Hi, I’m Emerald “EmDoula” Ortiz. I am a full spectrum doula certified as a Community Outreach Perinatal Educator (COPE) through Commonsense Childbirth Institute which encompasses childbirth education, birth doula and lactation support. I’m also trained by Shafia Monroe Consulting (SMC), as a culturally competent full circle doula. I have numerous skills and resources to offer my clients including knowledge of childbirth education, mother blessing, infant care, CPR, food handlers and more. Being a birth worker is not just what I do, but a part of who I am. Services I provide include childbirth education, prenatal support, partner support, pregnancy and birth comfort measures, birth planning, physical/emotional birth support, breastfeeding, infant care, and postpartum support. As a graduate of Woman’s Choice Perinatal Service Placenta Encapsulation training I provide placenta capsule preparation and training. Because pregnancies can end in a number of ways I am prepared to support families through any outcome. I’m also a certified Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) advocate and trainer for families and birth workers. I am also open to sharing knowledge in many ways including speaking arrangements and educational panels. I completed my doula certification in 2018. I’m also certified as a community health worker. I’m co-president of Doulas of Rhode Island, a founding member of the Umoja Nia Collective (the first collective of Black-identifying doulas in the state), and a current member of SISTA Fire RI’s Doulas of Color Network. I have 8 years of experience with approximately 97 births attended and 35 families served postpartum. I accept Rhode Island Medicaid and health insurance including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Neighborhood Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, and RIte Care.