About Mother's Circle

 

Founder of Mother's Circle

Leah DeCesare, the founder of Mother's Circle, is a Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Birth Doula, Certified Postnatal Educator, Certified Childbirth Educator and and Certified Lactation Counselor.  Leah has extensive training to assist with breastfeeding, and she nursed her three children.  She is CPR certified for infants through adults. She is married and the mother of three terrific children and feels privileged and blessed to be able to serve women and their families during this miraculous and special life event.

Leah maintains professional memberships with DONA International, International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), and Rhode Island Birth Network (RIBN). Leah is the co-founder and co-president of the statewide professional doula network, Doulas of Rhode Island (DoRI www.doulasri.org). Leah serves as the Northeast Regional for DONA International. Her local volunteer activities include working with her children’s schools and with Families First Rhode Island as well as serving on the boards of Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association of Rhode Island and at her church. Leah enjoys yoga, gardening, tennis and reading.

Thank you for your interest in Mother's Circle. I wish you happiness in your journey through motherhood.

Education and Training

Syracuse University, BS, Advertising, Marketing and French, 1992
DONA International
            Certified Postpartum Doula, June 2008
            Certified Birth Doula, February 2010
International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA)
            Certified Postnatal Educator, October 2006
Dancing Thru Pregnancy®
            Certified Pre/Postnatal Fitness Instructor/Trainer, April 2003
Academy of Certified Birth Educators
            Certified Childbirth Educator, September 2002

DONA International Conference, July 2011
Partners in Perinatal Health Conference, May 2011
Compassionate Caregiving When a Baby Dies, October 2010
Current Obstetric Practices and Procedures, September 2010
Partners in Perinatal Health Conference, May 2010
Baby-Led Breastfeeding: From Theory to Practice, September 2009
DONA International Birth Doula Workshop, September 2009
New Breastfeeding Skills for the 21st Century, August 2009
Partners in Perinatal Health Conference, May 2009
Boston Association for Childbirth Education, The Basics of Breastfeeding, February 2009
American Association of Birth Centers Annual Birth Institute: What is Optimal?, September 2008
How to Start a Birth Center Workshop, September 2008
Partners in Perinatal Health Conference, May 2008
Emotionally Charged Issues in Obstetric Care, April 2008
High Risk Obstetrics: Current Trends, Treatments & Issues, October 2007
American Heart Association, CPR Certification Course, September 2007
DONA International Postpartum Doula Workshop, June 2007
ICEA International Convention, October 2006
ICEA Postnatal Educator Training Workshop, October 2003
ICEA International Convention, October 2003
Birth and Beginnings Education, September 2002