P.O. Box 2648 South Bend IN, 46680
Birth and Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Support
Mamas Matter! Let's talk about it!
About Mahogany Maternity
Professional Profile: Founder, Kelli Brien, CD(DONA) LCCE, CLS, CPE, Spbcpe
I am a passionate maternal health advocate, focused on eliminating health disparities and the disproportionate African American and Latina infant and maternal mortality rates. I created the Speak Life Doula program and co-authored the Safety PIN grant that garnered multiple million dollar awards from the Indiana State Department of Health. I am a Certified Lactation Specialist, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator, Certified Perinatal Educator, Certified Birth Doula with DONA International, and Postpartum Doula of over 13 years. I am a member of: DONA International, Breastfeeding USA, International Childbirth Education Association, the United States Lactation Association, The Saint Joseph County Fetal Infant Mortality Review team, the Indiana State Department of Health Maternal Mortality Review Committee and chair of the Birth Equity Subcommittee and Indiana Ambassador for DONA International. I established the 32nd Milk Bank Depot in Indiana. I authored the Birthing Bill of Rights to champion the rights of mothers during the childbearing year.
I testified at the Indiana Statehouse in House and Senate chambers in support of Senate Bill 416, for Medicaid reimbursement of doulas which passed, and was signed by Governor Eric Holcomb.
Experience
As a health educator, I conducted eight-week Diabetes Education Empowerment Program courses, screened clients’ glucose, blood pressure and provided referrals. I created outreach events, partnering with local health organizations to educate on heart health, diabetes, safe sleep, mental health issues, breastfeeding and implicit bias. I authored all curriculum and standard operating procedures related to the Speak Life doula program to identify, train and employ doulas to provide education, advocacy and resources to over 200 families throughout 12 counties in Indiana. Under my leadership, not one infant or mother was lost to infant or maternal mortality. I trained with The Minnesota Prison Doula Project to advocate and provide doula services for incarcerated women. I have spoken at many conferences, television and radio broadcasts for Beacon Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Notre Dame University, Indiana Minority Health Coalition, WFYI, WNIT and the Indiana State Department of Health.
In Full Bloom, L.L.C.,
Founder, 2013 to present
As a birth and postpartum doula, I educate clients about their rights and options and answer related questions. I give lectures and participate with other birth professionals on panels and forums to address health disparities and birth outcomes. I provide counsel for teen and at-risk mothers on health and social issues. I attend births in hospital, birth centers and home settings from onset of labor until breastfeeding is established. I provide counseling for partners on prenatal relaxation techniques, sibling issues, and infant care. I aid clients in establishing care plans to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and refer to health care providers and maintain relationships with clients for reassessment.
testimonials
Client feedback
"Fantastic!" S. G.
"Kelli Brien was phonomenal! #LikeaBoss" R. P. (Father!)
"Kelli was such a help! I would recommend her to anyone." K. H.
"I recommend everyone get them a fairy doula-mother she has been my strength. The person who has always held me up during my births." Q. P.
"I felt a natural chemistry over the phone before we met. I felt very raw and comfortable in her presence and felt her professionalism. She's calm, centered, lively, alert, observant, intimate respectful and patient." A. O.
"Kelli Brien is exceptional!" A. D.
“Kelli’s professionalism, character, determination, and devotion to her clients constantly amazes me. As a doula, Kelli sees her clients at their absolute worst moments. Despite this, she commits to them by remaining professional and using her time management, communication, and other social skills in order to make the birthing process as seamless and effortless as possible.” K. M.
Provider feedback
“I met Kelli as a student in my Lamaze International educator training. I was impressed to hear about her career as the leader of a community-based doula program in her home community, working toward birth equity. As you well know, because of the maternal and infant mortality crisis, it’s especially important that we have women of color (who are supporting women of color) in the Lamaze fold and also working to share the highest quality evidence-based information. Kelli’s dedication to birthing justice is unparalleled.”
Jessica English LCCE, FACCE, AdvCD/PCD/BDT(DONA)
"Excellent job! Great to have you assisting!" Dr. Kim S. Harris
"I love having doulas at births! Kelli was awesome!" Kate Shantz, CNM
"Excellent help, thank you!" Star Bontrager, CNM
"I have worked with Kelli during a birth, she did a great job coaching! Highly recommend."
Kristin Kile, CNM DNP
"Kelli is a well respected young lady in the community and has many resources. She is very knowledgeable in the field of "doula." Yolanda Washington, RN, BS, PNCC
"Kelli is energetic, positive and kind. She brings so much enthusiasm when she is on our unit. I just love her." Patricia DeStefano, MSN, RNC
"Kelli is an excellent coach, provides realistic options for her client and works well with staff to provide the best care for our patient." "Kelli is welcome in a delivery with me any time!" Amy G. RN
"Kelli was very present and attentive to (our client's) needs. Her help was very much appreciated!"
Erin Hillers, CNM
"Everyone thought that Kelli was one of the best doulas around!"
Uthman Cavallo, MD
THANK YOU to all of my clients and the providers that have made my journey as a doula such a beautiful and rewarding one! You inspire and bless me beyond belief!
~Kelli Brien