What is a Doula and Why Should You Hire One? The value of birth and postpartum support.

Seasoned birth and postpartum doulas Mollie Michel and Meema Spadola will be on hand to answer all of your questions about doula support and explain the ins and outs of birth and postpartum support as well as their specific techniques for working with moms through their journey into motherhood. If you are pregnant or just thinking about becoming pregnant, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the value of the doula in the delivery room and beyond.Drinks and light fare will be provided! Stay to mingle, ask more questions and meet other moms and moms to be!

• Mollie Michel is a Brooklyn based, professionally trained (DONA) birth doula and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). Prior to becoming a doula, Mollie spent 13 years as a non-profit fundraising and marketing professional for organizations like Lymphoma Research Foundation, Prospect Park Alliance, and SummerStage. Mollie works with families of all kinds, including single moms, LGBT families, and mothers seeking support for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She is the proud mama of two girls who teach her something new about motherhood every day.

• Meema Spadola is a DONA (Doulas of North America) certified postpartum doula (since 2006), a Certified Lactation Counselor (since 2010) and a newborn care and breastfeeding instructor with Birth Day Presence. She has a particular interest in providing breastfeeding support, doing infant massage, teaching “baby wearing” and supporting mothers with postpartum mood disorders. Meema loves working with a diverse range of families, including single and adoptive parents and LGBT families. Before becoming a postpartum doula, Meema was a documentary filmmaker whose films about body image and family issues have been broadcast on PBS, HBO and beyond. She is the proud mother of a son born in July 2007.