Nice to meet you.
Hi there. I’m Lisa.
My journey to this work began over a decade ago, long before I had my son. I could not stop seeking out birth stories. And, hundreds (thousands?) of stories later, I haven’t stopped since.
I am drawn to the tenderness of birth. The raw emotion, the love, the looking inward. I am drawn to the hard parts, the beautiful parts, the surprising parts…the times of needing deep, intuitive care.
I believe people should be aware of their options when navigating birth, and I’m a champion for individualized, evidence-based care. I know that better birth education improves outcomes for birthing people, their partners, and the babies born into this world.
I am warm, intuitive, and a natural caregiver. I am logical and even-keeled. Being a nurturer through-and-through and developing authentic connections fills my cup. Creating connection over pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care? Well, that makes my cup overflow.
After careers in special education, advertising, and education within tech, I decided to pursue my long-standing calling as a birth doula via DONA International in 2019.
I live with my husband and young son and daughter in southern Maine. When we’re not traveling to see family on all the coasts, we’re likely eating home-cooked meals, reading, or exploring the outdoors.
Education
Boston University, M.A., Education, Curriculum, and Teaching
University of Southern California, B.A., Communication
Certifications
DONA International Birth Doula Certification (2021)
Continuing Education
Evidence Based Birth (EBB): Top 5 Ways to Prevent Tearing in Childbirth (2021)
EBB: Failure to Progress (2022)
Functional Body Awareness for Labor Preparation (2022)
Intro to Hypnobirthing (2022)
Restore the Floor (pelvic floor) (2022)
EBB: PROM, GBS, and Newborn Procedures (2022)
EBB: Evidence Care for Suspected Big Babies and GDM (2022)
EBB: Evidence Based Care (2022)
EBB: VBAC (2022)
Newborn Sleep (2022)
All About Tongue Ties (2022)
Late Pregnancy Changes (2022)
Creating Space: Pelvic Dynamics and Fetal Positioning (2022)
EBB: Pitocin (2022)
EBB: The Evidence on Cervical Exams (2024)
FAQs
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A birth doula is a trained labor professional that provides support for birthing people and their partners.
Doulas understand the physiology of birth and emotional needs of labor. They provide continuous care through emotional and physical support while guiding, motivating, educating, and comforting during this intimate time. They can also help you prepare for birth and postpartum by providing informational support for resources and decision-making.
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Let’s start by saying I support all types of birth - no matter what you desire.
Research shows that having a doula can shorten duration of labor, decrease the use of medications, interventions, and likelihood of cesarean. People who have doulas are also found to have lower pain and anxiety levels throughout labor and birth.
Doulas can increase the rate of spontaneous vaginal birth, increase the bond between birthing person and infant, and are associated with greater feelings of positivity and positive memories from the birth experience.
Sources: Evidence Based Birth and DONA International
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I am well-versed and experienced in the birth space. Partners or other supporters know the birthing person intimately. Together, we provide a complementary service to the birthing person.
I work closely with partners and other birth team members to guide, elevate, and support their experience during the birth process, too. I also work with your healthcare providers to help support your best possible birth. I believe in the power of a team.
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I don’t provide any clinical care. Examinations, medical care, and medical advice come from your provider.
I will make sure you and your partner feel educated and understand your options so you can have thoughtful conversations with your providers and feel confident in your decision-making.