Wilhelmina Van Norden
Contact Information:
540-539-5428
Instagram: @gorgesdoula
gorgesdoula@gmail.com
Regions Served: Ithaca and surrounding areas, up to one hour away
General Structure of Doula Service
● Complimentary 1 hour consultation, virtual or in person.
● Unlimited virtual support once my services are booked (text, call, email)
● 2 prenatal visits, 2.5 hours each to prepare for birth and postpartum
● Continuous on call support beginning at 37 weeks during labor, birth, and immediate
postpartum
● 2 postpartum visits, 2.5 hours each to process your birth and support you in adjusting to your new baby
● This package can be customized to meet your individual needs, please inquire for more
info
Why Are You a Doula?
I have always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth, my first memories are my mom’s growing belly and my tiny new sister. I can still remember at 3 years old asking over and over again, what does being pregnant mean and how did this baby get here? In 2020, I began providing newborn care which quickly evolved into postpartum doula work. I found this work to be incredibly fulfilling, I felt called to the birth space and completed my birth doula certification in January 2021. The empowering birth of my own daughter in 2023 solidified for me that birth work and reproductive advocacy is my vocation. I am now a nursing student on the path to midwifery, I have intentionally balanced my educational schedule to be compatible with birth work because I believe that combining doula work with my clinical studies allows me to be a well rounded and spiritually nourished professional. I believe that my clients deserve total authenticity from me. My role as a doula is to support, guide, and hold emotional space for the profoundly transformative experience of natural childbirth. I am passionate about supporting physiological birth, (particularly as a feminist,) because I believe this experience is an enormous opportunity for women to reconnect with our inner strength, bodily autonomy, and primal self. I am best equipped to provide support to families who are excited about the process of unmedicated birth and see the benefits of it. However, I do understand that circumstances change, and I will unwaveringly support you no matter how your birth unfolds. My philosophy is that birth is a normal, natural, healthy chapter of the human life cycle and that all women possess the incredible strength to birth our babies ecstatically, in our power.
Training
DONA Doula Certification, Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED, current nursing student
Testimonials
“Mina helped me during my second postpartum period while I was figuring out how to manage
life with two kids. She was easy to talk to, understanding, caring, and gentle with my baby. She
also helped out with household tasks and was great with my oldest daughter. Adding another
baby was a difficult transition for my oldest, and Mina made her feel included and important.
Mina engaged with both girls in a curious and genuine way. She’s absolutely wonderful, and we
still have a great relationship today” - Sara