Birthing Ways-Doula Connection

Birthing Way's Doulas provide a range of Doula services and come from varying backgrounds.  For a list of questions to ask a doula, click here

To request more information or to request a Doula please visit our "Request a Doula" page.

dou*la (doo-la)

• n. (1.) A woman who assists another woman    during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth.
• (2.) Modern Greek doula, from Greek dialectal Doula, servant-woman
• (3.) n.pl. a group of cool women in Duluth who want to support your birth, the way you define it.

Introducing Our Doulas...

Caralee Isbell, Co-Founder, Certified Doula (DONA), Birth and Postpartum Doula

 
In 2005 I trained as a birth doula and have attended nearly 100 births since then.  In 2007, Anne Pilli and I began Birthing Ways in response to the large need for supported birth among families in Duluth.  I love birth and the community that I have found myself in.  I would be ecstatic to be invited on your journey through pregnancy, birth, and parenting.  Serving Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.

Anne Pilli, Executive Director, Co-Founder,Certified Doula (DONA) Birth Doula

I have been active in the birth community in the Duluth/Superior/North Shore
area since 1982 initially as a childbirth educator and doula; since 2006 also as a midwifery assistant. I am a member of DONA International, Birthing Ways – Doula Connection and the Northland Birth Network. I am available throughout your pregnancy for planning, support and education. To your birth, I bring experience, trust, and love of birth. My support continues after the birth as determined by each individual family.  Serving Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.

 
Sara Weik, Certified Doula (DONA) Birth and Postpartum Doula

I live on a farm in Wrenshall with my husband, Matt and son Josey. I am a stay-
at-home mom with lots of time for working with families. I enjoy every aspect of being a Doula and I am passionate about helping women get the best childbirth experience! In my spare time I enjoy Gardening, Horseback riding, Cooking, and anything outdoors.  Serving Superior, Duluth, Cloquet, Moose Lake

 Barb Salminen, Certified Doula (DONA)                                      

I have a tremendous passion to help women have unparalled beautiful birth experiences by lovingly supporting them in various ways before and during their pregnancy and labor.  I’m a wife, mother of 5 young adults, and have enjoyed participation in many births.  Serving Duluth and surrounding areas.

Emily Kniskern, Postpartum and Birth Doula

After the amazing birth of my daughter Anja, I wanted to help other women have an equally positive transition into motherhood. I provide support to mothers and families in the weeks following childbirth. I offer evidence-based information on the physical and emotional recovery from birth, newborn care and feeding, and family adjustment.  I am available to assist with infant care, meal preparation, light housework and errands. I would be honored to help you and your family welcome your new baby into your lives.

Angela Schweiberger, Certified Doula (DONA)

Angela has been serving birthing women since 2002.  She is the mother of two delightful children, both born with no pain medication and the help of doulas.  Angela is also a Craniosacral Therapist and the member of multiple birth organizations.  Serving Hibbing.

Rachael Stanze, Birth Doula 

 April Harries, Birth Doula

I have been providing birth and postpartum doula services to families in the
 Twin Ports and surrounding areas since 2007.  I am trained under DONA guidelines and currently working towards my certification.  I am experienced in both home and hospital births.  As I see it, childbirth is a normal and natural process and deserves to be treated as such.  It is my passion to support women and their families through the birthing experience.  I believe every woman is entitled to have a beautiful birth as defined by her own terms.  I enjoy working closely with families to assist in planning and to provide education and support before, during, and after birth.  I would be honored to work with you on your journey into parenthood.  Serving Duluth and surrounding areas.   

 Jesse Dykhuis , Birth Doula

I trained as a Birth Doula through DONA in 2007 after hearing a profile of a doula on NPR.  I have always been passionate about empowered birth and enjoy being a resource and an advocate for women throughout their birthing year. I am a gregarious, compassionate, empowered woman with a college background in womens’ studies. I am enrolled in the Lactation Program at Aviva Institute and hope to become a Certified Lactation Consultant.  I am a “Lactivist” and will offer breastfeeding support immediately after your birth and during my postnatal visits.  I am active in the Twin Ports birth community, if I don’t have the answer – I will know who to ask or in what direction to point you.

Amanda Doberstein, Birth and Post-Partum Doula

Congratulations on your interest in utilizing the support of a doula! I became interested in maternal/newborn care while pursuing my degree in nursing. I believe that pregnancy, birth, as well as the post-partum time should be approached as a beautiful, natural journey that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Furthermore, I feel education and personalized support can lead to an empowering and amazing experience. It would be a great privilege to provide support during your unique journey. 

 Marissa Davis, Birth Doula

Myah Wiltermuth, Birth Doula

My name is Myah Wiltermuth. I am both a Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner and a
Doula. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters, both born with HypnoBirthing®. Our first daughter, Aviana, was born in the hospital and our second, Anika, was born at home, both under the care of a Midwife. I believe in the transforming power of birth and feel honored to walk along side women on their journey to motherhood. As a HypnoBirthing® Practitioner I offer my Doula clients additional knowledge, relaxation techniques, advocacy and guided hypnosis. I am currently living in Duluth, MN where I am so please to have found such a strong birthing community.

After becoming captivated by women's experiences and desires through pregnancy, labor, and birth I felt privileged to be able to be a part of the intimate process by becoming a Doula. I offer my support to pregnant and birthing women and their families through focusing on what's important to them. As a Doula I give nonjudgmental and loving care. Regardless of her choices for birth, every woman deserves a Doula. Aside from doula'ing I live and work in the Loaves and Fishes community in Duluth and help run a community bike shop, the Bike Cave Collective.

A Special Thanks to our Supporters:

Mandy Shaw, Birth Doula 

I am a single mother who gave birth at home in 2005 and 2008.  After leaving an abusive marriage, I went through domestic violence advocacy training.  I enjoy volunteering in the community.  I volunteer for Life House and Harbor House working with homeless youth and teen mothers.  I am also an artist currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art and psychology.

 Jana Studelska, CPM/ LM