THE DOULA
Meet Bridget
Carrying, birthing and feeding my own two children began my initiation into the birth world. At crucial moments in my pregnancy, birth experiences and postpartum period, I received the tender support of a sacred circle of sisterhood. It acknowledged my struggle, validated my victories no matter how small, and gently called out a strength and wisdom I hadn’t known existed within me. I felt compelled to step into that circle and share that same support with others.
When a dear friend graciously allowed me to join in her birth experience, I witnessed first hand how pivotal the role of a doula is in facilitating a sense of calm and continuity in the midst of a busy birth room. My desire to support women was solidified and clarified that day, and I immediately went home to sign up for my DONA doula training.
Since then, I have been witness to events and stories that point to these resoundingly clear truths:
Women are strongest when they are rooted in a community of caring people.
Women are incredibly resilient.
Women are brilliantly radiant when they embrace all that they are.
I entered into and continue to do this work because I want to play a part, no matter how small, in helping women live into those truths. I want to give back to this sacred circle of sisterhood and help others discover what it is to live rooted, resilient and radiant.
“Working with Bridget was the best decision my husband and I could have made! We were first time parents and truly had no idea what to expect. In addition, the COVID Changes at the hospital prohibited us from having any family support. Bridget was more than family for our delivery. She supported us more than we could have ever asked for truly made this the best experience.
Bridget’s calm nature helped me feel empowered to do exactly what was needed. My husband and I have already agreed that if we are able to have another baby our first call will be to Bridget!” - Martha H.
The Story Behind Wildflower
In my personal and professional life, I am constantly brought back to the metaphor of wildflowers. They are so uniquely beautiful in their vast, collective differences and yet each one is remarkably magnificent all on their own. What I’m drawn to the most is their resilience. In the midst of even the most difficult of circumstances, wildflowers continue to find ways to bloom each year. Though some landscapes appear desolate, like nothing could ever change or grow, the tiny seed of a wildflower hides in the dark of the dirt, waiting. Hope is etched in its DNA. When they get what they need: nourishment, warmth and light, their beauty surprises us every time. Their persistence and resilience disrupts the hardened, dark soil, setting it aside, to make room for their unique brilliance to burst forth, bringing hope to all who sees. It’s not for us to question when or how or if they’ll grow. It is our job to cultivate the proper conditions for them to be at their best and then get out of the way.
In this metaphor I constantly find myself as both the wildflower and the gardener. In working with new and expectant parents, we not only tend to the wildflowers, but we tend to the entire garden that is our community as well. When one person, who experiences an empowering birth or is treated in an affirming, respectful way goes out to share that same tenderness and care to the people she gathers with, our community will inevitably grow more vibrant, peaceful and beautiful as a result.
Professional Training, Experiences & Affiliations
Being a good doula takes a village! I would not be where I am today without the community of birth professionals both near and far that I’ve had the privilege of learning from over the years. While each professional development experience or affiliation has left its mark, the following have been some of my most formative:
2022 - Childbirth Physiology with Rachel Reed
2021 - 6-Month Apprenticeship for Birth Professionals with Britta Bushnell
Member of the American Association of Birth Centers
2020 - How to Start a Birth Center Workshop with AABC
2019 - The Resilient Doula with Lesley Everest of Motherwit Doula Care
2018 - Rethinking Prenatals with Adriana Lozada of Birthful
2018 - Lamaze Childbirth Education Training with Family Trees Birth Programs
2017 - Two-Day Spinning Babies Workshop
Member & former board member of The Doula Cooperative of Rochester
Member of Rochester Area Birth Network
2015 - DONA Birth Doula Training with Beautiful Birth Choices
My Doula Philosophy
Regardless of the circumstances, peace can prevail in birth and parenthood.
It is my goal to be a catalyst for that peace.
I believe...
Every woman has within her an amazing capacity for birth. She may not be fully aware of the power she holds, but with genuine care and knowledgeable support, her limitless potential and immense strength can be cultivated for a lifetime.
The experience of childbirth is one of the most transformative events a woman and her support person will navigate together. It has the potential to bring them together in a way nothing else on this earth can. My role as a doula is to support that intimate experience by equipping partners or support persons with the tools they need to provide useful support and engage in birth to the level they are most comfortable. I hold space for the entire family as they grow together.
Knowing what options are available for pregnancy, birth and parenthood is key to being empowered and experiencing a satisfying birth. My role is to share evidence-based information and resources so that women, birthing people and their partners have what they need to make fully informed choices that are right for their family.
A bit more about me…
I live in Rochester, NY with my husband of over 10 years and two young kids. Previously a special education teacher, I made the transition to staying at home after my first child was born. Motherhood has stretched me in ways I never knew possible, but it has also brought me to some of my greatest discoveries and depths of joy. I’ve learned so much about grace and forgiveness and the value of just showing up and being present in a moment, no matter how imperfectly.
I love inhaling fresh air, exploring new places, potent words, the sight and smell of flowers, laughing, trees in the fall (and all the other seasons to be honest), stories, meandering drives accompanied by great music, and basking in sunshine.
"Respecting the woman as an important and valuable human being and making certain that the woman’s experience while giving birth is fulfilling and empowering is not just a nice extra, it is absolutely essential as it makes the woman strong and therefore makes society strong."
- Marsden Wagner