Cathy Gomez (she/her), BSRN, CLEC, RYT, Certified BRM pro®, and CD(DONA)
Birth Doula, Lactation Counselor, Certified Body Ready Method pro®, Prenatal Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner
I have always loved to serve, support and advocate for parents and families. First as a pediatric nurse and volunteering with various family-based programs, and now as a birth professional in my local community.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my experiences in life have led me to serve in a way I am most passionate- providing comprehensive and compassionate birth doula and lactation support along with prenatal yoga, and reiki. I am also grateful to be able to offer Mindful Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) classes. Having found a passion for understanding and teaching body mechanics and natural movement, I have also completed my training and received certification as a Certified Body Ready Method pro®. This is a comprehensive program that teaches a proactive approach to optimize the body for pregnancy, birth and recovery in postpartum. This comprehensive training gives special attention to breathing, body alignment, core and pelvic floor function...really lifelong tools. I completed the second cohort of this training as a BRM® group leader helping to support and mentor other birth workers through their learning and steps to certification. I am beginning the next cohort for 2023 as a teaching assistant.
I am also trained in birth trauma prevention and in providing respectful, culturally sensitive care for LGBTQ+ families. These experiences have expanded my knowledge and help me offer comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support to each unique birthing person/family and their baby(s) with the intention of promoting the best possible birth experience.
I believe the journey through pregnancy, childbirth and into parenthood can be a transformative and sacred experience. My intention is to provide evidenced based information which allows each family the opportunity to make informed decisions about their care. As your doula, I honor your journey and hope to cultivate a sense of trust, ease, comfort and safety- and not to forget joy and fun, too!!!
I have attended births in a variety of settings (hospitals, birth centers and at home). I have supported birthing families through medicated and unmedicated births. I have been fortunate to join families during cesarean births, surrogate births, and VBAC births as well.
My husband and I raised three children (my best life teachers), and we’ve shared many adventures along the way, including living in CA, TN, and NJ. Having moved many times, I know what it is like to transition to new areas and bloom where you are planted. Today I live with my husband and my dog and 2 cats in Folsom, CA. When I am not attending births or teaching classes you may find me outside enjoying Mother Nature or on my yoga mat or creating stained glass projects.
I would be honored to be your birth doula, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss your unique needs and expectations for your birth experience. I look forward to meeting you!
Finally, I believe in lifelong learning, and I strive to do my best to stay current to create a safe and protected environment for all birthing persons and their supportive partner/family if present. Below is a list of many of these trainings along with what I am currently enrolled in:
Spinning Babies workshops (2017/2020)
Microbiomes and Birth workshop (2017)
Mindful Birthing Workshop (2017)
Birth Spirituality and Healing Coach Certification Training (2018)
Birth Wisdom Prenatal Yoga certification (2019)
Rebozo workshop (2019)
Level 1 and 2 Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (2018-2020)
Evidence Based Birth and DONA webinars/classes including such topics as Birth Surrogacy, TENS unit, Advanced Maternal Age, COVID, Choosing Birth Words and many more
Mamastafit Birth Workers course (2020)
Birth Trauma Level 1, 2 and 3 training, The Impacts of Transgenerational Trauma and Racism on Maternal Health, A Space to Heal -Group Support for Birth Trauma, and “Addressing Trauma in the LBGTQ+ Community” (10/2020)- all classes through Birth and Trauma Support Center
DONA certified since 2017
Current lactation certification through UCSD extension program (CLEC) and completed CEU’s for Tongue Tie and Breastfeeding.
Registered nurse (BSRN) licensed in CA
Yoga teacher with additional certification in Birth Wisdom Yoga
Trainings for Reiki 1, 2, and 3.
Mamastefit Birth Worker Course (2020) and “Prepare your pelvic floor for Birth W/ Dr. Brooke Wiltshire, PT”
Healthcare Professional Training for Gilligan’s Guide, 2021
Providing Culturally Sensitive Care for LGBTQ Families (Kristin Kali LM CPM MAIA) 2021
Creating Space: Pelvic Dynamics and Fetal Positioning for an Efficient Birth (Blossoming Bellies Wholistic Birth Services) 2021
Completed Body Ready Method® Training 1/22 and now Certified Body Ready Method pro®; Group Leader second cohort completed 1/23
After a Difficult Birth: Debriefing Skills for Birth Workers (Dancy Perinatal, 7/22)
Board Member/2023 for Capital City Birth Collective https://ccbirthcollective.com/ and https://ccbirthcollective.com/cathy-gomez/