About Doula Joyce
Hi, I’m Joyce! I’m a mother of three, birth doula, biologist, childbirth educator, doula mentor, and amateur flutist.
My background in science guides me as a doula and Evidence Based Birth Instructor. I believe you have the right to understand all of the physiology, research, and best clinical practices that may affect your experience of pregnancy and birth. As the only Evidence Based Birth Instructor in Nebraska, I’m here to help you do just that.
My approach to doula care is highly individualized. I’m just as happy to surf PubMed to send you extra studies about induction as I am to give you my list of local acupuncturists and massage therapists. Doula care is about you—your ideas, preferences, and plans. I use all of my experience and education to support you where you are. With plenty of prenatal support and regular communication, my care puts you at ease from pregnancy through postpartum.
Professional Training
DONA International Birth Doula Training Workshop 8/2009.
DONA International Birth Doula Certification (CD(DONA)) since 5/2012 (Certification currently valid through 05/2024).
Trained Hypnobabies® Hypno-Doula (HCHD) since 5/2015 (Lifetime Certification).
Evidence Based Birth® Instructor since 3/2017.
Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class Independent Contractor and Distributor since 12/2018.
Spinning Babies workshop with Gail Tully 2014.
Certified Rebozo Apprentice with Gena Kirby 2016.
The Advanced Doula Workshop by Traci Weafer 2019.
Keeping Your Power® by Traci Weafer 2020.
Breastfeeding Educator Basics Course sponsored by MilkWorks and Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln 2021.
Community Breastfeeding Educator (CBE) 2021.
B.A. Psychology, Knox College, 2003.
M.S. Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008.
Professional Experience
I have attended over 160 births, including spontaneous labors, inductions, Cesareans, VBACs (vaginal birth after Cesarean), and twins. I support births at all hospitals in Lincoln and the surrounding areas, including the CHI Health Birth Center at Lincoln. I’m proud to be partnered with the Malone Center since 2020 as a birth doula, childbirth educator, and doula mentor.
I have instructional experience in a variety of formal and informal educational settings since 2001, and have instructed individuals and small and large groups from preschool age children through adults.
Professional Memberships
DONA International 2009-Present
Evidence Based Birth® Instructor 2017-Present
Professional Member 2017-2021
International Cesarean Awareness Network 2014-2018
Birth Monopoly Doula Power 2016-2019
Volunteer Experience
ICAN, the International Cesarean Awareness Network, chapter co-leader 2014-18
DONA International Nebraska Ambassador 2016-2020
Doulas of Lincoln founder and board member2016-2023
DONA International Director of Communications 2023-present
My Philosophy
“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers – strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.” –Barbara Katz Rothman
I believe:
Birth is a natural biological and physiological process
Outside factors can have a profound influence on childbirth
There are circumstances where medical intervention is necessary or desired
Having support (like a doula) during birth is normal and beneficial
Support during birth has a profound positive influence on both the medical and emotional aspects of birth. This positive influence can help reduce the likelihood that medical intervention will be needed. When intervention is necessary, emotional support can help the birthing person begin to process their experience in a positive manner.
As a doula, I am primarily focused on the person giving birth. While I am passionate about physiologic childbirth, my goal is for my clients to have empowering and positive births—on their own terms. I cannot guarantee that you will have your ideal birth, nor can I guarantee that you will not face the unexpected. However, as your doula, I do guarantee that I will do my best to help you prepare for your ideal birth and help you navigate the birth you experience with dignity and strength.