The Birthstone Doula & Photography

09/16/2023

My dearest clients, friends, loved ones,

I’ve recently learned that my stage 3 kidney disease has rapidly progressed and I have been referred to UC Davis for transplant and am hoping to be matched with a living donor. I have decided to take an indefinite hiatus from doula work beginning in November while I navigate this new season in life. I wish all my previous clients so much love and hope to return to birthwork in the future. In the mean time, please keep my family in your positive thoughts and prayers as this is all very new to us and will certainly be quite a journey.

Love,
Elizabeth

06/24/2023

I’ve been taking time for myself and my family as I’ve had a break in clients recently so I’m a bit behind on my socials. It’s PRIDE month, y’all! Who knows the meaning behind each color of the pride flag? Share in the comments below.

06/18/2023

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! And also to all the father figures, stepdads, single mothers who fill the dad role too, trans dads, folks who desperately want to be dads, and the dads who have experienced loss. You are special and you are loved. Thank you for all that you do!

05/14/2023

Mother’s Day always leaves me feeling stumped. For some it’s a day full of joy, love, and family, but for others it’s a day of painful reminders and heartbreak. Wherever you are this Mother’s Day, I see you and I’m sending you love.

This particular Mother’s Day is a mixed bag for me. I find joy in my son and his dad celebrating me. I’ll be seeing my own wonderful mom later today with family too. But several months ago someone I love lost their mom and it’s impacted me a great deal so today I’m also mourning that loss and going to lay flowers on her grave. 💐 Whatever today brings for you, give yourself love.

05/12/2023

I love seeing all the funny pre-Mother’s Day posts. I do hope everyone has a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend! And for all the folks out there who have lost their mom, experienced their own losses, struggled with infertility, or are desperately wishing to be a mom—I see you and am sending you love always.

This is what 10 cm dilated looks like. Get your mother something nice this weekend.

04/19/2023

Searching for a unique date night?

Colla Voce Chamber Singers and Astrophotographer Tony Hallas presents STARDUST: Songs and Images of the Night Skies, Sunday May 7th, 3pm and 7pm at the Auburn Veterans Hall, 100 East Street.

You are invited to a visual and auditory journey to the stars with memorable songs from Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust, the Beatles’ I’ll Follow the Sun, Rihanna’s Diamonds to Sting's Fragile with award-winning images of the night skies by the Sierra Foothill’s own internationally-known astrophotographer, Tony Hallas. Tickets include dessert and the no-host wine bar will feature wines from Montoliva Winery in Chicago Park.

For tickets: www.collavoce.org

04/06/2023

Happy Birthday to this sweet girl! She wanted to come in a hurry as she was born about 40 minutes after I arrived at the hospital and her mom was ready to have baby in her arms. Always so proud of all my rockstar clients! Doesn’t matter if your labor is fast or lasts for days—you’re doing hard work.

04/05/2023

Providing trauma-informed care has always been a top priority for me. I finished my first birth trauma class before I even took my doula training. I’m so thrilled to have added to my knowledge by completing Preventing Trauma in the Birth Room Levels 1 & 2 from Taught by one of the leading birth trauma therapists in the US, Krysta Dancy, this class has given me even more tools to recognize the potential for trauma, understand when and why it’s happening, and also what I can do to support clients who experienced trauma. So thankful for these classes.

03/29/2023

Doulas help with lactation too! After birth we’re there to assist with the first breastfeed and answer questions. There are a lot of anxieties that lactating parents face with breastfeeding because babies can’t verbally communicate, but many of those anxieties can be soothed by simple education and understanding of what’s normal. Doulas are there to provide that info. Any other bigger issues will be referred to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

03/27/2023

What do birth doulas do at their postpartum follow up? We check on you and baby, talk about breastfeeding and newborn care, debrief the birth. We also give you breaks to shower and feel human again if you need it and we make referrals to other providers like IBCLCs, pelvic floor physical therapists, and more!

03/25/2023

A lot of folks worry about a doula replacing the partner and leaving them with nothing to do. This is not the case! Partners and doulas work together in their support. Your partner knows and loves you, while a doula knows and love birth and has the skills to help through labor. They each have a role that sometimes intertwines. Ultimately, everyone is there to provide you with the most support possible!

03/24/2023

As a veteran spouse supporting military families holds a special place in my heart. I just discovered this wonderful resource open to active, retired, and veteran service members and their spouses!

03/24/2023

As we move through World Doula Week I wanted to highlight a testimonial from a previous client. This is only a small section of the full review that Sabrina left for me, but I feel it fully encompasses how a doula can make a difference in birth. I attend all types of births, from unmedicated homebirths to inductions with epidurals. I am there to be your calm in the storm of contractions. I am not only your support, but your partner’s too.

03/23/2023

Ever wonder what exactly doulas DO? Let’s start in pregnancy….
We offer clients all the evidence based info surrounding pregnancy, birth, etc. This allows them to be truly informed before making decisions in birth. It’s also easier to learn these options when not in the throes of labor.
We also teach comfort measures, positions for labor, and breathing techniques. And so much more! Additionally, doulas stay in touch throughout pregnancy to answer any questions that come up and offer support through any complications that might arise. We walk this path by your side.

03/22/2023

Today marks the start of This week I will be sharing how doulas make a difference and other little tidbits of fun info. Starting with these stats from Evidence Based Birth on continuous labor support.
Research found that continuous labor support:
-shortened labor by 41% on average
-decreased the use of medication for pain relief by 10%
-25% decrease in the risk of cesarean birth
Pretty incredible stuff!
Follow along this week to learn more about doulas.

03/14/2023

Happy Pi Day! Today only, Dr. Rebecca Dekker from is offering her book “Babies Are Not Pizzas” in digital format for $3.14. Check out the Evidence Based Birth shop to order!

03/13/2023

Our babies never stop being our babies.