Hi, I’m Marie!
I work collaboratively with birthing families to help you understand, request, and receive the unique care you need.
My philosophy and practice are grounded in:
empathetic listening
sharing up-to-date evidence-based information
providing tools for self-advocacy
Friends and family have nicknamed me Marie Poppins for my mix of down-to-earth practicality and ability to navigate almost any circumstance with a calm, positive, and reassuring presence. I bring this spirit, my background as an educator, and passion for reproductive justice to all of the families I support.
“Marie was amazing! She provided a variety of pain-relieving techniques throughout the night and even allowed my husband to get some rest. Also, during the pushing process, Marie coached me through each contraction until it was time for the doctor to deliver my baby. I truly believe the massage therapy and various laboring positions allowed me to have a successful and healthy vaginal delivery.” -Stacey, Grant, and baby Devin
Birth-work CRedentials
Birth Doula Training - Birth Arts International
Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training - Level One and Level Two Certification - Mama Tree
Postpartum Doula Training - DONA International
Advanced Lactation Training - Janaki Costello, IBCLC, ICCE
Child Birth Educator Training - Whole Body Pregnancy
Equity and Racial Justice Training - Stronghold, White Awake
San Francisco General Hospital Volunteer Doula
Infant, Child, and Adult First Aid, CPR, AED Certified
“Marie was exactly the person I needed and wanted during my birth - she was by my side every second, always with a gentle touch, calm demeanor and encouraging spirit. She kept me going when I wanted to give up so many times. In our prenatal visits she really helped my partner and I think about our coping styles, birth plans, and beyond to our parenting ideas. I felt so well prepared and supported going into birth, throughout the birth, and after, all thanks to Marie’s care!” -Caitlin, Mac, and baby Ada
More about me
I’ve been engaged in women’s empowerment and social justice work for much of my life, both personally and professionally. I was initially inspired to learn more about birth work and reproductive justice while managing a business training program for maternal and child health entrepreneurs.
That spark of curiosity led me to attend the annual birth doula training run by one of the organizations with which I’d collaborated, Shanti Uganda Society, now part of Budondo Intercultural Center. I learned that continuous support from a trained birth assistant is proven to significantly improve outcomes for birthing people and babies, and I’m passionate about providing that support to as many families as I can.