Our Doulas

Leigh Fenly

Tranquility in Birth
Certified Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Specialist, Newborn Photography

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I’m so glad you are considering the services of a doula for your birth.

I feel I bring a little left-brain/right-brain into my work as a full-time birth doula.

I started Tranquility in Birth in 2007.  Previously as a journalist, I worked for many years as a medical and science reporter at the San Diego Union-Tribune, where I learned the language of medicine and how to interpret it for others.

I am also – and foremost – a mother who remembers thousands of details about the births of my three sons. Their births continue to influence me as I work with couples who are forming their own memories that will last a lifetime.

I bring to your birth these two aspects of my experience, combined with extensive doula training and work with more than 150 couples.

I’m often asked to describe my philosophy about birth. I believe that there are many approaches to birth and I support all of them. I specialize in individualized care for my couples, based on listening and supporting their informed decisions. My root concern is to strengthen the bond between mothers and their partners as they work together to receive their newborns.  I help partners show love and caring concern that encourages confidence in mothers.

As I work one-on-one with each mother, I find I become an extension of her intuition. From this vantage point, I can help her find her own well of strength and a sense of calm.

I attend births in hospitals, birth centers and at home. My clients are having their first, second, third, even fourth baby. I have attended couples from more than 12 countries, and I love supporting their cultural influences. I have attended twin births and VBACs. I support couples who have studied Hypnobabies, Hypnobirthing, the Bradley Method and Birthing From Within.

I include in my services photography of the birth and unlimited lactation support for the length of the breastfeeding experience. (This is a wonderful way for me to stay in touch with my clients as their babies grow!)

If you think I might be the right doula for you – or, if you are uncertain, but suspect that having extra support for labor would be valuable to you – please contact me!  Our first face-to-face consultation is free. By listening to your concerns, questions and desires, I believe I can guide you to a fuller understanding of your options and what to expect in labor.

I will help you explore all your strategies for payment, including scholarships and reimbursement through Flexible Spending Accounts and insurance companies. (Some insurance companies have reimbursed up to $500 of my fees.) I accept all credit cards to make it as easy as possible for you to receive doula services.

I know what a difference it makes to have someone who is fully there for you on the day your world transforms. I would love to be that person for you.

“I can’t imagine what my labor would have been like without the assistance Leigh provided. Her knowledge, her presence, her support and her “tricks” (loved the aromatherapy!) got me through a very challenging labor without fear or confusion. The absolute best thing I did to prepare for my childbirth was to hire Leigh.” – Jennifer F., Encinitas

Contact Information:
(858) 243-3053
leigh@tranquilityinbirth.com
www.tranquilityinbirth.com

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