Hello! My name is Nicole.
I’m the founder/owner of Northern Star Doula.
Whether you live in South Jersey, Philly, Delaware, or the surrounding areas, we can help. I’m a mom of 3 and many years later, I can still recall the seemingly never-ending sleep deprivation cycle and the nagging feeling that I was “doing it wrong.” I was sure of it at times. But I leaned into my intuition and trusted that it would all work itself out and — it did. We did. Ya know, we’re not meant to do this alone. Isolated. Lonely. Tired. We deserve a level of support than most don’t even know is possible. This is where the Doula steps in.
For those who choose to work with a Birth Doula, we can be a strategic advocate, an educator, an empowered birth support partner, a guide, a reminder, a companion, an intuit, and even to some — a sister. What an honor. Depending on what the moment calls for… We can be a source of calm energy or hype you up when you need it most. We can be a quiet, steadfast presence or talk you through ALL of the challenging parts, step-by-step. We can sit on our hands and hold space or be an active and dynamic source of physical comfort alongside your partner. We believe in your innate wisdom & strength, and your ability to tune into your body and birth boldly. We have seen it time and time again.
It is a gift to be able to make a difference in the way people feel supported and cared for throughout their birthing experiences. It’s the main reason I became a Doula. To provide the support that we ALL deserve. I personally understand (and remember vividly) what it feels like to be supported vs not. I feel extremely fortunate and honored to have been trusted and invited into many birth spaces over the years. My goal is to do everything I can to leave birth better than I found it. It is a mission that I continue to take very seriously. This is why I continue to value a tight knit team of strong, hardworking doulas, who know exactly why they do this work…
More about me…
I began my journey towards birth work in the fall of 2014, after the birth of my youngest son. My own birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding experiences lead me to the realization that in today’s society, there is a very apparent and unfortunate lack of support. Women are not receiving continuity of care. After more than a year of self-study, I completed a formal birth doula training program through CAPPA, (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association.) At the advice of my instructor, I continued on by taking the postpartum doula training, and began supporting families immediately.
I’m constantly expanding my knowledge through literature, continuing education courses and workshops as well as learning from those who have come before me . I am a professional member of Evidence Based Birth, Birth Monopoly & VBAC FACTS. I’m knowledgeable in the use of acupressure for birth, trained and certified in advanced VBAC support, a pelvic biomechanics enthusiast, and skilled in the art of effective communication and strategy in the birth room. I’m committed, dedicated, and steadfast. I’m a believer in your rights to bodily autonomy, personal freedom, and self-agency.
After attending several hypno-births, I became a believer in peaceful birthing through the use of hypnosis for childbirth, and then trained and registered as a Hypno-Doula through Hypnobabies. I continue to recommend Hypnobirth for all of the benefits it has for relaxation and comfort. Through my role as a traditional birth doula, I mostly use trust, relaxation, focus, breathing, movement, and intuition. A bag of tricks is great, and I certainly have one, but I use my voice, energy, heart, and hands the most.
I’m a firm believer in intuitive, holistic support and know the lasting, positive impact it can have on an entire family. I’m what some would consider pretty “crunchy” but I’m also a huge nerd and love science. Not the kind of blindly trusted science that we are told to believe just because “science”…. The good stuff. I especially love when science actually agrees with my crunchy/naturalistic methods. And if you do enough digging, you might find that most of it does!
I also mentor newer doulas to continue to pass along the knowledge, skill, and experience that was passed down to me. I firmly believe that my mentors (Britt M. and Crystal S.) were an essential part of my journey early on and still — are the reason I am who I am today. As doulas are very much self-learners, I am also a big believer in the mentor/apprentice model of learning. I work closely with newer doulas as they support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They are a beloved aspect of my practice and families ADORE them.
In the fall of 2018, I began my academic studies in the art and science of midwifery. It was the next logical step for me, as I had found myself in a place where I gravitated toward the wisdom and safety of the midwives model of care, and naturally began providing a level of support that felt above and beyond the Doula’s realm, diving deeply into health promotion and complication prevention. Over the past couple of years, as I continue to move through didactic work with The National College of Midwifery, I have apprenticed and gained experience practicing basic clinical skills with a traditional homebirth midwife, as well as through traveling to learn under 7 different certified professional midwives attending births in homes and three busy birth centers. The student journey has been exciting and challenging, and it continues to unfold in the way that I believe it is meant to. There is no rush, and this is an important profession as old as time.
Aside from birth & postpartum work, you’re likely to find me spending quality time with my husband Matt, my 22, 19, and 10-year-old kids, (yeah, I still cannot believe I have adult children!), and my dogs Reba (Heeler mix) and Nipsey (Plott Hound/Beagle), gardening, traveling, studying midwifery, nutrition, and herbalism.
CURRENTLY FINISHING UP MIDWIFERY SCHOOL –– ESTIMATED TO GRADUATE IN MAY 2025!
The Core Northern Star Doula Team
Britt, aka Mama B – Lead Doula, Postpartum Chef
Hi, I’m Britt!
Who I am as Mother & Doula is the result of weaving together my time spent living abroad, University + street smarts and many mentors.
AN ORDINARY LIFE HAS NEVER INTERESTED ME.
I left my hometown in Newport Beach, California and moved across the world to do my undergraduate in Queensland, Australia. I then spent my 20’s and early 30’s working and playing (what is life if we aren’t playing, working and smiling) overseas in; Australia, Colombia, Tanzania and South Africa.
I’m a teacher, but more importantly I feel strongly about practicing what I teach.
During my expat years, I worked as a communication specialist, helping organizations globally from Los Angeles to New York, Puerto Rico, Tanzania and South Africa. Every birthday, I have a tradition of gifting myself an experience, or a self enrichment course, all in Eastern and Western sciences + spirituality.
I hold a BA with a double major + double minor Advertising & Public Relations + Philosophy and Communication. I’ve been a certified Hatha yoga teacher for over 10 years, and certified compassionate communication coach for 4 years.
I’ve been in birth work for just under 5 years, trained with Dona International as well as Sunrise Tawenti Ne Biidaaban Doula Collective in Indigenous Culturally Appropriate Pregnancy Care (CAPC).
I believe that I have a gift of connecting with parents from all walks of life, instant trust without fear or judgment, and one of the defining aspects of my Doula approach is its unwavering commitment to cultural competency. This approach fosters an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported, regardless of their cultural background. I’m proud to serve all families from all walks of life.
I also have a robust professional history of teaching newborn + 4th trimester care classes as well as hosting new mother circles, and love to act as your personal postpartum doula-chef extraordinaire!! I can’t wait to be a part of your birth or postpartum support team. Let’s work together!
Emma – Birth Doula
Hi, I’m Emma!
I’m a DONA trained Birth and Postpartum Doula, as well as a registered Hypno-Doula with Hypnobabies. I have always been fascinated with pregnancy, childbirth, and entering the world of motherhood for as long as I can remember. I feel that giving birth, and becoming a mother/father/parent is such a life altering transition, it deserves to be nurtured and celebrated. My own experience of entering the world of motherhood has led me to discover this passion of helping others on this beautiful path. I wholeheartedly believe that my role in supporting others on their journey toward motherhood should leave them feeling a harmonious blend of knowledge, support, and personal connection. So that is my doula “style.”
I’m a wife and mom of 2, living in West Deptford, NJ, passionate about working with mothers and families during the perinatal period because I truly understand, through personal experience, that it is one of the most, if not the most transformative time in one’s life. Many families do not have the support or the information they need to make informed decisions, and I want more than anything to be the change in my community. Because I feel that becoming a mother is special… one of my main goals as a Doula is to help women and families have a positive birth experience, and a supported postpartum and early parenting experience, on their terms. To leave them feeling whole and empowered, regardless of their specific birth preferences.
Additionally, I have a specific passion for lactation, as I encountered some hurdles there myself, and was able to overcome them with solid support and guidance (thankfully). I feel very strongly about helping others reach their goals when it comes to nursing their little ones, (if this is what they should choose) as that this could play a huge part in their overall postpartum wellness, and I have a unique perspective and confidence in this area due to my own experience. Let’s work together!
To get a better feel of the support we provide, check out what families are saying! If you’d like to chat, or have any questions at all, please send me a message. We look forward to hearing from you!
Join me on Social Media!
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Media, Lima, Glen Mills, Malvern, Paoli, Wayne, Bala Cynwyd, Merion Station, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, West Chester, King of Prussia, Conshohocken, Manayunk, Rydal, Jenkintown, Abington, Willow Grove, New Hope, Newtown, Yardley, Doylestown, Buckingham, Holland, Horsham, Bryn Athyn, Solebury.
New Jersey : Cherry Hill, Collingswood, Merchantville, Haddonfield, Haddon Township, Haddon Heights, Westmont, Audubon, Barrington, Burlington, Marlton, Mt Laurel, Lawrenceville, Moorestown, Medford, Cinnaminson, Pennsauken, Delran, Hainesport, Mt Holly, Pemberton, Evesham, Mullica Hill, Berlin, Voorhees, Clementon, Shamong, Hammonton, Vineland, Williamstown, Clayton, Glassboro, Gloucester, Turnersville, Deptford, Blackwood.