Meet Elizabeth Flannery
Thank you so much for stopping by to learn more about Bloom and Grow Birth Support! I am a Childbirth Educator, Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor. I am also a mamma to two girls (ages 4 & 2) and a military wife. I believe that when a baby is born, parents are born; a new family is born. And I believe that new unit deserves to be surrounded by love and nurturing so they can thrive.
I have loved all things baby for as long as I can remember; some of my earliest memories include nursing my dolls and counting the years until I was old enough to babysit. But it wasn’t until after the birth of my first child that I began to explore the idea of becoming a childbirth educator and realized that this is work I was called to.
I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by birth and breastfeeding - I think my mom was an unofficial doula of sorts - she was asked to support several of her closest friends as they birthed their babies - both at home and at the hospital. I had a front row seat to a community of women supporting women, discussing birth, sharing stories and nurturing each other. So when it came time for my own pregnancy I felt I had a solid foundation as I began to research birth options and a network I could reach out to with my questions. As more of my peers had children, however, I realized that was not the norm for most people and that as a society we need to approach and support the postpartum period in a much different (better) way than we do. I had a fire in my belly to help other families get comprehensive childbirth education and postpartum support and I knew this work was something I needed to pursue.
I started slow as we sometimes have to do as parents of young children. I dipped my toes into birth work with a childbirth education class when my first daughter was still a baby. I completed my CLC right before I gave birth to my second baby, then completed my childbirth education certification this past May and am “rounding out” my spectrum of services as I currently complete my Doula Certification (target completion May 2019). With each step I was even more certain this is was my path - I love this work and am so honored to be able to support families at such pivotal moments in their life!
Outside of birth work, I enjoy being outside with my family walking or hiking, reading my current book club book or finding a new project to sew or knit!
Get in touch
Unsure about what type of support you need? Give us a call! We can answer your questions and discuss what will work for you. Ready to find a doula? We can set a complimentary consultation!
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Education & Certifications
Certified Childbirth Educator
Doula Trainings International
I completed my childbirth educator certification with Doula Trainings International (DTI) in May 2018. The certification required a three month training consisting of monthly classes, an extensive reading list and various writing and reflection assignments.
Doula
Doula Trainings International
I took my Doula training with Doula Trainings International in June of 2018 and completed my certification process in May 2019. Certification requirements include a comprehensive reading list, writing assignments, Infant and Child CPR certification, mentorship, lectures from experts in the field, observation of childbirth education classes and lactation support classes, serving as a primary Doula at three births and 16+ hours of postpartum Doula work.
Certified Lactation CONSULTANT (CLC)
Healthy Children Project, Inc. Center for Breastfeeding
I completed my CLC training with Healthy Children Project and subsequently sat for and passed the CLC examination administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice in June 2016. This certification requires that I complete 18 CEUs in lactation counseling every three years.