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Gracie Gambino
DONA certified Birth Doula, Postnatal Doula
BA Spanish/MAT, Proud Mama
www.birthingwithgracecville.com
A native Charlottesvillian, I grew up surrounded by babies and witnessed birth for the first time when I was in high school! I was captivated by the magic of that experience and it planted a big seed in my heart to pursue this calling.
I am also a local Spanish teacher, and while finishing my student teaching at JMU I met a colleague who is a doula. She inspired me to complete my training through DONA, and I became certified in 2020. I love to continually expand my knowledge and skills by working with different types of families and attending workshops such as Spinning Babies.
I live in the middle of town with my husband Michael and our beautiful daughter Aurelia.
Testimonial:
"I am so grateful to have had Gracie at my side during my daughter’s birth! Gracie has a calming presence that helped me stay relaxed and focused during labor. I felt protected and could let go, because Gracie took care of everything! Gracie was a constant source of ideas for movement. She kept me moving, kept me calm, and under her monitoring, we were able to do most of my labor at home. In the hospital, we didn’t run out of ideas because Gracie was there. I was able to stay active and try different positions for further opening. She renewed my energy with snacks and aromatherapy. Gracie helped me stay focused and helped to relieve my pain with counter pressure and massages. When we reached transition and the waves of contractions became tsunamis, Gracie remained a steady force and encouraged me to the end. Gracie was an essential part of my birthing team and I can’t imagine how we could have done it without her! "
Shannon McElroy
DONA trained Birth Doula, Prenatal Yoga Teacher
Pediatric Nurse, BSN, RN
After giving birth to three of my own children and using a birth doula as support, I fell in love with the practice. The experience I had of bringing life into this world with my husband and my doula by my side was transformative. I have had the personal experience of a C-section and two successful VBACs.
I have been practicing as a pediatric specialty nurse for 19 years, working with children and their families during challenging physical and emotional times. I value supporting people through these challenges and forming connections and relationships to lift them up. I have also been teaching various styles of yoga for over 12 years that I incorporate into both my doula and nursing practice. The breath, mind connection, and physical asana can be a strong addition to the birth experience!
My intention as a doula is to empower women and their families to deeply connect to the powerful experience of birth. I also strive to adapt to the changing needs of each mother and family as they arise throughout pregnancy and delivery. I am honored to serve in this practice and be a part of your journey.
Cecilia Flanagan
Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula
I am a ToLabor professionally trained birth and postpartum doula with a foundation in evidence-based, compassionate care. My mission is simple yet powerful: to meet parents exactly where they are and to honor their unique journey into parenthood. After giving birth to my own squishy little boy, I felt deeply called to support women, help protect the sacredness of the birth space and to continue showing up for them as they navigate the tender, transformative journey of postpartum.
I believe that every birthing person deserves to feel safe, seen, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Whether you're navigating your first pregnancy or expanding your family, I am here to provide grounded, nonjudgmental support tailored to your specific needs and values. From holding space during labor to offering guidance in the postpartum period, I walk alongside you with respect, presence, and care
I trust birth. I trust you. And I’m here to help ensure your voice remains at the center of your experience, always.
Katie Dowd
DONA certified Birth Doula
I have always been amazed by the transformative process of birth and parenthood. I have been honored to witness that journey unfold for many. I am a DONA-trained Birth Doula and Film Photographer based in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a Doula, I am a passionate advocate for informed consent and know the power of a safe and peaceful space for birth. I use evidence-based care in my practice to inform, support, and empower mamas through pregnancy, birth, and their postpartum journey. Alongside my work as a Doula, I have loved capturing birth and parenthood on film.
“From the moment Katie and I had our first prenatal meeting, it felt like we had been friends for years. As we met a few more times leading up to the delivery of my first daughter, Katie made me feel encouraged, confident, and at peace with the birth plan she’d helped me think through and gave me guidance and education on topics of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum with which I was unfamiliar. She was so knowledgeable and was able to answer the (many) questions I had.
She was my constant source of calm, reassurance, and encouragement during a very quick and somewhat chaotic delivery. My labor process did not look like what we had planned, but she was always ready to support me in any decision I made, and she was such an invaluable comfort for both me and my husband. It was so nice feeling like we had someone there who was there solely for us and someone who could advocate for us with only our best interests in mind; I trusted her completely.
Katie was, without a doubt, meant to be a doula, and I cannot recommend her enough. My husband and I are so immensely grateful for her and will 100% be hiring her again for any future births.”
Catherine Dunn
ToLabor certified Birth Doula, Mother of 3
After attending prenatal yoga during my first pregnancy, I quickly became enamored of all things pregnancy and birth. I honestly never really thought much about the phases of pregnancy and birth until I was in a room full of pregnant moms. I loved hearing how each person was feeling and learning about the physiological and physical components, absorbing a little more background into how hard our bodies are working. I have always loved babies but moving and learning through my pregnancy with many others in the yoga community revealed a new passion of mine. Starting each class off with the number of weeks we were, along with how we were feeling, really allowed me to listen to all of the realistic variables to pregnancy, instead of what one would find in generic prenatal literature. This allowed me to understand different approaches and solutions to any aches and pains some were feeling. It was always really neat to hear stories from others who were further along, knowing I’d get to that stage one day, as well as others who were earlier in their pregnancy and being able to share tips that got me through certain body aches as my body and baby grew. The transformation through these life stages are truly fascinating and so unique…not only for each person but for each pregnancy and delivery.
After having three babies of my own with my beloved doula, I am now a professional trained birth and postpartum doula through ToLabor. You’ll probably agree that each pregnancy and birth is unique, and that everyone deserves to feel empowered and supported throughout the entire journey. Through my professional birth and postpartum training through ToLabor, I’m intentional about providing you the most current, evidence-based information so that you can make the best decision for you, your family, and your baby. All within a space that’s calm, compassionate, and free of judgement!
"Catherine is one of the most calm, kind and reassuring people that I encountered during my entire pregnancy. She fit in seamlessly to our care team and went above and beyond to support me and my baby in the postpartum period when several complications arose. I enthusiastically recommend Catherine to anyone looking for positive and knowledgeable support throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journey."