Courtney Ellis

Courtney Ellis

Courtney is currently enrolled in Nizhoni Midwifery School and apprenticing with Susan Gill. She will complete her midwifery training in 2012.

1. What training do you have?
I am a DONA International trained doula & currently a student at Nizhoni Institute of Midwifey. In addition to formal training I have attended the births of friends and family and have experience in both hospital birth and at home birth. In 2004 I became a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, by the International Association of Infant Massage. It is the most comprehensive training program in the country. I am also a certified Itsy Bitsy Yoga Facilitator, which allows me to teach yoga to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Last but certainly not least, I am a mother in training and still learning everyday!

2. Why did you decide to become an Doula & Midwife?
II have always been drawn to the magical process of pregnancy and birth. Soon after becoming pregnant in 2003, I was hooked. Looking for any excuse to learn more about birth and be around this amazing experience. I felt so empowered by my births and believe every woman has that right. I had a doula attend both of my births, one in a hospital, and one in my home, and was astounded by the level of support we received and the added experience it brought to the birth. My husband quickly became and advocate of doulas & midwifes too! It made the birthing process that much more of an experience for BOTH of us. It is my goal to allow all birthing families that same opportunity and discover the power within themselves.

3. What are your hobbies, passions, etc?
First and foremost, I am a mother and that is my number one passion in life. Other than that, I am passionate about environmental stewardship, attachment parenting, holistic living, cooking, yoga, hiking, reading, and learning.

4. What is your philosophy about birth?
When it comes to birth my philosophy is this:

"Remember this, for it is as true as true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body." - Ina May Gaskin

I strongly believe in the birthing mother's right to experience this rite of passage in a peaceful and loving environment. I believe a women's birth experience begins the moment she becomes pregnant. I believe the love and support she receives throughout the pregnancy is equally as important as the birth itself. I believe birth is as much of, if not more of an emotional process than it is a physical process. I believe a woman empowered by her own birth will take that confidence and let it make her an even greater mother than she could have imagined. Last but not least, I believe that fear has immobilized birthing mothers in this country and that their innate ability to birth is not being recognized by our society. It is time we give them back their confidence and allow them to experience the birth that they want.

5. Tell us a little something about your personal life.
I am a Southern California native and currently live in Irvine with my husband and two daughters. We live a simple life and enjoy travel whenever possible, family outings to the beach, and silly play time together. I have a degree in Environmental Analysis and Design from the University of California, Irvine and have worked as an environmental educator and green building consultant in the past.

6. What are your specialties or unique qualities?
I offer a variety of comfort measures physically, as well as emotionally for the birthing mother and her partner. As a doula it is not only my role to comfort the mother, but to also assist the partner in helpful ways to reassure and relieve her during the birth. Having experience in both hospital birth and home birth, I can help a the family plan for what to expect. I like to help a new family create a "wish list" for their birth and thoroughly examine all possible outcomes. I am currently working on my lactation education and can offer many helpful tips on successful breastfeeding should a mother need assistance. I am well connected in the birthing community and can offer the family many wonderful recommendations for their needs whatever they may be.

As far as infant massage goes, I can ofer that to families I work with as well. I am certified to teach unique populations such as: couples, single parents, foster parents, parents of preemie babies, families with multiples, grandparents, parents w/ adopted children, teen parents, just dads, extended families, alternative families, families w/ children with special needs, and families with infants in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

I think the fact that I teach infant massage and Itsy Bitsy Yoga is unique. For private Infant Massage instruction call or email me personally. For Itsy Bitsy Yoga classes, check out our class schedule.

Courtney Ellis
Student Midwife
Certified Birth Doula (DONA)
Certified Educator of Infant Massage
Itsy Bitsy Yoga Facilitator
Placenta Encapsulator (www.ocplacentaencapsulation.com)

Courtney@ocdoulas.com
Tel: 949.533.3036

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