My name is Tara L. Powe. I am a certified Birth Doula (DONA), Certified Childbirth Educator (CAPPA), and Approved DONA Doula trainer. I currently own and operate "Birthing Gently". I began my journey of working in Labor and Delivery at a Boston hospital. I acquired great knowledge after having the opportunity to work in other related departments such as antepartum, the newborn nursery, OR, post op, pediatrics, emergency department and postpartum. The personal rewards I gained while working in labor and delivery were numerous. Becoming a Birth Doula was such a huge step for me; it meant leaving the "medical model" and providing a more personal approach to the care of my laboring families.

My main interest lies in working with Maternal (PIH, rare and complicated medical conditions, infectious disease, scheduled C-sections, etc.) and Fetal (CHD, neurological defects, other congenital anomalies, etc.) high-risk OB clients. Currently I am limiting myself to taking only high risk clients and planned cesarean sections at Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston. I occasionally work as a homebirth midwifery apprentice along side Birthing Gently's homebirth midwife Dena Carmasino. As a childbirth educator I am currently teaching prepared childbirth classes at Isis Maternity in Boston Ma.

I have four beautiful children Evian, Shelby, Kendal & Hailee. Although I did not have a Doula present at my first two deliveries, I did have a Doula third & fourth deliveries which were scheduled Cesarean sections, I was amazed at how it really made a difference in the way I was able to relax and cope. Thank you, Deb & Luann!

My birth philosophy is: "Each birth is as individual, unpredictable and meaningful as each one of us." I support a mother's choice to birth her child in a way that is most comfortable to her. The birth of your baby is a miracle and each child born should be embraced with all of our love, energy, and support. We must provide women with the unbiased tools needed to make informed decisions regarding the care they are receiving, so they can enter labor with a clear, educated and open mind. All mothers, whether they chose natural, medicated, or Cesarean birth, need our support and quality care.

I am working in conjunction with the state of Massachusetts' "Healthy Families Program" which provides free Childbirth Education classes to young mothers. These classes are conducted in Haverhill, MA, and are available on a bimonthly basis. The "Healthy Families Program" aids young parents (ages 20 and under) in meeting the needs of their first baby. "Healthy Families" offers assistance, guidance, and information, including home visits, that will help first-time parents care for their new baby.

I sit on the American Heart Association's CVDY (Cardiovascular Disease in the Young) Committee. This committee provides awareness of congenital and acquired cardiovascular disease in the young throughout Massachusetts. We focus on prevention through community education.

As an approved Doula trainer through DONA, I am currently holding training workshops throughout the country. I am very excited to be training prospective Doulas, please visit our professional education page to view the list of upcoming training's.

During the years 2001 to 2006, I was involved in the PACE/Labor study, a research project at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. This study evaluated the effects of epidural analgesia (pain relief) in childbirth. The PACE/Labor study questioned why women receiving epidurals were more likely to have a fever during labor. A newer component of the study included the neurological "Brazelton Assessment" of the newborn. This study required use of my skills as a Doula and included detailed pathology work. I was very excited to be involved in this study as research is such an important aspect in healthcare.

I want to give thanks to Penny Simkin for having the privilege to train directly under her, I would also like to thank Deb Robbins for giving me the support and strength to travel down this path. And one great big thanks to my mentor Dr William Camann!