About Bailey
I became an herbalist because I love to be in the natural world and know that plants can care for us in a way that isolated chemical compounds can't.
I became a doula because I experienced the unbelievable lack of support for parents firsthand with the birth of my daughter.
I am committed to serving anyone who needs help because I believe we as humans have a right to be supported, cared for and respected in our journey of becoming (or choosing not to become) parents and whatever that means for each of us.
When I moved to Spain in 2014, I was unaware of the learning journey I would undergo that put me on the path of becoming a doula. After an unplanned pregnancy in an unhealthy relationship dynamic, I started learning more and more about the support that people desperately need (and so often do not get) when they are pregnant, no matter the course of the pregnancy. Struggling with undiagnosed postpartum depression in a foreign place, fighting to exclusively breastfeed in a "what-if-you-don't-have-enough?" culture, accepting the need for separation, navigating the legal system and moving back to a different continent and society during a pandemic only deepened my drive to provide support to people in similar situations.
I want to support ALL people in ALL moments needed through the reproductive lifespan because I believe it is a human right, not a privilege.
Additionally, I have been an early childhood nature educator for years, where I learned to combine my passions for nature and playing with kids. This also led me to learn more about my favorite nature beings--the plants--through various herbal classes. My love for dance has expanded my body awareness and ability to share that with others--a useful skill for managing the changes that go on inside our bodies throughout the reproductive lifespan. I also enjoy growing my own herbs and engaging in whatever artistic expression I can; click here to see my art and ceremony options for pregnancy, postpartum and pregnancy release.
The Vision
My goal is that you feel supported and that your mental, physical and emotional needs can be met while I’m working with you-and that we can set up a support system to continue that care during and after our sessions. I will listen to your dreams, goals, wants and needs and meet you where you are at without judgment.
My experience lies in preparing the body and mind for the experience and processing it afterwards, herbal remedies, caring for the body with stretching and massage and working through the intricacies of parenting (should that be necessary) within or without a partnership. While I am not a professional mental health care provider, I can give additional support around current or past trauma, abuse, separation and grief, pulling from personal experience and connecting you with community resources as needed. To me, informed consent and evidence-based decisions are crucial to you being able to make the best choices for your own body.
To the end of creating more community support, I have also been working on creating a sustainable parenting support group in the Ithaca and Cortland communities. Please ask for more information if you are interested!
Some of my favorite things:
Education/Training:
Full Spectrum Doula Training, Ancient Song Doula Services (certification in process)
Birth and Disability, Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings
Crisis Response Workshop, Project Lets
Pregnancy and Birth Monograph Course, Escuela Internacional de Naturopatía (Spain)
Community Herbalism Intensive, Northeast School of Botanical Medicine (with apprenticeship under 7Song at the Ithaca Free Clinic)
Herbal Apprenticeship Program, Heartstone Center for Earth Essentials
Bachelor's of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University
If this feels aligned with what you are looking for, please contact me to learn more.
I look forward to working with you!