My name is Valerie Wetlaufer. I have been interested in pregnancy, birth, and babies since I was 21 months old, at my mother’s La Leche League meeting and I tried to nurse my baby doll while mom nursed my brother.

(me with my cousin shortly after her birth)

I believe birth should be a joyful, empowering process and I want to help make it so for every woman and her family, whether she chooses a home birth or hospital delivery. I am a certified birth doula through DONA and also trained through the Aviva Institute. I am based in Salt Lake City, working with women in the Salt Lake City area, though for a small travel fee (just to cover gas), I can also serve women in other parts of Utah. I am also a midwifery student at Midwives College of Utah.

I feel so blessed to work here, where families are valued so highly and birth is frequently considered a spiritual, sacred event. I am always honored when a family chooses me to attend such a special time in their lives.

Aussi, je parle francais, donc si vous ne parlez pas anglais ou si vous preferez le francais, c’est possible avec moi!

Me with a client's son whose birth I attended

Testimonials:

You are a wonderful doula!

—Amanda

*

I am so glad I was able to have my third child at home. My wonderful midwife and, most of all, my incredible doula made it possible. She was with me throughout the whole thing, and seemed to know just what to do to help me calm down and manage my pain. I wanted this birth to be intimate and family-oriented, and most of the time it felt like it was just my husband and I and this angel, rubbing my back and my feet, bringing me food and water and green smoothies. She listened to me and trusted me to trust my body, helping support me in whatever position felt right and helping me find a more comfortable position at a time when very few things seem comfortable. I would never have another child without my doula there! I couldn’t have done it without her!

—Brenda