Belly Laughs Doula & Birth Services |
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Maggie Jennings, CD(DONA), LCCE, CLC, CHBE

First and foremost, I am the mother of three beautiful children. I am blessed to work from home, so I am able to spend my days with them, and I love watching them grow and change on a daily basis.

It is actually my children who took me along the path of providing doula and birth services. Their very different births (the first being full-term & unmedicated, the second being a 6-week premature cesarean birth, and the third a wonderful unmedicated VBAC) led me to do a lot of research on childbirth, and as a result I often became the "go-to" among my friends for information. When I came across the role of a birth doula in my research, I felt like I had struck gold! Providing support for mothers & their partners is a role that I am passionate about, and I am excited to help others fulfill their desired birth experiences.

Providing additional birth services came naturally. I love teaching, and the role of childbirth educator is one that I was eager to take up. My classes are actually INTERESTING! I offer both Lamaze series and Birthing From Within series - two different approaches to ensure I can reach all new parents. These additional services are the perfect complement to my doula role, and I am so happy to be able to provide them.

Training

I am professionally trained and certified as a birth doula by DONA International. I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and a member of Lamaze International. I am also a Birthing From Within Mentor. Additionally, I am a Certified Happiest Baby Educator (CHBE) for "Happiest Baby on the Block" and a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).

To see a list of my trainings, click here.

My View on Birth

I am an advocate of the Lamaze philosophy of "normal birth" (listed below). However, that being said, I recognize that every mother must reach her own conclusions about how she forsees her birth experience, because each mother has different values, goals, and past experiences. I will do everything in my power to help you achieve the birth that you desire.
Lamaze's View of Birth
  • Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
  • The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
  • Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
  • Women's confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
  • Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
  • Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers, and hospitals.
  • Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health, and to trust their inner wisdom.

Professional & Educational Experience

I received my B.S. in Animal Science from UCDavis, anticipating a career as an Outreach Educator in the zoo environment. Shortly after the birth of my first child, however, I realized that staying at (& working from) home was my path. Being a "people-person," I became involved in a local non-profit organization assisting quadriplegic individuals. I also decided to continue my education by pursuing a certificate in Web Design at Mt. San Jacinto College. At long last, I found my calling in helping other mothers. Today, I am a birth doula, childbirth educator, prenatal & postnatal dance class instructor, and web designer & developer. I am also the Co-Leader of the ICAN Inland Empire chapter.

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