What does a birth doula do?
- Recognizes birth as a key experience that the mother will remember for the rest of her life.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor and the postpartum period.
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth.
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor.
- Provides emotional support and physical comfort measures.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and providers.
- Provides support to partners during the labor and postpartum period.
Doulas are listed in alphabetical order. To hire one of our doulas, please contact them via their website links below.
Nicki Ament CD
Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula
“Having me as your birth doula means constant emotional support throughout your pregnancy, birth and into the postpartum period. That support looks like me helping you stay relaxed and comforted during labor, making sure you’re informed of all the choices you have, and most importantly, making sure you’re truly heard during this whole experience. It’s walking beside you as you venture into new parenthood and assisting you in navigating your new norm.”
Certification Organization: Pacific Association of Labor Support Doulas (PALS)
Year Began Practicing: 2020
Number of Families Served: 12
Education: Bachelors & Masters degree in Psychology/University of Phoenix; AA in Human Services & Management/University of Phoenix
Additional Training:
- Birth and Bereavement Doula Training (Stillbirthday)
- Transmasculine Fertility Workshop w/Kayden Coleman
- TENS Unit Trained
- Thresholds Relationship Based Childbirth & Parenting Education
- Certified Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist through Manhattan Birth
- Supporting birth families in Recovery training with Amity Kramer
Other Maternity Services offered: Services offered free of charge to Teens, In-home and virtual lactation and feeding support
Website: www.bandbdoulaservices.com
Service area: Greater Spokane Area
Rachel Brannan CD
Certified Birth Doula
SPDA Volunteer
“My hope and ultimate goal as a doula is to empower parents with the knowledge that they have choices and then to provide unwavering support. Having a baby is a life altering experience each time and every birthing person deserves emotional and physical support throughout that process.”
Certification Organization: Birth Arts International
Year Began Practicing: 2018
Number of Families Served: 30+
Education: BS Family & Human Development/ASU
Additional Training:
- Rebozo & Acupressure
- Chewelah Creek Breech Birth Workshop
- Spinning Babies, 2021
- Adult, Infant, & Child CPR Certified 2021
Other Maternity Services Offered: Certified Breastfeeding Specialist; Breast-pump & Pregnancy medical supplies specialist for Tricare Insurance: www.militarymommies.com
Website: www.desertdoulabirth.com
Service area: Medical Lake, Airway Heights, Cheney, Greater Spokane and Spokane Valley
Heidy Cartwright
Certifying Birth Doula
“A breastfeeding doula can be used as a resource for information and comforting maternal figure to help during this transition period.”
Certification Organization: International Doula Association
Year Began Practicing: 2021
Number of Families Served: 5
Education: B.A. in Drama/ University of California
Masters in Education/University of California Riverside
Contact: Heidy.Cartwright@protonmail.com
Service area: Spokane, and Coeur d’Alene
Melanie Floerchinger CD
Certified Birth Doula
Founder, Board President & Doula Mentor
“It is such an honor to be a part of someone’s life changing journey into parenthood, I look forward to speaking with you.”
Certification Organization: Birthing From Within™
Year Began Practicing: 2012
Number of Families Served: 100+
Education: B.S. in Exercise Science & Minor in Native American Studies/University of Montana
Additional Training:
- Infant/Child CPR Certified, 2019
- Bereavement Workshop, 2019
- Birthing From Within™ : Advanced Mentor Workshop
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Training, 2021
- Advanced Doula Training (Mother Tree Doula Services), 2021
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certification, 2021
- Infant/Child CPR Certified, 2021
- Abortion Doula (CE) Birth Advocacy 2021
Other Maternity Services Offered: Childbirth Education Classes
Website: www.overthemoonbirthing.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
Olli Gluskin
Certifying Birth Doula
“My role as your doula is to empower you to get the information you need to nurture your mind and body and make the right decisions for you, then support those decisions unconditionally. I offer full spectrum doula care for all birthing people as well as placenta encapsulations. I would be honored and grateful to be invited into your birthing space.”
Certification Organization: Birth Arts International
Year Began Practicing: 2022
Number of Families Served: Less than 5
Education: BS in Botany/Humboldt State University
Additional Training:
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training 2022
- Trauma Informed Perinatal Professionals, 2021
- Bereavement Training, 2021
- Placenta Encapsulation Training, 2022
Other Maternity Services Offered: Placenta Encapsulation
Website: www.cloverblossomdoula.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
Claire Ghering CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula
Doula Mentor & SPDA Volunteer
“I view birth and the postpartum period as hugely impactful seasons in a family system, and my goal is to support each client through that transition with compassionate care. My goal is to approach each birth with open-handed awareness, staying educated AND respectful of the way each birth story unfolds. I love working with clients who are active participants in their holistic health and learning surrounding the childbearing year.”
Certification Organization: DONA International
Year Began Practicing: 2017
Number of Families Served: 18+
Education: BS in Human Development/Warner Pacific College
Additional Training:
- Infant & Child CPR 2019
- Perinatal Support Washington Workshop: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Spinning Babies Workshop
- Evidence Based Birth Workshop: Savvy Birth Pro
- Advanced Doula Workshop: Rethinking Prenatals
Website: www.gracedinbirth.com
Service area: Greater Spokane Area
Susan Johnson CD
Certified Birth Doula
SPDA Volunteer
“My true life passion lies in empowering women. After having my first baby I was drawn to supporting and documenting women and their families through pregnancy, birth, and the early years of motherhood. It would be an honor to join you on your journey.”
Certification Organization: Madriella
Year Began Practicing: 2016
Number of Families Served: 25+
Education: BS in Psychology/Washington State University
Additional Training:
- “Birth Becomes Her” Birth Film Workshop
- Sexual Violence Training/Post Falls Victims Service Unit
- Domestic Violence Danger Assessment Certification/Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
- Sexual Violence Advocacy in the Hospital/Safe Passage Violence Prevention Center
- Legal Advocate Training/YMCA of Spokane
Other Maternity Services Offered: Maternity Photography Services
Website: www.cdabirthphotographer.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane Area, Coeur d’Alene. Also Pullman, Moscow, & Sandpoint for a small travel fee.
Kelly Kathrens CD
Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula
“I truly believe that all birthing people who want support, should have it. I offer an evidence-based, unbiased approach, while still honoring your cultural beliefs and practices. Birth and postpartum can be challenging, and I’d love to help you transition into your role as a parent in the smoothest way possible. Walking with you on this journey would be an honor, let me know how I can help!“
Certification Organization: Pacific Association of Labor Support Doulas (PALS)
Year Began Practicing: 2020
Number of Families Served: 5+
Additional Training:
- Bereavement Doula Training
- End Of Life Doula Training
- Stillbirthday Training
Other Maternity Services Offered: Bereavement & Postpartum Doula Services. Services offered free of charge to Teens.
Website: http://www.bandbdoulaservices.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane Area, Coeur d’Alene areas
Jamie Koop
Certified Birth Doula
SPDA Volunteer
“As a respected Indigenous Doula, I pride myself in doing this work from my heart. Providing a birthing mother and her partner with strong spiritual, calming, emotional, educational and physical support. I love seeing new families being born. I pride myself in offering the best birth experience the way you and partner choose.” –“Birth is the fundamental ceremony of our tribes. It is the most sacred ceremony that we have.” -Carol Couchie, Midwife
Certification Organization: DONA International
Year Began Practicing: 2018
Education: Liberal Art Degree, Salish Kootenai
Medical Secretary, Medical Coding and Billing
Individual Provider/DSHS, Certified Nurses Aid
Additional Training:
- The Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death 2020
- Circle of Security International 2020
- Virtual doula Training, DONA 2020
- Advanced Doula Training, Mother Tree Doula Service 2021
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certification 2022
Website: https://birthdoulajamiekoo.wixsite.com
Service Area: Spokane and Coeur d’Alene
Beth Mathis CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula
SPDA Mentor and Board Secretary
“Encouragement and support during pregnancy and birth is a MUST. I work as a teammate to promote a comfortable and relaxed environment as possible, helping parents to get information to make choices, while advocating for intuition. I believe it’s your medical right to choose a doula. I would be honored to assist you in having the birth you are hoping for.”
Certification Organization: DONA International
Year Began Practicing: 2011
Number of Families Served: 100+
Education: Certified Nurses Aid
Additional Training:
- Collaborative Practice, Advanced Doula Training, 2011 & 2021
- Rebozo Workshop with Gina Kirby
- Perinatal Support Washington Workshop: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Advanced Doula Training (Mother Tree Doula Services), 2021
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certification, 2022
- CPR Certified, 2022
Other Maternity Services Offered: Guidance for mothers through breech and pre-term births, even non-clients. Tricare insurance approved provider.
Website: www.bienvenuebaby.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
Sarah McDonald CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula
SPDA Volunteer
“As your doula, my joy and hope is to empower you to make informed choices about your health: mind, body, and soul. It is such an honor to walk with families through this intimate experience. You deserve excellent care for your whole self, and I will do everything in my power so you can see your birth vision come to fruition.”
Certification Organization: DONA International
Year Began Practicing: 2020
Number of Families Served: 30+
Education: BA in English Literature/Whitworth University
Additional Training:
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Advanced Doula Training (Mother Tree Doula Services), 2021
- Spinning Babies, 2021
- Postpartum Doula Training
Website: www.sarahmdoula.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane and North Idaho
Courtney Rowland CD(DONA)
Certified Birth Doula
SPDA Board Treasurer
“My job as a doula is to support you and your partner physically and emotionally. I work to enhance everything you’ve prepared for so that you maintain dignity, power, and peace, and you remember your birth story with pride and happiness.”
Certifying Organization: DONA International
Year Began Practicing: 2017
Number of Families Served: 25+
Additional Training:
- Certified belly dance instructor
- Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in COVID area training with Perinatal Support WA, 2021
- Advanced Doula Training (Mother Tree Doula Services), 2021
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certification, 2021
- Spinning Babies Training, 2021
- Full Spectrum Doula Training, 2022
Other Maternity Services Offered: Belly Dancing Prenatal Classes
Website: www.facebook.com/courtneyrowlanddoula
Service Area: Greater Spokane area
Melanie Shaul CD
Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula
“My passion is to positively impact growing families by providing non-judgmental support while instilling confidence. As a birth and postpartum doula my primary goal is to provide a stress-free environment that allows my clients to really relax and enjoy the moments that come with pregnancy and birth.”
Certifying Organization: International Doula Institute
Year Began Practicing: 2020
Number of Families Served: 5+
Additional Training:
- Placenta Encapsulation with Womb Wisdom
- TENS Unite trained with Sharon Muza
- Rebozo Arts with Womb Wisdom
- Lactation Specialist with Lactation Education
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate, 2021
- Adult and Children CPR
- Food Handlers Certification with Washington State
Other Maternity Services Offered: Placenta Encapsulation/Postpartum Doula Services
Website: www.preciousstardoulaservices.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
DeeAnn Stack CD
Certified Birth Doula
“Establishing professional demeanor in a hospital setting, engaging with hospital personnel. Flexibility in working with many different family dynamics. Called upon to support and photograph demise, handling with the greatest care and sensitivity. I’ve been described as compassionate, approachable, empathetic, calm, nurturing,trustworthy and with good listening and reasoning skills.”
Certifying Organization: International Doula Institute; The Essence of Birth Photography
Year Began Practicing: 2022
Number of Families Served: 15+
Additional Training:
- Spinning Babies Trained
- Birth Becomes You
- The Essence of Birth Photography
- Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
- Babywearing Trained
- Infant CPR Certified
Other Maternity Services Offered: Maternity & Newborn/Fresh 48 Photography; 12 years experience working with women and children of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Website: www.dstackphotography.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
Lisa Viehouser, CD
Certified Birth Doula
“Birth is not about “doing it right ” or “one way is better than the other.” I am convinced that the birthing person and their partner need to be given evidence based information and support as they make the choices that feel right to them. It is also very important to me to give you the nurturing and informed care that you deserve. I am honored to support all kinds of families, and look forward to partnering with you as you welcome your little one.”
Certifying Organization: Pacific Association of Labor Support Doulas (PALS); In process of secondary certification through DONA
Year Began Practicing: 2020
Number of Families Served: 10+
Additional Training:
- Childbirth Educator Trained
- When Survivors Give Birth: Understanding and Healing the Effects on Childbearing Women
- STARS of Washington Paraeducator Trained
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certified, 2022
- Tens Unit Trained
Other Maternity Services Offered: Currently working on certification as a childbirth educator and postpartum certification
Website: http://www.doulamamabear.com
Service Area: Greater Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, as well as Pullman/Moscow and surrounding areas.
Aimee Wagner
Certifying Birth Doula
“It is my intention to serve all birthing people as best I can. I am here for your experience, to support the birth that becomes part of your unique story.
Certifying Organization: DONA
Year Began Practicing: 2020
Number of Families Served: 2+
Education: BA in International Studies
Additional Training:
- Spinning Babies Trained
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certified, 2022
- Adult, child, and infant CPR Certified 2022
- Washington Food Handler’s Card
Other Maternity Services Offered: Reduced rates for birthers considering adoption
Website: https://aimeewagnerbirthservices.weebly.com/ or https://doulamatch.net/profile/26079/aimee-wagner
Service Area: Spokane and Spokane Valley
Lisa Walters CD
Certified Birth Doula
“My greatest desire is to provide families with personalized professional labor and birth support—both physical and emotional, as well as informational. I consider it a joy and an honor to be a part of my clients’ birth support team. And I am grateful for the opportunity to work with families during such a pivotal time in their lives.”
Certifying Organization: Childbirth International
Year Began Practicing: 2013
Number of Families Served: 80+
Education: BA in Liberal Arts/Colorado Christian University
Additional Training:
- Spinning Babies Workshop
- Birth Assistant Training/Northwest Birth Assistants
- DONA in-person extended training
- ICEA Certified Childbirth Educator
- Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate, 2021
- Advanced Doula Training (Mother Tree Birth Services), 2021
Other Maternity Services Offered: Private, in-home childbirth education classes; military family support
Website: https://lisajoywalters.net/
Service Area: Greater Spokane and Northern Idaho