Hello! My name is Erika Gebhardt, and I am a birth doula in Charlotte, NC. I attend hospital births as well as home births in the greater Charlotte area. I also attend births at the Carolina Community Maternity Center!

In 2001, I supported a friend during her birth. The experience amazed me, and I became a birth doula. In 2008 I certified as childbirth educator, teaching private evening and weekend classes. I am also a Child Passenger Safety Technician, qualified to check car seat installation.

Additionally, I am a licensed apprentice midwife in South Carolina. My preceptor is Leigh Fransen, a licensed midwife. I am a student at Ancient Art Midwifery Institute, a distance-learning program, and plan to graduate in August 2012.

Personally, I have four children born in various birth environments: twin boys born in a hospital; a girl born at a birth center; and a girl born at home.

Clearly, my vast blend of birth experiences and skills is an asset to any couple interested in natural birth. My philosophy is simple: I believe that birth is normal and safe. I fully endorse evidence-based care for pregnancy and birth, including Lamaze International's Six Care Practices That Support Normal Birth. However, I also believe in the judicious use of medical intervention.

Please contact me for more information about my experience, my resources, and to see if I'm the doula for you and your birth!

Erika with Ina May Gaskin, known as the Mother of Authentic Midwifery