Toni Auker, LCCE
Birth Doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Babywearing Consultant
When I graduated with a degree in psychology and women’s studies, I had no idea what I would do with it. I knew that I wanted to work with families, but never seemed to find the right fit. After the birth of my first son in 2011, everything changed. I became passionate about pregnancy and helping women feel empowered in their birth experiences. I attended birth doula training and I immediately knew that I had found what I was looking for.
Since 2011, I have taken classes to teach babywearing, began teaching childbirth classes, and continue to attend as many births as I can. As a birth doula, I aim to give you informational, emotional, and physical support so that you can feel in control during your birth. It is your birth, and I am lucky to be a small part of the story.
Contact Toni: 734/730-2909 or toni@treetowndoulas.com
Cynthia Gabriel, Ph.D.
Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Medical Anthropologist
I love birth! I started attending births in 1998 in California before I had my own children. Since then, I’ve attended births in Russia, Canada, and across the United States, at home, at birth centers, and in hospitals. Along the way, I gave birth to three children of my own. In addition to attending births, I’ve interviewed over 200 women who had achieved natural hospital births and wrote the book “Natural Hospital Birth: The Best of Both Worlds.” With a PhD from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Post-Doctorate Fellowship from the University of Michigan, I have conducted research on a variety of childbearing issues. My current projects are about Muslim-America women’s birth experiences in U.S. hospitals and African-American birth choices.
Contact Cynthia: 734/929-7317 or Cynthia@treetowndoulas.com
Lisa Anderson
Postpartum Doula, Clinical Social Worker, Support group facilitator
I love helping families navigate transition into new parenthood! I have been working in the Perinatal Mental Health field as a Clinical Social Worker and am now branching out to provide excellent care and support to the family in the home. It is my belief that great beginnings lead to happy families and that it is critical to support mother's mental health through this radically changing period of life.
I offer routine postpartum doula care as well as perinatal mental health assessments and adjustment counseling. I also facilitate MomShare, a drop in, support group for new mothers. https://womenscentersemi.org/momshare/
I have 3 wonderful girls and have been married to Steve for 21 years. I have completed training through DONA for postpartum doula services and I look forward to helping you in your home!
Contact Lisa:734/646-1864 or Lisa@treetowndoulas.com
Anna Kreiner, B.S.
Birth Doula, Breastfeeding Support, Microbiologist
Additional training: Racism & Privilege in Birthwork by Birthing Advocacy, and Indigenous Birthing: Trauma and Resilience by Birth Bruja
Contact Anna:248/ 535-6476 or Annak@treetowndoulas.com
Erica McLeod, CLC
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Postpartum Doula, Wearable Baby Carrier Educator, Breastfeeding Educator
I have four children. Four amazing, spunky, once soft-squishy, now solid children. I vividly remember how each one of them arrived earth-side, and how each one of them nursed. Fortunately, I was not alone in this great and true labor of love; I had support from my midwives, partner, family, and friends. Of special importance was a breastfeeding support person who boosted my confidence, and gave me strength when I needed it most.
I humbly ask your permission to join you on your journey through birth and afterwards. My aim is to support you, to boost your confidence, and give you strength through any breastfeeding or parenting hurdles. Many people joke that a postpartum doula works herself out of a job, and they are correct.
Since the birth of my first child in 2007, I have been wearing babies in carriers, taken classes on how to use wearable baby carriers, and became a leader of a local babywearing group. I have been working as a breastfeeding counselor and educator for nine years and have had the privilege of providing support to thousands of women. I attended my postpartum doula training in 2014 (while seven months pregnant with my fourth child) and received my CLC in 2015. I am fluent in American Sign Language.
As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and postpartum doula, I will make myself available to meet your needs whether it be in person, on the phone, in text or email, however you feel comfortable reaching out.
Contact Erica: 734/913-0794 or Erica@treetowndoulas.com
Tara Sullivan, RN, IBCLC, LCCE
Birth Doula, RN, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
My journey into the birthing world started with the birth of my son in 2001. He rocked my world and changed my life forever. When I began volunteering in a nursing home in my teen years, I knew I wanted to become a nurse because a passion for caring for others was ignited in me. Then, after my son was born, I knew I wanted to be part of the miracle of birth and help moms with their birth journey.
As a young, single mom, I qualified for a program where a nurse would come to my home and teach me how to care for my newborn. I was alone, afraid, and inexperienced, and this nurse gave me exactly what I needed: love and compassion without judgment. In addition, she encouraged me not to give up my dream of becoming a nurse.
With the support of her and many others, I attended nursing school and achieved my goal of becoming a registered nurse. During that time, I met and married my husband and had four more children.
Throughout my 17 year career as an OB nurse, I have worked in the Nursery, Post Partum, and Labor and Delivery departments. Also, I continue to teach Lamaze Child Birth Classes and support moms with their breastfeeding goals. In 2011, I had the amazing opportunity to work as a travel nurse in Hawaii. There, I had the privilege of working in a hospital in which the Birthing Unit was entirely run by midwives. This was my first experience participating in a more natural and holistic birthing process within a hospital environment. This ignited the spark which led me to become a Birth Doula, Finish my Lamaze Certification, and become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
My hope is that everyone I help will feel the same kind of love and compassion that I felt all those years ago. As your doula, I aspire to always give loving care and share my knowledge and wisdom to help you make choices that are right for your family. Giving birth is a natural, beautiful and personal experience, and I am always honored and humbled when a family invites me to be a part of it.
Contact Tara: 313/618-4206 or Tara@treetowndoulas.com
Liz Thomas
Postpartum Doula, Babywearing Educator, Group Support Facilitator
Contact Liz: 773/983-4841 or liz@treetowndoulas.com