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Hi, I’m Marina!

A birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor and childbirth educator serving the Capital Region and Central New York.

CD(DTI), CLC

My call to birth work started during my own journey to motherhood. I spent years before conceiving my first child researching and learning everything I could on conception, pregnancy and birth. After becoming a self proclaimed “birth nerd” I felt well read and prepared for whatever might come my way. And then it happened- I was pregnant, and in for a total surprise.

I found myself constantly asking “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?”, “The book must have left this part out", “Am I supposed to feel this way?” When I spoke with my pregnant friends, they seemed to have the same experience. I realized it wasn’t my lack of knowledge leaving me feeling so unprepared, it was my inability to trust in my body, and trust in the decisions I was making for myself.

The birth of my son left me in awe. I marveled at what my body had created and accomplished. But I also started to wonder why was I so surprised by what my body was capable of doing. When did this misinformation of my own body start? Was it as a little girl? Was it as a teenager navigating my first period with shame and secrecy, or as I listened to society tell me how scary and terrible birth was?

My experience pushed me to answer these questions and change this narrative. Your journey does not start with your pregnancy. It starts with learning and understanding your body. It starts with access to quality, evidence based information and trusting yourself to feel confident in the decisions you make. It starts with having support and validation of your unique experience throughout your life.

As a doula, educator and lactation counselor, my goal is to prepare and support you through your experience. While the birth world is now familiar to me, I recognize that this journey is the biggest moment of your life and should be treated as such. Be it through pregnancy, loss, birth or postpartum- you will have continuous judgement free, compassionate support.

I am committed to staying up to date on the latest research and evidence, and my job as a student “birth nerd” is a never ending one. I have completed trainings from Doula Trainings International as a certified Full-Spectrum Doula, and training from ICEA as a certifying Childbirth Educator. I am also a Certified Lactation Counselor through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. I am also an active member of the Doula Network of the Capital Region. One of my favorite parts of this work is being able to provide my clients with evidence based, credible information so that they can make their own decisions and be confident in their choices. To be able to provide you with information, resources, support and validation is a great honor. I realize the intimacy and sacredness of this work and am so grateful for the ability to provide support during this time in your life.

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