I'm Briana Mager, I am a Certified Doula through DONA International, a Student Midwife with AAMI, a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist with PBi and carry American Heart Association Medical Provider CPR Certification. In my spare time I volunteer for Operation Special Delivery and am a staff doula for St Elizabeths Hospital in Belleville, IL. Not to mention, I am also a wife, mother of 2 kiddos and 2 fur babies! In what free time I have left, I have an affinity for all things green and can often be found 'diggin' in the earth'.
Like many other doulas, I found my calling to birth work after my own pregnancies. During my first pregnancy, I saw a 'cookie cutter' maternal health care system that put all women through care that was best for the system, but may not have been best for the mother or child. Mothers weren't being encouraged to ask questions, mothers weren't being supported in their birthing choices and often battled with their care providers to have the birth experience they wanted. After my second birth with a very encouraging midwife I knew my calling was to fill this gap in maternal health care by helping women find their voice.
After my 2nd birth I had Jodi encapsulate my placenta hoping to avoid the emotionally draining postpartum experience I had with my first birth. It was everything I had hoped it would be. I was full of energy, I felt great and everyone noticed. My husband still lovingly refers to my encapsulated placenta as the 'happy pills'
When my family left Las Vegas in 2008, I didn't want to leave behind this invaluable resource for women. When I learned from Jodi she was training others in her techniques, I knew I would be joining PBi. My hope is that I can show the women and the families of Greater St Louis all the benefits their placenta has to offer.
