Meet Your Doula
Whitney Marsillett​
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B.A.
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CD (DONA)
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Postpartum Doula (BAI)
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Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
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Native East Tennessean, wife, and mother. My goal at Knoxville Birth & Baby is to serve and lift up women during the childbearing year and to provide a place for mothers to face their challenges, discover their strength, and have access to a community of support through it all. As your doula, I will be fully committed to you and your experience during your childbearing year.
My career has been dedicated to working with women and families- it's what I love.
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I attended the University of Tennessee and received a Bachelor’s degree with a focus in psychology and child-family studies. After graduating, I worked briefly as a preschool teacher then served as an adoption facilitator for several years. In 2012 I joined a nonprofit in Knoxville, working in a program that provided home visitation services to new mothers and families.
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My own experience with pregnancy and birth is what prompted me to pursue becoming a doula. I had a physically difficult journey during my first pregnancy and some things didn't go as expected, but because of the respect and support of the people surrounding me I was left feeling capable and cared for.
Whatever your background, circumstances, or plans for birth and parenting are, I will be there to support you.
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Emily Sheridan
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DONA Birth Doula
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Though not an actual Tennessee native, after living here for 18 years, I feel I must call it home! Lenoir City, a small town right outside of Knoxville, is where I currently reside with my husband and four boys. I am proud to have been able to support women and families in several cities and counties throughout our beautiful region.
My love and passion for birth work came after my own 4 very individual birth experiences, along with attending the births of friends and family members babies. I began to recognize that there was something truly amazing that occurred when women were given the support and education to be empowered as birthing mothers! Recognizing that when these mothers were given the tools they needed to make educated choices, that were right for them, they were also given the power to shape their birth stories in a way that was their own. I have a special place in my heart for first time moms navigating their options and helping new families get started on their journey to parenthood!
After the delivery of my last baby in 2018, I knew being a doula was my calling and pursued training. I completed the DONA International Doula training, childbirth education and breastfeeding courses in June 2019. I am currently pursuing certification with DONA and attending other continuing education classes. My experience as a doula includes high and low risk pregnancies and births, births with many medical interventions, as well as un-medicated births with no interventions. I am just as comfortable helping you through labor in a hospital setting or through your planned homebirth!
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“Although the popularly desired outcome is ‘healthy mother, healthy baby,’ I think there is more room in that equation for ‘happy non-traumatized, empowered and elated mother and baby.’”
-Ashley Booth Young
This is my desire for all birthing parents. Whether you are my client or not, I hope with all my heart you have a “happy non-traumatized, empowered and elated” pregnancy and birth experience!
Meet our Team
Postpartum Care + Night Nanny