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Who are the women behind Adirondack Council for Birthing Women? We are mothers, friends, sisters, doulas, and more. But most of all we are women with one common goal: to make sure women give birth with dignity and are validated with the choices they make concerning their care. Until women stand up and let their voices be heard there will be no change in maternity care in America. There is no right or wrong way to give birth as long as the mother's choices are respected. Want to become a part of what Adirondack Council for Birthing Women is doing? Become a "Friend of Adirondack Council for Birthing Women" Contact us for more details. |
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| Lisa Cartier, ICEA, CD
I am a doula, perinatal fitness educator and soon will be teaching childbirth education classes. I also volunteer with area teens, helping them as they make their way into motherhood.
I have two children, Andrea, 21, and Lauren, 13. My first experience as a doula was 13 years ago. And ironically, I didn't know I was acting as a doula! I attended the birth of a friend. After that birth, I was hooked! I used to say, "If only I could show up at Labor and Delivery and say--Who needs help?" I was certain I could help. After finding out that there really is a profession that enables me to help birthing women, I began my training as a doula. It is a profession that I am truly passionate about and am very determined to help as many women as possible.
I am truly honored to have attended the births I have helped with and thankful for the women and families that have allowed me to be a part of their most precious and awesome life event. |
| Mary Maley, AAHCC,CD(DONA)
I am a Certified Childbirth Educator with The Bradley Method (AAHCC). I have been teaching childbirth classes since 2002. I am also a Certified Birth Doula (CD) through DONA International. I have been attending births since 2001.
Giving birth is one of life's most sacred and important events. I feel it is so important for women to understand all aspects of their birth. Not only is birth a physical event but an emotional and spiritual one as well. This is simply not talked about in most birth forums but it is so relevant to how women give birth.
When I look back on my life, I see that I have always had an interest in birth, even as a child. I feel my work found me and not the other way around! It is truly my passion in life. I too used to wish I could roam the halls at the hospital and help where needed. I feel blessed to be able to help women with one of the most important part of their lives!
I live with my husband of 11 years, Michael, and our four children: Rianna, Emma, Israel, and Eli. |
 
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| Joyce A. Vanselow, Postpartum Doula My
interest in childbirth spans a large portion of my life since
experiencing the natural births, in both hospital and home
settings, of my now-grown children. Return to the field of
childbirth has been a natural step for me at this time in
life and has truly felt like "coming home". Mary and Lisa
have been instrumental in that "coming home" feeling. We've
developed wonderful sisterhood together as well as satisfying
collaborative relationship through Adirondack Council for
Birthing Women.
In recent years I have pursued training in both the labor
and postpartum support aspects of Doula work from both Childbirth
and Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA) and DONA
International. Training has organized my knowledge and provided
structure, while practical experience has enabled me to develop
competency and skill to apply in my current work as a Postpartum
Doula.
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I began providing Postpartum Doula service in fall '05, am now
seeking certifying client experiences for spring, summer and
fall '06 at a discounted rate, and anticipate completion of
requirements for certification as a Postpartum Doula in early
'07. Subsequently I plan to seek certification as a Labor/Birth
Doula in the next couple of years, in order to provide broader
continuity of care to those families who may appreciate it.
In addition to my current work as a Postpartum Doula, I enjoy
speaking publicly about the Postpartum experience and the difference
a Doula's support can make . Knowledgeable help and support
can make a difference for women, their partners and families
in the days, weeks and months of adjustment after birth. |
| Becky Jones, Artist
We are expanding our horizons here at Adirondack Council for Birthing Women. Becky has joined us to offer Belly Casting. This is a wonderful way to preserve your pregnant belly and create a wonderful birth memory for the future. You can create a simplistic piece or if you wanted your belly as a piece of art that is possible as well. Contact us for further details. |
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