Hi! I'm Ann-Marie.....a.k.a. @BirthworkMama
Owner & Founder of Nurturing Circles
I am a Proud Ally serving ALL women, families & professionals
in San Joaquin County and virtually around the world.
Your Experienced & Trusted Coach for Expecting Mamas, New Parents, and Healthcare Professionals
I'm dedicated to fostering a future where everyone feels respected, empowered, and supported during their birth and breastfeeding journey. This passion comes from my personal story which includes:
16+ years of knowledge learned from my #lactationlineage;
varied clinical work in outpatient clinics, hospitals & private practice; my lived experience of 3 pregnancies & 2 births;
wife of 20 years to my high school sweetheart;
& "Mama" since 2007.
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I offer my genuine loving kindness to
support mamas, dadas & families during their journey;
I shape my practice, teaching & training
with this critical foundation and vision:
My mission is to collaborate with others
to help foster a diverse next generation of birth & breastfeeding educated communities & healthcare professionals.
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I believe in the importance of actively working to increase
the equity, diversity & inclusivity of our field
in the United States and around the world.
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Are you looking for...​
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Prenatal/Postpartum Yoga?
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Lactation Home Visit?
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Birth and/or Postpartum Doula?
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Phone/Video Chat to discuss your questions?
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Guidance with the transition to motherhood/parenthood?
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A Mentor to help you join the #birthworkforce?
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Look no further...your @BirthworkMama is here.
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And if my services may not be quite the right fit,
I've got the connections to others in the field I can refer you to!
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“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face,
kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
~ Mother Teresa
Yoga
Movement. Breath. Centering. Sharing.
Our Yoga Circles are designed to assist you in connecting with
your body & baby while preparing you for labor and birth. We believe yoga can benefit everyBODY, regardless their level of experience or fitness, and we provide a guided, safe and supportive environment in which to do so.
Join us for a class today, and let's start this journey together.
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Lactation
As a Mama for over 16 years and an IBCLC since 2011,
I know that breast/chestfeeding is not always easy. That’s why I’m here to work closely with you and your baby, to ensure that both of you are comfortable and thriving. My personalized approach helps you address any concerns and helps you grow with confidence, positivity & resiliency along the way.
Let’s work together to reach your family feeding goals.
At Nurturing Circles we believe the pregnancy journey, including lactation, labor, birth and
the 4th trimester should be supported holistically & spiritually - honoring each woman and individual as a whole human being with loved ones being part of the team.
We provide a range of services designed to coach and support you & your family respectfully & safely during your passage into motherhood/parenthood.
Pregnancy
Meeting Ann-Marie at prenatal yoga with my first was a blessing. With my second she was there for me, when my baby arrived 4 weeks early.
Ann-Marie made it to my hospital bed and coached me through the agony of being separated from my sweet bundle.
Her encouragement, training, and knowledge helped me express exactly what my son needed to grow stronger. Her dedication to empowering mothers is unmatched.
— Mother of two healthy boys in Elk Grove, CA
I had the privilege of having Ann-Marie as my doula throughout my pregnancy, and I can't recommend her enough. From the moment we connected, I felt an immediate sense of comfort and support. Ann-Marie's warmth and calming presence made her feel like a long-term friend.
Her wealth of knowledge and expertise was evident in every interaction. She empowered me by helping me navigate through the overwhelming amount of information, allowing me to make informed decisions that were best for me and my baby.
— Audrey's Mom, previously known as Amanda
“When I look back at my post-natal experience, I am extremely grateful for Ann-Marie's presence as a guiding star on that journey.
I was three days post-partum during my first experience with
Ann-Marie, when she gave me the support and guidance I needed to breastfeed my newborn son.
Most importantly, she supported me in valuing how taking care of myself is an important part of me taking care of my baby.
Ann-Marie helped give me the confidence I needed to grow the Mother in me, and for that I will forever be grateful."
— Dr. Corrine McIntosh-Sako
