About Me
First of all congratulations!
I am a DONA trained and certified birth doula. I began my professional career as a Respiratory Therapist and am currently employed at Methodist Hospital. In addition to working at Methodist Hospital, I am also part of their volunteer birth doula program. For me, childbirth has been the most important experience of my life. I have two very spirited and adventurous children. Each day I am grateful to have them. Both of my labors were natural, un-medicated, and positive. However, I have to admit that my second was the most peaceful. The experience of the first helped me to understand the process and my body much better. I labored at home for as long as possible and was proactive about body movement throughout my pregnancy and labor as well as learned how to engage my baby.
Another incredibly powerful tool I found useful was the mind. My mindset was positive, filled with courage, and my disposition was peaceful. Labor has been portrayed as something painful, fearful, and destructive to a woman's body. However, I believe with the right mindset, education and willingness to prepare; mentally as well as physically, you can achieve your desired birth with tranquility and positivity. One of my favorite sayings is "Pain with Intention". Intentional since we have the capability of knowing what may and can happen as well as anticipating what the labor journey will be like, whether it be the first, third, or sixth delivery.
I have completed my required training through a DONA International Approved Birth Doula Training and Childbirth Education course.
My passion and enthusiasm for movement and further understanding of the body and how we can manipulate it to our advantage during labor has led me to attend amazing programs such a
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Spinning Babies® which I attended in June 2024
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Body Ready Method® for Birth Professionals which is a 9 month course and am now certified making me a Body Ready Active Pro.
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Lactation trained and currently enrolled in The Thompson Method for Health Professionals. The Thompson Method is an evidence-based approach to breastfeeding, grounded in an anatomical understanding of the breastfeeding mother and her baby.
I look forward to getting to know you and how I can support you and your family. Please fill out the contact form so we can move forward together as a team.
Advantages of Tender Hands as Your Labor Partner
Prenatal Support
Discuss vision for birth and expectations of me and support system during the labor process. Education on the pelvis and which positions can be done at specific times during the various stages of labor. We will discuss past birth history, provide evidence based information, pain reducing methods and discuss questions and concerns to ask with provider. My goal is to make information and support as accessible as possible.
Lactation Consultant
Lactation Support can be utilized before and after birth. Prenatally we can discuss the different types of breast pumps, correct fittings for flanges as well as how and when to change out breast pump parts. Explain some of the complications that can arise with breast feeding and pumping. As well as describing how much milk can be anticipated based on where you are at in your journey.
Postpartum Lactation Support we establish a good latch as well as test out pump and make setting adjustments.
Postpartum Support
Includes a home vist after birth to check on your mental well-being and transition into parenthood or additional family member. Recounting and processing your birth with you and your partner. Adressing any lingering questions or concerns you may have had about labor process, postpartum healing, breastfeeding, or newborn care.
Discuss plan for postpartum and the 5/5/5 rule. Any referrals based on topics discussed.
Elena provided such a warm, calming, positive, joyfilled, and helpful presence during the delivery of our son. My partner was also so grateful to have a coach for how he could better support me. She is flexible, laid back, very personable and went above and beyond to support us. She provided nonstop, hands on assistance with pressure points and position changes. I would highly recommend hiring her for your labor & delivery!
J Hacker
2025-06-17
Mikala Statz
2025-06-03
What a blessing Elena was to our birth! She was truly an anchor for me during the birth process - I felt that with her support I could face whatever unexpected thing came my way. She was always there for us, well before the day of our son’s arrival, and always made us know that we could reach out to her at any time. I am so grateful to her for helping us to have such an amazing birth!
Nakeyia Carlson
2025-01-24
Elena was such a blessing! We met her through our birth center intern program and I’m so thankful we did. We were pregnant with our third baby and my husband had an ankle surgery a few weeks before our due date. We realized we were going to need some more physical support so I decided to reach out to Elena. She helped understand the importance of positioning to help our baby through the birth. During our birth, she was a constant support to both my husband and I. This was our first experience having a doula in any of my births and I now understand what a huge difference it makes. Elena is really encouraging and supports you to make your own decisions throughout your birth and pregnancy. She is a voice of reason in a really difficult time and a constant reminder of how to help when you are swept up in the pain. She is worth every penny to have on your team!