BIRTH DOULAS
A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. This includes preparation for birth, helping the laboring woman with encouragement, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and an objective viewpoint, as well as support after childbirth, such as help with breastfeeding. Trained doulas understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. Doulas believe that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural and healthy processes.
Click HERE for answers to frequently asked questions about doula support.
Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor are:
- less likely to give birth by cesarean section
- less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia (including epidural)
- less likely to give birth with forceps or vacuum extractor
- less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience
(Findings of Hodnett's et al meta-analysis of 15 trials of continuous labor support from N. America, Europe, and Africa)
Certified Birth Doulas have completed the requirements for certification through one of the prominent doula training organizations. For more information about certification requirements for each organization, please visit DONA International, CAPPA or ALACE. Trained Birth Doulas have attended training, but have not completed the requirements for certification. Each birth professional has her own unique level of training and experience, so please inquire with individuals for more information.
BELLY CASTING
Making a cast of your belly is a great way to preserve the amazing changes your body undergoes during pregnancy.
Caroline Schleappi, CPCE, CD(DONA), ICPD, CHBE, IAT-CPD
Belly Casting & DIY Belly Casting Kits
Ph: (614) 876-6073
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATORS
Childbirth classes are helpful for both first time and experienced parents. A quality childbirth class will cover anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and birth, address the benefits and risks of various medical interventions, teach coping methods for labor and delivery, and help guide new parents in the many decisions they will make before, during and after the birth process. Some classes address subjects like diet, breastfeeding, and massage techniques. Follow the link under each birth professional for more information on the courses they offer.
POSTPARTUM DOULAS
A Postpartum Doula is trained and experienced in providing postpartum care for the new family. They give emotional support along with breastfeeding assistance, practical newborn care information and can help with light household chores (groceries, errands, meal prep, laundry and childcare).
Linsey Erin Griffith, BA, MS
Trained Postpartum Doula - Childbirth International
Ph: (614) 467-0534
Cate Guggino
Trained Postpartum Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 859-9816
Email: cate@birthingways.com
Online: www.birthingways.com
Nancy Huston
Trained Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Ph: (614) 560-9289
Email: darbyglen@earthlink.com
Eliza Kay, BA
Trained Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Ph: (614) 746-8494
Email: eliza@beginningstobirth.com
Online: www.beginningstobirth.com
Jaclyn Janis Koucoi, BS
Trained Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Ph: (614) 726-5262
Email: jjkoucoi@yahoo.com
Online: www.ayadje.com
Caroline Schleappi, ICPD, CHBE, IAT-CPD, CPCE, CD(DONA)
Certified Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Phone: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Online: www.hopewellperinatalcenter.com
CESAREAN/VBAC SUPPORT
These non-profit organizations provide cesarean awareness support to families and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) information.
Support for women seeking information on cesarean prevention, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), emotional recovery from a cesarean, monthly group meetings and a free lending library.
Kathy Skestos, Facilitator
Ph: (740) 321-1283
Email: kathleen@skestos.com
Membership: Kathy Skestos, Laurie Rosenberg, Leah Hobbs, Carrie Detty and Eliza Kay.
DOULA TRAINING
If you are interested in becoming a Birth/Labor or Postpartum Doula, please contact a BWCO member below for more information on their training programs.
Caroline Schleappi, IAT-CPD, ICPD, CHBE, CPCE, CD(DONA)
Certified Postpartum Doula Trainer - ICEA
Phone: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Online: www.columbusdoula.com
Online: www.hopewellperinatalcenter.com
LACTATION SUPPORT
Various levels of lactation support are available in your community, including: The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC), Certified Breastfeeding Educator (CBE), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) or Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS).
A La Leche League Leader (LLLL) is an experienced breastfeeding mother who is familiar with research and current findings dealing with breastfeeding. She offers practical information and encouragement to nursing mothers through monthly meetings and personal help. A LLLL has completed specific reading requirements, introspection and has finished the extensive written training curriculum and other accreditation requirements established by La Leche League International.
Jill Davis, RN, IBCLC, RLC
Certified Lactation Consultant
Ph: (614) 506-0150
Email: jill-davis@sbcglobal.net
Kate Tietje
Pursuing Certified Lactation Specialist - CAPPA
Ph: (614) 625-1064
Email: ktietje85@gmail.com
MASSAGE THERAPY & BODYWORK
Massage therapy during pregnancy is therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be, and help enhance the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. Chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on proper alignment and overall health. The Webster Technique is a specialized training some Chiropractors provide that has been proven effective in turning many breech babies.
Referral Network
You will find descriptions of the various categories of birth professionals represented by the membership of Birthworkers of Central Ohio. Please contact members directly for more information on their services. Members are listed in alphabetical order.
MIDWIVES - CNM & CPM
Research shows that midwives are the safest birth attendants for most women, with lower infant and maternal mortality rates and fewer invasive interventions such as episiotomies and surgical births (cesareans). In developed countries where midwives are the primary care providers for pregnant women, mortality and surgical birth rates are much lower than in the United States. CNM identifies a Certified Nurse Midwife, and CPM identifies a Certified Professional Midwife. For more information on midwifery options, please refer to Citizens for Midwifery.
The Midwives Model of Care includes:
- Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
- Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
- Minimizing technological interventions
- Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention
CHOICE (Center for Human Options in Childbirth Experiences)
Offering CPM Homebirth Midwifery Services & Childbirth Education
Ph: (614) 263-2229
Email: choicemidwives@aol.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Rebecca Wagner, CNM
Emily Neiman, CNM
Offering CNM care & Waterbirth (St. Ann's hospital)
Women's Contemporary Health-Care
155 Commerce Park Drive Suite #1
Westerville, OH 43082
Ph: (614) 891-6211
Email: wchcare@gmail.com
Online: www.wchcare.com
PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM FITNESS
Maintaining and promoting good physical fitness throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period are the goals of the BWCO fitness instructors.
Beth Francis Gupta
Prenatal/Postpartum/Partner Yoga Instruction
Ph: (614) 506-2777
Email: eafrancisgupta@hotmail.com
Photography courtesy of Natural Element Photography
Susan Busch, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 891-0844
Email: spbusch@columbus.rr.com
Alison Diaz, CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (740) 524-0659
Email: alisondiaz37@yahoo.com
Online: www.mydestinationdoula.com
Jenn Elfner, CD(DONA), LMT
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 432-6695
Email:elfner@juno.com
Desiree Everly, LMT
Trained Labor Doula - CAPPA
Waterbirth Certified
Ph: (614) 638-3469
Ph: (614) 948-3788
Email: desrnez23@yahoo.com
Linsey Erin Griffith, BA, MS
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 467-0534
Ph: (931-205-3301
Cate Guggino
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 859-9816
Email: cate@birthingways.com
Online: www.birthingways.com
Amanda Hullinger, CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 580-7997
Email: amandahullinger@hotmail.com
Online: www.amandahullinger.com
Nancy Huston
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 560-9289
Email: darbyglen@earthlink.com
Eliza Kay, BA
Birthing From Within Doula
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 746-8494
Email: eliza@beginningstobirth.com
Online: www.beginningstobirth.com
Jaclyn Janis Koucoi, BS
Trained Labor Doula - toLABOR
Ph: (614) 726-5262
Email: jjkoucoi@yahoo.com
Online: www.ayadje.com
Peggy Landers
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 264-7811
Email: peggy@centralohiodoula.com
Online: www.centralohiodoula.com
Kristen Oganowski, BA
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 620-3278
Email: koganowski@gmail.com
Online: www.birthingbeautifulideas.com
Natasha Paul, BA
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 738-3370
Leona Rechsteiner
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 214-3614
Email: deutch5@gmail.com
Online: sacredmoments4u.webs.com
Caroline Schleappi, CPCE, CD(DONA), ICPD, CHBE, IAT-CPD
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Online: www.columbusdoula.com
Online: www.hopewellperinatalcenter.com
Suzan Singh
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 499-0949
Email: doulacolumbus@gmail.com
Online: www.doulacolumbus.com
Jenna Wojdacz
Trained Birth Doula - ALACE
Ph: (614) 237-0331
Email: jennadoula@yahoo.com
Susan Busch, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 891-0844
Email: spbusch@columbus.rr.com
CHOICE (Center for Human Options in Childbirth Experiences)
Offering CPM Homebirth Midwifery Services & Childbirth Education
Ph: (614) 263-2229
Email: choicemidwives@aol.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Desiree Everly, LMT
Trained Childbirth Educator - CAPPA
Ph: (614) 638-3469
Ph: (614) 948-3788
Email: desrnez23@yahoo.com
Sharon Gourlay, B.A., C.Ht, HBCE, HBIMI, RMT
Certified Hypnobirthing Childbirth Educator,
Holistic Maternal Services, Clincially Certified Hypnotherapist foused on maternal, fertility, and pregnancy.
Ph: (740) 687-5506
Email: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.expectantbeginning.com
Nancy Huston
AVIVA Childbirth Education
Ph: (614) 560-9289
Email: darbyglen@earthlink.com
Eliza Kay, BA
Birthing From Within Childbirth Mentor
Ph: (614) 746-8494
Email: eliza@beginningstobirth.com
Online: www.beginningstobirth.com
Samara Oliphant, AAHCC
The Bradley Method Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 202-0447 or (937) 642-9719
Email: clava@columbus.rr.com
Caroline Schleappi, CPCE, CD(DONA), ICPD, CHBE, IAT-CPD
Advanced Birthing Concepts Certified Childbirth Educator, Happiest Baby on the Block Certified Educator
Phone: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Online: www.hopewellperinatalcenter.com
Kate Tietje
Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 625-1064
Email: ktietje85@gmail.com
Jenn Elfner, CD(DONA), LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist (AMTA) - Prenatal, Postpartum Massage Therapy & Infant Massage Instruction
Ph: (614) 432-6695
Email:elfner@juno.com
Sharon Gourlay, B.A., C.Ht, HBCE, HBIMI, RMT
Infant Massage Instruction, Reiki Maternal Services, Hypnotherapy, HypnoMaternal and HypnoFertility Services
Ph: (740) 687-5506
Email: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.expectantbeginning.com
Desiree Everly, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist - Reiki
Ph: (614) 638-3469
Ph: (614) 948-3788
Email: desrnez23@yahoo.com
Beth Francis Gupta
Craniosacral Therapy (Biodynamic)
Ph: (614) 506-2777
Email: eafrancisgupta@hotmail.com
Amy Mallat, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist (AMTA) - Prenatal & Postpartum Massage Therapy
Ph: (614) 302-6715
Email: amymallat@juno.com
Online: www.AmyMallatLMT.com
ANTEPARTUM DOULAS
Antepartum doulas specialize in supporting women going through a high-risk or difficult pregnancy. They support their clients in a number of ways. If a woman is on bed rest, an antepartum doula can help much like a postpartum doula helps a new mother – cooking meals, light housework, helping the mother organize things for the new baby, and, most importantly, providing emotional and informational support.
Sharon Gourlay, B.A., C.Ht, HBCE, HBIMI, RMT
Training for Antepartum Doula
Ph: (740) 687-5506
Email: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.expectantbeginning.com
MOTHER BLESSINGS
A mother blessing ceremony is traditionally where we honor the spiritual connection between mother, child, and community. The ceremony is based upon Native American tradition where the mother's beloved friends and family gather to celebrate this joyous occasion, lending the mother strength through their love. Gifts are not a necessary component of this celebration instead guests offer the mother poems, quotes, and other meaningful messages of love.
Sharon Gourlay, B.A., C.Ht, HBCE, HBIMI, RMT
Certified Hypnobirthing Childbirth Educator,
Blessingway Ceremonies, Holistic Maternal Services, Clinically Certified Hypnotherapist focused on maternal, fertility, and pregnancy.
Ph: (740) 687-5506
Email: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.expectantbeginning.com
Caroline Schleappi, CD(DONA), ICPD
Blessingway Ceremonies
Ph: (614) 620-2676
Email: Caroline@ColumbusDoula.com
Online: www.ColumbusDoula.com
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Childbirth In order to make the birth process as efficient as possible, chiropractic care ensures that all systems of the body, especially the reproductive system (uterus, ovaries, surrounding tissues and hormones) function properly. The reproductive system is controlled by the nervous system, and chiropractic care directly affects the nervous system. As a woman’s body undergoes substantial physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy, chiropractic is a natural and effective way of supporting her transformation without the use of medications.
Research has shown women who receive chiropractic care during their pregnancy have the following benefits:
- Reduced back and neck pain through pregnancy and labor
- Decreased nausea and discomfort
- Prevent premature contractions and early labor
- Correct breech presentation and prevent potential caesarian sections
- Shortened time of labor and delivery
Click HERE for common questions about chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Julie A. Hartman, BS, D.C.
Chiropractor
Certified in Webster Technique
Ph: (614) 848-5211 office
Ph: (408) 204-6023 cell
Online: www.worthingtonchiropractic.com
