What is a Birth Doula?

Doulas are trained labor support professionals. Research has shown that continuous labor support decreases the need for epidural anesthesia, medical interventions, and cesarean sections. Learn more about doulas at DONA.org. Minnesota Birth Center selects a team of trained doula interns who make their services available to our families at a low cost. If you are interested in doula support, please contact one or more of the doulas below to set up interviews.

For Estimated Due Dates of September 2018 – May 2019

Kara Cole
651-775-7545
karathebirthguide@gmail.com
Bio

Deirdre Mulvey
763-333-4184
deirdremdoula@gmail.com
Bio

Mummie Al-Amin
619-781-7252
mumalamin@icloud.com
Bio

Kourtney Brainerd
612-965-4943
awakeneddoula@gmail.com
Bio

Chelsey DuBois
(612) 568-3018
chelsey@douladunord.com
Bio

Denika Anderson
www.olivetreedoula.com/sunshine-rainbows-and-pots-of-gold
612-865-3778
denikaanderson@gmail.com
Bio

Angela Bornhoft
612-202-8619
angela.bornhoft@gmail.com
Bio

For Estimated Due Dates of March 2018 – November 2018

Leah Lundquist
(952) 446-5053
lundquist.leah@gmail.com
Your birth matters. You will remember it forever and be changed by it. As a birth doula, I continually ask myself, “How will the mother remember this experience?” I wish for every woman to feel informed and affirmed as she digs deep into her strength. I work in close partnership with a birth partner, if present, and the health team to ensure this. To provide the best comprehensive support I can from prenatal through early postpartum, I have trained in Spinning Babies and completed a Lactation Educator Counselor certificate program through UC-San Diego Extension.  Alongside my work as a birth doula, I dedicate my time to sparking day-to-day ideas around kindness and civic engagement for families and raising two laughter-loving, forest-tromping kids of my own.

Kristina Perkins
(612) 702-4494
hellokristinaperkins@gmail.com
www.kristinaperkins.com
Instagram: @hellokristinaperkins
Hello! The process of giving birth, in every way, is sacred. Choosing who you need with you to keep you as grounded as possible can be a big decision. I would be honored to share that time with you! I am a Certified Health Coach for pre + postnatal mamas through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, a DONA Trained Birth Doula through Blooma, and a Herbal Healer. I aim to support and guide women through both a safe and informed pregnancy and a smooth transition into motherhood. I would love to empower women to listen to their intuition and be able to read their body and their baby’s needs—as well as have the tools, resources and herbs to manage the many common symptoms they experience.

Terrece Mesenbring
(760) 408-0060
butterflybirths@gmail.com
www.butterflybirths.com
www.facebook.com/butterflybirths
Birth has been my passion for as long as I could remember. I am a DONA trained birth doula (working on becoming certified) and a Welcome Baby Certified Postpartum Doula, with additional experience supporting women. My experience has mostly revolved around pregnancy, newborns, and infants.  I began in the field of birth work as an intern at Desert Regional Medical Center in California. As part of the internship, I supported women at over 60 vaginal births and 40 cesarean births. It was through that experience that I fell in love with birth, and I knew that that was where I wanted to be. My educational pursuits include earning two bachelor’s degrees at Gustavus Adolphus College in Sociology and Anthropology and Gender, Women, and Sexuality studies. This offered me an insight in different cultures, societies, sexual orientations, and genders. I went on to go to nursing school to become a L&D RN, but after a year I realized I didn’t want to be giving medications and charting. I wanted to provide support and empower women. That is when I became a birth doula! I strive to assist you in relaxing during labor. Doulas are informational, emotional, and physical support. I believe that I shine the most being emotional support. I also have a wealth of knowledge that can be helpful in every decision you may need to make in pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care. I am also continuing my training to become a fertility, antepartum, hypnobirthing, and bereavement doula in the next couple of months. I currently am offering pregnancy, birth, and postpartum services individually or together. I am so excited to be a part of your journey!  

Dejá Jendro
(763) 354-0561
dejajendro@gmail.com
Hello my name is Dejá. My background is in hospitality, I enjoy learning about diverse cultures and backgrounds. I’m a new doula currently working towards certification through DONA International. Joining the birth community has been a very rewarding and humbling experience. It has always been my priority to educate and empower those around me. Being able to help families create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime is what I strive for. It’s truly an honor for me to provide care to mothers and babies during this transitional time.

Natalie Truong
(763) 370-2073
natalieatruong@gmail.com
Hello birthing people! My name is Natalie Truong and I’m a lover all of things birth. No matter how it happens, birth is fascinating! What the body can accomplish through pregnancy and birth is incredible and I would love to support you through the journey. I’m a people person that enjoys connection and believes that everyone deserves to be cared for and heard. As a birth doula, I would hope to be your encourager and supporter while respecting your space through such a cherished time. Outside of being a doula, I’m a wife to man who keeps me light-hearted and a proud mama of two beautiful boys who keep me on my toes. I’m also a foodie that loves trying new foods and learning about different cultures.  

Stephanie Capstick
(515) 864-1897
stephaniecdoula@gmail.com
Hello! I’m Stephanie. I love meeting new people and working to make our lives on this planet better. What better way to do that than to affect how people are brought into this world. In addition to doula work I am passionate about teaching yoga and I also work as an infant teacher. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to support you through your pregnancy, labor and delivery. My goal as a doula is to provide resources, and both emotional and physical support throughout this transformative time. I work to ensure you have the most positive experiences possible by advocating and empowering you throughout your journey. I recognize that each pregnancy, labor and birth are unique just as is each child born and with that comes a great deal of respect. I look to build a trusting and personal bond so that you feel comfortable for your birth and completely supported during this entire process. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Emily Frohmader
(763) 516-2396
emilythedoula9@gmail.com
www.emilyfrohmader.com
I have always been passionate about health and healing. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Cultures of Healing—a major I designed focusing on how social and geographical factors shape systems of health care—I developed a deeper interest in women’s health and felt called to become a birth doula. Since completing my DONA training in April 2016, I have volunteered as a doula with Twin Cities Doula Project and Methodist Hospital. Seeing women feel supported and empowered during pregnancy and labor is a profoundly joyful experience; I am honored to have a role in that as a doula by helping to create a calm and confident environment, and supporting women in their preferences for birth. In my spare time I like to practice yoga, write, make music, and cook.

Our Doula Graduates

Doula Intern Graduates have completed MBC’s Doula Internship program and are available for births. Visit their websites or contact them directly for a description of services and pricing.