Postpartum Care
Hello, I’m Colleen. I am a certified Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Educator serving the Seattle Eastside area including Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Duvall and Carnation. I became passionate about supporting families in their postpartum period after giving birth to my son. I realized there is a gap in the care and attention the birth parent and partner receive through the US healthcare system during one of the most special yet critical times in a family’s life. My philosophy is that you are the best care provider for your baby and have the ability to give them the love they need to thrive but we all could use a helping hand, non-judgmental support, and guidance when there is so much to process. I am here to give you the tools that you need to enjoy the sacred bonding experience you deserve to have with your newborn and family. You are not alone.
Please see my in person or virtual service pages for more details.
A Positive Postpartum Experience
“We hired Colleen as our postpartum doula to care for our 2-month-old son. As first-time parents, we felt exhausted during the postpartum period and had difficulty finding a balance between work, household chores and child care. Colleen was very supportive, knowledgeable and trustworthy. She did an excellent job caring for my son so I could rest and had some me time. I knew my son was always in good hands when I was away! Colleen also shared lots of helpful information and resources with us on daycare, child activities, and developmental milestones, etc. I really appreciate all her help and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is looking for a doula!”
- R.W.
“Colleen was so helpful with all aspects of taking care of me and my family. When meal planning, she gave me ideas on what would be easy to make or prepare ahead of time. She also gave me resources for my toddler. Anything I would ask, she either had a response or a resource for me. Even before giving birth, she met with me and provided information and contacts for lactation support. Since my first experience was very hard, this gave me some relief for baby number two. Colleen also took initiative to anticipate my needs and help with anything she could without being asked. She would help tidy up around the kitchen or distract my toddler while I was feeding. I definitely would, and have, recommended her to neighbors and friends!”
- R.V.
“Colleen was very supportive and professional. She was responsive to my needs and the needs of my baby and partner as well. Colleen assisted with feedings and was able to provide education and resources. She provided referrals for back-up doulas over the holidays as well as nanny resources for transitioning into long-term support. This was above and beyond and very helpful! She was a rock for us in a time of complete newness.
- S.H.
“As a new very young mom, I didn't know what to expect as I started my journey of motherhood. Due to quarantine and COVID regulations my mom could not be there for my birth and aftercare. This broke my heart because I was scared entering this journey. The first week postpartum I felt abandoned even though my partner was there helping me every step up of the way. I needed that support from someone who could really relate with me. I had all these new feelings of emotions and aches and pains that were all new to me. I was just trying to find ways to cope. I began to search for assistance. I connected with NAPS doulas from a pamphlet given to me by the lactation specialist. Long story short, a knock came upon my door. Oh the joy that rose in my heart. Knowing that there was someone with experience able to help who knew the journey of motherhood in and out. I just needed some rest after a couple weeks of exhaustion. I needed an extra hand so that I could take care of myself. Ex: eat, relax, heal. My husband had went back to work. This is exactly what Colleen provided me. As well as a great amount of resources and tips as a new Mom. I learned new breastfeeding techniques, feeding suggestions, soothing baby tips, connect with other parents etc.”
- T.M.
Education and Qualifications
Certified Postpartum Doula with NAPS (Northwest Association for Perinatal Support), Completed DONA International Postpartum Doula training at the Simkin Center for Allied Birth Vocations at Bastyr University, Seattle
Certified Lactation Educator, Completed training with Evergreen Perinatal Education
B.A. in Psychology, Occidental College, Los Angeles
Additional Continued Education: Infant Sleep: What do Doulas Need to Know? with Dr. Helen Ball, presented by DONA. Best Practices in Prevention, Identification and Treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders with Perinatal Support Washington. Understanding and Supporting Black Maternal Mental Wellness with Perinatal Support Washington. Lactation for Doulas with The Village Circle. Perinatal Cannabis Use with Perinatal Support Washington. Supporting an Anti-oppressive Practice with Perinatal Support Washington. When Baby Won’t Latch with La Leche League. A Holistic View of Postpartum Care with Dr. Kat Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C. Bias in Breastfeeding: Black Women's Lived Experience of Lactation Support, with Kimberly Seals Allers, Founder at Irth. Baby Soothing Techniques with NAPS Doulas. Baby Wearing Basics with Adapting to Love. Thrush: The Battle of the Sugar Beast with Open Arms Lactation.
Up to Date Infant and Child CPR Certification with the American Heart Association
Up to date Food Handler Permit with Washington State
Associations
Active member of NAPS
Active member of PSI (Postpartum Support International)
