Nicki Worden

Training & Experience:

• Certified Birth Doula (CAPPA)
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Doula Training (DONA, 2012)
• 400+ births attended
• Extra trainings in positioning techniques & comfort measures

My Story:

Becoming a mother changed my life in ways I never imagined and my passion for being a doula was literally “born” from my own experiences of childbirth.

From C-section to medicated VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean) to un-medicated VBAC to homebirth VBAC, each my own unique birth experience taught me so much about myself, about what women are capable of, and how critically important education and support are to a positive and rewarding birth experience.

My own very different birthing experiences and the many births I have attended since becoming a doula in 2012, have led to where I am today – I am passionate and driven to help women and their families have their own incredible, amazing birth experience.

My goal is very simple: To educate. To empower. To be helpful. With kindness and care. And without judgment. My goal is to support your birth – your way.

Tara Van Dyke

Tara Van Dyke joined us on The BirthGuide Podcast to talk about “Aligning with your partner on decisions around pregnancy and childbirth” – Listen here

Training & Experience:

• Certified Birth Doula (ICEA, 2008)
• Childbirth Educator Training (ICEA, 2002)
• 300+ births attended
• VBAC certified (TVL)
• Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator
• Extra trainings in trauma, bereavement, positioning techniques, & comfort

My Story:

I am a mom to 4 kids who are all grown up now. Raising them has been the most fulfilling role in my lifetime, but the transition to motherhood definitely rocked my world.

My husband and I had difficulty finding support and reliable information when we became parents for the first time. We experienced miscarriage, complications, and interventions, and often felt lost as we tried to figure it all out on our own.

I became trained as a childbirth educator because I wanted to share everything I had learned with new parents and help them feel encouraged, strong, and informed. On this path, I found out what a doula was, and that changed everything for me.

Now as a doula, I get to guide new parents and be with them throughout their experience. I love helping people to engage their mind, body, and spirit in their birth experience and to discover their own strength along the way.

Christina Prechner

Training & Experience:

DONA, certified since January 2023

My Story:

I grew up in a small village in Central African Republic where I was exposed to birth both as a normal and natural part of life, and also to the sometimes harsh realities of trauma in a context with almost no access to medical care. I developed a fascination with birth as a process where incredible power and profound vulnerability come together in the act of giving life to another. I believe that birth–the way every single person under the sun enters the world–says something profound about our vulnerability and connectedness as human beings: at the foundation of our existence is self-giving love.

My own first birth experience fanned into flame a passion for supporting women toward a peaceful and bonding first meeting with their baby, as well as a respectful and empowering experience of their body’s capacity and strength. I love supporting families physically, emotionally and informationally in their birth journey, where time and again mothers prove stronger than they knew they could be in the work of giving life.

I am a mother of three beautiful children–two boys and a girl, and most of my days are spent doing life with them. I enjoy running, gardening, reading, and singing and playing music with my kids. I also love learning languages, and have my BA in cultural anthropology and an MA in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

Lauren Foster

Training & Experience

• DONA doula training 2017
• Lactation training 2017
• Spinning Babies training 2021

My story:

Immediately after the birth of my second child I looked at my doula and exclaimed “you have the best job in the world”! Having experienced labor with and without a doula I was blown away by the difference it made to have consistent support, ideas, and advocacy.

I thought in that moment how wonderful it would be to similarly walk alongside women and help them to feel cared for in one of the most vulnerable times of life. It was less than a year after this birth experience that I trained to become a doula, and I am so thankful that I did!

My husband Graham and I have six children and love spending time with them outside, especially working together in the garden. My kids are very familiar with birth and therefore get excited each time I head out the door to attend one. I enjoy reading, birdwatching, and hiking.