I'm MeriBeth. I am a Christian, a wife and homeschooling mother of six boys. I believe the day a woman gives birth is one of the most memorable days of her life. I want to protect that day by helping her achieve her birth desires, if possible, and I want to enhance the birthing team by offering information, education, prayer, encouragement, and continuos care and attention. Every woman deserves to feel empowered to make informed decisions and able to use her God given ability to birth the way she desires. I love my work because I know I make a difference in the lives of the people I get to know and work with. I love it more because of the way each one of them impacts me. I’ve been trained by Doulas of North America (DONA) as a birth doula and I’m currently certified with Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Associates (CAPPA) as a labor Doula. I was a breastfeeding peer counselor with the Venango County WIC office. I am a certified Christian childbirth educator (CCBE) and certified Christian doula (CCD) with Cascade Christian Childbirth Association. I am a an emergency medical technician (EMT). I offer midwifery services as a direct-entry midwife. I also work as a birth assistant for other area midwives. My future goals include adding another member or two to my family (God willing) and becoming certified practicing midwife (CPM).
 
What is a doula?
A doula is a non-medical person, specifically trained to help a woman before, during and after the birth of her baby. Doulas focus on education and support, empowering and reminding the mother of her wishes in normal circumstances and helping her stay informed in emergency circumstances. A doula works to enhance the "birthing team" and never takes the place of the spouse or partner.
 
What is a Montrice?
 
A Montrice is a labor support person who can monitor mom and baby's vitals at home before heading into the hospital. This includes blood pressure, temperature, baby's heartbeat, and cervical dilation. This option is great for moms who are unable to have a home birth, but want a natural birth and want to labor at home as long as possible before heading into the hospital. Once in the hospital, support is provided in the role of a doula only.


Want more information?
Please contact me and request an information pack or schedule a free no obligation consultation at
Merry Blessings


Think you might like a home birth?
Find out the facts about the safety of homebirth here.

Is homebirth right for you? Find out here.

Desiring a VBAC? Find support and information here.

On the fence about breastfeeding? Going back to work or school and don't think it's practical? Just need general help and information? Look right here.

Want to talk to a real person about all of the above? Call or email Merry Blessings today!
.Joanna McAfee is the other half of the Merry Blessings team. Joanna is certified with Childbirth And Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA). She is a homeschooling mother to a busy group of boys and a beautiful little girl. Joanna is a midwife's assistant, an experienced doula and breast feeding support person. She absolutely loves her work and someday hopes to expand into midwifery. Her willingness to empower, educate and serve women makes her an essential part of the Merry Blessings family!