I love helping others and am truly passionate about contributing to the greater good with small acts of kindness every day. My heart is in this work. When I was a senior in high school, I learned how much I loved working with kids and their families. Everything came naturally to me and felt “right,” and I knew it was a privilege and ultimate compliment that these families allowed and trusted me to come into their homes and care for their greatest treasures. When I received consistent praise for my abilities, I committed to nannying for a livelihood. Seventeen years later, I am pursuing something that has been on my mind for years. Through my own therapeutic work and reproductive journey, I knew I had much more to offer than just childcare.
I have always been fascinated by the human body and its capabilities during conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Newborn and child development have always been at the forefront of my mind and something I love witnessing as a nanny and aunt. I have been a lifelong learner in these topics. I also love encouraging birthing folx to be empowered and confident in their choices and experiences instead of feeling embarrassment, shame, inferiority, or fear.
So, here I am: mindful, present, full of enthusiasm, and hope for the futures of new families and children everywhere. Here’s to lifelong learning and growing together to create a kinder, more compassionate, and inclusive world.
Education
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies: Social Sciences and Education (2022)
Associate's Degree: Business Administration (2024)
Certification and training
Postpartum Doula Workshop, DONA Approved (2024)
Birth Doula Workshop, DONA Approved (2024)
Newborn Care (2024)
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Pelvic Floor (2024)
Lactation Basics for Doulas (2024)
Breastfeeding Basics (2024)
Infant Safety & CPR (2024)
First Aid & CPR (2024)
Specialties
Birth and Lactation Birth DoulaBirth SupportBreastfeeding Assistance and SupportBreastfeeding SupportCar Seats InstallmentChildbirth EducationExclusive Pumping/Bottle FeedingHome BirthHospital BirthInfant CareLabor DoulaLatch IssuesMindfulnessMultiplesNatural BirthNatural ChildbirthNewborn CareParenting SupportPerinatal Anxiety and DepressionPerinatal Mood DisordersPostpartum AdjustmentPostpartum CarePostpartum Doula CarePrenatal YogaRelaxation TechniquesReturning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc)Self-CompassionSibling PreparationSupport during Labor, Birth, and PostpartumToddlers
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Languages
English
Service introduction
Elise is dedicated to providing personalized, holistic, and comprehensive postpartum doula services for newborns up to twelve weeks. During such a transformative phase, Elise offers unwavering support, emotional guidance, and practical assistance to new families beginning their journey. She supplies valuable information and support on infant care, feeding, bonding, sleep, recovery after birth, and more, and accompanies postpartum clinical appointments and baby outings. With eighteen years of expertise as a career nanny, Elise aims to extend her reach to assist more families from all walks of life with empathy and compassion. Elise is especially interested in postpartum mental health and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about patient advocacy and committed to an inclusive environment for all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, and body types. Elise is currently pursuing certification through DONA International. Her birth and postpartum doula workshops were taught by The Flow of Life Yoga in Asheville, NC and Nurturing Doula Dreams in Milwaukee, WI.
In her free time, Elise enjoys hiking, travel, volunteering, theatre, spoiling her goldendoodle, and spending time with her family. She is also a self-pronounced Disney nerd and religiously listens to showtunes and NPR.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the scope of your services?
Postpartum doulas assist with a vast array of services to lessen stress levels and bring calm to the chaos:
Lactation support
Bottle feeding support
Bonding support
Developmental support pertaining to your baby’s needs
Safe sleep
Baby holding and wearing
How to bathe a baby
Hold the baby while a client is showering, sleeping, or incorporating gentle movement appropriate to where they are in their recovery
Just “hanging out” when a client craves presence without expectation and a desire to slow down
Entertain older children when more baby 1:1 is needed
Care for the baby when older children need more 1:1 support Support taking baby on outings or to clinical appointments
Serving as a gatekeeper and ensuring boundaries around visitors are enforced and maintained
Meal train facilitation and maintenance
Processing your birth story
Helping with post-birth comfort and recovery measures
Laundry
Dishes
Bottle preparation
Preparing light meals and snacks Keeping track of hydration
Is there anything a postpartum doula doesn't do?
Anything clinical. Simply put, postpartum doulas are not clinical treatment providers and do not hold degrees in nursing or medicine. We do not diagnose and treat, nor do we offer medical advice, and we do not examine any stitches, wounds, bruising, etc. We do not manage or administer medication or tend to other chronic health conditions.
Housekeeping services. Postpartum doulas are happy to tidy up and organize spaces as well as do dishes and laundry as needed, but we do not deep clean, vacuum, mop, dust, clean windows, etc.
Babysit. We are here to support the family in physical, emotional, and developmental ways. Babysitting takes away from offering our expertise and defeats the purpose of having a postpartum doula.
Pet care. We love furry friends and appreciate how they are regarded as children, but our assistance is primarily for family and baby. Please ask if you need a referral to a pet sitter or dog walker.
Do postpartum doulas provide overnight care?
Personally, I do not provide overnight care. If this is something you need, I am happy to provide referrals.
In case of illness or an emergency, do you have any backup doulas?
Yes! I am constantly networking to find the best doula care possible and build rapports with those who I feel most comfortable referring to my clients. I will never recommend anyone who I would not utilize myself or who does not provide the same standard of excellent care.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept personal checks, Zelle, Venmo, and Paypal. A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, with the remaining 50% due at the beginning of your birth month.
Do you have a sliding scale?
Mindfully Present Doula aims to provide doula services for ALL. Please inquire about reduced rates if you are experiencing financial hardship. Significantly discounted fees for those willing to submit documentation for DONA International’s certification application. Please see my website for full pricing packages.
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