Support for Your Journey.
Every Step of the way.
Family Building Support
What Does A Reproductive Support Specialist Offer?
The family building process is an extremely personal and imaginative journey. A family building doula is here for the really hard moments, the joyful ones, and everything in-between.
Maybe you’re at the very beginning and wanting to discuss options or initial steps to take. Maybe you are already working with fertility specialists, but you’re looking for support between or preparing for your appointments.
As a support specialist, we leave the medical/clinical care up to your medical care providers and offer what is often missing in the medical field: emotional, mental, physical, and informational support along the way.
Interested in a home IUI with a midwife, but need help with cycle charting to feel confident about your timing? Need help finding evidenced based research on a specific topic or wanting to feel more prepared for an upcoming appointment?
There are so many reasons to have a support professional in your corner to listen to your needs, fears, questions, dreams, and wishes while you navigate this process.
These days, information is just a click, scroll or tap away. This can mean information overload. Filtering through all all of it can feel tough on your own.
I’m there for you to bounce ideas off of, be a listening ear, and offer the additional support so you can make decisions that are best for your body and your family.
Support includes (but not limited to) any of the following:
informational support (DIY/ICI/IUI/IVF/RIVF)
cycle tracking/charting assistance
connecting with providers (RE, Midwife, Fertility Specialists, Acupuncturist etc.)
preparation or accompaniment for clinic appointments (virtual or in-person)
home care (after egg retrieval, embryo transfer, miscarriage etc., includes light house work and nutritional support)
educational, physical, and emotional support
text and email support
prenatal support through first 12 weeks
I offer support programs as 1, 3, & 6 month options for fully virtual, in-person, or a hybrid of the two. Schedule a free consultation to learn more!
Fertility Support
Support During the Follicular Stage (weeks leading up to ovulation):
I offer individual, person-centered care for anyone trying to conceive. Whether you are just starting out or deep into the process. Our hour sessions are spent discussing ways I can assist you with cycle tracking/charting, choosing providers, finding donors, fertility nutritional support, integrating acupressure protocols, gaining info regarding insemination options, and much more. Once we are working together, I can help you gather evidenced based information so you can make decisions that feel best for you along the way.
I also offer treatment sessions to support overall hormonal balance and circulation. This relaxation massage may help with psychological stress since there is evidence that massage therapy (in general) supports this. This is not a specific type of fertility massage like Mayan abdominal massage (Arvigo technique) that's primary focus is to increase blood flow to the pelvic organs. I’m happy to provide resources and referrals for practitioners who offer this type of treatment. As a fertility support specialist, I may guide you through some gentle, self care abdominal work that you might like to add into your cycle routine. I also teach techniques that your partner(s) or support people in your life can offer for you on a daily basis.
Fertility Support
Support During the Luteal Phase (weeks after ovulation):
The second half of the cycle may be filled with mixed emotions if you are actively trying. This stage can feel like a combination of anticipation and anxiety. The days may seem a little longer and it may be hard to focus on anything else. I’m here to support the ups and downs of the “two week wait.” This could mean virtual check-ins where we discuss whatever is on your mind or concerns that may arise. I’m here if you want to talk or not talk. I let you guide how much support you need during this time, just so you know I’m in your corner. Many folks aren't necessarily sharing this stage of the journey with family, friends, co-workers, etc. so professional support can help fill this gap.
Loved ones (well meaning) often want to fix or find a solution, hate to see us sad, and sometimes, they just don't know what to say so they try and fill the silence. I actually promise to not have the answers or advice. I will be upfront about that from the beginning. I honor that this is a deeply personal journey. I want your whole self, all of your identities, all of your experiences, to be seen, heard, and cared for through the process. That's my main goal. If you want to learn some useful tips and tools along the way, I’m here for that too.
If you are partnered or have a close friend that is supporting you at this time, I can also help guide them through tools and techniques they can offer such as: acupressure, massage, visualization, breathwork techniques and more!
I also offer in-home treatment sessions during this stage (different than the follicular stage). This treatment promotes stillness, comfort and balance in the body as well as stress relief during the two week wait or during the the initials days after a transfer.
Perinatal Support
What Does A Perinatal Support Specialist Offer?
There is really is no “textbook” to tell you how you should feel about being pregnant at any given time or day. Nothing out there can tell you how your experience will be or should be.
When you work with a perinatal support practitioner, we understand how extremely personal this journey is. We aren’t there to give you advice or tell you what to do. We will not have “the answers” although our job is to listen to your questions and concerns and provide you with resources along the way.
We help advocate for our clients so they can feel like they have a team backing their personal decisions regarding their bodies and their family. We are trained to support you through the transitional experience of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We encourage you to show up as your full self, each step of the process, no matter how that looks on any given day.
All doulas offer slightly different types of support based on their training and experience.
My offerings include (not limited to any of the following):
emotional, mental, and informational support
physical support: prenatal massage, acupressure, movement techniques
birth preparation, childbirth classes, support for your birth teams/partner(s)
connecting you with resources, providers (OB, Midwife, Acupuncturists, Mental Health etc.)
preparation (or accompaniment) for/to clinic appointments (virtual or in-person)
In home support: meal prep, birth prep, newborn prep, postpartum prep etc.
text and email support
prenatal support from 12+ weeks through 10 weeks after birth
I work with clients and their partners/family members as they prepare for birth and new parenthood. Perinatal Support Programs are offerred as 1, 3 & 6 month options for fully virtual, in-person, or a hybrid of the two. Learn more about pricing and schedule a free consultation!
Perinatal Massage
The hormones associated with relaxation can have a significant affect on reducing physical, emotional, and mental stress during pregnancy (or any major life change). Having a self care routine that supports hormone regulation can reduce anxiety, cardiovascular health, and even improve your overall mood. When we are in a relaxed state, the hormones associated with stress, like cortisol and norepinephrine, are reduced, and serotonin and dopamine levels are increased, this not only decreases stress during pregnancy, but can support more positive birth experiences and less depression and/or anxiety after birth.
Pregnancy massage addresses and relieves some of the most common discomforts people often experience during pregnancy. Edema, or swelling of the joints is often caused by reduced circulation and increased pressure on the major blood vessels by the growing uterus. Pregnancy massage helps to stimulate soft tissues to reduce collection of fluids in swollen joints and improves the removal of tissue waste carried by the body’s lymph system and help flush out toxins.
Many people experience sciatic nerve pain in late pregnancy because the uterus rests on muscles of the pelvic floor and low back which can cause tension on the muscles and pressure on the nerves. Many people report having less low back/hip pain after receiving massage often in pregnancy. Massage therapy helps with inflamed nerves by releasing the tension on nearby muscles which can offer much needed relief. Massage during pregnancy can also ease upper and lower back discomfort caused by the changes happening in the front of the body.
Some other potential benefits of pregnancy massage include:
Reduced swelling and joint pain
Improved circulation
Less muscle tension
Fewer headaches
Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
Better sleep
Feeling more connected to pregnancy and baby
As with any therapeutic modality, it's always important to consult with your midwife or OB/GYN before beginning pregnancy massage.
Postpartum Massage
I consider the postpartum time to be at least the first full year after birth, although many of the major changes are happening within the first few months, some changes take more time. Postpartum healing, on all levels can happen even years after birth! Your body is usually in need of some nurturing support right after birth, however we schedule this on a case by case basis to offer you a personalized treatment that looks different as you move throughout your post birth experience.
New Parenthood Massage
This is an important time to recharge for birthing people AND also for non-gestational parents as well! Whether your partner recently gave birth, you recently became a parent via surrogacy, you are a new adoptive parent, or a caregiver of any kind, retreat and restoration through this major transition is very important and can help with the physical, mental, and emotional experience of having a new baby.
Our wellness massage treatments focus on supporting all kinds of new parents through their parenting journey.
New Parenthood Support
What Does A New Parenthood Support Specialist Offer?
Postpartum Doula Support
Postpartum doulas are specifically trained and experienced to offer physical, emotional, and educational support after childbirth OR during the first few months with a new baby for all parents and caregivers. Your doula will meet you at your home and offer care for a specific amount of time as you transition to parenthood (or parenting again). We do not provide medical assistance. We provide non-biased, evidenced based information, resources, and support your personal experience.
*At times (when schedule allows), I am able to offer extended care support options for families looking for consistent care for the first full year. My duties may change as baby grows and your needs as new parents may shift as well.
Day (8am-5pm) singleton $35-$45 (based on duties)
Day (8am-5pm) multiples $45-$55 (based on duties)
Night (7pm-9am) singleton $45-$55 (based on duties)
Night (7pm-9am) multiples $55-$65 (based on duties)
Additional $5 per hour outside of operating hours
Travel fees may also be additional depending on location
Postpartum Doula Roles Include:
Physical, emotional, informational support and guidance
Basic feeding support (body, bottle, combo, etc. including human milk pick up drop off if your surrogate is pumping)
Newborn care suggestions and support (including newborn massage, bath time, sleep support, baby-wearing etc.)
Unlimited phone, text, and email support for any questions or concerns
Food preparation and light meals and snacks
Massage and overall wellness/self care support
Errands and grocery shopping (funds to be provided by client in advance)
Light housekeeping (laundry, dishes, cleaning bottles, tidying up etc.)
Sibling entertainment
Pet care (walks, feeding, love)
Referrals: for medical care providers, perinatal practitioners, lactation consultants etc.
Overnight care
Baby care (changing, feeding, naps), walks, engaging activities, reading, tummy time etc.
and more!
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Family Building Wellness Support Program
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Perinatal Wellness Support Program
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New Parenting Wellness Support Program
Wellness Support Programs
Becoming a new parent or parent again is it's own kind of "birth." You are forever changed in many ways. A new YOU is emerging while you are simultaneously planning for a family, growing a human, or pouring so much energy into caring for this new, tiny person(s).
In addition to doula support, I offer wellness programs for anyone trying to conceive, pregnant folks, and new parents who are navigating this transformational time. Together, we will develop a personalized plan and implement practical tools to support you as you move through the ins and outs of this major transition. You will meet with me (virtually, in-person, or hybrid) once or twice a week. I will be in your corner. I will offer a holistic model of support. I want you to feel seen, heard, celebrated, and whole. I’m here for all that, lots of massage, and so much more.
Have you ever walked out of a massage session and wished you could’ve chatted more with your therapist (if you really connected) and picked their brain (knowing the years of wellness education and experience they may have to share)? I only offer a select few clients each month to enter my wellness programs. This means we really get to work. I’m able to give so much personalized focus. Maybe you just really need a month to reset and recharge. Maybe you want to work with me through the majority of your pregnancy, especially as you prepare for birth. Maybe having weekly support during the first 3 months as a new parent sounds magical. It’s all here for you. Built into these heart centered programs to help you feel nurtured through this process.
Wellness Support Programs: You pick 1 month, 3 month, or 6 months.
(1) 1:1 session per week (either body or mind)
(2) 1:1 sessions per week. (one body, one mind session)
Wellness Session (BODY) + Coaching Session (MIND)
You pick 1 month, 3 month, or 6 months.
You invest in yourself and the outcome is incredible. You say YES to showing up for yourself during one of life’s biggest transformations and the impact deeply affects you in small and gigantic ways for the rest of your life.
Meet Ashley
Hi! I’m Ashley (she/they). I am a Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Perinatal Massage Therapist, Childbirth Educator, and Reproductive, Pregnancy + Postpartum Support Specialist.
I have worked in the pregnancy/birth field for over 10 years. I more recently trained with Cornerstone Birthworker Trainings in 2019 and since then, my practice has mainly focused on inclusive family building support for the queer community.
I have supported hundreds of pregnant clients as a perinatal massage therapist. I have been a birthworker for most of that time, although my focus has more recently shifted outside of the perinatal/birth experience toward support for the “trying to conceive” process and anyone in the thick of new parenthood/early weeks with a newborn(s) for gestational and non-gestational parents and caregivers. I have a passion for working with families created through ART, surrogacy, foster care, and adoption.
My own experience with pregnancy and birth has had a deep impact on my life. Parenting has transformed me in many ways and continues to every day. Although we faced some challenges as a queer couple on our trying to conceive journey, it was actually the lack of obstacles I faced as a white, cis, thin, partnered, femme pregnant/birthing person that helped me better understand how much work still needs to be done to ensure reproductive, perinatal, and parenting spaces are safe and accessible for everyone!
My wife and I have been married for 10 years. Her career brought us to Fresno from San Diego in 2021. She is a construction estimator by day and potter by night. We are parents to a wild and wise 5 year old kiddo and we have two German Shepherds named Kylar and Beau. We recently started a pottery business called Kin + Clay and we are enjoying becoming more connected to the artisan community in Fresno. We sell at local pop up events and farmers markets. We also host pottery gatherings for the community and especially love introducing the magic of clay to little ones!
I offer free doula support consultations and would love to learn more about you and how I may be able to support your family building journey. I also love connecting with other birth workers or birth-work adjacent providers so if that’s YOU, I’d love to hear from you!
