Erica Matteson, Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA)

Doula work to me has been a way to build community with the new families that I work with. Families spread globally and disconnect from past generations and their knowledge. There is also new information in child-rearing that having professional support plugs you into. 

I started our doula team in 2000 with the understanding that this kind of work can be isolating. Doulas need community as we build it with our clients. It has been a joy to work with all of our families over the years and to see them grow their connections as their children grow. It is also a blessing to work with a team that supports each other as much as they do with each client. 

My own doula experience was with the birth of my third child with the support of a doula. She was there with a quiet presence that supported the whole birth team. After that experience, I started my studies and started supporting families during childbirth. 

The desire to move into postpartum care came a few years later when I met Deana Andersen-Tennant and saw how she impacted the families of multiples she was working with. My heart fell in love with the work when I supported my first set of triplets. It was really an all-hands-on-deck, with lots of troubleshooting and love to go around. 

Today I am taking both birth and postpartum clients with a focus on families bringing their second or third (or fourth or more!) child into their family. The dynamic of sibling adjustment that a new baby brings to the family is an area of care that I really enjoy. Mothers and Parents might feel loss over their “baby” no longer being the only one to take care of. Siblings might feel displaced while parents are taking care of the new family member. My goal in working with an experienced family is to find balance and skills within their new normal. Just like having your first, there will be some surprises. 

In the community, I am co-facilitator of Baby Blues Connection support group held weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I am a babywearing educator and past owner of Milagros Boutique. My heart’s desire is that families are connected. No one should parent alone. 

I look forward to meeting you and supporting you during this transition.  If you would like to chat some more, fill out a Service Request Form and I’ll get back to you shortly.