Our Doulas

Barbara E. Herrera, LM, CPM

Navelgazing Midwife
Monitrice, Licensed & Certified Professional Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator (ALACE), Certified Labor Assistant (ALACE), La Leche League Leader (retired)

Barb has been in the birth world since 1983, attending/assisting at about 900 births. First as a doula for hospital and birth center moms, then as a midwifery assistant in birth centers and finally as a midwife in both birth centers and in homebirth, becoming a California Licensed Midwife in 2005. In January 2011, Barb set aside her homebirth midwifery practice to become a full-time monitrice and doula, feeling compelled to use her midwifery skills for those who choose or need to deliver their babies in the hospital.

As a monitrice, she offers hospital birthing women the option of staying home as long possible, monitoring both mom and baby until they are ready to head in to the hospital. When that happens, Barb’s role shifts to that of doula, remaining with the laboring mom through the birth and helping her get started nursing afterwards. Barb says, “It’s incredibly important for my clients to get the absolute best care from the hospital staff. In my experience, that means the doula cannot be antagonistic or confrontational. I’ve learned over the years, the nuances of helping a mom get the most out of her birth plan while not upsetting the nurses and doctors. Serving my mamas comes in many guises.”

With decades of experience, including giving birth to her own three children, Barb offers her clients support, respect and a belief in the woman’s walk in birth, even if that walk isn’t something she would choose.

Contact Information:
(619) 379-2448 (cell)
navelgazingmidwife@gmail.com
www.navelgazingmidwife.com

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