About Me
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Colleen is an experienced birth doula trained by Birth Arts International in 2018, based in Richmond, VA. She lives with her husband, two sons, two cats, and two dogs. Currently accepting clients through MyBirth, LLC where she has been since January 2022. Colleen is dedicated to providing personalized support throughout the journey of pregnancy and childbirth. For payment options, Colleen currently accepts self-pay, Carrot, and HSA/FSA. She is in the process of applying for Medicaid and Tricare payments to ensure more families can access her services.
Colleen holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a certified VBAC Doula through The VBAC Link. Additionally, she is a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist trained by The Association of Placenta Preparation Arts. Her extensive volunteer work includes serving as a doula with Community of Hope, a CASA Guardian ad Litem, and a domestic violence/sexual assault hospital advocate with RHART/YWCA. With trauma-informed training, Colleen is well-equipped to support clients from diverse backgrounds and those with various mental health diagnoses.
Taking an individualized approach, Colleen offers guidance through every stage of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. She believes in the power of birth and the body's ability to bring babies safely into the world. Colleen incorporates hypno-birthing techniques, including breathwork, visualization, and education, to empower birthing individuals and their partners.
Colleen has also completed 85 hours of prenatal and postpartum yoga teacher training and teaches classes at MyBirth every Monday at 6 PM. Her yoga background enriches her knowledge of body positioning during labor.
In her personal time, Colleen enjoys cargo biking her kids to school, baking, and giving up on craft projects.
Services
Birth Doula - $2000
Cozy and personalized birth doula support at home, birth center or hospital.
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Five Prenatal Consultations
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Unlimited support via phone/text/email
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Support through all of labor
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Two Postpartum Consultations
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Access to our extensive library of client resources
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Guaranteed back-up coverage from MyBirth doulas
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Attendance at either The Big Day (in person or over Zoom) OR either of the MyBirth Lactation Prep classes
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Discounts on all education classes including childbirth education and lactation
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One free prenatal yoga class taught by Colleen in the MyBirth Community Studio
Placenta Encapsulation - $400
Placenta encapsulation is the practice of consuming placenta after its been prepared into capsules by a trained professional. Based on traditional Chinese methods, the placenta is steamed, dehydrated, and then ground and placed into vegan capsules for easy consumption during the postpartum period.
Many parents who've encapsulated their placenta have reported: increased milk production, mood and energy, bonding, iron levels, and pain relief. Colleen follows strict safety and sanitation protocols and has been trained by the industry gold standard.
We can’t imagine our birth experience without Colleen. She was the single biggest reason our long, three-day labor was a positive experience.
From the start, Colleen was fully available to us, guiding us through every stage of labor. She came to our home as things progressed, then followed us to the hospital and stayed by our side the entire time. When hospital staff seemed stretched thin and focused on logistics, Colleen was the steady, compassionate presence we needed — advocating for us, keeping us calm, and ensuring Chelsea was as comfortable and supported as possible.
From mom’s perspective: Colleen offered encouragement when I needed it most, helped me find confidence through the hardest contractions, and continuously checked in on my comfort and mindset. During pregnancy, she provided resources, education, and reassurance that helped me feel prepared and informed every step of the way, from prenatal questions to postpartum recovery.
From dad’s perspective: I quickly realized that hospital staff are there to manage procedures, not to personally guide the birthing process. Colleen filled that gap entirely. She unpacked our bags, filled water bottles, set up our space, and coached me on how to best support Chelsea through each phase. She helped me feel grounded and useful instead of helpless and panicked. At our request, she even took photos and videos of the delivery that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives.
Doulas are an incredible resource, and Colleen is exceptional. We truly can’t imagine going through labor without her guidance, presence, and care. We highly recommend hiring a doula, and specifically Colleen, as you make your birthing plans.
Cameron & Chelsea V.
