About
The Doula Partnership is a no-cost program that aims to promote and provide birth doula services for Cortland community members who identify as low-income, may have challenges accessing prenatal, birth, and postnatal support, and/or have experienced previous adverse maternal health outcomes. The Doula Partnership is a collaborative effort of Cayuga Community Health Network, Seven Valleys Health Coalition (Cortland County), Herkimer County Health Department and the Madison County Rural Health Council.
Connect with a doula
Are you a pregnant individual, family member, support person, or medical practitioner of a pregnant individual? Please fill out the form below to start the referral process.
Common Doula Questions:
Just what is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a non-medical trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing individual before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. (Curious about the history of doulas and their long-standing place in the welcoming of humanity? Check out this article here.)
What exactly does a birth doula do?
A doula provides encouragement, comfort, support, and advocacy help as needed or desired by the birthing individual. This may look like providing assistance with navigating pregnancy questions and challenges, connecting with local resources, clarifying birth goals, learning comfort techniques and labor positions, preparing for the postpartum time, and more!
Does a birth doula replace a partner’s support?
A common worry when it comes to having a doula at your birth is that the doula will take over all the duties that a partner wants to do and be a part of. Can we just say that we love and support how and when partners want to be involved. As a doula, one of our top goals is to empower you both to have the pregnancy, labor, and birth you desire as a family. This could look like the doula taking on tasks that the partner is too busy to do because they are offering support to their laboring partner or taking on activities the partner doesn't desire or feel comfortable doing.
Is a doula the same as a midwife?
Midwives provide medical care during pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. This means they can assist you during all stages of your pregnancy and postpartum time with complete health care. Midwives commonly work in a variety of settings including hospitals, birth centers, and in the homes of those their clients. Doulas can also work in a variety of settings, alongside of both midwives and OBGYNs, and can provide you and your family with non-medical support — emotional, informational, and physical care — during pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum period.
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Why Access to Doulas Matter
Evidence* shows that birth outcomes -- for both the birthing person and the baby -- are improved with the presence of a doula. Having support from a Doula has been reported to:
Shorten labor by 41 minutes on average
Increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
Decrease in the risk of Cesarean birth
Decrease the use of any medications for pain relief
Decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score
Decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience (in a hospital setting)
Our Partnership’s focus on access for low-income and/or rural-area individuals means that we are providing support where it is needed most — to those who often experience greater rates of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Although not medical in and of themselves, Doulas often provide what is referred to as the “triple aim” of healthcare: improved patient experience, better population health, and cost savings. With the backing of research, historical legacy, and community health experience, we believe that to change the trends of maternal health towards a positive trajectory, both locally and nationally, birth Doulas should be accessible to all.
*2017 Report from the Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization
Meet Our Doulas
Sierra Tompkins
I’m a wife to a farmer and mother to our two precious kiddos. We live in upstate NY where we love to be outside all summer and snuggled up in the winter. In my free time I like to garden and sew. Modern homesteading is definitely our thing and we love every bit of the time we get to spend together. After being witness to many family and friends births I knew my heart was meant to be in the birth space. The birth of my own children solidified that even more.
I believe every birth space should be filled with love and safety. It is my passion to help families receive evidence based care from conception through early parenthood. Walking along side you, helping you build your village, it is my goal for you to have a pregnancy, birth or postpartum experience that you feel whole from despite the challenges that may arise. I will equip you with the tools and education to be able to feel confident as you enter this new stage of life.
Whether you want an unmedicated birth, planned induction, facing an emergency cesarean, or struggling with the fourth trimester, I will provide you with the love, support and self advocacy that you need. Together we will navigate birth preferences, address trauma and fears, and provide you with education so you can feel empowered to make the choices you need. I am so honored to be considered part of your village.
Julie Allen
Hi, my name is Julie Allen and I am a mother of two awesome children, with the hopes of having a few more. I am a DONA trained doula, working toward my full certification. I am completely obsessed with all things birth, baby, and after. My role as a doula is to provide support and education so that you can make decisions about YOUR birth. I am passionate about preparing the body for birth and would love the opportunity to guide you through that process. I want you to feel empowered, strong, and beautiful during your birthing experience.
Calina Mayo
I believe that birth is a transformative experience. It can be so empowering, and we can find stores of strength we weren’t aware that we had. I am very interested in pregnancy and birth, and the body’s and mind’s amazing abilities. I find it to be very meaningful work, and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be invited into a sacred and intimate space with those giving birth and the families that are welcoming a new life into their world. I know firsthand what a difference it can make to have people you feel safe with and who you trust, be present at your birth, and love helping to create that environment for others.
Kate Downes
As a mom of two children, I have had two very different birth experiences - one abroad in Ireland, and one planned home birth. I also struggled with post-partum depression and know from my experiences how important it is to have support at every stage of pregnancy. I'm excited to be not only a resource for pregnant individuals in Cortland County, but also to be a support and an advocate during labor and afterward. My aim as a doula is to be a calm and safe presence to your growing family.
Victoria Benson
Originally from NYC, I have been a transplant in the area for over 25 years. I was a public school science teacher for nearly a decade but now homeschool our 8 kids on our homestead. I have assisted my husband, a large animal veterinarian, with obstetric care and births in his practice and on his family’s dairy farm for over two decades. As a Latina, I am a native Spanish speaker and happy to provide culturally competent doula services that draw from both my hospital midwife and home births experiences. I am honored to support families physically and emotionally but especially spiritually as in birth we witness the awe inducing strength women possess.
Amy White
Hi, my name is Amy White. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother of 3 and grandmother of one. I am a nurse by profession and a doula by desire. I am excited to get to know you and become a part of your birth team and I am ready to meet you wherever you are on this journey. Whether this is your first child or your last child, whether you have a partner or are independent, whether you choose to be home or at a hospital, having a baby is a very personal experience. I can’t wait to hear your story and accompany you on this journey.
We as women are interconnected and have been through the centuries — from the generations that have come before us to the generations that will follow. We are all part of the same fabric, the same tribe, the same sacred wisdom. I believe there is forgotten wisdom that our bodies and minds possess without our knowing, the wisdom of our grandmothers’ grandmothers. I believe there is a need for all of us to listen to our inner wisdom and feel supported and honored as we go through the birthing process. My goal is to ensure that you feel empowered, confident, relaxed, and supported and that you and your baby are off to a happy and healthy start as you begin to or continue to take your place in the tribe.
Kirstyn Siegard
My name is Kirstyn. I am a loving mama to a sweet little boy who helped me fall in love with the transition to mamahood. While some individuals find this transition seamless, there are plenty who face some level of difficulty. I strongly believe every woman deserves to be at ease knowing they have unconditional acceptance and support during their birthing journey and am eager to provide an empowering, safe space during this journey. Additionally, being a licensed massage therapist and having prior experience in the wellness industry, I am able to bring an abundance of information and lived experience into my doula work!
Nicole Adsit
My name is Nicole Adsit. I became a doula to help support all individuals and families seeking doula care for any reason. I have my own experiences with fertility struggles, loss, and fortunately two healthy pregnancies -- all experiences where extra support, empowerment and education were needed. By working with me, you will receive my unique set of skills, my care and attention, and my whole hearted desire to make this experience everything you desire.
Dee Smith
My experience in birth, and my life, has given me the unique perspective of integrated practice. Threading together modern medicine with traditional and folk medicine. We can build your birth plan, care plan, nutrition goals, or grief management plan. We are in this together!
As a doula working to become DONA certified, I am able to offer you, or you and your family support, guidance, and compassionate care. Here, is where I hope to discover first what it is you are most in need of, and then which steps we can take together to help plant your feet into safety and security. Whether you are giving birth, or working through a tough decision surrounding birth, I’m here to support you as you move through this threshold.
Please note, at this time Dee is only offering virtual nutrition guidance, delivered meal plans, and postpartum support only.
John DiDomenico
As a trained birth doula, it is a privilege to play a role in the emotional support of a family or individual, during one of the most significant and beautiful moments life has to offer. Training and education, combined with experience and personal attributes, have equipped me well to bring a measure of comfort, calmness, and strength to challenging situations. Primarily, I see myself working in tandem with a secondary doula to serve the needs of a birthing family or individual. Often times the best way I can do that is by supporting the caregiver so they can better support the person giving birth. I'd love to have the opportunity to serve you on this incredible journey. Blessings on the adventure ahead!
Please note, John focuses primarily on supporting the birthing partner (husband/partner). You can specify if you and/or your support partner would like to work with John in this capacity as an addition to a primary doula which focuses on the birthing individual.
Gabrielle (Gabe) DiDomenico
My love for maternal health and wellness began when I had the experience of supporting my sister through the labor of my first niece almost twelve years ago. After four more birth-side experiences with my sister and several stints in Malawi (Africa) working in villages and starting a women's empowerment project, my desire to work in women's health / the birth world, both locally and globally, bloomed. I currently hold a background in Medical Anthropology and am certified as a Lactation Counselor and Functional Medicine Health Coach. I believe it is this knowledge-base of culture, medicine, and holistic wellness that can provide a unique and compassionate approach to your maternal journey. My goal as a birth doula is to help you feel assured of your body's infinite wisdom, to provide support as you embrace and successfully navigate the joys and challenges of your pregnancy, and to make sure you and your family are empowered with knowledge to make confident, journey-affirming decisions for you and your wee one.
Additionally, I am one of the program coordinators for this program (The Doula Partnership) here at Seven Valleys Health Coalition and greatly enjoy the opportunity to “doula” all the amazing doulas you see on this page.
Please note, Gabe is only doing virtual doula care at this time.
Keanna Reiter
My interest in birthwork began when I was quite small. The youngest of seven children, I was raised in a transparent environment that presented birth in a positive and empowering light. My early curiosity was fueled by watching my own birth on vhs, interacting with family members working in labor and delivery, and watching my older siblings transition into parenthood as they birthed my twelve nieces and nephews. After moving to Ithaca to pursue writing and agriculture, I began interacting with birthworkers in the community and was introduced to the role of the doula. I felt drawn to shift my focus from agriculture to birthwork after supporting my sister during the birth of my youngest niece and began working primarily with a homebirth midwifery practice in Ithaca NY, learning to support and care for birthing people and new families through apprenticeship. I believe that disrupting and dismantling oppressive systems in healthcare requires a focus on the individual — promising attention, a willingness to listen, patience, and incredible amounts of tenderness. It is my hope as a doula to provide this level of non-judgmental care, with respect to your needs, history, and identity. As a white cis woman, I am committed to learning how to be a better ally to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folks navigating an inherently racist and transphobic medical system. How we birth matters, and it is my goal to help birthing people and families feel listened to, cared for, and empowered.
Please note, Keanna is on sabbatical at this time.
Holly Smith
I am a DONA trained doula that is very passionate about the birthing world. Ive worked for WIC for three years and I love hearing about birth experiences and offering support. I’ve done unofficial Doula work in Nicaragua where I was the support person for women. We didn’t speak the same language but we were able to form a relationship of trust and understanding and I was able to help them through their births. Being a doula is so important to me. It means that I get to help people develop their birth plans, help them (and their partner, if one is involved) cope during labor and delivery. I want my clients to feel safe, taken care of, and heard. Ultimately I want them to have the best birthing experience possible and I’m passionate about providing that.
I’ve also been a certified lactation counselor for two years and have hands on experience with helping people breastfeed, pump, and relactate.
I have one beautiful 6 year old daughter and I spend a lot of time outside of being a doula with her and my husband of 8 years. We love to hike and spend as much time outside as possible. I’m looking forward to getting to know you!
Ellen Woods
Hi there! My name is Ellen Mary and I am a trained doula serving families in the Central New York and Fingerlakes area. I am passionate about supporting families through the journey of conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a doula, I believe that every birthing person deserves to feel empowered, heard, and respected throughout their pregnancy and birth. My goal is to provide evidence-based resources, emotional support, and physical comfort measures to help families achieve this. I received my doula training through The Doula Partnership and I am also a Board Certified Patient Advocate. Additionally, I have training in Infant care, breastfeeding support, advocacy, trauma-informed support, and infant CPR/first aid. As a doula I support families non-judgmentally through many circumstances, such as cesarean births, inductions, high-risk pregnancies, and even perinatal loss.
When I'm not attending births or supporting families, you can find me spending time with family, serving my community as an Volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician, or exploring our beautiful Central New York region.
I am honored to be considered for part of your journey and look forward to supporting you and your growing family!
Connect With Us
Please connect with Kate Downes for additional assistance with The Doula Partnership and local maternal health supports.
Phone: (607) 756-4198
Email: kate@sevenvalleyshealth.org
The Doula Partnership is funded and supported by:
