About
Photo by Tara Rice
Hi, I’m Lulu.
Photo by Johan Churchill
I believe birth is as humbling as it is extraordinary. I offer infant feeding support and perinatal care for new and evolving families in Midcoast Maine. My approach to care draws from my hospitality background, formal birthwork and lactation education, as well as personal experience as a parent of two.
-
Hospitality. I believe that hospitality aspires to do more than just provide a service; hospitality thrives on connection. I followed my love of food into the hospitality industry (and away from the journalism I had previously been pursuing) and eventually found my way into wine culture in a big way. The most meaningful aspect of my eventual role as wine director for a small urban restaurant group was the countless interactions I had with unique, hungry individuals walking through the doors every night. I would have plenty to say about wine if anyone asked, but mostly I did a lot of listening and observing. What did the guest actually want at that very moment? Sometimes they had specific requests (very specific!) and other times they simply wanted to chat, perhaps about things completely unrelated to wine. I learned a lot about people by hearing these stories tableside and grappling with the fickleness of language every day.
It brought me joy to connect with and accommodate people on their own terms. I deeply wanted them to feel taken care of, whatever that meant for them! Driven by my innate desire to nurture and connect, my ability to anticipate the needs of others and provide meaningful service became second nature over time.
Hospitality need not be limited to the realm of hotels, restaurants and organized events. One may provide intuitive hospitality to individuals in their own homes, whenever and wherever they are most vulnerable, and particularly during important moments of transition.
Nature. I believe in the wisdom of nature. When we listen to nature — feel it in our bodies, participate in the subtle rhythms around us — we tap into ancient wisdom that carries us through transformational moments in our lives. Working alone or alongside other humans on organic farms; growing my own food on windowsills, balconies, and in backyards; exploring the power of herbal medicine; dancing (any kind of dancing); enjoying food in season; taking care of animals; birthing in my own space; and nursing my children are just a few of the ways I have explored my connection with the wisdom of nature.
To listen to Nature is to be open to what we discover when we follow our hearts through a door into the unknown, and to trust that we were meant to be there.
-
Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Birth Arts International
Certified Breastfeeding Educator, Birth Arts International
Certified Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, American Red Cross
Certified Lactation Counselor, Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice ID #338640
Lactation Training, Healthy Children Project at The Center for Breastfeeding
Herbal Foundations Training, Herbalist Mary Blue of Farmacy Herbs (RI)
Organic Farming, Dooryard Farm (Maine) and Hale Akua Garden Farm (Hawaii)
Certificate in Baking & Pastry Arts, California Culinary Academy
Parent of two Humans and one Feline
-
Read my birth story here.
“Talking through and creating each part of the birth plan got me excited to give birth. In the hospital I appreciated the ideas and support Lulu gave us. Experiencing the breast crawl was magic. Thank you, Lulu, for your support — our community and many moms to come will be lucky to have you!”
— Allison + Matt
“Lulu was helpful with the baby, around the house, and with advice when asked. Great food and calming presence, easy to be around, intuitive, nurturing... She felt like a family member, but without any baggage.”
— Emily + Ben
"Lulu was very comfortable to have in our home, and she helped both feed us and make space for us to get some work done. I enjoyed chatting with her! She has a lot of knowledge of breastfeeding, and is also a fantastic cook. I would love to try more of her meals."
— Tracey + Chris
"Grateful for people like Lulu... She reminded me of a few important tips for pumping that have made all the difference. I feel confident that I am back in the game. Thank you, Lulu!"
— Rachel
"At five months postpartum, I did not expect to be where I am, and the support felt very necessary. It's always helpful for me to be brought in and centered. It was wonderful to connect and have in-home support! I loved the thoughtful tea and hot chocolate that Lulu made, her care in conversation and how she made me comfortable, brightening up our home — and candles with dinner! Thank you, Lulu."
— Meredith
"We knew at the end of this journey that we would have the gift of a lifetime with the birth of our first child, a baby girl. But what we didn't expect, or frankly could have even imagined, was another gift and that was having Lulu enter our lives. I wish for everyone going through their birthing journey to have someone as wonderful and as caring as Lulu. She was such a calming presence and exactly what we needed to welcome our daughter into this world. Lulu is grounded and nurturing. She is knowledgeable and tailoring. She knew what we needed before we did and was by our side throughout the entire birth. I wish that having a doula was standard practice for all births and anyone would be beyond lucky to have that doula be Lulu. We could not have done it without her and will forever be grateful to her and her family."
— Sam and Colleen
"Lulu was by my side from preconception to many months postpartum. We love the continuation of care she offers through community groups like nursing circles and family hikes. Our birth experience was greatly supported with her well rounded, personable and nuturing support. From aromatics to yummy treats, most importantly - ample resources and availability to answer my questions and concerns all throughout. Our family of three sends a big thank you! "
— Sara Beth and Daniel
For even more testimonials from clients, please take a peek at my profile on DoulaMatch : )
— Lulu