Meet
our Staff
Mabel Achiaw
TenderLoving Caregiver (TLC)
Overnights only in DC & Maryland
I have three
children, and have worked in public
health all of my adult life.
I enjoy providing help, care
and support.
I am reliable, patient and
flexible - all qualities that are
extremely important for a new mother
and newborn.
Parents can be extremely
anxious during the first weeks of an
infant's life and my job is to
provide a sense of calm and peace to
the whole family!
My role is also to allow new
parents time to relax at night while
knowing that their baby is in safe,
loving and competent hands.
A good night's sleep makes
for a good day with baby, allowing
parents to bond and enjoy the first
few
weeks of excitement that come
with the birth of a child.
I joined Mother
and baby Matters in 2009 and I love
what I do!
Randi Ahmed
Novice Postpartum Doula
Days only in Northern VA
I have always been interested in becoming a Doula. I have two daughters; now that my daughters are older and in school, I feel I can finally dedicate myself to helping other families with the miracle of their newborn. I have a very nurturing personality and have always gravitated toward professions dealing with children. I have over 10 years of experience as a Nanny and for a short time was a Kindergarten teacher. I stayed home with both of my daughters when they were babies and have lots of experience with colic - my first daughter had it for three months! I joined Mother & baby Matters in 2009 because I couldn't wait any longer to become a Doula!
Leslie Axelrod MS, RD, IBCLC
Certified Dietician & Certified Lactation Consultant
Virginia, Maryland & DC
I have been a Registered Dietitian for over 20 years and a Lactation Consultant for 5 years. I have worked in Pediatricians offices and with the Fairfax County Health Department in the Women, Infants and Children Program. While Nutrition Education for Moms and babies is my specialty, Lactation Consulting is my great passion. I would love to provide Lactation support for any woman that would like to try breastfeeding. We have had many successful breastfeeding experiences with our clients at Mother & baby Matters and it is always such joy for all involved.
Jill Baugh-Burroughs
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Overnights in Northern VA, DC & Maryland
Julianne Brechtl, MA, LCCE
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Days only in Northern VA
I have a beautiful, energetic daughter. Motherhood is both joyful and overwhelming and well worth all the effort. Nothing is more precious than your own baby smiling back at you! I completed Nursing School in May 2009 and am currently an RN applicant getting ready to take my Nursing Boards. I have an MA in Counseling Psychology and am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. I joined Mother & baby Matters in June 2009 because I have a special interest in mother-baby care and the postpartum period. I wished I had had a Doula during my postpartum period! I am very understanding and sensitive to the joys and challenges this period of time can bring.
Patrice A. Curtis B.A., C.N.A.
Labor Support and Experienced Postpartum Doula
Overnights only in Maryland, DC and some parts of Northern Virginia
I am the mother of four children, all of which were natural births assisted by midwives at the Maternity Center in Bethesda. I am a coordinator for Gabriel Project, helping new mothers with unplanned pregnancies, and am currently pursuing my RN/MSN (midwifery) degree. I am an advocate of minimal intervention during the birth process, as well as letting moms bond with their babies as soon as possible after birth.
I joined Mother & baby Matters in April 1999 to gain experience in my area of interest while pursuing my Nursing Degree. Nothing has given me greater satisfaction than working with expectant families and assisting them in caring for their newborns. I have worked with many families ranging from single births to triplets. I enjoy watching new families bonding and assisting mothers with breastfeeding and newborn care.
Terri
Erwin-Fitz
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Overnights in VA
I am a mother of two school-age children, a former teacher for Fauquier County Schools and the Managing Director of a sports and dance center. After fulfilling my commitment as a teacher, I decided to stay at home after having my first son and taught teenaged mothers. This allowed me the opportunity to help them with the care of their babies. To answer their questions and help them with their difficulties, I did a lot of research into newborn care and issues for mom and baby.
I have always been interested in the care of mothers and babies. I started a MOMS Club in my area to help mothers network with other mothers. I am very caring and "laid back". I am very calm and patient with babies, children and adults. I love holding and rocking babies! I nursed both my children and have done considerable research and studying on the topic of breastfeeding. I know a lot about various methods of caring for, disciplining and educating children, but am open to other people's ideas and methods.
I joined Mother & baby Matters April 2007 because I wanted to work with an organization which would connect me with newborns and their moms!
Denise F.
Experienced Postpartum Doula, Specializing in Lactation Assistance
La Leche League Member
Days only in Northern Virginia
I am a mother of 3 sons, and have prior experience as a teacher's aide and elementary school clinic aide. I joined Mother & baby Matters in 1991 when the company was founded and have been practicing since. I breastfed all 3 children and had 2 natural births and 1 premature birth by c-section. My baby was sent home on an apnea monitor and therefore I not only have practical experience as a doula, but personal experience with a preemie on an apnea monitor.
I have a special interest in Holistic health, early postpartum support, infant care and lactation. I joined Mother & baby Matters to help new moms care for their newborns in ways that build confidence and encourage a strong mother-infant bond.
Ruth
Hall, RN
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Days only in Northern VA & DC
I have always loved babies! Before our children, a son and daughter now grown, were born, I worked as a pediatric nurse, both in a newborn nursery in the Navy and also with very sick children at a cancer center in New York City. The greatest job I've ever had, though, is being a mother. Both of my children were breastfed and I loved being at home with them.
I've enjoyed being around young families and was able to help a friend who had twins. She had complications from the birth and was hospitalized twice in the first month. With her family far away, I was available to help with the babies and three older siblings. It was a wonderful experience! I've also helped several other families from my community with twins.
When I heard about the work done at Mother and baby
Matters, I was impressed by the importance given to the whole family. The early days, weeks and months of a newborn are wonderful, exciting and often stressful. I joined Mother and baby Matters in 2009 and look forward to helping families in this new chapter in their lives.
Herma
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Days only in Maryland & DC
I have been a stay at home mother with my two children since they were born and I breastfed both of my children. I have a special interest in helping mothers who may have experienced infertility or had premature births, since I have personal experience in both these areas. My birth experiences were very positive, although with both pregnancies I had serious complications. Now that my children are in school full time, I would like to give new mothers the positive and encouraging support that is so needed in the first weeks after childbirth. I have been with Mother & baby Matters since May 2003.
Charmaine Howard
Labor Support Doula
Postpartum Doula-in-Training
Days only in Northern VA
Virlean H. Mack
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Overnights only in Maryland & DC
I am a mother of two with more than 26 years of mother-care. I also participated with my own Mom, who operated a successful Daycare Center in Washington DC for more than 10 years. I joined Mother & baby Matters in November 1995 because I was interested in guiding new parents to handle their newborns more productively and assisting women with children to a greater understanding of effective motherhood.
Over the ten years working with Mother & baby Matters, I have accumulated a wealth of experience, i.e. working with IVF birth parents, adoption parents, and new moms experiencing postpartum blues, depression & psychosis conditions. I have also worked with preemie newborns, multiples and babies on
apnea monitors. Other areas of expertise include
infant massage, supporting the "new mom of the absent or deceased mom" and general postpartum care for vaginal or c-section deliveries. I have attended additional breastfeeding training classes and have done some Lactation Consultations.
Suzanne McGowan
Certified Labor Support Doula
My interest in women's health issues and passion for the birth process led me to pursue a doula career. I joined Mother & baby Matters in May, 2004 because I feel it is a top rate organization that offers moms a wonderful and caring service and I am proud to be associated with them.
Although I am a very strong advocate for natural birth, I realize that every woman has her own unique perspective and desires. As a labor support doula, it is my priority to make sure every mom-to-be has the information and support she needs to make the best possible decisions for her own labor and birth. It is my goal to help every woman achieve the birth she wants and to help her and her spouse or partner feel nurtured and empowered by the amazing event that is happening in their lives.
I have been blessed with two sons, one of which I gave birth to at a local birth center. It was an amazing and uplifting experience from which I discovered a new strength in myself and a greater understanding of the creative power that women possess. It is my hope that I can share this knowledge and enthusiasm with the families I work with as they journey through this transformation time in their lives.
Royan Miller
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Overnights & some days in Maryland, DC & some parts of Northern Virginia
I have been an "official" doula since August 1995, predominately working overnights. Before that I was an "unofficial" doula for ten years. I have been an adoptive parent for 11 years and am a proud
aunt!
I am lovingly called the "Doula Fairy". Since overnights have been my focus, I have developed some expertise in sleep/wake patterns in newborns. I work with newborns to stretch their sleep time gradually. Most of the babies I care for are sleeping at least 5-6 hours straight per night by one month of age. I joined Mother & baby Matters because I have always wanted to specialize in mother/baby issues. Moms are really angels.
Jacquece Moss
Novice Postpartum Doula
Overnights in Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia
I have a delightful 21-year-old daughter who reminds me that I have been her best joy in life and think that that with my years of experience as a mom, I can be of service to other moms. I have a very calm temperament, which is helpful during the stressful times surrounding bringing a new baby home.
I joined Mother & baby Matters in October 2005 but have a lot of experience with newborns, twins and siblings, including serving as an independent doula for many moms.
Joan Paros
Novice Postpartum Doula
Days and overnights in Northern VA
Sheila
Patton, AAHCC
Labor Support Doula
Maryland & DC; some Northern Virginia
I am a DONA-certified Labor Support Doula,
an affiliated instructor of the
Bradley method of husband-coached
childbirth, and a certified preschool teacher. I have
two children. I am very focused on Labor Support and Childbirth Education and joined Mother & baby Matters in January 2008 because I want to establish a full-time career in birth work.
Jaime Seay
Labor Support Doula
Novice Postpartum Doula
Days only in Northern VA
Nancy Sherwood B.A., LLLL, IBCLC
Certified Lactation Consultant
I am the mother of five children, including a premature, failure to thrive baby. My children were born in four different countries! All of my children, including my preemie, were successfully breastfed, and breastfeeding was an intrinsic part of my early parenting. I have been a LaLeche Leader for 25 years and a Lactation Consultant for 11 years.
I particularly enjoy helping new mothers and babies overcome early difficulties. Seeing a new mother find comfort and confidence in her ability to care for her baby is my goal. With Mother & baby Matters since October 2004, I am able to work directly with mothers and babies and help them bond as a nursing "couple".
Mamie Stephens, TLC
Novice Postpartum Doula
Overnights only in DC & Maryland
I am a mother of three grown children and have over 40 years experience as a day care provider. I have national and Maryland state accreditation for Child Care and have earned Level I and Level II status in Early Childhood Development. I love babies and in my day care experience have cared for children from birth to three years. I am gentle and caring and my motto is "To care for each child as if he or she were my own." I offer the parents of the children I care for peace of mind when leaving them in my care. They know that their babies will be safe and protected.
I joined Mother & baby Matters in 2009 and love taking care of the babies so Mom and Dad can rest!
Donna Winsor
Certified Labor Support Doula, Experienced Postpartum Doula
Days only in Northern Virginia, DC & some parts of Maryland
I have two grown children and four grandchildren. I joined Mother & baby Matters in November 2004 as a Labor Support Doula and Postpartum Doula because of the available training and education, as well as Gerri Levrini's experience and mentoring.
While I was studying for my doctorate in Sociology, my niece asked me to be with her for the birth of her first child. I had an "epiphany" and decided my calling was to be a "mothers servant" as a Labor Support Doula. I love comforting the mom, allowing the dad to take a break and watching the birth of a new life.
I also love helping new parents and their precious babies as a Postpartum Doula. I have a lot of patience, compassion and flexibility. My biggest desire is to allow the mom to be the best mom she can be by teaching her what she needs to know, taking care of her and the baby and giving her a break when needed. This is where the term,
"mother's servant" really becomes defined as wanting to serve the mother in love.
Renee Woody
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Overnights only in MD & DC
I have an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and have almost completed my Bachelor Degree in Social Work. I have over 18 years experience as a Social Worker and taught as a head teacher in a pre-school.
I have two grown daughters and was their primary caregiver while working full time. I valued the importance of giving my children my time and attention, as parents are the first and most important teachers. I am very interested in infant and early childhood development.
I joined Mother & baby Matters in May 2007 because I believe in the importance of parents bonding with their newborns in a stress-free environment. I realize that a life lived to help others is the only one that matters.
