Welcome!
Fort Collins, CO
hello@nocodoulacollective.com
Meet Our Team
Supportive doula care for everyone at every stage.
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Our Core Values
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.
It was a no-brainer for us to join forces when we realized merging our businesses would enable us to provide our clients with even more services from conception through the 4th trimester. But also because we could offer a supportive and collaborative environment for doulas in our community - a home not just for new and expecting parents but also a home for those who serve them.
We are looking forward to each of you joining us on this adventure! Katie and I are excited to bring the NoCo Doula Collective to life!
- 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. In 2024, I was voted by NoCo Style's Best of as Top 3 Doula.
(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)
Certified Postpartum Doula (ICPD)
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, CLD (she/her)
Certified Postpartum Doula (CPD)
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!
Karli Pep Hansen (she/her/hers)
Labor Doula
Hey there! I'm Karli Pep Hansen (she / her / hers). I thrive when I am supporting others and love to find ways to shine a light on all the magic that is pregnancy and labor. I approach all people and areas of my life with a lens of meeting people where they are and this is a spot on match to who I am as a Doula. I am a perpetual active listener, make it my goal to be vulnerable with others and encourage vulnerability back - meaning my conversations tend to go from 0 - 100 to get into the personal, honest answers from everyone in my life. I think you can learn a lot about me as a Doula by looking at my Doula Bag, which always includes crystals and card decks!
As a member of the Queer community, I know what it is like to create your family in unique ways (we did it stork style - UPS dropped off the goods we needed on the porch once a month until our littles were on their way). As you might be able to tell, I am a chronic oversharer and will gladly answer any questions about our process. I understand firsthand the micro and macro challenges that Queer families face when seeking out support and guidance within a system that is still updating their processes to support, honor and celebrate us!I'm ready to advocate for you and will always encourage you to advocate for yourself!
When I am not attending births and supporting other families, you can find me with mine! My wife and I welcomed our Rainbow baby in May 2022 and will have another little addition joining our Queer Crew in February. You can find us attending live music events, playing pickleball, watching questionable reality TV, and being led around our neighborhood by our toddler.
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
How to Make Labor More Fun (Or At Least Manageable)
How to Make Labor More Fun (Or At Least Manageable) from Your Fort Collins Birth Doula
As a seasoned Fort Collins birth doula, I’ve been in a labor and delivery room a few times. Okay, a loooootttt of times. And I’ve noticed a thing or two about what makes some deliveries more fun… or at least, more tolerable than others. I’m going to talk about that today.
Having a baby is hard work… there’s no way around that. It’s going to be hard, and you’re going to be pushed to your limits, but I promise you, it doesn’t have to be awful. In fact, it can be so beautiful, fun, and empowering.
I know, I know. You’re probably reading this and think I’ve lost my mind using fun and birth in the same sentence, but I promise I haven’t. Aside from any major medical emergencies or extenuating circumstances, labor can actually be fun. And that’s what we all want right? A beautiful, fun, and sweet delivery.
If you don’t believe me yet, keep reading. I promise there’s a way to ease your mind in a way that will allow you to enjoy the experience. As a Fort Collins birth doula, here’s what I’ve noticed that makes labor go smoother:
Working to break free of fear… I know this sounds easier said than done, but what sometimes happens in birth is that you can’t enjoy the goodness of it all because you’re so focused on the fear of it all. This looks different for everyone, but breaking that fear cycle can free your mind. This will look different for everyone but before labor even starts, work to change your mindset, get your questions answered, address your fears, find what makes you feel the safest, assert control over the things you can have a say in, and work to reset your thoughts about the whole process. Pam England from Birthing From Within has a great fear clearing exercise I recommend everyone does before birth. You can find it here:
Practicing mindfulness – As you prepare for labor, mindfulness training is one of the best things you can do for yourself. You’ll learn how to be in the moment, how to meditate, and train for the delivery of your baby. This will give you the tools you need to make it more peaceful, and ultimately more enjoyable.
Packing your music! As a Fort Collins birth doula, I always recommend you pack a speaker or headphones in your hospital bag. That way you can sing, dance, and shake those hips during delivery. When you dance and sing, your body will naturally increase more endorphins that will help you feel better and be happier. And if you don’t feel up to DJ’ing your own birth playlist there are lots of already made playlists one many of the music stations.
Doing what feels good – Unless there is a medical reason not to, I always recommend my clients listen to their own bodies and change positions frequently. Using a good balance of rest, standing, squats, movement, walking, and stretching can not only shorten your labor but also make it more comfortable too. Honoring your body and its cravings will help you through your labor.
Repeating your mantras – As part of mindfulness training, I always recommend clients pick a few mantras that they repeat over and over to themselves during labor. They might be sayings like – this is temporary, or good things are coming, or my body was made for this. Whatever sayings feel right to you will help you get through labor.
Playing your favorite podcast, book, or album – Another thing you can do to make the time pass and to help take your mind off things is to listen to your favorite podcast, book, or album. These can all help center your mind and give you something else to think about. I particularly love the story “Wonder” that Matthew Mchonachy reads on the Calm app. His voice is like butter.
Relying on humor – As your Fort Collins birth doula, everyone knows I love humor. It’s a great way to lighten the mood and help everyone relax. Telling jokes, sharing funny stories, or quick quips during delivery can all help everyone enjoy the moment a bit more.
Labor is hard work, but it’s my sincerest hope that these few tips will make your birth just a bit more enjoyable.
And as a Fort Collins birth doula, I know the secret sauce to most happy births is parents who are willing to go with the flow and surrender to the process just a little bit.
Sending you all my love,
Julianne
If you have any questions or if there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, I would love it if you followed me on Facebook and Instagram for more content (and jokes!).
