Suzanne Carroll M.Ed.
Experienced Postpartum Doula
Days only in Northern Virginia

I am the mother of two children (a daughter and a son) both pre-term babies.  I love motherhood and love babies - it's the role I'm most proud of.

I have a Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Health Education.  I have experience with preemies, twins, moms with depression, and adoption ( I have two adopted brothers).                                                                               

I see family as extremely important, and joined Mother & baby Matters in October 2005 because I find helping new Moms and Dads get off to a good start is very gratifying.

Terri Erwin-Fitz
Novice 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!

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.

Denise Malone
Novice Postpartum Doula                                                              
Days in Northern VA

Both of my children were breastfed babies and I was a stay-at-home mom for my daughters for twenty years. I have experience in dealing with chronic illness in children. As president of a Long Island chapter of the National Association of Mothers’ Centers, an organization dedicated to helping mothers meet and support each other, I facilitated group discussions regarding issues facing mothers.

I joined Mother & baby Matters in December 2007 to help mothers have the best possible experience with motherhood!

Suzanne McGowan

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.

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.

Sheila Patton, AAHCC
Labor Support Doula                                                                       
Maryland & DC; some Northern Virginia

I am a DONA-trained Labor Support Doula and childbirth educator and am certified as a preschool teacher. I have one son, Denis, who was born in 2006. 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.  

Patti Schoenwetter
Novice II Postpartum Doula                                                                        Days only in Northern Virginia

I have three children who are all in college.  I have experienced both natural childbirth and c-section, so can relate to both.  I have been an at-home mom for 22 years and have worked off and on once they were in school.

I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.  I joined Mother & baby Matters in October 2005 because I want to assist moms and their families during the precious but trying postpartum time.  I understand how wonderful this time is and I also understand how difficult it can be.  My goal is to make this time more relaxed for the whole family, especially the mom. 

Emily Webster C.N.A.
Tender Loving Caregiver (TLC)
Overnights in MD

I am a mother of five grown children and am also a grandmother and great-grandmother! I have lots of experience with babies and children!

I am a C.N.A. and have over 30 years experience in many aspects of care of babies, children and adults, including hospital nursery experience and working with special needs babies. Throughout the years, I have worked with clients and co-workers from various backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities.

I have a quiet manner and am passionate toward others. I joined Mother & baby Matters in November 2006 because I love being around babies!  

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 three grandchildren (with another on the way soon!).  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, "mothers servant" really becomes defined as wanting to serve the mother in love.

Renee Woody
Novice 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.