Meet Nicole

I'm Mama of three! Two sweet boys: a fourteen-year-old, a nine-year-old, and our sweet baby girl who is five.  I've been married for 20 years to my wonderful husband. We’ve lived, worked, and grown our family in the Bay Area for over 20 years.

My life before birth-work
I worked in account management and human resources for a number of years. It was fast-paced and fulfilling! But in 2010 after my first son was born my heart began to move into the world of supporting women in the process of becoming mothers.

My journey through birth to doula work
 It was after the tough pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period of my firstborn in 2010 that I felt the tug on my heart to support other women journeying through this exciting yet unknown time. Even though my firstborn came out healthy, I came out with so many questions.  A few months later my desperation led me to a Doula training course. There were answers there, and a key that began to unlock something inside me. I completed my Birth Doula Certification in 2011 and have been blessed to serve new families since.

And now…
My second and third pregnancies were well supported with in-depth preparation. I was still very sick, but I was prepared and well cared for. My midwives were incredible. The support I had, the trust I felt in my team, and their belief in me and my ability to birth my babies were healing and empowering.  

I know that feeling of being alone, out of control, and scared in labor. I know the feeling of being so sick during pregnancy, that hopelessness begins to take over. I also know what it feels like to be surrounded by love and trust, feeling completely safe as I birthed my baby.

The difference isn’t necessarily the method of birth…cesarean versus vaginal, home vs hospital, medicated or not. Instead, its the team you choose to have around you and the care you receive, the knowledge you pursue before and after your birth, the people supporting your postpartum healing, and the voices you allow to speak to your heart - this is what makes the difference.

I strive to help my clients choose well, providing tools to intentionally prepare
your mind, heart, and body, so that no matter what the circumstances of your birth are,
you come out feeling heard, empowered, and well cared for.

I've come to a place of deep thankfulness for my story, the hard and the joyful. I know my experiences add depth, perspective, and compassion to the care I provide.  In the same way, I believe your story is unique, powerful, and life-changing.  And I am so excited to walk this part of it with you!

I take a limited amount of birth and postpartum clients each month. I also offer childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, newborn care classes, prenatal and postpartum planning, in-home labor practice, and in-person breastfeeding and newborn care support.

Certifications and Education
Certified Birth Doula through Blossom Birth, Palo Alto 2011
Essential Oils for Birth 2013
Birth Stories and Birth Trauma with Birth Story Medicine 2014
Lamaze Childbirth Educator 2015-2021
Homeopathy for Birth and Immediate Postpartum, Julie Tilsner (LM, CPM) 2015
Optimal Fetal Positioning, Julie Tilsner (LM, CPM) 2015
Home Birth for Doulas, Julie Tilsner (LM, CPM) 2015
Midwifery 101 Class, Gloria Lemay 2016
Nursing Mother's Counsel Breastfeeding Educator 2016
DONA Postpartum Doula Training Completion 2017
Spinning Babies Training 2015, 2021
Preventing and Healing Traumatic Births with Dancy Perinatal 2022
Sex After Baby with Dancy Perinatal 2023
Recognizing and Referring Tongue Tie in Newborns, Dr Randy Ligh 2023
Nurturing New Beginnings: Supporting the Transition to Parenthood with Dancy Perinatal 2024

Memberships and Affiliations
Nursing Mother's Counsel - Professional Member
Blossom Birth - Practitioner, Instructor, Member
Evidence Based Birth - Professional Member

I continue my education through trainings, webinars, and workshops, and reading the latest research on evidence-based birth practices; herbs for pregnancy and birth; nutrition for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; breastfeeding and early bonding; supporting abuse survivors during their labor and birth; and more. I meet regularly meet with fellow doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants to share experiences, advice, and accountability.