MEET CATHERINE FISCHER | Postpartum Doula

While I bring plenty of knowledge and experience to my work with you, I consider you the expert in your children.

I respect and support all families.

I share what I have learned and also want to understand and learn about the unique experiences and particular values of your family.

I understand how giving birth and caring for babies and young children makes us vulnerable in new ways.

Sooner or later, our parenting will present all of us with unexpected and sometimes overwhelming challenges. I consider it a privilege and honor to help, teach, reassure and encourage parents in their journey.

Catherine Fischer

Postpartum Doula Care

Parenting Support

I offer concrete strategies as well as empathy and a sense of humor in order to help families with the emotional challenges of parenting. I have taught numerous parenting classes, led parent support groups for many years and trained staff and parents at local day-cares and preschools. You can see some of my writing about parenting here. I don’t expect parents to adopt any particular approach, but have many tools and experiences to share when parents want them.

Training & Continuing Education 2010 - 2021

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding, 2021
Black Maternal Health Equity, 2020
Postpartum Mood Disorders, 2020
Hand In Hand Parenting Instructor Certification, 2017
DONA International approved Birth Doula training, 2013
90 hours of Professional Lactation Education, from Barbara Robertson, IBCLC, Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor 2013 Certified Postpartum Doula through Doulas of North America International, (DONA) 2012
Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor 2013 Certified Postpartum Doula through Doulas of North America International, (DONA) 2012
DONA International approved Postpartum Doula training, 2010
M.A., Education, Goddard College, Plainfield VT
B.A., English and Women’s Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

I am a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula and have been working with families in numerous ways since 1994.

I’m a former elementary teacher, an experienced birth and postpartum doula, and a long-time parent support group leader and parent educator serving Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area families.

Earning my MA in Education from Goddard College, I researched the importance of listening to children as an element of anti-bias curriculum. I trained as a postpartum doula with DONA International in 2010 and as a birth doula in 2013 and have completed extensive training in lactation support. I am certified in First Aid and Infant CPR by the American Red Cross.

In 2017, I joined the Hand in Hand Parenting team as a Certified Instructor and led classes and workshops for parents of children ranging from babies to toddlers to teens. I don't currently teach classes or offer consultations, but I do offer this expertise to my doula clients when they are interested.

I am passionate about the power of listening and being listened to. I have served as the director and volunteer coordinator at a Women’s Crisis Center, an organizer of a school peer conflict mediation program, and facilitator of community dialogues on race.

I have been married since 1998 and am the mother of a young adult.

MEET CATHERINE FISCHER | Postpartum Doula

Catherine Fischer

I am a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula and have been working with families in numerous ways since 1994.

Whole Family Doula Care in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter, Saline, Plymouth, & Canton.