My name is Karen Bayne. I work as a birth doula, a childbirth and parent educator and a postpartum doula. I’ve been helping to create healthy and supported births since 2003.  Welcome to Gentle Balance Birth of Northampton. Let me invite you to learn more about how I can help you in your pregnancy year.

What does a birth doula do?

A birth doula’s one and only job is to support the pregnant, laboring woman. When you hire me as your birth doula, it is my job to care for you physically and emotionally during your labor and birth as well as to respect and honor your choices about your labor and delivery.  During the weeks leading up to your birth, I can supplement quality childbirth education by helping you find information about your health care choices.  I can provide informational support at your birth, whether you are at home or in a hospital, and facilitate positive communication with your care provider.  You can trust me with your birth, because I trust you to communicate your needs. Learn more about my birth doula services.

What are independent childbirth education classes?

As an independent childbirth educator, I focus on evidenced based decision making, dispelling myths about childbirth and helping clients find confidence within themselves to birth. When you take a class with me, I work for you, not your provider or hospital. Find out more information on classes here.

What does a postpartum doula do?

A postpartum doula gives help and support to a family upon the arrival of a new baby. Please ask me more about the type of help I can offer you.

Where do I work?

I serve families in Western Massachusetts, into the Berkshires and north-western CT.   I live with my family in Northampton, MA. You can learn more about me over here. The hospitals I regularly go to for birth doula support are:

- Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton MA

- Baystate Hospital, Springfield, MA

- Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, MA

- Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke MA

- Hartford Hospital, Hartford CT

- St. Francis Hospital, Hartford CT

- Manchester Community Hospital, Manchester CT