It's funny how my breastfeeding difficulties have been the open door for many wonderful experiences. As some of you know, I had my first troubles with breastfeeding when Tabi was born. It was then that Heather designed the Nesting Pillow to provide the comfort and support I needed. A few years ago after the birth of my second daughter, I developed breastfeeding infections galore. I brought my "story" or complaints up at a moms group called nurture where I was attending. It was then that I was introduced to Danielle Gauss. Danielle is a breastfeeding professional and was quick to help me sort out my nursing difficulties. She gave me quick and easy ways to resolve my nursing problems, which helped me get back to a comfortable breastfeeding experience with my daughter.

Danielle is a professional labor support specialist, Labor Doula, Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor, Childbirth educator, CPR instructor, and author. Most importantly, Danielle is a mother who has been through the birth experience twice. She has received her education for the doula’s role from the UCSD Perinatal Education program associated through UCSD Medical School and is certified through DONA International (Doulas of North America). Danielle has been certified as a childbirth educator through Lamaze International and is currently teaching Childbirth preparation and perinatal classes at Mission Hospital.

Danielle was the first professional who came on board with us at Blessed Nest. She uses our Nesting Pillow with her clients and represented us to Saint Josephs Hospital in Orange. They now carry our Nesting Pillows in their Mother/Baby Assessment Center. We just adore her!

Danielle's philosophy:

"I believe that the birth of a child is without a doubt one of the most life changing moments in a person’s life. It is a moment that will live on in the hearts and minds of those who have experienced it. As a Labor Support Specialist, Doula, and childbirth educator it is my goal to provide expectant couples with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their childbirth experience. I believe that childbirth is a normal healthy process and that women have the ability to give birth in a way that is normal and natural for them. Although I encourage women to consider the possibility of natural childbirth, I feel that it is my job and obligation to present information about all aspects of birth including medical technology, interventions, and medications in an unbiased, comprehensive, evidence-based format. In doing so, this will provide the expectant couple with enough knowledge and information to allow them to make their own personal choices regarding their birth.

I believe that a woman’s perception of her ability and strength to give birth is greatly affected by the amount of support she is given. The more encouraged she feels the more equipped she is to have a positive birth experience. I believe a woman should have the right to give birth the way she desires, in an environment where she feels safe, nurtured, and secure and where her emotional, physical, and personal needs are met and respected. The birthing woman should also have the opportunity to receive full support for making informed decisions about what is best for her and her baby based on their individual beliefs and values. I also believe that babies are sensitive, aware human beings and should be acknowledged and treated respectfully at the time of birth.

Pregnancy and birth are milestone events in a woman’s life. The childbirth experience, whether it be positive or negative, will greatly affect the woman, her partner, and their child. It is my goal to provide the means necessary to help these couples create the positive experience they so deeply desire."

You can find Danielle at Socal Births.com Southern California Labor Support

Thank you Danielle for all the support you have given and your time. You have truly nurtured us at Blessed Nest.