I love helping others and am truly passionate about contributing to the greater good with small acts of kindness every day. My heart is in this work. In high school I learned how much I loved working with kids and their families. When I received consistent praise for my abilities, I committed to nannying for a livelihood. Nineteen years and many episodes of "One Born Every Minute," "A Baby Story," and "Maternity Ward" later, I am pursuing something that has been on my mind since childhood. Through my own therapeutic work and reproductive journey, I knew I had much more to offer than just childcare.
I have always been fascinated by the human body and its capabilities during conception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Newborn and child development have always been at the forefront of my mind and something I love witnessing as a nanny and aunt. I have been a lifelong learner in these topics. I also love encouraging birthing folx to be empowered and confident in their choices and experiences instead of feeling embarrassment, shame, inferiority, or fear.
So, here I am: mindful, present, and full of hope for the futures of new families and children everywhere. Here’s to lifelong learning and growing together to create a kinder, more compassionate, and inclusive world.
Education
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies: Social Sciences and Education (2022)
Associate's Degree: Business Administration (2024)
Certification and training
Postpartum Doula Workshop, DONA Approved (2024)
Birth Doula Workshop, DONA Approved (2024)
Newborn Care (2024)
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Pelvic Floor (2024)
Lactation Basics for Doulas (2024)
Breastfeeding Basics (2024)
Infant Safety & CPR (2024)
First Aid & CPR (2024)
Specialties
Breastfeeding Assistance and SupportBreastfeeding SupportExclusive Pumping/Bottle FeedingInfant CareMindfulnessMultiplesNewborn CareParenting SupportPerinatal Anxiety and DepressionPerinatal Mood DisordersPostpartum AdjustmentPostpartum CarePostpartum Doula CarePrenatal YogaRelaxation TechniquesReturning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc)Self-CompassionSibling PreparationToddlers
Show less
Show the rest
Languages
English
Service introduction
Elise is dedicated to providing personalized, holistic, and comprehensive postpartum doula services for families of newborns up to twelve weeks. During such a transformative phase, Elise offers unwavering support, emotional guidance, and practical assistance to new families beginning their journey. She supplies valuable information and support on infant care, feeding, bonding, sleep, recovery after birth, and more, and accompanies postpartum clinical appointments and baby outings. With nineteen years of expertise as a career nanny and experience as a Montessori assistant teacher, Elise aims to extend her reach to assist more families from all walks of life with empathy and compassion. Elise is especially interested in postpartum mental health and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about patient advocacy and committed to an inclusive environment for all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, and body types. Elise is currently pursuing certification through DONA (Doulas of North America) International. Her DONA approved birth and postpartum doula workshops were taught by The Flow of Life Yoga in Asheville, NC and Nurturing Doula Dreams in Milwaukee, WI. Elise has a B.S. in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in education and social sciences from Fayetteville State University. She is also taking advanced newborn care specialist and lactation counselor courses.
In her free time, Elise enjoys hiking, travel, volunteering, theatre, spoiling her goldendoodle, and spending time with her family. She is also a self-pronounced Disney nerd, lover of Lady Gaga concerts, and religiously listens to showtunes and NPR.
Ratings and reviews
Be the first to write Elise a review!
Frequently asked questions
What is the scope of your services?
Postpartum doulas assist with a vast array of services to lessen stress levels and bring calm to the chaos:
- Lactation support
- Bottle feeding support
- Bonding support
- Developmental support pertaining to your baby’s needs - Safe sleep
- Baby holding and wearing
- How to bathe a baby
- Hold the baby while a client is showering, sleeping, or incorporating gentle movement appropriate to where they are in their recovery
- Just “hanging out” when a client craves presence without expectation and a desire to slow down
- Entertain older children when more baby 1:1 is needed -- Care for the baby when older children need more 1:1 support
- Support taking baby on outings or to clinical appointments
- Serving as a gatekeeper and ensuring boundaries around visitors are enforced and maintained
- Meal train facilitation and maintenance
- Processing your birth story
- Helping with post-birth comfort and recovery measures - Laundry
- Dishes
- Bottle preparation
- Preparing light meals and snacks
- Keeping track of hydration
Is there anything a postpartum doula doesn't do?
- Anything clinical. Simply put, postpartum doulas are not clinical treatment providers and do not hold degrees in nursing or medicine. We do not diagnose and treat, nor do we offer medical advice, and we do not examine any stitches, wounds, bruising, etc. We do not manage or administer medication or tend to other chronic health conditions.
- Housekeeping services. Postpartum doulas are happy to tidy up and organize spaces as well as do dishes and laundry as needed, but we do not deep clean, vacuum, mop, dust, clean windows, etc.
- Babysit. We are here to support the family in physical, emotional, and developmental ways. Babysitting takes away from offering our expertise and defeats the purpose of having a postpartum doula.
- Pet care. We love furry friends and appreciate how they are regarded as children, but our assistance is primarily for family and baby. Please ask if you need a referral to a pet sitter or dog walker.
Do postpartum doulas provide overnight care?
Personally, I do not provide overnight care. If this is something you need, I am happy to provide referrals.
In case of illness or an emergency, do you have any backup doulas?
Yes! I am constantly networking to find the best doula care possible and build rapports with those who I feel most comfortable referring to my clients. I will never recommend anyone who I would not utilize myself or who does not provide the same standard of excellent care.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept personal checks, Zelle, Venmo, and Paypal. To secure services, there is a booking fee equivalent to the total number of hours that will be provided during the first week of care.
Do you have a sliding scale?
Mindfully Present Doula aims to provide doula services for ALL. Please inquire about reduced rates if you are experiencing financial hardship. Significantly discounted fees for those willing to submit documentation for DONA International’s certification application. Please see my website for full pricing packages.
Are there any home environments that you do not consider helping?
I only work in smoke-free homes, homes without aggressive pets, and homes free of hate speech and discrimination. Please note: any household with physical, sexual, verbal, and/or emotional abuse of me or any family member will be reported and considered an immediate termination of contract without a refund.
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately, postpartum care has not yet been recognized by insurance companies as a necessity and is usually not covered. Please reach out to your insurance representative to inquire about postpartum doula coverage. I am happy to provide a superbill upon request if you plan on submitting for out-of-network benefits.
Do you offer birth doula care services as well?
Not at this time, however I am happy to provide referrals if you need help finding one.
Social Media