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Peek Behind the Curtains...
How does this whole partner thing work?
We work in lockstep from the start, and by the time you’re in labor, you’ll know and love us both. But the big perk?! The big perk is that you’ll have two birth nerds to give you advice and support every step of the way. And guess what?! We won’t be tired or stressed because the partnership model allows us to fully recover from the last birth before we step into yours. That right there is a huge deal. We share our call time! So, when you go into labor, you’ll always get someone you know and trust at your birth (even if it’s Gemma’s kid’s birthday or Betty is stuck at home with a stomach bug!). We’re here. Always.
Meet your doulas
Gemma
I'm mama bear to three crazies. My home is super loud and loaded with love. I'm joyful and smile pretty much all the time. That's a huge part of me. It’s always been a huge part of me. I can easily re-frame a bad situation, which has helped me through life and guides me as I help birthing families find their power. I'm a professional actor who has been on an endless hiatus since giving birth 15 years ago. My San Jose roots run deep. That’s where I had the best childhood ever, tearing up the Naglee Park neighborhood and celebrating all things New Kids On The Block.
I’m a fierce advocate in real life, too. This skill isn’t limited to birth. You might find me speaking up in my community or volunteering for my kids' schools in about five million ways.
This is me—raw and real, with a kind of no-nonsense, say-it-how-it-is energy, a smile, and a heavy dose of fun.
Certified Birth Doula (CD)DONA International
Certified VBAC Doula, VBAC Link
Certified Body Ready Method, 2025
Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Specialist (ProDoula)
Certified Childbirth Educator
Certified Hypnobabies® Hypno-Doula
Certified in Tens Unit Support
Spinning Babies Workshop, 2020
Trauma-Informed Provider, Dancy Perinatal
Vice President Capital City Birth Collective 2020-2022
President, Capital City Birth Collective 2024-Present
Betty
I’m married to my highschool sweetheart, and I’m a mom to two boisterous boys who keep me on my toes and are always teaching me about life. We share our home with a cat and three dogs- so things get a little wild around here. To keep all that in balance I’ve found it's best to approach life with curiosity, compassion, and love. This mindset helps in the birth world as we navigate the hospital world and the natural flow of labor.
I grew up in Central California and I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful state. We spend a lot of time at Lake Natoma or hiking through the foothills; and when I’m not on call I’ll be on the north coast poking around in a tide pool.
I love getting involved with my community and there’s a great quote from George Bernard Shaw that I keep in mind “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.” So you can find me at the PTC meeting, making photocopies for the kindergarten teacher, or leading the local Spiral Scouts Raindrops.
DONA International Trained Doula
Certified in Tens Unit Suport
Trauma Informed Provider, Dancy Perinatal
Spinning Babies workshop, 2022
Capital City Birth Collective, Member
