Birth & Postpartum are ceremonies.
I founded Muungas Doula Services as a commitment to maintaining the personal, cultural, and community practices that surround all of life's thresholds — birth, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and release, death, divorce, and beyond.
The name Muungas comes from my family tradition of calling my grandmothers Muungas. The Muungas are who brought me to this work.
In terms of formal training, I received my Masters of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health and was trained as a doula by Ancient Song Doula Services and Zaagi’idiwin Indigenous Birth Workers. I am also trained in: herbalism for birth workers; pelvic movement for birth; pelvic floor health essentials; acupressure for birth; gentle nutrition for pregnancy; navigating trans & queer perinatal health; trauma-informed care and harm reduction; support in birth and postpartum for people who use drugs; harm reduction for birth workers and more.
My doula ethos centers on all people as the experts in their bodies and needs. I work with individuals, families, and communities to create ecosystems of care and support during pregnancy, birth, postpartum, death, loss, and change.
Muungas Doula Services
Testimonials
“Getting to work with Murphy during my pregnancy, the birth of my son, and in the months that followed his birth gave me peace, support, and joy in ways I couldn’t have dreamt up. There were countless moments where I felt unsure in all three of those stages and Murphy helped me seek the understanding that was right for me, explore and delight in the growing partnership with my baby, exercise self-love and compassion, and laugh. Thinking back on that time floods my heart with gratitude for Murphy and her gifts.”
“Prenatal talks with Murphy were like having the pregnancy therapist I didn’t know I needed. During my labor, she was my calm in the center of the storm. And as a post partum doula, it was such a relief to have someone walk in my door and know exactly what to do without being asked. Having a full spectrum doula is a beautiful piece of support that I highly recommend!”
“We absolutely loved working with Murphy. She is incredibly kind and personable. Before, during, and after my birth she helped us plan and supported our journey with a wealth of expertise and no judgment or agenda. Murphy was a hand to hold and a voice to remind me not only could I do it, but I was doing it - and I was doing it beautifully. She reminded me how strong I am and she also supported my partner so he always knew how to best support me as well. We are so grateful that Murphy was a part of our birth story.”