Chelsea Wells

Hi there! My name is Chelsea and I'm excited to come alongside you as you welcome your sweet baby into the world. Even as a child, I was intrigued with birth. I regularly watched the 90's docuseries "A Baby Story" and my reaction was to be both fascinated and fearful. The biggest lesson I came away with was that sadly, birth seemed like a process that moms had very little say in, so maybe I didn't want to do it myself.

My perspective changed when my RA in college traveled to Kenya one summer and shadowed some midwives, hoping to possibly become one herself. She told us all about how there, birth is seen as a rite of passage that women help other women through, instead of an emergency waiting to happen. The attitudes about birth are much more relaxed and positive, because most of the time it goes well with little to no intervention!

I tucked that thought away, and a few years later I got married and then was pregnant with my first child soon after. I wanted to give her a peaceful welcome, and intuitively knew that doing everything as naturally and holistically as possible with little to no medical intervention was the right choice for me.

I had great support from my midwives, doula and family which really made the experience a positive one for me. I felt in control of my choices, reassured, safe and like I was the top priority in my birth experience instead of just going through an "assembly line." I went on to welcome my next two babies in the same way, learning and researching more and more as I went. I'm so grateful to the women who guided me, encouraged me and selflessly served me on my journey to becoming a mother. I hope to do the same for you, whether it's your first or fifth time, and be an advocate who empowers you to make the choices that are right for you and your baby. 

"Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life." -Ina May Gaskin

 

POSTPARTUM CARE: After giving birth to my first child I expected that I could bounce back quickly. I did not understand at first what monumental changes I would go through emotionally and physically, and quickly realized that I needed more than a week of support. In many Eastern cultures, women are pampered and able to rest for a month after giving birth, staying in bed and bonding with their babies as their village takes care of everything else. I believe we need to make this the norm in American culture. I have a heart for supporting women in this crucial time. I want you to have an stress-free beginning to your motherhood journey, which will also help your baby get the best start in life.

 

FIRST TRIMESTER CARE: The first trimester of pregnancy can be a lonely and turbulent time for some women. (I remember in each of my first trimesters when my own driving made me nauseated! ) You might be too tired to keep up with household tasks or chase your toddler. You feel like you’re drowning, but might not want to announce your pregnancy yet so you can’t seek support from friends and family. I know that feeling and that’s why I am introducing First Trimester Doula services. My first trimester support includes:

-Cooking (whatever helps soothe your stomach or quench your cravings!)

-Light housework

-Errands

-Help with children

-Tips on maintaining a healthy pregnancy 

-Emotional support and a listening ear