DOULAS of CNY are trusted by local moms and their families! Trained locally and mentored within the agency, we all network and market together, work as a team to support moms and their families, as well as each other. The Doulas of CNY have a unique reputation and are trusted by the care providers in the communities they work in. Each doula upholds and lives by the DONA code of ethics and standards of practice and is either certified or working toward certification. We provide a referral network for women and their families of birth and postpartum doulas and other related pregnancy support services.
What is a doula? A doula is a trusted woman that provides continuous care from the prenatal to the post partum period.
Prenatal Doulas - Personalize our meetings with you prenatally to understand you, educate on your birthing options, discuss your feelings about labor, birth and parenthood. Birth Doula - Understand the physiology of birth and emotional needs of a woman in labor; Assist the woman and her partner in preparing for, and carrying out their plans for the birth; Stay by the side of the woman through the entire labor, providing emotional support, physical comfort measures (through massage, guided relaxation, positions to enhance the efficiency of labor), and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions; Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers; Perceive her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience; Do not replace the woman's partner, loved ones, or clinical care provider. Postpartum Doula - The birth of a baby represents a profound and permanent life change for the parents and other family members. After nine months of pregnancy and the stresses of labor and birth, a family is born or enlarged. For new parents, the challenges are numerous; recovery from childbirth, total responsibility for a tiny dependent newborn, sleeplessness, emotional adjustment, mastery of infant feeding and care, understanding of and adjustment to the unique personality of their baby, and household organization. Sometimes parents need more help at home than they expected. You, your baby, and your family do not need to undergo unnecessary stress. We are here to help. It is our goal to facilitate the transition to parenthood by supplying reliable and factual information, reassurance, and hands-on support with children and household organization. We provide nonjudgmental support and an extra set of hands to help you as you discover your intuitive ability to nurture and develop your own parenting style. In this way, your baby may be integrated into the family in a loving, gentle manner. Postpartum Consults - During a time of so many changes occuring within your home, your family and your body, it is often the time that is overlooked the most often. Your care provider often wants you to return in six weeks. So much can happen mentally, physically and emotionally in one week let alone six weeks. Doulas of CNY offers consultations with warm emotional support to discuss, listen, encourage and offer guidance during these early weeks.
Certified. Insured. Trusted by local hospitals and care providers.
We invite you to contact us ANY time. It will be our pleasure to assist you. And again, Congratulations as you embark on the most challenging, and rewarding adventure of parenthood! We have a dream of providing Doula service to ALL women that would like one, even if they can not afford it. That is why we: * Now we have A Financial Needs based financial application form - call our office! * Partnering with Better Beginning, program through Catholic charities, serving Syracuse community birthing families! ** Accept donations to help with scholarships to help pay for Doula services for families and mothers in need. FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK.... for babies, births and empowering birth topics! http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=34492553414 and TWITTER for every day updates! ........................................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................................ MEET THE DOULAS |
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Christine Goldman Doulas of CNY Co-Founder/Owner
My goal is to find out what your goal is, for you to feel that she can work with your body, finding your inner strength to birth your baby and have a memorable birth experience, no matter what the steps are along the way. Using the techniques that you will choose, through encouragement, massage, relaxation, touch, listening to your body, guiding your partner and helping partner enjoy the birth, I have been honored to have witnessed a beauty in observing two people working through the most intimate part of their lives. It is so amazing and beautiful and something to be treasured. Every pregnancy is different; every birth is unique with unique circumstances. Teen moms, single moms, homebirthing, hypnobirthing, blended families, VBAC's...each is special its own way. As with my own births, each situation needs to be encountered with nurturing guidance and individualized support, creating a sense of fulfillment in both Mom and her partner. Birthing and seeing your child come in to this world are moments you will never forget. Honored to have supported over 375 birthing families, it has been a blessing to meet with families during their pregnancy, sharing our lives with each other. As we intertwine and begin working together, all of our lives are blessed by the birth of your child. Now trained in belly mapping, which is baby positioning, an can be key to determing how your baby's position may affect your birth. I also offer labor and birth photographs.. Whether photographing your strength in labor, or capturing those special moments when your baby is born...I can take pictures to include your partner, birthing coach and family, so they will be in the photos as well. Choice of photos on CD or hard copies. Assisting families after the birth of their baby is another beautiful part of my Doula experience. As a "seasoned" Mom, it is an honor to share my life experience as a mother of five aiding with little tips, emotional support and both professional, practical advice and empowering a family to adjust and welcome their new baby. Chritine Goldman, CD(DONA), CPD, CBE, LE
**Welcome greeting from agency owner, Christine** Congratulations and Welcome to our agency! Our family of wonderful doulas is here to
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Heather Haywood, Certifed Birth Doula, Lactation Educator
I am a Wife, Mother, Doula and Daughter of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been assisting women and their families in my church community since 2001. I then became acquainted with the term “ Doula ” in 2003. Right away I knew I wanted to support women and their families as a Doula. I began working toward my Doula certification. I received my Birth Doula Certification in February 2006. As a Birth Doula I educate mothers and partners through the pregnancy, labor / birth process and postpartum period. My desire is for every woman to feel empowered in her birth. Trust her body and find inner strength to birth her baby and help make this a positive experience. I consider every birth I attend a true honor. I want to thank all of the mothers, partners and their families for allowing me to support you on the most wonderful day of your lives! http://www.heavensdoula.blogspot.com/ Syracuse area
Michele Bronsziewski, Certified Birth Doula, Lactation Educator
Nurture mothers and their babies. That is what I have been blessed to do. Everyone that was pregnant, I had always asked if they had support. If not, I wanted them to know I would be there if they chose. A few years back, I was a birth coach for one of my friends. When I walked out of her room, I heard another laboring mom in a room down the hall...moaning and crying out...she was alone.... my heart just broke for her and I found myself wanting to rush to her side. No one or no couple should have to go thru this experience alone. Shortly after that, I told God that 'someday I would be helping moms in labor' The answer came quickly as I immediately felt Him say, "What makes you think you are not already doing that?!" Throughout the last couple of years, I have been blessed with being the labor coach for young moms, single moms, moms/dads together. It is my privilege and honor to now be a Certified Birth Doula and available to be by your side. Syracuse, Rome, Oneida, Utica areas
Debra Alt, Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator
I am a christian homeschooling mother to four children. Being a mother and nurse has given me great experience in many areas. Each of my own births were different including cesareans and VBAC, so I know and understand the ups and downs associated with these. Birth and pregnancy have always been a passion for me. Even while in high school I spent a whole year mentoring at local hospital in the maternity ward, loving every moment of it. That passion has not changed or gone away, in fact I believe it has grown even more. Through attending birth with family and friends I look forward to helping you with your birth experience. I feel any one of us Doulas of CNY who you find fits your personality and preference is only going to enhance your birth experience. I am honored to be part of Doulas of CNY! I look forward to come along side of you to help make your birth experience the best, and most enjoyable it can be. With the coping mechanisms I have learned to help relieve pain and encourage full involvement of you the laboring mom and partner, I will be there to support and encourage you. Norwich, Cortland, Oneida, Syracuse areas
Holly Steffen, Certified Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula
"May your flight be empowering and affirming. When you start to hear yourself say 'I cannot do this any longer'- know that the time of birth is very near. Know that your baby will soon be in your arms. Vanessa Brown, Certified Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula
Hi! My name is Vanessa. I would describe myself as a wife and a mother first. I love my family. My husband and I have been blessed with six boys, ages 23-11. I have been homeschooling my boys for 16 years. Three of my boys are grown and have left the nest, while the youngest three are still at home. I have longed to be a doula for many years. My desire started when I had my own children. I delivered each of my son's naturally, however, some births were more complicated than others. I know now that if I had the support of a birth doula some of my births would have been easier. I believe that giving birth is the most beautiful thing that could happen to a woman on this earth. I would consider it to be a privilege to be a part of this wonderful experience. I want to come along side and help woman in labor to have the best possible experience. I can do this through different techniques I have learned to help relax you and relieve your pain. I feel honored to be apart of Doulas of CNY! Syracuse, Oneida, Cortland areas
Cristina Reed, Certified Birth Doula
I am Cristina Reed, a wife and mother of two beautiful children. I am an elementary teacher and a certifying Birth Doula as well. I have always been drawn to pregnant women and new moms, wanting to hear about their pregnancy and birth experience. Pregnancy and the birth of a child are life-changing events that all women should feel supported through. Birth is an empowering event and every woman should feel proud of this accomplishment. I believe that women need other women, especially during pregnancy and birth, to support them physically and emotionally, to know that what they are feeling is normal, and to appreciate the journey that they are on. As a doula, I will support, encourage and believe in the mother and her partner. Together, we can work to make the birth a positive and powerful experience. “We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful. It's that women are strong.” ~L. Stavoe Harm. Syracuse area. On family leave.
Lori Zonneville McCullough, Certified Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, CCBE Being a midwife was a wonderful and very fulfilling experience, but I realized that my true “calling” was working as a doula. My heart is with the women that labor and deliver, and my fervent hope is to help every woman create the birth experience that SHE most wants to achieve. I have trained with the best in my field ~ Penny Simkin, Pam England, Heart Phoenix, and Ina May Gaskin. Their wonderful knowledge and energy constantly gives me new respect for the power that we have as women, and the gifts of strength, endurance, and patience that allow us to give birth. I have 3 grown sons and one new baby granddaughter. After many years in Florida, I've made the move back to Syracuse and am excited about the opportunity to work with the wonderful women at Doulas of CNY. They reflect the respect that I have for the birthing process and the ethical standard of allowing each woman to make her own birthing choices, act as an advocate for the pre-natal and laboring woman, and help them transition into a new family dynamic. My joy is renewed with each and every delivery, and the knowledge that I had a small part in a great creation. Syracuse, Watertown
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Erin McNamara, LMT, Certifying Birth Doula
My name is Erin. I am married to my soulmate and the proud mom of a rambunctious two year old, Declan Christopher and a little baby girl, Aislinn. While I have been interested in birth and pregnancy for a long time, I really started finding focus when I became a massage therapist this past year. I have studied and practiced prenatal massage and in May will be taking a continuing education course on it. During my research for massage I found out about Doulas and what they do for women throughout the course of their pregnancy and it was exactly what I was looking for. It gave me a way to be even more involved in a process that I think is the most amazing thing a woman will ever experience. I am very passionate about what I do - both the massage and being a doula. I know that I can help you to find as much joy and awe in your pregnancy as I do. I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful chapter of your life! Utica, Oneida, Rome, Syracuse area. On Maternity leave!
Theresa Abdo, Certifying Birth Doula
Three and half decades ago, I and many women became pioneer birthers. Pioneers in returning birth to a more natural process. Turning back to birthing without medical intervention or pain relief, allowing our bodies to function as we were designed. We firmly believed a gentler birth experience would benefit our babies and ourselves. At that time hospitals weren't as receptive to natural birth methods. We began homebirthing, the only option to our birth, our way. Today, our hospitals have become more sensitve to family preferences, having medical technology available with a less intrusive atmosphere. Whatever choices the family makes for their birth, doulas standby the laboring women and her partner offering comfort and encouragement through this age old passage into parenthood. As comforters, counselors, teachers and guides, we help families before, during and after birth. I am honored to offer this sacred service to my sisters and their loved ones. To all who read this, in your search for a sane and wonderful birth experience, I wish you, "Happy trails". Syracuse, Oneida, Watertown, Cortland
Margaret Waldeck, Certifying Birth Doula picture being forwarded...
I am a retired BSN prepared RN. I have 2 children, age 34 and 28. I spent many years working labor and delivery during my years in the Army. I have always enjoyed working as a labor coach and totally enjoy the miracle of birth. While working in a very busy labor and delivery department, I also was needed to deliver a few babies because the doctors had not arrived yet. They were the most incredible moments of my life. I am looking forward to helping women birth their babies their way. Syracuse, Oneida
Nicole Beaudin, Certifying Birth Doula
My name is Nicole and I'm the mother to a sweet little boy, born in 2009, and another born at home with a midwife and doula (!) September 2011. I married my husband and best friend in 2007 and we looked forward to starting a family of our own. Birth has always been a often talked about topic in my family. After the birth of our son, I was drawn to books, articles, anything about birth, and I wanted to get involved. I researched midwifery, but it wasn't something I could picture myself doing at this time in my life. Then, I came across Doulas of CNY and I knew that I wanted to be a doula. I believe in birth. I believe that we, as women, were made to birth and it is one of the most natural and beautiful things one can be a part of. I wanted to be able to provide the physical and emotional support that is so vital during labor. Every women should experience the bond that grows between a laboring mother and a doula. I hope to help women achieve the birth that they desire and to encourage them to believe in what their body is truly capable of doing. Syracuse Nell Bartkowiak, Certifying Birth Doula
I was inspired to begin training as a birth doula by my own doula who guided the births of my two children. As a transplant to Syracuse, I found the support of other women during labor invaluable to my ability to achieve a natural delivery and want to pay forward this kindness to others in the community who may not have close family or friends experienced with labor support. I am passionate about the transformative and empowering effects that the process of labor and birth can have on women and their partners, and am committed to helping the mother and family through the emotional and physical challenges that labor can bring. I have a quiet spirit and open-minded attitude, and am well-versed in the challenges and opportunities of labor and birth. I am pursuing DONA certification and am looking for clients. As my “day job”, I am an administrator at Syracuse University, holding a Master's degree from Columbia University. I studied Biology and Chinese as an undergraduate and am committed to advocating for a holistic approach to personal health. I have two young children, participate in triathlons (birth can inspire you to new heights!), sing in my church choir, and enjoy quilting and reading in my spare time. Syracuse and surrounding areas.
Erin Zacholl, Certifying Birth Doula, Lactation Educator
My interest in the many birth arts reached beyond my personal experiences with my own children after my first son was born. I had a true “aha” moment after his first birthday and realized how much I enjoyed speaking with other mothers and helping them make their own experiences with pregnancy, child birth and motherhood amazing.
Liz Petrone, Certifying Birth Doula
"Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well." -Mother Teresa I am Liz Petrone and I am a very blessed wife and mother to three amazing young children. My last pregnancy was difficult both physically and emotionally and after having recovered, I made the decision to change my life and devote myself to empowering women and helping them to see and experience pregnancy, birth, and mothering as the truly beautiful and universally connected experience that it can and should be. In addition to being a certifying doula, I am working towards a 200 hour Yoga Teaching Certification. Yoga can help you adjust physically and mentally to the demands of pregnancy, labor, recovery, and motherhood. I am also trained in reiki which is a wonderful tool for pain and stress management during pregnancy, active labor, and to aid in recovery.
Amanda Quattro, Certifying Birth Doula
Pregnancy is a treasured time in a mothers life. Elaine Derby, Postpartum Doula, Certified Aromatherapist
I’m married to a loving, supportive husband, have two incredible children, a beautiful granddaughter, and twin baby grandsons who are all the love of my life. The birth of a new baby is the most beautiful and exciting time of life, but I know how exhausting, overwhelming, and stressful it can be for new moms and dads! My desire to help care for and nurture other mothers, newborns, and families is something that I feel compelled to do. As a Postpartum Doula, it’s an honor to offer experienced, knowledgeable, and helping hands that can be a great source of comfort after bringing your new baby home. It would be a privilege to give you sincere, caring, and patient guidance and assistance as you become new parents! For the last 24 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working as a professional portrait photographer, specializing in portraits of babies and children. One of my favorite things is creating warm, sensitive, and loving portraits of mothers, fathers, and siblings with new babies, and I also offer this service so that you can preserve these once in a lifetime moments. My years of experience working with families that have new babies and young children has been an inspiration for me to want to help support and ease your transition as you begin life’s greatest journey!
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To verify a doula's availability and experience level, please contact Doulas of CNY at 315-455-6MOM ........................................................................................................................................................................................
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© Doulas of Central New York 2002 |