Allison Petrides
Certified Birth Doula
Services Offered: Labor Support, Postpartum Support, Remote Support/Virtual Classes, Teen Support, Trained Labor Doula, Trained Postpartum Doula, Waterbirth SupportCertifications: Certified Labor Doula, Certified Postpartum Doula
Location: New Canaan CT United States
After birthing three children within a time span of five years, I couldn’t help but recognize how overwhelming pregnancy, childbirth and parenting in general can be. I also had an unfavorable birthing experience with my first child. I was young, under-supported with financially limited options and felt “under-qualified” to be part of labor and delivery decision making. I simply left everything up to my obstetrician. I was told what to do and what not to do, what to take, where to go and even when to push. I was rarely asked for consent, but rather told what they were doing to me as they decided to do it. It all felt so clinical, as if I was in the hospital due to an illness rather than a healthy, natural event. I felt lonely, helpless and scared for three days straight. Needless to say, the experience left me wondering what could have been done differently and what choices each pregnant mother has to create a more empowered, positive birthing experience.
The moment I discovered doula work, it gave me a sense of relief learning that our society has a support system specially geared for the mother to be guided and assisted through this journey. I personally feel that our culture has brainwashed us to believe that childbirth is simply a painful burden to endure. (Cue television and movie clips where the laboring woman is screaming bloody murder and everyone is rushing around her as if there is a scary emergency to be remedied.) However, with the right knowledge and support, there can be such beauty and empowerment that comes with knowing all of your choices and feeling in control while fully trusting that your body has the capability and the strength to do exactly what it’s meant to do – create new life and make miracles happen.
I am a certified labor doula (CLD) and certified postpartum doula (CPD) through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and have attended 70+ births in various settings – homebirths, birth centers and hospitals. I actively attend workshops, courses and continuing education classes on childbirth, hypnobirthing, spinning babies, breastfeeding, postpartum, newborn care and holding space for pregnancy loss. I am also certified in levels I & II of Usui Reiki (Western Method).
I am very passionate about childbirth and I work incredibly hard to ensure that my clients have a positive and memorable birth experience however they may envision that to look. My goal is for you to feel informed, respected and for your voice to be heard by your birthing team in your chosen birth environment.
Certifications:
CLD Certification Number: 2-202004, expires January 25, 2026 (EDT)CPD Certification Number: 12-202212, expires December 27, 2025 (EDT)
https://www.gentlebeginningsdoula.com/
Email addresses:
allison@gentlebeginningsdoula.com
(Alternate)
Phone numbers:
(203) 442-4277 (mobile)
(home)