Welcome to my page
Ryah Jo's Pregnancy Birth & Beyond page
HI, I am Ryah Jo, Doula extraordinaire
Giving birth is one of the hardest and most gratifying human experiences a person can have, it's hard work getting a small human out of your body! Labor can be long and exhausting, empowering, emotional and challenging. And you can do it.
As a medical anthropologist at heart, I have always been in awe of the way humans have cared for one another and the evolution of our medical industry. While modern science and facilities have implemented policies, practices and tools that have re-vamped and altered the way in which humans give birth in many parts of the world, the design in the process of getting baby Earth-side has largely remained the same. I am an educator, caregiver and healer so it felt a very natural calling, after serving 8 years as a Medic in the Air Force and my own experience during the delivery of my first child, to be drawn into birth work. In this space I am able to use my passion for supporting the body in its natural state, my training and familiarity with medical systems and the tools needed when necessary, to be able to provide comprehensive support to families as they navigate the various pathways of giving birth. My philosophy is to empower you with knowledge and hands-on skills for labor and birth, provide evidence-based resources and work closely with your birth team so you are a full participate in the decision-making process. My hope is that with transparency, communication, trust and encouragement we all work together to create a circle of support, to be your village, and ensure you and your partner receive the best labor and birth experience possible.
Every family is unique and has different needs...
My Specialties and Packages
Because you'll remember this event forever
Yes, that's me and my mother
and how long I have been helping
with Belly Births
Restoring trust and empowerment.
This birth can be different
Get some sleep & let me cook for you
and fold that dumb laundry
My Street Cred..
I've been in the care of human health since my early 20's (call it a calling) and doing birth work since 2010. I have attended over 600 births as a midwife student, birth assistant and birth doula/labor coach.
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EMT-B, United States Air Force (2002)
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B.A. Humanities and Anthropology University of Washington (2010)
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Midwife Assistant Midwives College of Utah (2011)
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DONA trained (2011)
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PALS birth doula certified (re-new every year)
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MAWS (Midwives of Washington State) student rep (2011- 2013)
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Neonatal Resuscitation (2011) *updated every 2 years*
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University of Washington Doula volunteer (2012)
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Basic Life Supported Certified and Instructor certified (2013)
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Open Arms Birth Doula volunteer (2014-Present)
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DONA Childbirth Educator Trained (2017)
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Baby Spinning Trained (2017)
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OMP (Optimal Maternal Positioning) certificate (2021)
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Birth Trauma Informed Professional Training and Certification (CBI, 2020)
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OMP Educator certification (current student)
My personal birth/postpartum experiences include:
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All birthing places (Birth center, homebirth and hospital births)
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Specializes in vaginal births after cesareans
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LGBTQ2s + Allies and advocate
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Natural, free and low intervention birth plans
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Unmedicated and medicated in hospital birth plans TENS unit and massage
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High risk or complicated pregnancies, Expected fetal distress or fetal demise
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Belly mapping and labor movement
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Breastfeeding issues, baby feeding education
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Family centered/gentle cesarean birth, Cesarean birth recovery
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Acupressure, massage and the at of surrendering and breath work
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Partner involvement and education
Loving my little human experience..
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I love running and strength training. It's kindof my church (and you'll appreciate it)
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I am a little squeamish around snakes but not spiders
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I fancy myself a comedian and enjoy performing stand-up
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I grew up in the Midwest and you'll hear the Fargo in me when I am tired or have enjoyed a few glasses of wine
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I danced burlesque with a group of midwife students in my 30's.
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I was an Air Force Medic for 8 years
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I lost my father in May and am still sitting with it
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I love to read. Terry Pratchett, Mary Roach, Bill Bryson, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Tom Robbins and Margaret Thatcher are some of my favorite authors.
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I am currently raising teenagers (boy and girl). It's real fun. Feel free to keep in touch for future tips and tricks
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I have mainly raised my children with the support of other single mothers all living together and call ourselves 'The Mommune'
Read what my clients have been saying about our time together (Testimonials).