Beth Nichols CMT, CIMI
A 1991 graduate of the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy, I have been the Director of Birth Doulas of Pittsburgh since 2003 (previously known as Birth Partners Inc). I specialize in Relaxation Therapy, Childbearing Massage (Pregnancy Massage), Infant Massage Instruction, Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy, and Reiki.
Earlier in my career as I worked with infants and pregnant women, I saw the difference that massage made for mothers and their babies. The natural progression for me was to begin to work with women giving birth, so they can have a more positive birth experience and help to nurture their infants. So in 1996, I decided to become a birth doula. Since then, I have found this work to be very rewarding both personally and professionally. It has changed my life in a profound way.
We have a son, Justin Robert. He has completely changed our life, everyday is a new experience. I was blessed to have a doula present at my birth, which was truly a fulfilling and joyous experience. It is a privilege and honor to be able to give that same experience back to others.
I am dedicated to the field of Massage Therapy and being a Birth Doula. I am a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, Doulas of North America, and International Association of Infant Massage. I continue to take various classes to enhance my knowledge, education and profession.
Heather Domenico
I am a DONA-Certified Labor Doula, Certified Hypnobirthing Instructor, breastfeeding activist and midwife attended -homebirth supporter. I have been caring for children and serving women for the past 18 years and loving every moment. I feel so lucky to have found something I truly love to do. There is something to be learned from every birth, every baby and every mother. I have come full circle by having three children of my own – the joy of my life!
My goal is to “plant seeds of confidence” in women during their pregnancy and the immediate period after and watch them blossom into caring, attentive and strong mothers. This sacred part of the journey of womanhood needs to be protected and respected. My hope is that every woman will be empowered by this experience. I am also the director of the Pittsburgh Doula Network (Postpartum Doulas) since it’s creation in 2000.The dedication of the doulas in this group and their desire to continue to do the work they love has kept PDN thriving. This is very fulfilling career and both doula and mother benefit! I am currently not taking clients, but I still support birthing mothers and keeping in contact with our wonderful group of doulas.
Shannon Williams
I became a doula following the birth of my youngest daughter in 2001. The goal that I had set for myself was: if birth support really does improve the experience, then I’ll attend a doula training. I won’t go into the ‘if not,’ because it did and it does. My passion for this subject has led me into many a birthroom and beyond. I have taught childbirth education classes for various groups and will be certified to teach Birthworks education classes by the close of 2007. I love birth work and feel lucky to share this gift with other families.
My own family consists of my husband Nick and our two daughters, a family of three with whom we live, many dear relatives and a close circle of friends. I really do believe in the value of support! I’m always up to something, and you may have seen any combination of us at the Carnegie Library, volunteering at Phipps, knitting at a coffee shop, or playing at Riverview Park. Our potlucks are fabulous. I am currently off for the summer taking but I still support birthing mothers and have an active role with our wonderful group of doulas.
Courtney Williams
I stumbled across the wonderful world of doula-ing as a student of medical anthropology, with a special focus on maternal and child health. After learning about the importance of strong support and advocacy during the birth and labor processes, I became passionate about doing my part to support mothers during this transitional time from pregnancy through delivery into post-partum. My wonderful experiences as a birth doula, and the wonderful experience of having a doula at the birth of my daughter, have only added to this passion ”it is truly an honor to serve women and families in this way.
I live on the city’s Northside with my husband and daughter. As a family we are passionate about greening-up our neighborhood and growing healthy food in the city helping to make good food accessible to all. We work together at a local non-profit, creating gardens on vacant land with youth from our community. When I’m not at a birth or working in our gardens, you might find me taking a hike through the park, reading a good book, or working on one of my many half- finished knitting projects. I am enjoying life with my little one at the moment, but I still support birthing mothers and keeping in contact with our fabulous group of doulas.
Batsheva Williamson
My motto regarding birth Every woman should be supported and pampered during this most special time. I am so thrilled that today’s woman is becoming reacquainted with the timeless practice of having a Doula. This tradition allows a laboring woman to have a private advocate who is dedicated solely to her needs.
I have been assisting mothers through this miracle of birth for over 20 years. I have trained with the renowned Birth Specialist Kathy McGrath. I am certified by DONA and I am also CPR certified. I am experienced with VBAC, and have experience helping woman who like to start their birth’s at home.
I have a very supportive family consisting of my husband, 5 children, 5 grandchildren (I was at all their births) and various pets.
I LOVE what I do and look forward to helping you on this journey!
Nicole Eckman
When my first child was born, I thought I was prepared. I had read all the information I could get my hands on and I had asked my care providers tons of questions. The birth was less than optimal. When I became pregnant with my second child, someone mentioned to me that hiring a doula would be beneficial. I looked into it and decided to hire a doula. The birth of my second child was such a different experience. My doula helped me to make more informed choices, and supported me every step of the way. She was familiar with the way doctors usually handled birth and was such a wonderful resource!
Kelly Jackson
When the opportunity to become trained as a doula came about, I jumped at it! I have been helping women and their partners/families ever since. I love every minute of it. It is truly a pleasure to provide such a needed service and to help women to have their best possible birth.
When you have the opportunity to care for a woman in one of life’s most significant moments it is not only a privilege but an honor. I delight in the opportunity to be invited into the circumstances of a woman’s life to encourage her and to bring hope, comfort, and peace. I have had the privilege to do this through counseling, teaching, and mentoring but to have this chance during the pregnancy, labor and delivery of a child is truly rewarding.
My husband and I live in the NorthSide of Pittsburgh. And what I love about supporting a family during birth is the opportunity to make the road to the blessing a blessing as well.
Bethany Brown
I became a birth doula because the birth of my first son left me with feelings of confusion and frustration. I felt as though his birth was happening to me, but I didn’t know I had any other options. I now know that the presence of a doula would have been such a beneficial addition to my birth because I would have had someone there to hold my hand, answer my questions and encourage me to make my own decisions.
Becoming a doula was a very important step in my life. A doula is such a valuable addition to a woman’s labor team because every woman deserves to have a positive birth experience! Every mother needs and deserves to be loved and nurtured throughout her pregnancy and labor so she feels empowered and has a sense of ownership of the events that lead up to the birth of her child.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am working on my Master’s degree in Counseling. Before I became a doula I was a therapist in the North Shore area of Boston working with teenage girls. Now, I stay at home with my two sons and our dog.
Amanda Sheffler
After graduating from Westminster College with a BS in neuroscience, I wondered what to do next. Luckily, I didn’t have to wonder very long. A year later my daughter was born! My husband and I were thrilled. We had an amazing homebirth surrounded by people who loved us. I was absolutely overjoyed with the thorough and insightful care we received from our midwife and her apprentice. From that moment on I knew my path. In 2001 I began learning everything I could from our midwife and attending midwifery classes and births.
Since then we have had 2 more children (both boys born at home). I have learned a great deal from being a mother of 3 and am very interested in nutrition and chiropractic care during the childbearing years. I also work with children who have autism and am passionate about finding preventive measures for such childhood disorders.
Being a doula is an honor. I love helping women experience the birth they want. I love seeing their partners involved. And mostly, I love helping women realize that regardless of “what happens” during their birth, this new baby and this new life is “what matters”.
I plan on attending births as a doula for many years to come and look forward to completing my midwifery training.
My husband and I live with our 3 children, 1 dog, too many fish to count (guppies by the way are very interesting to watch give birth!) and our organic garden in the Airport Area.
Danielle Schmidt
I have been lucky to be working with women and babies for the past 8 years. I have been able to be a part of pregnancy in each stage and a part of many births. I have had the privilege to be involved in the lives of many newborn babies and their families. My job involves providing education and support to teen mothers. After seeing young women go through labor I knew I wanted to find a way to support women in labor and wanted to find a better way to do so. This is what lead me to become a Doula. After going to the Doula training I felt extremely inspired and knew that this was the newest path in my life. Following the training I had the privilege to become a part of Birth Doulas fo Pittsburgh. This truly make me feel like on of the luckiest women, to be able to do something that I am so passionate about and that makes me feel so blessed!!
My husband, Rob and I live north of Pittsburgh. We live very close to my mother and father and they are a wonderful source of support for my family. I wouldn’t be able to pursue being a doula without them. My husband and I have three wonderful children, and a basset hound, named Stella. Our daughter, Victoria is 12. We also have two sons, Connor, 6, and Dane 3. Our children each have their own personalities and constantly keep us laughing. I had wonderful deliveries with my children, however they were very focused on the hospital. Knowing what I now , I feel I would have benefited from having a doula and feel a doula would have enhanced my experience.
As a Doula, I make every effort to get to know the families I “work” with. I feel that it is very important to know the family and to know their desires and needs that they have for their delivery and their family. I am truly honored to work with each family, I feel it is such a huge honor to be a part of such an amazing and special time in their life!!
