Toledo Area Midwives and Doulas Create Unique Birth Experiences

There are many things to consider during pregnancy besides the baby shower and gift registry. While pregnancy can be an exciting time, it is also when important decisions about the overall health of the mother, baby and family are made. 

Midwives and doulas are certified individuals who can help develop the birth plan, as well as provide support during birth and education throughout pregnancy. Both services bring unique areas of expertise, and each service provider has their own touch. These services are able to help decrease the needs for extra medical intervention and increase chances of natural births without complications. Many offer reduced rates for women considering adoption. 

Midwives are certified medical professionals who are able to deliver the baby and provide nutrition and health counseling throughout the pregnancy. Midwives can perform fetal monitoring and are able to recognize high risk situations where care is needed from medical doctors. 

Doulas are able to provide physical and emotional support to women throughout pregnancy and the birthing process. Many offer postpartum and bereavement services as well. Physical support may include relaxation techniques, massage therapy, birth positions and lactation consulting.


Midwives

Jennifer Moyer-Certified Professional Midwife

As the owner of Northwest Ohio Birth Services, Jennifer is helping families be more autonomous in their birth experiences. She works with a team of birth doulas who are also able to assist. She provides services in-hospital, at the birthing center or the mother’s home. Military support provided. Virtual and remote options available. Services are based out of Findlay within a 65-mile radius. 


Shelly Varelli, CCT, RCS, LMT, Childbirth Educator, Primary Midwife under Supervision

Holistic Therapy & Birth Services with Shelly Varelli has been supporting women, families, a

nd birthing people in NWO and SEM for almost twenty years. Shelly is committed to restoring birth to its honored, sacred place in our culture. Now offering homebirth midwifery services, with expectations to pass the national exam for the certified professional midwife credential (CPM) in the summer of 2022. 


Doulas

The Doula Xperience

The Doula Xperience has a team of five certified full-spectrum doulas who are able to provide birth, postpartum and bereavement services. Serving you wherever you call home, they are prepared to provide non-judgmental emotional support and physical support during the birthing process with coaching and techniques. They are also there to provide education about maternal health throughout the pregnancy. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about what they offer.


Tiana Taylor, CD

Tiana is a certified perinatal educator and birth and postpartum doula. In addition to being a certified doula, Tiana is also a licensed massage therapist, specializing in Prenatal and Fertility and Womb massage. Tiana places an emphasis on non-judgemental support. Postpartum services focus on assisting the whole family to adjust to life with a newborn. She is also a certified lactation educator, serving women and families in the Toledo area. Follow her on Facebook to read more about her work with expectant mothers.

 


Doulas Christine Scarlett, RN, BSN, PCD (DONA), CPD, CBD, CLC, CEIM

Christina provides doula services for both home and hospital births. She offers postpartum services and is a Certified Birth Doula to walk with families through pregnancy and infant loss. She also offers infant massage and is a certified lactation counselor. She serves the Toledo area with a service range of 50 miles, and she provides remote services as well. Contact her at 419-893-4318 for more information.

 


Kate Hayfield, CD (DONA), CLCC

Having experienced both birth experiences herself, Kate offers doula services at home or in the hospital. She is also able to assist as a certified lactation consultant to help women feel confident and supported through their breastfeeding journey. Kate specializes in  LGBTQIA+ support, offers Mother Blessing Celebrations and abortion support. Services are offered in  Findlay and surrounding areas.  

 


Jeanette Albright, Bradley ® Certified Childbirth Educator and Doula

Jeanette is a certified Bradley Method Instructor, educating couples regarding natural birth processes. Classes last 12 weeks and provide education on healthy eating, exercise, relaxation techniques, communication between partners and best ways to research and make optimal decisions for pregnancy and birth. She also works outside of the classroom as a certified birth doula serving Lasalle, MI and Toledo. Follow her on Facebook for the latest news on her services.


Ellie Risher-Certified Doula

Based out of Monroe, MI with a service area of 50 miles, Ellie has eight years of doula experience. She is available for birth center, home or hospital births. Ellie’s doula services also include aroma therapy, childbirth education and sibling support for older siblings. She is a member of the Michigan Prison Doula Initiative. Remote and virtual services are available. 


Ashley Short-Certified Doula and Photographer

Located in Archbold but serving all of Northwest Ohio, Ashley is a birth doula and also offers services of birth and family photography. These services are offered separately but can be combined. She also provides private childbirth education and customizes birth and photography services for each family. 

 


Nadia Hoppe – IBCLC

Nadia is not only a doula, but also a lactation consultant and a yoga teacher! Offering both birth doula support and postpartum doula support, Nadia offers services catered to individual needs. Along with postpartum services, she offers the traditional lactation consulting. The in-home lactation assessment allows her to individualize each plan to fit any mother’s needs and the baby’s needs. Nadia also does virtual or phone consultations. 

The most unique aspect of Nadia’s services is her focus on yoga. After her experiences with motherhood, she found that yoga brings intention and movement to her life. She offers a variety of classes and workshops. Nadia serves the Toledo and Cleveland areas.