BIRTH/LABOR 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, CD(DONA), ICPD, CLC
Making a cast of your belly is a great way to preserve the amazing changes your body undergoes during pregnancy.
Caroline Schleappi, CD(DONA), ICPD, CLC
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).
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
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.
Catie Mehl, LCCE, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), CLC
Certified DONA Birth Doula Trainer
Ph: (614) 467-9368
Email: catie@columbusbirth.com
Online: www.columbusbirth.com
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
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.
Jessica Buell, MA
IBCLC Intern
Ph: (614) 937-7198
Email: jhbuell1824@gmail.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Online: www.birthbabybreastfeeding.com
Catie Mehl, LCCE, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), CLC
Certified Lacation Counselor providing home visits
Ph: (614) 467-9368
Email: catie@columbusbirth.com
Caroline Schleappi, CLC, ICPD
Ph: (614) 620-2676
Online: www.successatthebreast.com
Jennifer Wilson, CLC
Ph: (614) 500-DOULA
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.
Referral Network
You will find descriptions of the various categories of birth professionals represented by the membership of Birthworkers of Central Ohio. Members are listed in alphabetical order.
Please contact members directly for more information on their services.
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 Certified Professional Midwifery Homebirth Services & Childbirth Education
Ph: (614) 263-2229
Email: choicemidwives@aol.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Emily Neiman, CNM
Cassandra Sampsell, CNM
Rebecca Wagner, CNM
Cassandra Sampsell, CNM
Rebecca Wagner, CNM
Offering Certified Nurse Midwifery care including 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 Yoga & Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Ph: (614) 506-2777
Email: eafrancisgupta@hotmail.com
Photography courtesy of Natural Element Photography
Sheena Bayo
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 260-6488
Email: sheenabayo@gmail.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 937-7198
Email: jhbuell1824@gmail.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 891-0844
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (740) 524-0659
Email: alisondiaz37@yahoo.com
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 432-6695
Email:elfner@juno.com
Trained Labor Doula - CAPPA, Waterbirth Certified
Ph: (614) 638-3469
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (205) 527-0776
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (937) 205-3301
Email: linsey@yourperfectbirthohio.com
Online: www.yourperfectbirthohio.com
Amanda Hullinger, CD(DONA)
Ph: (937) 205-3301
Email: linsey@yourperfectbirthohio.com
Online: www.yourperfectbirthohio.com
Amanda Hullinger, CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 580-7997
Email: amandahullinger@hotmail.com
Online: www.amandahullinger.com
Eliza Kay, BA
Birthing From Within Doula
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 746-8494
Email: eliza@beginningstobirth.com
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 467-9368
Email: catie@columbusbirth.com
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 620-3278
Email: koganowski@gmail.com
Online: www.birthingbeautifulideas.com
Samara Oliphant, AAHCC
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 202-0447 or (937) 642-9719
Email: clava@columbus.rr.com
Online: www.welcomebabybirth.com
Tiffany Radtke
Trained Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 440-0235
Email: tiffanyradtke@hotmail.com
Caroline Schleappi, CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula - DONA, Certified Water Birth Professional
Ph: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Online: www.columbusdoula.com
Suzan Singh, CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 499-0949
Email: doulacolumbus@gmail.com
Online: www.doulacolumbus.com
Jenna Wojdacz
Trained Birth Doula - ALACE (9 yrs. experience)
Ph: (614) 657-6888
Email: jennadoula@yahoo.com
Susan Busch, CD(DONA), LCCE, FACCE
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 891-0844
The Bradley Method (Brio) Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 834-1116
Email: angelarwc@gmail.com
CHOICE (Center for Human Options in Childbirth Experiences)
Offering CPM Homebirth Midwifery Services & Childbirth Education
Ph: (614) 263-2229
Email: choicemidwives@aol.com
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
Linsey Erin Griffith, BA, MS
Trained Childbirth Educator - CBI
Ph: (614) 467-0534
Ph: (931-205-3301
Online: www.yourperfectbirthohio.com
Dani Johnson, LCCE, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA)
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 406-5535
Email: dani@columbusbirth.com
Eliza Kay, BA
Birthing From Within Childbirth Mentor
Ph: (614) 746-8494
Email: eliza@beginningstobirth.com
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 467-9368
Email: catie@columbusbirth.com
The Bradley Method Certified Childbirth Educator
Ph: (614) 202-0447 or (937) 642-9719
Email: clava@columbus.rr.com
Advanced Birthing Concepts Certified Childbirth Educator, Happiest Baby on the Block Certified Educator
Phone: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Sheena Bayo
Advanced Reiki Practitioner
Ph: (614) 260-6488
Email: sheenabayo@gmail.com
Online: www.birthwithpassion.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
Wendy Everett, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist (AMTA) - Certified in Perinatal Massage & Fertility Massage by Nurturing the Mother
Ph: (614) 425-2635
Email: sorelykneaded@aol.com
Online: www.columbuspregnancymassage.com
Desiree Everly, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist (AMTA)
Ph: (614) 638-3469
Email: desrnez23@yahoo.com
Sharon Gourlay, B.A., C.Ht, HBCE, HBIMI, RMT
Infant Massage Instruction, Reiki Master (Maternal Services), Hypnotherapy, HypnoMaternal and HypnoFertility Services
Ph: (740) 687-5506
Email: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.sacredbeginning.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.
Sheena Bayo
Sheena Bayo
Blessingway Coordinator
Ph: (614) 260-6488
Email: sheenabayo@gmail.com
Online: www.birthwithpassion.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.
Kyle Alexander, D.C.
Chiropractor - Certified in Webster Technique, Active Release Technique, and Graston Technique
Phone: (614) 547-2020
Online: www.alexanderchiropractic.com
Lindsay E. Sneyd, BS, D.C.
Chiropractor - Certified in Webster Technique,
Post-graduate training in prenatal and pediatric care
Ph: (614) 760-5555 Office
Ph: (563) 676-5454 Cell
Online: www.TheWinchesterInstitute.com
PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION
An ancient tradition of using the placenta to help balance a new mother's body. This technique may help in reducing the "baby blues" and assist in other beneficial aspects.
Kelsie Meyers, PES (PBi)
Kelsie Meyers, PES (PBi)
Placenta Encapsulation Provider
Ph: (614) 517-0549
Online: www.columbusplacenta.com
Sheena Bayo
Trained Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Ph: (614) 260-6488
Email: sheenabayo@gmail.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Online: www.birthwithpassion.com
Jessica Buell, MA
Certified Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Ph: (614) 937-7198
Email: jhbuell1824@gmail.com
Online: www.choicemidwives.org
Jenn Elfner, CD(DONA), LMT
Trained Postpartum Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 432-6695
Email:elfner@juno.com
Nancy Huston
Trained Postpartum Doula
Ph: (614) 560-9289
Email: fromseedtosprout@gmail.com
Online: www.fromseedtosprout.net
HOLISTIC SERVICES
Sharon Gourlay, B.A., C.Ht, HBCE, HBIMI, RMT
HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator & Infant Massage Instructor, Certified Hypnotherapist, & Reiki Master
Ph: (740) 687-5506
Email: sharon@sacredbeginning.com
Online: www.sacredbeginning.com
PHOTOGRAPHY - Birth, Pregnancy & Newborn
A beautiful way to capture the fleeting moments of your pregnancy, birth and first weeks of your child's life.
Heather Gaston, CD(DONA)
Heather Gaston, CD(DONA)
Birth Photography
Ph: (205) 527-0776
Email: bellajourney@aol.com
Eliza Kay, BA
Trained Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Ph: (614) 746-8494
Email: eliza@beginningstobirth.com
Online: www.beginningstobirth.com
Caroline Schleappi, ICPD, IAT-CPD, CLC, CHBE
Certified Postpartum Doula - ICEA
Phone: (614) 620-2676
Email: caroline@columbusdoula.com
Online: www.columbusdoula.com
Suzan Singh, CD(DONA)
Trained Postpartum Doula - DONA
Ph: (614) 499-0949
Email: doulacolumbus@gmail.com
Jennifer Wilson, CLC
Trained Postpartum Doula - DONA, Early Intervention Specialist Birth-5 yrs
Ph: (614) 500-DOULA
