Hi, my name is April Todd and I am the founder of Birthblessings. My children were born in the mid 70’s when natural childbirth and breastfeeding were just becoming popular. Both my children were born in a hospital with my supportive husband by my side, acting as my doula. Breastfeeding and cloth diapering were very important to me as a new mother. My children are adults now and have blessed me with two grandchildren ages fourteen and eight.
I have been working as a birth doula for over ten years and have had the pleasure of welcoming over 250 precious babies into this world. After working with many families as their birth doula, and seeing their struggles during the postpartum period I decided to form “Birthblessings Doula Services”, with the help of a good friend.
My background as a doula includes working with San Antonio Birth Doulas, a non-profit organization that works with teens and low income woman. I served as the Assistant Director, doula mentor, childbirth educator and co-chairman for their advisory board. I hold my certifications for Birth and Postpartum through DONA, and I am currently working on my certification for breastfeeding educator. I am also certified in Babies First Massage. I have attended many workshops and conferences specifically addressing breast feeding, baby care and the postpartum period.
I believe what new families need most is nurturing, support and education. My goal is to educate woman so that they are able to make wise decisions about their labor and birth. In the postpartum period I assist the families with emotional support, newborn care, breast feeding techniques, family adjustment, light meal preparation and light household tidying. This gives the family more time to bond with their baby and enjoy their new role as parents. I count it a great privilege and blessing to be a part of that process.
Pat Streff, CD(DONA)
I am the proud mother of two grown sons and grandmother to four handsome grandsons, having had the privilege of being present at two of my grandchildren’s births. Because of the fact that I had not even been able to witness my own children’s births, I jumped at the chance to witness and help in those beautiful births. I was completely in awe of the whole miracle. A few years down the road, I was presented the opportunity to become a doula and I grasped it wholeheartedly. I did my internship through SABD (San Antonio Birth Doulas) and presently serve on the Advisory Board of Directors of that organization.
Since beginning my life as a doula, I have assisted over 50 mothers in childbirth and helped them make informed decisions so that they were members of the birth team rather than just a participant in the delivery. In November of 2006, April and I attended the post-partum doula training in Austin, Texas, and came away from that knowing that the need we saw for further post-partum care in our area could become a full-time endeavor. I enjoy helping families welcome new additions and ensuring new moms receive the rest and nutritional requirements needed to recover from their births and bond with their babies. Getting to know these great families has been a blessing to me and I hope that the information and support I provide helps them begin their new journey of creating a strong, happy family.
Beth Sims
Hi, my name is Beth Sims. I am the mother of two beautiful boys six and two years old. I followed the attachment parenting style including extended breast feeding with both of my children and cloth diapering. My first was born via c-section due to a breech presentation. My second son was a successful VBAC, born with the assistance of a wonderful doula. I felt such support and confirmation regarding all of my birth choices with the presence of my doula and this inspired me to become one.
I currently work with San Antonio Birth Doulas a non-profit organization that provides needed support for teens and low-income women, during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. My goal is for every woman to have the ability to make her own decisions regarding her choices for birth. I find it a privilege to be involved with both pregnant woman and mommas with their new babies.
Josie Cawthon
Hi, my name is Josie Cawthon I have been married for 25 years and have 7 wonderful children ranging in ages from 24 to 5 yrs old. I have breastfed all of my children as well as taught breastfeeding classes. I became a childbirth educator in 1999, and a doula in 2000. I was educated and certified by DONA, in Philadelphia, PA. My family and I moved to San Antonio 6 years ago, I have worked with San Antonio Birth Doulas and sat on the board of Advisors. I am privileged to be able to help parents achieve their desired birth experience, and give assistance in the adjustment period for the new family. I know that children are a blessing from God and that they are entrusted to us for a period of time to love, nurture and guide. And new parents need support and counsel. I know that I am forever grateful for all the wise counsel that was gifted to me.
Christine Kugel
I have been supporting women in prenatal education, labor assistance, and postpartum care since 2004. I am a mother of seven biological children, an educator and Certified Doula. I have assisted women in home births, hospital births, and birth center settings. I am available to help provide breast feeding support and education, assist the family in learning to care for and bond with their newborn, and provide mothers with quality postpartum care.
I am passionate about the value of supporting women through labor and the important postpartum period. I encourage women to embrace the transforming power of motherhood. I believe that every birth is a sacred event and strive to provide my clients with a level of care that honors their individual birth experience.
Lynn Eisbrenner
Hi, my name is Lynn Eisbrenner. I have been blessed with two grown daughters and three precious granddaughters. I have had a passion for babies since I was a small child, but it took many years to turn my passion into the opportunity to support and encourage new Moms.
I was introduced to, trained, and began working as a Doula in Vancouver, Canada. After six years as a Doula and part time Nanny, my husband's job brought us to the great state of Texas!
I was introduced to April and Pat in 2008 and as their business flourished I was invited to become a member of their team.
I now, again, have the honor and privilege of being invited into the lives of new parents as they begin an experience like no other. The intesity of feelings (joy, exhilaration, fear, confusion, exhaustion, love)cannot be compared to any other life experience! During this time my goal is to come alongside with patience and compassion and teach, help, support, comfort, and encourage. Giving the family time to adjust to the new joys and responsibilities that await them and to bond with their precious new "Bundle of Joy"!