Jan S. Mallak, 2LAS, ICCE-CD, CD-PCD(DONA), CPD(CAPPA)

Jan has over 29 years of experience in childbirth education, labor support, breastfeeding and related fields. She is a certified childbirth educator through the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and has certification as a birth doula through both ICEA and DONA (Doulas of North America) and is a DONA-approved Birth Doula Trainer. Jan is also a certified postpartum doula through both DONA and CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and served as an initial faculty member for the ICEA Birth Doula Certification Program. She has been published many times, is a consultant and has presented topics locally, nationally and internationally at professional conventions & workshops. Jan is lovingly supported by her husband of 37 years, Frank, and their grown children Frank, Jr., Heather and her husband, Dror.

Teresa Bailey

Website: teresadoula.com

I have been working as a doula since 1999, and with “Heart & Hands” doulas for 8 years. I do both birth and postpartum doula work. As a La Leche League leader, I have a lot of experience helping new mothers start their breastfeeding relationships. I also teach breastfeeding classes. I am a member of the Allegheny County Breastfeeding Committee.

After all this experience, the miracle of birth still amazes me. My greatest joy is in knowing I can help the mom and her partner enjoy their birth more and have a positive memory of their experience.

Kathy Chiaramonte

I am 45 years old, married 25 years and have 2 daughters, ages 21 and 15. I gave birth to both of my children with no interventions or pain meds and believe that helps in my ability to empathize with the women I work for.

I'm active in my church as a youth ministry coordinator and a small group facilitator.

I've been a doula for over 2 years and love every part of it. I do birth and post-partum work and find both very satisfying. I became a doula initially because Jan called and asked if I would be interested in trying it after observing me while attending a friend's birth (she was their doula).
I believe I was meant to do this job and that God placed me in the right place to allow that to happen.

Wendy Eson

My name is Wendy Eson and I have been a member of "Heart & Hands" Doula Service since 2004. My husband David and I have three children.
I am a certified birth doula with DONA and a certified childbirth educator with ICEA. I also teach childbirth education and baby care classes at West Penn Hospital in Bloomfield. I also teach childbirth education classes for Patrick Thornton, CNM, at his office in Squirrel Hill.

Giving birth, becoming a mother and creating a family are incredibly dynamic and life-altering events, which is the reason I decided to become a doula. It is such a joy and honor to be part of this process with other women and their families. I like getting to know the parents before the birth, supporting them throughout their labor and helping to provide a transition into the postpartum period. Teaching classes to expectant parents is very rewarding as well, as one of my main goals is to help assure them that giving birth is a normal, natural event. I also like to focus on relaxation and comfort techniques to reduce any anxieties they may have.

Aside from helping mothers, babies and families, I am satisfied to know that as a doula, many women have gone before me and done the same thing --- give valuable support during one of life's most rewarding experiences.

Ellen Huffmyer

I have been a doula for twelve years, with "Heart & Hands".  I have four children of my own, ages 13,10, 7 and 1.  I became a doula because of my first son, and have loved it ever since. It gives me the opportunity to serve people and still be a "stay at home mom" which I feel is very important. I do both birth and postpartum jobs, and love them both.

Karen Sharif

I believe that birth is a normal, natural, process that can be aided by emotional, physical, and informational support.  Whether a birth is medicated or non-medicated, the birth of a child is without question a sacred event and the experience will be more empowering and positive when a woman makes decisions in an informed manner and with the support of those around her. 

I am a mom of two and I am a DONA certified doula.  I am especially passionate about VBAC, breastfeeding, and postpartum mood disorders.  I joined "Heart & Hands" in September 2007

Cortnie Meehan

My name is Cortnie and I am 27 years old. My hubby Iman and I are blessed with two kids... our son, Malik, who is 4 years old and our daughter, Maliah, who is 8 months old.
I had a deep desire to birth naturally, however, due to fetal distress, our first born was a true emergency cesearen. It was during that pregnancy that my dream/education of becoming physican assistant switched gears and my goal now is to become a midiwfe.

I came upon "Heart & Hands" and Jan one day, only to attend her birth doula workshop the following week. It was there that I am absolutely certain I am where I am suppose to be and that all things happen for a reason. Being a doula is my passion and my calling. I am so blessed that this is the path I am lead on and I feel honored that I can help women (& partners!!) achieve something so beautiful as a satisfying birth experience and a transition into a new life. To you, yours, and your baby(ies)... I wish you all good health and a blessed journey!