|
ABOUT MAGGIE
Maggie Rosenfeld: Birth and Postpartum Doula, Counselor, Reiki Practitioner www.doulame.com [email protected] I’m from… Born and raised in Rochester, New York…. Also called Rochacha! My Education… MA in Mental Health Counseling from Iona College Birth and postpartum doula training and certifications from DONA International and Certified Holistic Doula from Whapio's The Matrona training Reiki Level I My background… For years I served people as a Mental Health Counselor, Crisis Counselor and Organizational Psychologist. I grew up in a unique family of 7 children. Six of my siblings are adopted and we are extremely diverse in age, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have always been drawn to working with families and helping support them through this journey we call life. My desire to join the “Birth World” came after a friend had a traumatic birth experience and shared how unsupported she felt during the process. Once learning that doulas are changing the way families birth, I knew I wanted to be trained. I became a Birth Doula the same month I tied the knot with my husband and it has been a wonderful wild ride since! How I Doula… I have attended 50+ births! My style has changed since the beginning of my birth work. With each birth new wisdom is shared with me from each family. My postpartum service has presented endless insights as well. I have learned the following and so much more… -I never get between a family coming into being or growing (being mindful of bonding that occurs in birth and postpartum between partners and baby) -Respecting the birthing person’s intuition -Advocating for my clients in a way that makes them feel comfortable and respected -Using Humor (when helpful) -Using comforting touch for pain relief and grounding -Working as a consistent confidant -Using movement and meditation -Integrating Reiki (when desired by the families I work with) -Always “keeping it real” about what to expect in birth and postpartum -Sharing empirical research regarding best practices My Passion… My life’s work has been about accompaniment whether as a mental health counselor, corporate leadership strategist or as a birth and postpartum doula. Walking alongside people through difficult and transformative experiences has become a great passion. Living a life of service gives me great purpose and feeds me daily. When I am not doula”ing”… As you can imagine, a doula’s schedule is hard to predict! The unpredictability of this work is not for everyone - but I enjoy it (actually exciting)! When I make plans it often starts with “Unless I am at a birth” 😊. Spending time with family and friends brings me joy. Planning day trips around the tri-state area (and beyond) with my hubby, baking for loved ones and my clients, outdooring (especially in the warmer months), appreciating the arts and making art are some of the things that fill my time. One of my most beloved activities is hosting themed parties. I am a social being and catching up over a cup of coffee is often all I need to fill my cup <3 |
