Alice McNulty Moon Spirit Doula Service HypnoBirthing® Phone (203) 544-7197 mcnulty@optonline.net http://moonspiritdoula.com

My life experience has taught me that a peaceful and grounded environment enables people to reach into themselves for strength and wisdom they had not previously tapped. During the highly volatile and emotionally charged birth experience, I work with parents to create the best possible birth environment. I believe that each family has an individual vision of what the ideal birth should be, and during prenatal visits I encourage parents to clarify their own desires so that they feel empowered to participate to their fullest in the delivery. As a doula it is my role to provide as much information about birth as possible and to support the choices made by the parents. I am the mother of four grown children and grandmother to four grandchildren. My own birth experiences led me to believe that there is an inner wisdom in women, which leads them to understand the birth process on a very deep level. It is possible today for women to explore choices about their delivery and I'm committed to making each birth the best it can be. I am a DONA certified doula, an experienced healthcare provider, and a practitioner of yoga and meditation. I am also a certified Hypnobirth instructor and offer this class series on a regular basis. The next session will begin on June 7. Please contact me for more information.

Karen Kilson BirthWays Phone (203) 426-0879 birthways@earthlink.net BirthWays website Practicing in Fairfield County and just beyond

I'm a certified birth doula with DONA International and have been supporting women in this way since 1996. I have a wonderful husband, three grown children, and three gorgeous granddaughters. Chuck and I live in Sandy Hook in western CT. I offer you mature, experienced, professional and non-clinical support. My goal is to continue helping birthing women and their partners approach childbirth in a sensible, practical and informed way -- yet in a manner that preserves the wonder, excitement and empowerment of giving birth. A birthing woman deserves the tools and the knowledge she needs to be in control of her birth experience. She deserves to make her own informed choices and to feel her strength as the process enfolds. She deserves a joyful, positive memory of the day she births her child and the support she needs to achieve it. Please visit my BirthWays website, where you will find additional information on how I can help you have a more satisfying birth experience. I am also a certified childbirth educator through Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, offering "Choices In Birthing" classes for birth preparation. Please see my listing on this website under Childbirth Educators.

Julie Shubert LCCE, CD(DONA) Beautiful Beginnings Phone (860) 267-7385 Cell (860) 463-9901) beautiful.beginnings@comcast.net Beautiful Beginnings website

I am a mother of four grown children, grandmother of two, Doula and Childbirth Educator. My life's work has been devoted to women and children, so when I heard about Doulas I thought it might be a good fit for me. However it was only after I started to serve women as their Doula did I know for sure, that I am, and will always be, a Doula. In 2001 I trained and certified with DONA (Doulas of North America) and started my independent Doula service. Over the last six years I have worked with women and their partners in preparing them for their birthing experience and supported women throughout the labor and birth of their child. I have provided labor support at birthing centers, at home, and at many different hospitals. In this endeavor I have had the opportunity of working with numerous doctors, midwives and L&D nurses. Throughout the years I have come to recognize the uniqueness of every birth experience, experiences which have included VBAC births, water births, cesarean births, unmedicated, medicated, involved partners, not involved, no partner, and even the surrogate mother experience. I have been asked what are the kinds of births that I support. I answer, I support women. In 2006 I trained and certified with Lamaze® International and in addition to my Doula work I teach Childbirth Education Classes. I believe that women have the innate power and wisdom they need to birth their children. I also believe that there is a depth of joy that can be found in mothering and fathering that cannot be found anywhere else. Witnessing and sharing in that joy is truly beautiful. Please visit my website, Beautiful Beginnings, at http://home.comcast.net/~beautiful.beginnings/web.htm.

Jodi Blyler Magical Beginnings Doula Service Phone (860) 267-4791 Joberr@aol.com

Let me introduce myself. I am a stay-at-home mom of two (soon to be three) wonderful little girls. My personal journeys with the births of my two daughters are responsible for shaping what I believe is important in the birthing experience. This is the main reason why I decided to become a birth doula through ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators). My first birthing experience while in college was a roller coaster ride resulting in tests, probing, and examinations, but on January 17, 1997, my healthy little daughter was born 6 weeks early by cesarean section. My youngest daughter was serenely born at home in a birthing tub on March 31, 2002 and that birthing experience has moved me in such a way that it has truly affected my life on a daily basis. After the birth of my youngest daughter it became clear to me that the process of birth is such an empowering experience if left to unfold on its own. The capacity and power in the moment of birth is available to us as women and I would love to help women discover their own strength. My presence as a doula is delicate, non-invasive and non-interceptive of the birth process. I am a gentle touch, an encouraging word, and a choreographer of her birth experience. I am the bridge of communication that brings together the laboring woman, her partner, and her health care provider. Most importantly, I will empower the woman to make her own decisions.

Diane Titcomb Moondance Phone (860) 663-2718 mslucys@yahoo.com

My name is Diane Titcomb and I am a certified doula with DONA, from Killingworth CT. I live with my husband of 23 years and my three children -- ages 21, 17, and 13. My motivation for becoming a doula comes from an inexplainable place within me. Nothing in my life has ever been as strong as the message that this was what I was meant to do. It is a field of understanding that is so clear and natural to me. I believe everything I have done in my life has prepared me for this gifted opportunity. To be with a woman as she welcomes life, and to be a strong emotional support for her and her partner, gives me a sense of the beauty and power of woman to woman. We can relate to each other instinctively from past experiences. Women have an amazing power within themselves, and some never recognize it until they give birth. To assist and witness that awakening is amazing in itself, true empowerment at its best. My services include prenatal home visits, continual phone contact, and helping you define your goals and expectations for your desired birth. They also include staying with you to provide support for as long as you need me during your labor and birth, and a postpartum follow-up visit of continued guided support for whatever your needs may be.

Janet Hall Birth Partners Phone (203) 729-9963 http://www.birthpartnersdoulas.com Practicing in CT, Westchester Cty. NY and Springfield MA areas

Janet Hall began Birth Partners in 1990 after the birth of her children inspired her to help other women have positive birth experiences. She was the first doula in Connecticut and only the 17th in the US to be certified through Doulas of North America (DONA). Janet is a certified childbirth educator and a member of the Community Advisory Board for The Birthplace at St. Mary's Hospital. She also served as State Representative for DONA and was the recipient of the 2000 Community Achievement Award from the National Association of Childbearing Centers. More than 25 highly skilled, well trained doulas now serve Birth Partners' clients. Each is carefully chosen, based on their commitment to supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, and matched with each client's specific needs. Also offered: Pregnant Belly Masks - A beautiful, unique way to celebrate pregnancy and impending motherhood. Masks are created in the privacy of the woman's home and may be personalized by the mother or family, who will enjoy this three-dimensional remembrance of pregnancy. Labor Tub Rentals - Using water honors the need to be surrounded by gentleness and warmth. Water helps release tension, allowing the woman to work with her body and reduce her need for medication. Birthing in water is a calm and soothing entrance for newborns, and a joyous experience for women and their families.

Danbury Hospital Doula Program Danbury CT Phone (203) 737-7878

Danbury Hospital's doulas are trained and certified by Doulas of North America, and have attended hundreds of births since the start of our program. Your doula will remain with you throughout your hospital labor and delivery, and for a time afterwards. She also can assist with breastfeeding and see that you are comfortable after delivery. She will respect your need for privacy and time to bond with your baby. At your request, a doula will meet with you and your partner at a mutually convenient time and place, in advance of your estimated due date. This will give you a private and individual opportunity to review your personal plans for birth and to discuss any particular concerns you may have.

MothersCare Doula Services, LLC Susan S. Keeney, Sheila Marley Phone (203) 375-5719 motherscare@juno.com http://www.motherscaredoula.com Practicing in CT, Westchester NY and Greater Springfield MA area

MothersCare Doula Services was established in 1993. Our service provides both labor and postpartum doulas. The owners of MothersCare, Sheila Marley and Susan Keeney have created their service based on the guidelines of DONA and NAPCS. Our purpose is to provide families with wonderful labor and postpartum doulas in this very pivotal time of their lives. A labor doula provides on-going emotional and physical supprt to the laboring woman and her partner. Our doulas have been trained through Doulas of North America. They are all DONA certified or in the process of completing their certifcation. It has been documented that the benefits of having a doula during your labor include: less C-Sect., less use of other drugs and interventions, shorter labors, and a happy birth experience. A postpartum doula provides in-home breastfeeding guidance, newborn instruction and care, sibling care, laundry, cooking, shopping, and light housework. We also can provide overnight services, and on-call labor babysitting for those families with no one to stay with siblings when mom and dad go to the hospital. We are currently covered by ConnectiCare, an HMO in CT.

Sivan Doron Journey To Motherhood Phone (203) 798-8024 journey2motherhood@gmail.com Practicing in Greater Danbury (CT), Putnam and Upper Westchester Counties (NY)

I am a DONA International-trained birth doula, practicing in Greater Danbury (CT), Putnam and Upper Westchester counties (NY). I have an M.A. degree in Women's Studies, and I am also a member of La Leche League. Birth is powerful and sacred and its memory will stay with you forever. Women's bodies can and will birth smoothly when conditions around them allow that. I see my role as your doula in doing the utmost to honor your first meeting with your baby. As your doula I will: Provide you with information, advice, and support before during and after your birth Suggest and assist with comfort measures (breathing, relaxation, positioning, etc.) Be at your side throughout labor and birth, and help you initiate breastfeeding Sometimes...simply hold your hand and remind you that everything is just fine For more information, please contact me by phone at (203) 798-8024 or (860) 966-4670, or by email at journey2motherhood@gmail.com

Deborah White Intuit Birth Phone (860) 274-4121 intuitbirthing@sbcglobal.net http://www.freewebs.com/intuitbirth Practicing from Watertown

Services: Birth Doula; Student Midwife, AAMI; Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, Guided Imagery; Spiritual Direction; Meditation and Relaxation; Trust Birth Facilitator Qualifications: DONA trained, Interfaith Minister, Experienced Personal notes: I have extreme birth trust and woman trust. All women can benefit from Doula companionship. I have a special interest in lesbian women/couples, single women, history of sexual trauma, pregnancy loss, and inter-cultural families.

Sarah Rydingsword Birthwish Doula Service Phone (860) 435-9479 http://www.birthwish.com birthwish@yahoo.com Serving CT, MA and NY

I am a member of DONA International, and mother to three children aged 20 months to 6 years old. As your doula I offer a complimentary first meeting to discuss your birth wishes. I will meet with you and your partner two to three times prenatally to answer any questions about your upcoming birth and help you prepare. When the baby's birth day arrives I will join you at home or in your chosen birth place as soon as you need me. I will help you to honor your birth plan in any possible way, through my support and presence. I will remain with you throughout your labor and for about two hours after your birth to help you adjust to your new family. After the baby's arrival I will be available as a resource by phone for any questions you may have and will visit with you two weeks after your baby's arrival to discuss your birth and meet the little one! I am currently attending births within a one hour radius of Salisbury CT. This includes Northwest CT, Western MA, Northern Dutchess and Southern Columbia counties in NY. For more information about my services I can be reached via email at birthwish@yahoo.com or by phone at (860) 435-9479 (ask for Sarah).

Kerry Ryan With Woman Family Doula Services Phone (860) 350-6974 kerryr1013@yahoo.com Practicing in CT and Westchester County

Hi, I'm Kerry, a CAPPA-trained doula. I'd first like to say congratulations! Next I would like you to know I am honored you are considering me for your birth. My philosophy on birth and the postpartum period is that it is a natural experience that will change a woman's life forever whether it be your first, fifth or fifteenth baby. My goal is to assist you in achieving the birth you want, as well as help you establish a routine following your birth including help with breastfeeding. I am here to provide you and your family with education into all options available, assist you in forming a birth plan, and ultimately help you in following your own path. I see birth as an amazing and spiritual event that can be a sea of emotions, my job is to be an anchor at your birth as well as after the baby is born. Education is essential and I can provide you with the tools needed to make informed decisions prior to the onset of your labor. Se habla espanol.

Kim Simon Tranquil Beginnings Phone (203) 786-0072 www.tranquilBeginnings.org Kim@tranquilbeginnings.org Practicing in New Haven CT

My name is Kim Simon and I live in New Haven CT. I have one daughter who was born in April 2006. Although I am a single mom I was very lucky and I had a wonderful birth experience. I believe that all moms deserve to bring their children into this world with all the love and support possible. Babies are a precious gift given to us and I want to help other future parents achieve as natural birth as possible. I want to assist you in making informed decisions that may arise during any stage of your pregnancy, labor and birth. As a DONA trained birth doula I have the knowledge and experience necessary in such situations. Please visit my website at www.tranquilbeginnings.org.

Michael Robertson Comfort Birth Phone (860) 859-2084 mrsrobertson@comfortbirth.com http://comfortbirth.com Practicing in Noank and surrounding area

Birth doula services and Hypnobabies childbirth education classes.

SciHonor Bey CD, CCCE, CPD Earth's Natural Touch Phone (212) NY-MOM-01 EarthDoulas@Yahoo.com http://www.myspace.com/EarthsNaturalTouch Serving Bridgeport and Beyond

Throughout history, young women grew up learning, seeing and interacting with their community's midwives and elders. Women gave birth with the support of other women. We learned at a young age the process of labor, birth, breastfeeding and childcare from other women. One of the most memorable events in a woman's life is the birth of her child. My role is to nurture the woman and her family to ensure a memorable, enjoyable birth experience. I am the mother of two children and have natural childbirth and breastfeeding experience. I have been trained and certified through Doulas of North America (DONA) and The Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) since 2001. I have completed the Introduction to Midwifery Course with the Ancient Art Midwifery Institute (AAMI) and am CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation certified. I am a member of The International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) and a Secretary for Sistahs for Better Birthing, ICTC's New York City Chapter. In addition to teaching and providing labor and postpartum support, I currently work as a homebirth Midwife Assistant in the NYC/Tri-State area. I am available for speaking engagements and available to help you with Pre-Pregnancy Preparation, Childbirth Education, Labor Support in hospital, birth center and home settings, and Postpartum Care.

Lynn D. Norton Certified Labor Assistant Hope Springs Maternal Phone (203) 394-3854 hsmaternal@optonline.net 600 Housatonic Avenue Stratford CT 06615

Nationally certified by the Association of Labor Assistants & Childbirth Educators (ALACE), I offer professional labor support to women and families birthing at home, hospital or birth center. Since 2000, I have been able to empower mothers-to-be and their partners through informed choice and continuity of care. I have assisted the birthing family in creating their own unique birth vision and then work to maintain as much of that vision as possible during the actual birth experience. Having 2 beautiful young daughters of my own, I bring with me both personal and professional experience, and a strong commitment to mother-centered childbirth. I believe that every laboring woman that wants a doula should have one, regardless of age, race, physical stature or financial situation.

Catherine Gaertig Gentle Birth Doula Birth, Postpartum, and Lactation Services Phone (914) 255-6769 catherine@gentle-birth-doula.com http://www.gentle-birth-doula.com

I became a doula because I have a strong passion for supporting mothers and families through childbirth. After the birth of my daughter I wanted to dedicate myself to supporting and guiding families through this more than miraculous event. It is an honor to be a doula and to provide support to expectant families. I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else than by the side of these families as they welcome their new addition into this world. I am a professionally trained and certified birth doula through DONA International (Doulas of North America). I am also a member of the Hudson Valley Birth Network, as well as Operation Special Delivery. OSD is an organization that provides military mom's with labor support while their partners are away at war. My experience covers Lamaze Education, Alternative Ways of Pushing, Breastfeeding, and VBAC. Currently I am working towards my certification as a childbirth educator through the Aviva Institute. I will be offering childbirth classes to expectant families starting in June 2009. To finish I am fluent in the German language, as I lived there independently from 2002 - 2005. I have experience advocating and guiding those of German descent with their transition into the American birth system.