Perinatal Doula
Perinatal doulas provide non-medical support in the form of emotional, physical, and educational support to mothers and their support systems. Perinatal doulas can provide support throughout pregnancy, during birth, and in the postpartum period. Doulas can be a support for any type of birth; intervention free birth, planned c-section, or anything in between. Doulas will support the mother in advocating for an empowering birth experience.
Program Details
Location: In-Home Visits
✓ Visits Include: 3 Prenatal, Labor Support, and 3 Postpartum
✓ Free to families living in Erie, Warren, and Crawford Counties
Program Goals
✓ Education and empowerment to plan for birth and postpartum
✓ Physical and emotional support during labor
✓ Postpartum support can help relieve worry when bringing baby home
What to Expect
Prenatal visits can begin in the 3rd trimester to begin planning for birth. When in labor the doula will meet at the planned birthing space and provide support until baby arrives and the family is settled. Postpartum visits begin after the family returns home. The focus of these visits will be mom and baby's wellness. Postpartum visits can look different for every family depending on their need!
Who Can Attend?
Must be pregnant, or newly post-partum and live in NWPA. No income or demographic restrictions to receive doula support.
Gabby Eppolito-Holland
Certified Perinatal Doula | Certified Parent Educator
Gabby is a dedicated Certified Perinatal Doula with a passion for educating and supporting mothers. Her goal? To inform, uplift, and empower mothers throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey. Gabby is an advocate for self-love and wellness, showing women how to nourish themselves with self-care, healthful foods, and daily movement to ensure both mom and baby thrive. With a plethora of experience, Gabby's skills are as diverse as they are impressive. Gabby is dedicated to supporting you through every step,whether you're considering a home birth, scheduling a c-section, or navigating the hospital setting. Your experience is her priority!
Translation Services Available
If you need help with translating any programs or content within Erie Family Center, please complete the form and a staff member will be in touch. Translations available include, but are not limited to: Spanish, Bosnian, Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Vietnamese, Nepali, Swahili, Somali, Burmese, Pashto & Dari.
Testimonials
"Gabby was amazing, she helped me keep calm and speak up when the doctor wasn't following my birth plan and made me uncomfortable. I don't know what I would've done without her. She is an all around generally sweet person and she even helped keep dad from passing out! "
"A lot of it was a blur, I remember going from the tub to the bathroom to the bed but at some point during the time in the bed dad was getting lightheaded and gabby reached over and grabbed his shirt and dabbed lavender oil on it, it made me laugh when I felt like I was going to black out. Definitely helped keep us both level. She also braided my hair for me after I showered because I couldn't with the IV in my had. She absolutely made it an all around better experience. "
All of our programs are funded through the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Erie County of Children and Youth, and free to all residents of Erie County.