Birth Doulas

Name:	Jennifer Mason-Black and Katie Rubinstein
Business Name:	Harvest Moon Birth Support Services
Phone:	(413) 227-1240
E-mail:	birthmoon@gmail.com
Web Site:	http://www.harvestmoonbirth.com/

Coverage Area:

Serving birthing women and families throughout the Pioneer Valley, central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

Services Provided:

We offer services in a variety of forms, depending on individual needs. Our standard birth doula package includes up to four prenatal visits; on call availability starting at 37 weeks of pregnancy; continuous support through active labor, birth and the initial postpartum period; and up to two postpartum visits. We also offer à la carte services to women who want additional support in preparation for birth and motherhood but are not necessarily interested in professional labor support. Individual or multiple prenatal visits can include education and information for support people who will be attending the birth, developing strategies for dealing with concerns or limitations, newborn care, or simply additional childbirth education in the privacy of your own home. Our partnership honors the importance of the individual relationship between doula and birthing woman (and partner). Clients can arrange to meet with one or both of us for a free initial consultation but choose one of us to work with them throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We provide backup for one another and work together on developing strategies for situations that arise while supporting our clients.

Personal Statement:

Our interest in birth comes from our own birth experiences and beliefs about the importance of the passage from woman to mother, individuals to family. Our goals are to assist in providing tools for making informed choices around birth and offering loving and nonjudgemental support to women and their partners. We have attended births in home, independent birth center, and hospital settings and are comfortable in all.

Name:	Robyn Haas, CD (DONA)
Business Name:	Trinity Childbirth Services
Phone:	(603) 585-6726
E-mail:	robyn@trinitybirth.com
Web Site:	www.trinitybirth.com

Coverage Area:

North Central Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley, Southern Vermont , Southwestern New Hampshire (approximate 1-hour radius from my home in Fitzwilliam, NH)

Services Provided:

initial interview at no cost or obligation; references provided upon request 2 prenatal meetings; 2 postpartum visits unlimited informational support - assistance in gathering information and in preparing a birth plan, if desired; lending library 24-hour on-call availability 2 weeks before the baby's due date backup doula provided upon request photography and/or videography of labor and birth, as desired early breastfeeding support postpartum phone/email support; referrals to local and informational resources as needed parting gift for the new addition! beginning in 2007: Childbirth and Early Parenthood Preparation classes

Personal Statement:

I have been attending births since 2001, including VBACs, water births and HypnoBirths. My educational background and degree are in Biology, but it was soon after the joyous and life-changing home birth of my first daughter that I discovered my calling to encourage, educate and empower expectant mothers. Soon thereafter I became certified as a Labor Doula through DONA, and I am currently pursuing certification as a Childbirth Educator through Cascade Christian Childbirth Association. I absolutely love serving mothers-to-be, sharing with them my confidence in the birth process, and in a mother's instinct. I support women in whatever choices they make for their own birth, feeling strongly that the best choices are those that will make a woman feel most secure, made after fully educating herself about all available options. I believe that every woman deserves to enjoy this natural and empowering life passage as fully as possible. I consider it an honor to be in a profession where I can assist women and families during this miraculous time in their lives!

Name:	Juniper Talbot, Certified Doula and Childbirth Educator
Business Name:	The Birthing Tree
Phone:	(413) 634-0132 / (413) 261-3786
E-mail:	junipertalbot@aol.com

Coverage Area:

I will serve clients in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire Counties.

Services Provided:

1 to 2 prenatal and one postpartum visit in your home Birth preferences and "wish list" counseling Unlimited phone consultations Twenty-four hour on call service from the time we contract Early labor support individualized to client's need Continuous emotional and physical support for laboring woman and partner throughout labor, delivery and early postpartum Knowledge of emotional and physiological stages of labor Up to date knowledge of medical procedures and ability to answer questions regarding these procedures Many techniques for relieving labor discomfort including massage, breathing, pressure points, labor positions, visualization, aromatherapy and relaxation techniques.

Personal Statement:

Experience with birth: Trained and certified by DONA (Doulas of North America) in 1998 Actively attending births as a certified doula since 1998 Certified as Childbirth Educator by ALACE and actively teaching since 2006 Have experience with vaginal births, VBAC, cesarean, twin births and water births Fully insured CPR certified Mother of one son I have attended births at Franklin Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Holyoke Hospital, Fairview Hospital, as well as many home births.

Name:	Heather Dietrich-Cook
Business Name:	Inside the Chrysalis
Phone:	(413) 436-0550
E-mail:	insidethechrysalis@yahoo.com

Coverage Area:

I support families from Worcester to Springfield, including the Pioneer Valley.

Services Provided:

Labor Assistance Postpartum Support Lactation Counseling

Personal Statement:

I am committed to supporting you and your family during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Having a baby is a time of sacred transformation. It is my purpose and joy to support you and your family during this time by being a resource for evidence-based information on pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period and breastfeeding. During your labor I will be a constant presence, providing both physical and emotional support as you give birth to your baby. As your Labor Assistant it is my duty to provide you with the support you need during your time of transformation, thereby empowering you and your family for years to come. I am an ALACE trained Labor Assistant and the mother of 3 children. My youngest child was born at home. I have completed a 45 hour Lactation Counselor Certificate Training Course. I am training to become an ALACE Childbirth Educator. I am a believer in birthing the way nature intended. I am at the beginning of my journey toward becoming a Midwife one day. I believe that all women in all settings deserve all-embracing support during labor, however they decide to birth, should they choose it.

Name:	Kristen Taylor
Business Name:	Windy Roots Birth Services
Phone:	(413) 626-7060
E-mail:	Kristen@windyroots.com
Web Site:	www.windyroots.com

Coverage Area:

Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin County

Services Provided:

Free initial consultation 2-3 prenatal visits to clarify your birth and establish a relationship Unlimited phone and email support On call 24/7 from 37 weeks Empowering support throughout your labor, birth and immediate postpartum 1-2 postpartum visits Additional visits can be arranged Breastfeeding support Herbal and homeopathic consultations can be offered as an additional service 10% off any of my other services

Personal Statement:

My interest in supporting women in birth came after the birth of my first son. After a traumatic, unplanned cesarean, I became determined to seek out a healthier paradigm for birth and healing. This quest has sparked a miraculous journey which has taken many twists and turns which brought me to the recent homebirth, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) of my second. I graduated from Hampshire College with a degree in herbal medicine and child development. I completed an herbal medicine apprenticeship as well as several homeopathy courses. I am currently study midwifery at WomanCraft Midwifery Education Program. I am a certified lactation counselor (CLC). I am also a birth doula. I firmly believe that birth is a natural part of life and that given the proper environment and support, every woman is capable of a joyous and wonderful birth experience. I hope to use my passion and compassion for women and birth as well as my knowledge of herbs, homeopathics, nutrition and birth to help women have the best birth she can have. I support women in all of their birthing, personal and family choices. As a mother who has experienced both an unplanned cesarean and a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), I am wholeheartedly devoted to helping women facing similar situations. Whether it is support around processing a challenging birth or support in planning a subsequent birth, I hope to be a valuable resource. I know firsthand the healing and empowering effect that birth can have, particular for mothers with a previous traumatic birth. What I hope to bring to your birth is emotional, physical and educational support during one of the most pivotal and transformative times of your life. It is my hope that working together you will feel empowered to find your strength and voice through your birthing experience. I bring to you a plethora of comfort measures and knowledge of the birthing process to ease tension, pain and anxiety with love, nurturing and information.

Name:	Shannon M. Leyden
Business Name:	Universal Mother Birthing Service
Phone:	(413) 572-3751 (h) (413) 530-2856 (c)
E-mail:	Dublinerclover05@verizon.net
Web site:	http://universalmotherbirthservices.com/

Coverage Area:

Hampden and Hampshire Counties

Services Provided:

Free initial interview Assistance with a birthing plan 2-3 prenatal meetings (further care can be arranged on an individual basis) Unlimited phone/email support from 37 weeks Continuous support throughout labor and delivery or postpartum care Backup doula upon request Sliding scale Breastfeeding support Postpartum support and overnight care Belly casting Mother's Blessings, and henna

Personal Statement:

Whether you are newly pregnant, or are close to your due date, I am glad you are taking the steps to help you make informed decisions on the birth of your child. I believe very strongly that a woman's birth affects her self-perception in a very intense way. After a positive birthing experience, the mother has higher self-esteem, bonds more with her baby, and has a closer relationship with her partner. Even the time she spends nursing is affected by how she feels about her birthing experience. As a Doula, I believe in laying out all your options and encouraging you to inform yourself. I believe in staying current so that I can give my clients the best information available, and I offer many options, even if they seem unconventional. I am a strong believer in a woman's right and responsibility to make her own decisions in labor, and strongly encourage my clients to take classes, visit La Leche League meetings, and prepare emotionally. As a woman, I believe birth is a natural, safe, sacred event that changes a woman's self-perception and her relationships forever. You will never forget your birth; enter into it with the same intentions, focus and determination that you did in planning your wedding, or other pivotal moments in your life. I completed my Doula training through Michelle L'Esperance of Warm Welcome Birth Services. I'm a proud mother of a 2yr old son. I'm open to working with GLBT families.

Name:	Mary B. Reutener
Business Name:	Creative Comfort
Phone:	(413) 584-4376
Cell Phone:	(413) 250-3803
E-mail:	mreutener@yahoo.com

Coverage Area:

Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties

Services Provided:

Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Services: free initial consultation 2-3 prenatal visits, as needed/desired assistance in developing a birth plan unlimited email & phone (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.) support throughout pregnancy on-call beginning two weeks before your expected due date supportive presence (emotional, physical and informational) throughout labor and birth, and immediately after 1 postpartum visit breastfeeding assistance & support

Personal Statement:

How can I possibly capture in a few sentences how privileged I feel to work with pregnant and birthing women and their partners? I am passionate about helping to ensure that the birth of their child is as comfortable, respectful and astonishing an experience as it can be through providing adequate and appropriate information and support.

Name:	Beth Fairservis - Birthing From Within® Mentor & Doula
Business Name:	Mindful Birth Journey Services
Phone:	(413) 268-3588
Cell Phone:	(413) 320-6087
E-mail:	bethbirth@crocker.com
Web site:	www.mindfulbirthjourney.com - coming in September 2008!

Coverage Area:

Franklin, Hampshire, Berkshire Counties and Southern Vermont.

Services Provided:

A continuum of care from Pregnancy through Infancy Birthing From Within® Childbirth Preparation Classes - 12 hour series, Immersions, and private sessions. Birthing from Within® Doula Support - Labor and Postpartum Birthing From Within® Birth Story Workshops Mindful Mother Journey Support Groups

Personal Statement:

My own journey through pregnancy, my son's birth, and becoming a mother was deeply transformative. I realized that birth offers us a profound opportunity for personal growth, which can be very helpful in our parenting! I have since been in training to offer mothers, their partners and newborns a unique and meaningful continuum of care from pregnancy through postpartum. Please read below for more information, visit my website at www.mindfulbirthjourney.com, or just give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you! (Sliding scale is available for all my offerings.) In Birthing From Within® Childbirth Preparation Classes we learn Mindfulness practices (based on age old meditation traditions) which are proven to be very helpful for coping with pain, un-wished for surprises, and life postpartum. In BFW classes we also: Explore personal concerns and release fears with thought provoking processes and creative expression. We learn about and explore: Creating the optimum environment for birth, Labor physiology and psychology, Home birth and hospital culture, Handling un-wished for events and getting information and giving consent, Finding your voice, Birth from the baby's perspective, Preparation for life postpartum - family, food, support. Special class for Partners and much more. Each couple receives a BFW Keepsake Journal with over 200 pages of thoughtful questions for both you and your partner, from pregnancy through postpartum. My BFW classes are fun! We dance, sing, work with art materials, hear stories, and make friends. As a BFW doula, I offer you at least 6 hours of BFW classes, both in group and privately. My first consultation is free. I am on call for you anytime during day hours and then 24 hours a day after 37 weeks. I support you with Mindfulness techniques, and will support you and your partner in making your own best decisions. If wanted in labor, I can be very hands-on, and will massage, offer aromatherapy, hold hands, talk and breath with you. I will stay with you for the first few hours after your baby is born to help with breast-feeding and to get you nourishing food. I will visit you within three days of the birth, if possible, at your home. And again within the next month. As a postpartum doula I will offer you basic house cleaning, and cooking and support you emotionally and physically in your care of your baby. Mindful Mother Journey Support Groups In the months that follow, you can come with your baby in the pre-crawling stage, or by yourself to practice Mindfulness with other mothers, have time to talk, and renew, and build community. BFW Birth Story Workshops You can also come for a 4 hour class and explore your birth experience through healing visualizations, drawing, and writing and sharing with other mothers. Partners are also welcome to this class. I have over 60 hours of mentor and doula training with Pamela England, author and founder of the Birthing from Within® movement. I have also trained with Michelle L'Esperance of Warm Welcome Doulas. I am also trained by Rachel Zamore of Mindful Mamas® to facilitate Mindfulness Support Groups. I have been offering my services to families in Western, Ma. for two years. References available. I bring my love of meditation, expressive art-making, mothering, children and families to all that I offer with Mindful Birth Journey.

Name:	Erika Laquer
Business Name:	Better Beginnings
Phone:	(413) 695-3553
E-mail:	ejlaquer@verizon.net

Coverage Area:

Pioneer Valley and Hilltowns

Services Provided:

Labor Doula 2 visits before birth; 2 after Works with spouse to help support the mother Speaks passable Spanish

Personal Statement:

I believe that Better Beginnings happen for mothers and babies when the mother and her caregivers develop a relationship with the doula before labor, a relationship, based on openness, trust and information.

Name:	Jeanne Twomey-Melikian
Phone:	(413) 566-3722
Cell Phone:	(413) 531-0153
E-mail:	jhtwomey@yahoo.com

Coverage Area:

Western Mass.

Services Provided:

Birth and Postpartum Doula: certified and insured Emotional support Certified E.M.T. Labor & delivery coach At-home support for family Certified EKG Technician Personal care assistant Special needs assistant

Personal Statement:

As a mother of three children, ages 10 - 25, and having experienced natural and c-section births, I feel I bring confidence, tenderness, flexibility and enthusiasm to this personal experience. I have shared in many amazing births. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a valuable part of the miracle of birth.

Name:	Rebecca Corliss Beck
Business Name:	Birthcare Community Midwives
Phone:	(413) 863-9930
E-mail:	rebeccamidwife@gmail.com

Coverage Area:

Pioneer Valley, Southern Vermont

Services Provided:

Free consultation Help you create a birth plan 2-3 prenatal visits 24 hour on call service 2 weeks before your due date Labor, birth and postpartum support 1 postpartum visit Breastfeeding support Lending Library Postpartum doula services, including overnight support

Personal Statement:

I was originally drawn to this wonderful calling when a friend of mine invited me to her birth. I was in awe of the beauty and power of birth and gained a fundamental awareness of how important it was to birth where you want and with whom you want. I went on to midwifery school through the Massachusetts Midwives Alliance, worked my way through a busy apprenticeship in the Boston area, and became a Certified Professional Midwife in 2002. I have been practicing as a homebirth midwife and doula, in all birth settings since 2001. Although the work I have done with birthing mothers has brought me incredible knowledge and experience, it is with the births of my own children that I can truly speak to what support is. I had three very different, yet wonderful birth experiences. The births were not easy, or without challenge, but at no point did I feel unsafe, disempowered, or unsupported, and that is what made them so positive. I had a birth team who knew what I wanted, and I was treated with respect and dignity, and that is what I can offer you. To uphold what it is you want, listen to your needs at all times and help navigate you and your family through the challenges and joys of birth.

Postpartum Doulas

Name:	Michelle L'Esperance, Certified Professional Midwife
Business Name:	Warm Welcome Birth Services
Phone:	(413) 586-3648
Cell Phone:	(239) 404-1799
E-mail:	warmwelcomebirth@gmail.com
Web Site:	http://www.WarmWelcomeBirthServices.com

Coverage Area:

Longmeadow, MA to southern VT

Services Provided:

Birth and Postpartum Doula Services, including day, weekend, and nighttime postpartum service Doula Training Workshops and Mentoring Program Creative Movement for Birth Blessingway Ceremonies Pre-conception Counseling

Personal Statement:

Women approach their pregnancies, birthing-times, and early months of parenting with such a wide range of beliefs, hopes, and personal history. For some women, birth is an exciting physical/athletic challenge; akin to a high mountain ascent. While it may be daunting, there is also the potential for a meaningful inner experience, and ultimately an exhilarating victory. For some, it is a spiritual or religious rite of passage; an invitation to deepen in faith and trust, and to welcome a new soul into their family and the world. For some, it is a frightening unknown; a time to revisit and hopefully revise self-perceptions around issues of strength, power, knowledge, safety, and trust. Sometimes past negative experiences resurface during the pregnancy, prompting women to reach a new level of healing and resolution. For some parents, birth is the passage into a much longed-for life as a family; the joyful welcoming of a child after uncertainties of infertility or assisted conception. For some women, it is a solitary passage into motherhood. By choice or circumstance, single mothers are called upon to dig deep for courage and strength. For most of us, birth is a marvelous homegrown hybrid of several of these meanings. As your birth doula, I'm interested in hearing what this pregnancy and baby are to you; and developing a deep understanding of how I can be of service to your growing family. Families of all configurations, beliefs, and birth plans are welcome. I support women in home or hospital; natural, epidural, c-section, VBAC, birth after loss, birth for adoption, and multiples. I've been honored to walk this path with women and families for over eleven years. While each birth is unique, there are also common themes in the passage. My role is to serve as an experienced companion and guide, supporting your highest hopes and shining a light on your own wisdom, courage, and strength.

Name:	Ann Buscemi, ICCE, CD (DONA), CHT (Certified Hypnotherapist)
Business Name:	Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
Phone:	(413) 567-6901
E-mail:	annbuscemi53@aol.com

Coverage Area:

Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties of Massachusetts.

Services Provided:

Birth support Postpartum doula services HypnoBirthing Private (in the home) childbirth education classes

Personal Statement:

DONA and ICEA certified (postpartum doula and birth) and HypnoBirthing certified. Teach for Cooley Dickinson Hospital and the Hill Town Health Centers. 12+ years experience. Supporting families with education, information, deep relaxation techniques, calm and confidence during their pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Other Birth-Related Services