Hannah Bernard-Donals
Birth and Postpartum Doula
How did you become a doula? Even before
I had children of my own, I had been interested in birth and babies. Working for over 10 years in the world of quality childcare,
I heard many birth stories and helped many women with their quesitons and concerns about their pregnancies and infant care.
After attending the birth of a friend's baby in the fall of 2005, I was renewed with a passion for the world of birth
and infancy. I love being a doula and supporting families at this significant period in their lives.
What is your
birth philosophy? Throughout most of the world's history, and still in many parts of the world, women accompany each
other throughtout childbirth. I believe that having a baby isn't something anyone should do alone, and that you can't have
to many competent, supportive people with a laboring mother. To that end I offer compassionate and experienced support, and
a calm, comforting presence to the birthing and postpartum environment.
What strengths do you bring to doula work?
My greatest strength is a positive attitude. I have confidence in each woman to manage her labor and to parent her child(ren).
I will support you through my presence, my words and my actions during both the unfamiliar and possibly troubling moments
and the jubilant, joyous times before, during and after your baby joins your family. As an experianced mother and educator
I value structure as well as flexiblility. I will help you plan,practice and prepare for childbirth and parenthood. I will
offer resources to enhance your feelings of confidence in your choices. And then I will help you manage the changes and challenges
that you will face as a natural part of the process of birth and parenthood.
What sort of training and professional
affiliations do you have? I have completed the DONA (Doulas of North America)birth training and am in the final stages
of certification. I am also working on DONA certification as a postpartum doula. I am a member of Doulas of South Central
Wisconsin and Small Miracles, Madison's volunteer doula program.
A little more about Hannah... I grew
up in Ann Arbor,Michigan. My mother was a La Leche League leader and home economist. I like to think that I follow in her
footsteps, breastfeeding my babies, avoiding processed foods and using the skills she modeled for me to manage my busy household.
After high school I spent five yars in the Boston area working first as a nanny and later as a teacher in an infant toddler
childcare center. I returned to Michigan where I attended Eastern Michigan University earning a degree in early childhood
education. From there I followed my husband, in his work as a professor, around the country, working in childcare and as an
Education Director. I've had experiance both being home full time with two busy toddlers and working outside the home when
my children were babies. Each of my three children was born in a different state: My daughters in New York and Mississippi,
and my son in Missouri. Midwives atended all three births; I had my son at home. We settled in Wisconsin eight years ago and
we call Madison home. I am thrilled to be attending births and working with Moms and families here! When I have some free
time I love to read, knit and walk my dog. My secret pleasure is watching 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Veronica Mars' with my teen-age
daughters.
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How I become a doula:
After a 30 year career in education I began to explore what gave me the most joy in my life. Children give me hope for the
future. If I can help support a mother in providing her child the best possible beginning in life—at their birth and
as a newborn—that is a calling I can’t resist.
My birth philosophy: Every
mother deserves complete respect, support and encouragement during birth. Every child deserves the very best beginning to
life. A positive birth experience benefits the mother and the baby. Each birth is unique and special. My hope is that I can
provide the support, comfort, and advocacy so that the birth is joyful and empowers the mother in the life-long relationship
with her child.
Strengths I bring to doula work:
As a life-long educator I provide a facilitation role during labor and delivery. Based on the mother’s needs and desires,
I can assist in achieving these goals for a fulfilling and joyful birth. As a high school teacher, college professor, and
early childhood education administrator I have developed the ability to relate to a wide-range of people in a compassionate
way utilizing my communication and interaction skills.
Training and professional affiliations:
I have completed beginning and advanced DONA trainings and am in the certification process. I am a member of Small
Miracles, Madison's volunteer doula program and Doulas of South Central Wisconsin. I have a Masters degree in educational
administration and a Bachelors degree in communication from the University of Wisconsin @ Madison.
A little more about me ... I was
born, raised, and educated in Madison and am thrilled to be back after moving around the country for my husband’s career
for 25 years. I have two children; a son who is attends the University of Colorado @ Boulder and a daughter who attends the
University of Wisconsin @ Madison. My passion is children. Whenever I have the chance I spend time with my ‘great’
nieces and nephews and volunteer at area pre-schools.
Contact Patsy
608-345-0588
Maggie Shapiro Haskett
Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator
Maggie is currently focusing her energy on teaching childbirth classes. She is not taking birth or postpartum
clients of her own right now, but does provide back-up coverage for Patsy and Hannah. An updated profile is coming soon!
Contact Maggie
608-658-8606
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