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.
Kayla Balholm
Apprentice Doula
“Throughout your birth experience, you deserve to be and feel so informed, supported, uplifted, and nurtured. As your doula, I am committed to being a grounding force of encouragement and support as you navigate your parenthood journey.”
Certifying Organization: Birth Arts International
Experience: 3 months
Education:
- Birth Doula Certification / In progress
- Postpartum Doula Certification / In progress
- Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) / Graduated 2014 from Eastern Washington University
- Palliative Care Certification / Completed 2014 from Eastern Washington University
Additional Training:
- Infant & Child CPR / Completed May 2016
Website: www.journeybirthsupport.com
Service area: Spokane
Holly Clark CD(DONA)
Certified Doula
“My hope is to help prepare you and your partner during pregnancy, to encourage, affirm and support you during birth and leave you at the end of my job feeling absolutely empowered. Because you were made for this and you deserve excellent care.”
Certifying Organization: DONA International
Experience: 1 year
Education:
- Birth Doula Certification/ in process
- Bachelors degree in Communication, minor in Theology / Whitworth University 2012
Website: www.hollyclarkdoula.com
Service area: Spokane and some surrounding areas
Melanie Floerchinger CD(Birthing From Within)
Certified Doula/Owner
“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: Birthing From Within™
Certified Doula Experience: 6 years
Education: B.S. in Exercise Science/University of Montana
Additional Training:
- Advanced Childbirth Mentor/Educator (Birthing From Within™)
- CPR Certified/ May 2016
Website: www.overthemoonbirthing.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur ‘d Alene areas
Jessica Frangione CD(DONA)
Certified Doula
“I love encouraging mothers and fathers to learn and confidently make informed decisions. It is such an honor to be welcomed into the birth room and be able to nurture others as they become a family!”
Certification: DONA International
Certified Doula Experience: 1 1/2 years
Education: BA in Elementary Education
Website: www.tinytoesbirthservices.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur ‘d Alene areas
Alisha Gessner CD(DONA)
Certified Doula/Owner
“My goal is to support you, your partner, and the decisions that you make during this very special time. It is my privilege to be a part of your birth team.”
Certification: DONA International
Certified Doula Experience: 7 years
Additional Training:
- Childbirth Educator specializing in private classes
- Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Website: www.3lbbs.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur ‘d Alene areas
Claire Ghering
Certified Doula
“I value the power of each person making their own informed choices in bringing a baby earthside. It is my honor to bring compassionate support to your birth and postpartum experience.”
Certifying Organization: DONA International
Experience: 2 years
Education:
- Birth Doula Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development / Warner Pacific College, 2011
Additional Training:
- Infant & Child CPR / May 2017
- Best Practices in Prevention, Identification, and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Evidence Based Birth Savvy Birth Pro Workshop
- Rethinking Prenatals with Adriana Lozada
Website: www.gracedinbirth.com
Service areas: Deer Park, Spokane, Spokane Valley, and some surrounding areas
Emma Helms
Apprentice Doula
“As your doula, my goal is to provide unwavering, nonjudgmental support to you and your partner before, during, and after childbirth. I want nothing more to help you achieve the birth experience you deserve and envision.”
Certifying Organization: DONA International
Experience: 5 months
Education:
- Birth Doula Certification / In process
Website: www.betterbirthandbeyonddoula.com
Service areas: Spokane and surrounding areas
Jamie Koop
Apprentice Doula
“I’m Happy mother of Six beautiful children. I love seeing new family’s being born. I pride myself in offering the best birth experience the way you and partner choose. I offer calm emotional, educational and physical support. I live by the Quote “Good things come to those who wait” .”
Certifying Organization: DONA International
Experience: 2 years
Website: https://birthdoulajamiekoo.wixsite.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
Beth Mathis CD(DONA)
Certified Doula
“Every mother should be encouraged and supported during pregnancy and birth. I work with mom and partner to help both feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, helping them to get information to make choices, while advocating for mom’s intuition. I believe that every mom should have the right to choose a doula. I would be honored to assist you in having the birth you are hoping for.”
Certifying Organization: DONA International
Experience: 6 years
Additional Training:
- Certified Nurses Aid
- Experience with premature and breech
- Volunteered for 5 years with PDXDoulas out of OHSU specializing in assisting mom’s with special needs and minorities
Website: www.bienvenuebaby.com
Service area: Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas
Courtney Rowland
Apprentice Doula
“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
Experience: 1 year
Education:
-
Birth Doula Certification in progress
-
Certified belly dance instructor, current prenatal classes available
Website: www.facebook.com/courtneyrowlanddoula
Service area: Spokane area
Stacey Scarborough
AdvCD,PCD,BDT(DONA),ICCE, CLE
Certified Doula
“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 and ICEA
Experience: 24 years
Education:
-
I have been teaching childbirth education classes in the San Diego area for almost 25 years and continue to teach in the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene area. I am passionate about education and can provide in home private classes for all styles and needs of preparation from preparation for birth to sleep strategies, breastfeeding, fitness and more.
Additional Training:
-
I am also a trainer for DONA, International for those desiring to become a professional birth doula. I have been training doulas in this area for over 10 years, and also have trained women to become childbirth educators as well.
Website: www.preparingtheparents.org
Service area: Spokane and Coeur d’Alene and Northern Idaho