Betsy Gillespie

About me

Hi! I'm Betsy Gillespie. I am a mom of 6, ages 18 down to 4. I have been interested in birth work since high school, and am fulfilling my dream of serving mothers during the precious time of motherhood. I have given birth both at home and in a hospital and I believe women should be free to give birth in the location where they feel the most safe. I am certified as a childbirth educator and a birth and postpartum doula through the Madriella Doula Network. I became fascinated with birth during my first pregnancy when a trip to the library introduced me to Sheila Kitzinger, a cultural anthropologist who studied birth around the world. The idea that "American birth" is not the only way opened up a whole new world to me. Since then, I have desired to see women be better informed of their options surrounding birth. What better way to help along this dream than to serve such women as a doula and childbirth educator! I also am very interested in biomechanics - the idea that the way we use our bodies can affect our long term health. So all of my services include a "movement" component, where we cover ideas of alignment, body geometry, and stretches that specifically address issues mothers face during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Education

Bachelors in Biblical Studies (2008)

Certification and training

Birth and Postpartum Doula Certification through Madriella Doula Network (2025)

Childbirth Education Certification through Madriella Doula Network (2025)

Languages

English

Service introduction

As your birth doula, I will visit your home twice, becoming familiar with your vision for birth, providing education in birth options, answering questions, as well as giving guidance in exercises to help relieve common pregnancy discomfort. I can help to form a birth plan, whether you are seeking a natural birth or you plan to utilize medical help to get through birth. I am on call from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after your due date. Generally, I will arrive once active labor has started, and I will give undivided attention for the entire labor, providing expertise in comfort measures for labor, in newborn care and in breastfeeding support. I have experience with both home and hospital births, including induced labor. To wrap it all up, I will come to your home after the birth, to see that you are settling in well, talk over the birth, and help out around the house as needed. Postpartum doula care is provided on an hourly basis. I will come to your home and provide help in the following areas: breastfeeding support, newborn care, light house cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, pet care, and general support for the family as they adjust to life with the new little one.

Packages

Ratings and reviews