have built my lactation consultant skills through extensive education and experience, including UCSD's Lactation Educator/Counselor program, its 9 month Lactation Consultant program, and over 300 clinical hours completed in some of southern California's leading hospitals. After taking and passing the IBCLC Boards, I received my IBCLC credentials in October 2008. I currenlty provide lactation support services throughout the Portland metro area with Beyond Birth located in Zenana Spa and Wellness Center. I love helping families have the breastfeeding experiences they envison and as my career moves forward I hope to help many families nurse their babies.
Philosophy on Birth: Women’s reproductive rights have long been an important issue to me. The right to choose includes all aspects of women’s reproductive health. As women, we need to clearly understand all of our childbirth choices in order to make informed decisions about the care we want for our babies and ourselves.
I support all birthing choices and I am committed to helping families have the birth experience they are looking for. All women deserve the right to have a less complicated and more rewarding birth. I strongly believe that women’s bodies are more than capable of giving birth without unnecessary medical intervention.
My key advice in having the birth you want is to educate yourself about your rights as a patient and to clearly understand common medical procedures and hospital protocol surrounding birth. That way if something doesn't fit with your birth expectations you will know where you stand and you will be prepared to advocate for yourself and your baby. That is something I will help you with.
Philosophy on Postpartum: Parents will discover what is right for them and how to care for their baby if they are given accurate information and a little guidance. My role as a postpartum doula is to help you and your partner find your own way as parents by providing you with research based information, answering questions, and showing you different techniques to help care for your newborn. I will also work with you extensively with all aspects of breastfeeding, including: establishing a comfortable latch, building a milk supply, pumping, nursing bras and storage of milk. As a bonus I love to cook so if you need help with meal preparation I am happy to follow any recipe you choose.
Sara Marcus, CPSS(Birth Wisdom), Doula(DONA), CLE(UCSD)
Experience and Certification: My career as a Doula began in 2001, since then I have taught and supported over 70 families through pregnancy, childbirth and the early postpartum period. I have trained as a Doula though both Birth Wisdom and DONA, and as a Lactation Educator through UCSD Extension. I am active in the community, constantly keeping up to date through seminars and courses. I’ve been lucky to have instructors that instilled the belief that being a Doula requires more than training; it requires head, hands and heart working together. I would love to share my wisdom and experience with you and your family during this amazing time in your lives.
Philosophy on Birth: I wholeheartedly believe that a positive and nurturing environment supports a woman’s natural capacity to achieve a rewarding birth. I offer my clients the information and support they need to make the best possible decisions throughout their pregnancy and childbirth.
Philosophy on Postpartum: I believe parents have an innate drive to care for their children. My role as a Postpartum Doula is to offer education, guidance and a helping hand with household chores. This support allows new parents the time to get to know their baby and understand his\her needs. I am happy to help you develop skills in breastfeeding, calming infants and juggling the responsibilities of being parents.
Carol Braun CD(DONA)
My name is Carol Braun. I have been a birth doula since February of 2005. I have recently finished the requirements in becoming certified through the Doulas of North America. I also have a BA in Social Work.
I see my role as one who provides support to you through your pregnancy, birth and immediate postpartum experience. My objective is to help you feel well cared for, supported in your choices, and that you make the transition into motherhood as smoothly as possible.
I believe pregnancy and birth are special times for you and your family. Every woman has her own unique and personal needs in terms of labor support, so I adapt my services to meet your needs. I am not opposed to medicated births. I believe each woman has the right to choose her own birth plan. My goal is to help you trust your instincts and “inner voice”, feel safe, and have the birth experience you want. I am present as a constant witness during your labor, offering reassurance, guidance, and support. I am especially careful that I am not there to take the place of your partner or others whom you may have invited to your birth, but rather to facilitate everyone’s optimal involvement.
May you and your baby have a wonderful birth journey! |
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