In 1998 I became interested in being a Doula. After much reading and research I decided to take the Doula Training course sponsored by D.O.N.A. in Ormond Beach, Florida in January of 1999.

My Doula Training Class, January 1999
L. to R. Back row. Sally, Me, Cindy and Susan Toffolon,(host)
L. to R. Front row. Kim, Kim, and Gita
In addition to being a Doula and a Doula trainer,Susan Toffolon is also the treasurer for D.O.N.A.

In October of 2001 I attended a Hypnobirthing training with Mickey Mongan in Scottsdale, Arizona


Hypnobirthing Class with Mickey Mongan
Scottsdale Arizona October 2001

Mickey Mongan


It goes way back....
Fiona with a sofa full of babies 1985

In my quest for a doula who could help me become one, I was fortunate enough to find Mary Riley in nearby Woodstock, NY. Mary has been a certified Doula since 1989 and has a wonderful reputation as both a Doula and Childbirth Educator. She is a wise woman, has sifted tirelessly through the alternatives to find methods that work and give comfort and joy to the birthing experience. She has worked with many local doctors who have come to trust her judgement and value her input.


Mary Riley and I at the Open Center
New York City April 2000

 

After completing the Doula certificationin 1999, I began work here in the Hudson Valley.

In 2006 I joined the staff at Neugarten Birth center at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY as an part-time OB tech.

From this I have developed wonderful relationships with staff and medical personnel. I feel very fortunate to be able to combine with my love of working with women in labor and working at a facility with such a great reputation in the birthing community.

I continue to attend seminars and courses to enhance the information I have. Meeting other Doulas, Midwives and other birth practitioners allows me to ask questions, get new perspectives, and expand my birthing assistance.

In April 2007 I attended a Breastfeeding Workshop. I also received my CLC ( Certified Lactation Counselor) certification this year (2008)

Attending training courses is a way to refresh and learn from the leaders in the birthing field.

I become re-inspired when I hear speakers such as Suzanne Arms, Ina May Gaskin and Penny Simkin talk about how they struggled in the begining and how hard they still fight to correct the wrongs they believe are still going on in delivery rooms around the country and world. It's also where I meet and connect with other Doulas and health care professionals who feel passionately about their work.


Ina May Gaskin

Ina May Gaskin, CPM is the founder and director of The Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee (USA). She is the editor of The Birth Gazette and author of Spiritual Midwifery and Babies, Breastfeeding and Bonding. Formerly the president of MANA, Ina May is a prominent national and international speaker. She has been a homebirth midwife for more than twenty years

Information about Ina May, her books, seminars and information about the Farm and how it all came to be, are at their website The Farm Community.
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In May of 2003 I attended a "Birthing from Within" workshop with Pam England in Montclair, New Jersey

Fiona with Pam England

In December of 2003 I attended a Birth and Bonding Conference in San Francisco, California



Suzanne Arms

Internationally acclaimed author, photojournalist, visionary and activist, Suzanne Arms has been an acknowledged leader of the international birthing movement.

Her books include, Bestfeeding, Immaculate Deception II, and Seasons of Change. Information about Suzanne and her books are available at her website Birthing The Future.