Erica
BIRTH & POSTPARTUM DOULA, LACTATION COUNSELOR
Hi! My name is Erica, I’m a Birth and Postpartum Doula. I'm also a Certified Lactation Counselor.
There's something so beautiful that happens at a birth. It's a time when fear and doubts of your ability to do this is pushed aside, and what emerges is a strong, capable, powerful person who was there the whole time. I genuinely believe that everyone deserves to be supported and loved on, with gentleness and kindness during this life-changing time.
As your birth doula, I like to take a holistic approach while we work together. I come to you with knowledge, resources, and a team of sisters behind me. I do not have an agenda for your birth, I want to help you in finding the answers you need and respecting those choices. I love using various comfort measures such as counter pressure, essential oils, massage, and of course breathing techniques.
As your Postpartum Doula, my main focus is you. I want to make sure you are fed, rested, and healing. I believe you know what is best for your child, and I will respect any parental choices you make. I have experience in Newborn Care and can help care for your baby. This can be an emotional time; I'll be there to cry and laugh with you. No judgment ever!
I have always been drawn to birth work. Birth is one of those stories that you just never forget. It has been 18 years for me, and I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was a teen mom who was totally unprepared, and looking back, I know having a solid support system would have made a world of difference. I guess that is where my passion comes from. I want to be that for people! When I learned about Doulas and what they do, there was no turning back. I started my journey and worked really hard to be properly trained to be in this space with you. It’s really an honor to be a witness to such a magical moment, and it requires respect, unconditional support, and kindness; I hope to be that for you.
This is your threshold to cross, however I will be there every step of the way. I trust you, I believe in you, and I trust the process!
Testimonial
"It’s hard to put into words how important and meaningful Erica was in the joyful birth of our daughter. From the moment we met, her radiant warmth shone—even through Zoom—and I felt instantly connected to her vibe and attitude toward birthing. My goal was to have a birth with as minimal medical intervention as realistically possible, and as a first-time birthing parent, I knew I would value Erica’s experience and knowledge in the delivery room. Throughout the weeks leading up to birth and delivery, she was checking in and providing words of encouragement on days that felt too long and too hot to be so pregnant. When I went into active labor, Erica came to our home and gently guided my husband and I through contractions and made sure to take care of *both* of us as labor progressed. She was such a calming presence in our home, it truly felt like she was part of our growing family. I have no doubt that Erica’s guidance and knowledge kept me laboring at home for as long as I was able to, and we arrived at the hospital nearly ready to push. Her presence and guidance among the medical staff was beautiful—she really was valued as an equal and her opinion carried so much weight for me. In the middle of pushing—which I was able to confidently do without an epidural, a goal she and I discussed several times prior to labor—I saw her calm and beautiful face, telling me just four more pushes. Lo and behold, her instinct was correct—our beautiful daughter was born after those four pushes. Erica was there for all of us to ensure my daughter’s birth was joyful and as calm as possible. She was also there postpartum to check on our little family of three, and gave us tips on breastfeeding and continues to check in on us. I cannot stress enough how much Erica feels like family."
– M. W.