Our Childbirth Educator, Back-up Doula, and Lactation Support
Laura (She/Her)
Childbirth Educator & Registered Nurse
I am a mom of two, a labor and delivery nurse, and an educator. I am excited to offer you educational opportunities that can help you be more prepared and confident through your birth experience.
I have been a labor and delivery nurse for over ten years, working at multiple different hospitals; teaming up with doctors, midwives, nurse practitioners, and other care providers; caring for women and families with different hopes, fears, backgrounds, and experiences—all giving me a broad view of what labor and birth can look like. I feel honored to have been a trusted resource, support, and advocate for so many families through their labor journeys.
Prior to becoming a nurse, I was a high school teacher for seven years. I have always had a passion for education, so it felt natural for me to combine my experience and skills and pursue a professional certification in childbirth education. I am proud to be a CAPPA-certified Childbirth Educator.
I believe there is tremendous value in being prepared for your own birth experience—in being ready to ask questions and having the background knowledge and mindset to be an active participate in your own care. Each birth story is unique, and there are almost always challenges, but I believe that knowledge and preparedness can help you achieve the birth experience you desire.
- Laura -
BSN, BSEd, RN, CCCE
Jessica (She/Her)
Back-up Birth Doula (CAPPA)
I became a mom in 2012 with the birth of my daughter, Lily. Motherhood fell in my lap quickly. I was young, scared, and anxious. Surrounded by loved ones, my fear left me and I settled into motherhood better than I ever could have dreamt. Fast forward to 2015, the birth of my son, James, brought other challenges. I was more prepared the second time around. However, pleasant and uncomplicated my labors were I was left feeling like birth “just happened” to me and I didn’t experience it in the way I know I could experience birth.
Birth at any age is just as much a mystery as the next. That is why having a birth partner with knowledge of the labor process to guide you along is integral to the current day delivery room, be it in a birth center, hospital, or a coffeeshop bathroom. And a word to the wise, no matter how you birth your baby, you both still leave in diapers.
- Jessica -
DC (CAPPA)
Kelly (She/Her)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant®
My passion for helping breastfeeding families started with nursing my own child, who is now 14! Currently, I practice at a hospital based outpatient center, and I also own my own private practice. Assisting the person in reaching their goals is my goal. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. As an IBCLC, I work with a range of challenges, from low milk supply to oral anatomy challenges, and lactation. Of course, one does not have to be experiencing challenges to seek out an IBCLC! We can be of assistance for any reason, from monitoring weight gain to helping with pumping.
I have extensive experience in the following, but not limited to:
Oral assessments.
Suboptimal milk transfer.
Weight gain challenges.
Low supply.
Pumping strategies.
Back to work.
Nipple pain.
Nipple trauma.
Transitioning to breastfeeding.
NICU discharges
When I am not working with families, I am spending time with my family, native gardening, or bird watching.