Fort Collins, CO
hello@nocodoulacollective.com
Meet Our Team
Supportive doula care for everyone at every stage.
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Our team members are talented, passionate, and bring a wide range of skills to support a full range of evidenced based maternal and family needs. We will take the time to get to know you and learn your values as we guide and support you.
Relationships and trust are the foundation of our success.
- Julianne Curtis, Co-founder, NoCo Doula Collective
Meet Our Team
Julianne Curtis (she/her)
CLD, CCCE, CNPE, CLC, SBD, CAPPA Faculty & Labor Doula Trainer
Hey, I’m Julianne (she/her)! I don’t mean to brag but you’ll want me by your side for the birth of your baby (and navigating all the stuff beyond). Seriously. You can ask the people who voted me as one of the 9 Best Doula’s of Fort Collins for seven years running.
(Not-so) humble brags aside, you should know I’m not your typical doula. I’ve had an unusually long run (almost 30 years) of comforting and soothing families during, pregnancy, birth and through parenting. Yep, I really did start going to births as a teenager. My first birth being my own. And I’ve been a doula full time for 9 years. Plus, as a seasoned mama myself I know humor is an important part of parenting. Laughter keeps you from losing your shit as a new or seasoned parent, so rest assured I’m here to laugh with you, not at you.
Who am I? If I could have picked my parents, I would have been the love child of Brene’ Brown and Tina Fey. (with a sprinkle of RBG to the mix too) Someday, you’ll be watching the three of us doing a Netflix Special together.
All jokes aside, I work with families from all cultures and backgrounds. I’m here to accept you and support you. Just as you are. Whether you’re a first-time parent, single parent, same-sex couple, survivor of trauma, or suffered pregnancy loss I got you. Whether you’re having your baby at a hospital with a epidural, unmedicated, cesarean, or pain-managed labor, I got you. If you’re grieving a miscarriage, stillbirth, cautiously celebrating a rainbow baby, or had a long road to get pregnant,
I got you. The journey of parenthood is diverse. It’s winding. No matter what it is, I’m here for you. I’ll be your guide without judgment (that’s not my style). It not only takes a village, but it takes the RIGHT village. I have had the true honor of becoming apart of so many villages. And if you like my humor, calm nature, depth of life and professional experience you might enjoy having me join your village too.
I’m a stork dork to the core.
Katie Piccolo (she/her)
CLD, Hypno-Doula, Hypnobabies Instructor
My name is Katie Piccolo and I have a passion for all things pregnancy, birth and babies! I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to serve in the Northern Colorado and surrounding areas. I have been working as a doula for the last nine years and I am proud to announce that I was voted best Doula in the Reader' Choice Best of NOCO
for 2023!
I have a degree in Social Work and worked in the field for over fifteen years. In January of 2015, I decided to pursue my true passion of supporting families in their birthing journey. I am a proud CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) Certified Labor Doula and a Certified Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor. I am currently teaching Hypnobabies both through the Women's Clinic of Northern Colorado and privately. I am Spinning Babies trained, as well.
I love keeping up on the most recent evidence-based information regarding pregnancy and birth. I am constantly learning and passing on this knowledge to all the families I serve. I also enjoy being a member of the Northern Colorado Doula Association, it is important to me to collaborate and network with other birth professionals in our area.
I support all types of families on their journey in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I understand this is YOUR birth experience and you can rest assured I am always going to support you and your choices. Whether you are planning a home or hospital birth, I will be there to help guide you through the process so you can focus on the exciting and joyful birth of your baby with confidence. I truly believe it is always an honor to support a family during this very special time!
When I am not attending births, I am busy raising three amazing daughters. I have an absolutely wonderful and supportive husband who played a huge role in encouraging me to pursue my dream of becoming a doula. I have a phenomenal village that I would be lost without who help to make the unpredictable schedule of a doula doable!
April Freier (she/her)
Certified Doula, HBCE, CH, HBFE, Master Trainer HypnoBirthing International
My name is April Freier (she/her)…and I am addicted to birth. Seriously. Despite all my best intentions, I just can’t get enough of this stuff! I thought I was going to retire 18 months ago, but it turns out, I just took a sabbatical. Who would have guessed?I have been a birth worker since 2003 (I’ll let you do that math!), and along the way, I’ve acquired a handful of credentials. I am a birth doula and HypnoBirthing childbirth educator. I teach breastfeeding classes and I am moments away from earning my certification as a lactation consultant. I have completed advanced training as a hypnotist and I specialize in birthing hypnosis. I teach classes about how to use deep relaxation and hypnosis techniques for fertility challenges, childbirth preparation, and the postpartum period. I am a faculty trainer with HypnoBirthing International and I am privileged to mentor new educators as they dive into this incredible work. Basically, if mindfulness and positive intention is your gig, I’ve got you covered from pre-conception to preschool. And maybe even beyond that!
I am also a mama. I answer to Mom and Mumsie and sometimes, Bruh. My (adult-ish) children are growing into two of the most amazing people on the planet. I am a wife. One of the fortunate few to have married my best friend. Twenty-five years later, I’d still say yes. We have two young dogs and I like them more than my husband does. But that’s okay, because they like me more too!Basically, I have the best job in the world! I get to hold space for new families as they find their footing. I get to educate the heck out of parents to make sure they can make informed decisions that are right for
them.
I get to watch regular people turn into moms and dads and I get to meet brand new humans! I get to be the one who is there to make this adventure called life feel a little less intimidating and a lot more celebrated. I get to make sure you are heard, and held, and supported.
This is the work that chose me, and the work I love. Retirement can wait a bit longer!
Chloe McCarthy (she/her)
Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Chloe (she/her)! I am a mom of two, a wife and postpartum doula supporting families in Northern Colorado. I have two children in Elementary School who keep life fun and active with lots of time enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors.
After experiencing my own birth, postpartum journey and working for a health education company, I found a passion and need for postpartum support. As your doula I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to make the best decisions for your family. It is my joy to be there so you can get some sleep, make your family a meal or meal prep, assist with siblings, answer questions, and provide knowledge for your family to thrive.
I support all the diverse family structures and understand the importance of giving you the confidence to write your own postpartum story. I look forward to meeting your family in this next beautiful stage of your life!
Nikki McDaniel (she/her)
Postpartum Doula
I am Nikki McDaniel, a wife, mom, and postpartum doula in Northern Colorado. When I am not supporting a family, I am spending time with mine. I have two beautiful kiddos, an amazing highschool sweetheart of a husband, and our sweet fur pup.
I come from two cultures that value family (spanish/filipino) and I really bring that into my work. I nurture not just the birthing person, but the family as a whole. I found my passion for this work since the birth of my first child. I became enamored by pregnancy, birth, and life after a baby. I started my doula journey after struggling with lack of support and information postpartum, and knowing that no one should feel that way. I decided that I would be there to support those families looking for a bigger, stronger village.
I love giving families knowledge and confidence to strive in their journey’s and make that postpartum period one to enjoy. I will be there to answer questions, let you sleep, cook you a meal, play with your other children, and make space for you. I am not just your doula now, but I will always be your doula.
Savanna Brede (she/her)
Labor and Postpartum Doula
I am Savanna. I am a birth doula and a postpartum doula. I am very passionate about helping people and families at all chapters of life. I am very compassionate for the birth and the postpartum period, it is so important to be properly cared for.
As your doula, I will provide outstanding care, and help new parents to be more confident in their relationships with their baby. I also love bringing my cooking and
creativity into my practice. In my free time, I love learning and trying new recipes, I am an adamant baker and I bake for events and weddings. I love being outside hiking and throwing my hammock up. I love spending time with my family and friends and going to coffee shops, parks, and new restaurants in Northern Colorado.
I am an advocate of women’s health and rights. I am an ally within the LBGBTQ+ community. I believe in informed consent in the areas of sex education, medical procedures, and pregnancy and birth. I will incorporate evidence and research-based education during pregnancy and birth. I will incorporate a loving, safe, and informed birthing experience.
Hannah Desatoff (she/her)
Postpartum and Labor Doula
I'm Hannah. My passion for birthwork began when I had the honor of attending the birth of my second nephew.
I was enamored with the powerful process of birth and I knew I had to be a part of this world. I have a servant’s heart, so that, coupled with my desire to support people in the world of birth, led me to postpartum work.
As your birth or postpartum doula, I will be there to listen to you, hold space for you, and provide a peaceful, non-judgmental, grounding presence in your home. I look forward to supporting you on your postpartum journey!
Kyria Brown (she/her)
Labor Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor
Hello, my name is Kyria Brown (she/her). I have had a passion for helping families for as long as I can remember but after having my own babies it turned into a calling. I am a Birth Doula and CLC, my kiddos are 12, 9, and 4 and keep my husband and I very busy! Our oldest was one of those fairy tale easy babies so when our second came along with medical issues and a NICU stay I learned a lot about myself and exclusive pumping. But the fun just got better when we went to Europe to transfer our 3rd baby via embryo donation/adoption ❄️. Being a mom has taught me more about life, love, and patience then I ever imagined and I have loved every second (even the hard ones).
Some fun things I enjoy are good food (we are currently working on opening a restaurant), hot yoga, reading, plants, and traveling with my family. I have also spent many years working as a daycare teacher before having my kiddos and recently as an infant teacher at a local daycare with some amazing families and their babies 🥰. I am so thankful to be able to support others in their journey to grow their families!
Labor & Birth
Postpartum
Education
Lactation
Bereavement
What Working With Us Is Like...
Here's what others have to say.
"Julianne really is your doula for life. She's a great support and advocate during pregnancy, birth, and after."
- Rebecca
"Throughout the entire journey into parenthood Katie always encouraged my husband and I to follow our instincts, and I think that is what makes her unique."
- Riley
"We had an idea of our ideal birth, but she gave us ideas and thoughts that allowed us to make an even more informed decision.
- Nicole
Our Media
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In October, and always, we honor all babies amongst the stars. As professional doulas and educators, it’s our job to provide education, physical and emotional support, and comfort to the families we support. For many of us, there is no greater joy than knowing you were part of making a dream birth a reality, helping to bring a brand-new baby into the world, and allowing birthing people and their partners to be fully enveloped in that magical moment.
However, it’s also our job to offer support and comfort to those parents who, instead of holding their new baby, must walk the lonely path of shock, despair, and finally, grief.
Pregnancy and infant loss are much more common than we all would like to admit. Some reports say that up to 20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage and that 24,000+ babies are stillborn in the United States each year 1.
It’s our duty to our clients, and our obligation to grieving parents around the world, to provide bereavement support, facilitate and engage in healing conversations, and continue to educate ourselves on best practices when it comes to loss.
I’ve been a certified birth and bereavement doula for nearly seven years, and I’ve supported more families than I can count through the grief of their children. Through practice, I’ve learned how to listen and hold space, what to say, and most importantly, what not to say.
If you are supporting families through loss, here are the top ways you can help:
Help define a coping plan and put grieving parents in touch with the right local and national resources. Families will need different types of support depending on where they are in their grief process. For example, grief- related support groups can be really helpful after some time has passed.
Facilitate the logistical planning for stillbirths and miscarriages. This includes details for delivery of the baby, memorial or funeral services, returning to work, and home stabilization.
Develop a plan for after-birth support that covers self-care, meal preparation and coordination, going-home plans, and even lactation support.
Help prepare for welcoming the baby, including holding, swaddling, bathing, arranging for photography of the baby and family (including siblings) as desired. Even if a baby has died, there are still rites of passage that families may wish to experience before saying goodbye to their baby.
Offer grief championship by scheduling check-ins and listening sessions so that the family may have designated time to process and grieve.
Etsy is a great place to find beautiful and meaningful keepsakes for grievers.
By assisting with logistical aspects of loss and being a point of contact for these services, you can give the family space to start the healing process and give them stability and guidance during a time of crisis.
Once the family has returned home, it’s important to facilitate the healing journey. Pregnancy and infant loss are so hard to talk about that often we just don’t.
But that’s not what doulas do. We are here to serve and support our families, even if we are not bereavement doulas, and we need to know how to respond with meaningful words.
Through my years of experience, I’ve found it helpful to stay away from some of the common condolences we tend to use in times of loss. Instead, I use these kinds of statements and non-judgmental curiosity when I serve grieving families, including those who have lost a relative or friend during pregnancy or postpartum:
Tell me about your loved one (or pregnancy, or whatever is applicable here).
Say their loved one’s name.
You must really miss them.
How are you honoring your loved one?
I would love to give you some time to grieve. Can I watch your kids on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon?
I am bringing dinner on Friday. Does your family like pizza or tacos?
I’m sorry things are really tough for you right now. Can I come sit with you?
Do you want to talk about ______, or would you rather watch a show together or take a walk with me?
Can I please help you by making some phone calls for you?
I found some pictures that reminded me of __________. Can I send them to you?
I know it’s the anniversary of ______’s death/loss, I’m thinking of you today. What kind of coffee can I drop off for you?
How are you coping today or at this moment?
You have permission with me to feel all the feelings you feel right now.
Tell them “I am here with you” instead of “I’m here you.”
If you’re wondering what terms I stay away from and why, here are a few examples:
Time heals all wounds – Somewhere in our culture, we got the idea that grief just stops after a short period of time. It’s just not true. There is no phase of grief, and grief is not linear or temporary. When you lose a baby or a loved one, no matter the gestation or age, you’ll grieve for the rest of your life.
At least… – If you’re about to say something along the lines of “At least the baby didn’t suffer…” or “At least he had a good life…” “At least you have other children…” “At least you know you can get pregnant…” JUST DON’T! Grief is hard enough without a friend reducing or qualifying the loss by trying to find the silver lining.
They’re in a better place or There’s a reason for everything – While I’m sure your intentions are very well-meant, not everyone believes the same things about life and religion. Just because you believe X, Y, and Z about life, death, and the meaning of life – not everyone shares those beliefs. And sometimes there’s just no reason at all that something happens.
How are you? One of the hardest questions to be asked. How do we answer that question on a normal day? It’s a loaded one for someone who is grieving. Instead, ask open-ended questions like “How are you coping today?” “What has today or this week been like for you?”
Let me know if I can do anything for you – A griever often doesn’t know what they need. Nor do they often have the brain capacity to ask for what they need or come up with something helpful. And in truth there is nothing anyone can do to take their pain away. But what you can say instead is, “I hired a cleaning company for you. They can show up Friday or Monday. Which time works for you?” Or, “I left some groceries on your porch for you. Love you.” Please don’t put more on a grievers plate than is already there.
As a grief companion or loving someone who is grieving it is not our job to fix their pain, but more our job to let our loved ones know we will walk beside them, and they don’t have to be alone or hide their pain. In the words of Mr. Rogers, “People have said, ‘Don’t cry’ to other people for years and years, and all it has ever meant is ‘I’m too uncomfortable when you show your feelings: Don’t cry. ‘ I’d rather have them say, ‘Go ahead and cry. I’m here to be with you. ‘”
As a griever and bereavement doula, please read and share this blog widely. We all have an opportunity to be better at being pillars of strength for grieving families no matter how uncomfortable we may be with grief. On October 15th, I urge you to participate in the International Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7pm local time to honor all babies gone too soon. Keeping your candle lit for at least one hour creates a continuous “wave of light” across all time zones.
Julianne Curtis, Bereavement Doula https://juliannecurtis.com/bereavement-doula-resources/
As a doula in Northern Colorado, it is my life’s work to empower you to feel and be your best in all stages of the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Please contact me with any questions about pregnancy or doula services.