My background as a Physical Therapist has provided a foundation in anatomy and physiology, the use of movement, positioning and massage, and also a great sense of faith in the human body and spirit. This background, together with my experiences giving birth to my own children (one by Cesarean, and 3 VBACs) lead to a desire to help empower others at this time in their lives through my certification as a Childbirth Educator in 2003. In the course of my training and work as a Childbirth Educator, including the observation of births, I became convinced of the benefit of continuous labor support and felt drawn to providing this support as well, leading to my further training and certification as a Doula in 2006. Since that time I have had the privilege of providing labor support in a variety of situations including VBACs, and in 2009 had the opportunity to provide labor support at the birth of siblings of some of the first babies whose births I had attended!

I believe in each woman's ability to give birth to her children and the profound impact this experience has on her life. Each labor and birth is a unique journey and I would be honored to accompany you on yours.

Services / Skills

Prenatal meeting to discuss your birth priorities, physical and emotional support during labor, post-partum follow up visit. References available upon request.

Education

BS PT from UW-Madison 1984, Childbirth Educator Training Course 2002, Infant Massage Instructor Training Course 2004, Doula Training Course 2006. Childbirth Educator and Doula Certification from International Childbirth Education Association.

Experience

Fifteen years direct patient care as a Physical Therapist. Three years experience as a Childbirth Educator. Two years experience as an Infant Massage Instructor. Began providing labor support August, 2006.

Births attended

Self, four (one Cesarean, three VBAC); other, three; as a Doula, 12.

Gail can be reached at 608-437-3775 or 608-576-8162 or gaildoty22@yahoo.com.

-- May 16, 2010