About

Dena is an accomplished and passionate educator with over 25 years experience preparing expectant parents of all backgrounds,  for the rigors of labor and childbirth with confidence and positive expectancy.

Her experience includes teaching in private practice, hospital and in community settings in Philadelphia, Fort Lauderdale,  and Tampa. She has taught at John’s Hopkins University Hospital,  University of Houston, Yale University Hospital, University of Albany Hospital training staff and community members to be Childbirth Educators.

2013- Present Einstein Montgomery
2008-Present Lankenau, Bryn Mawr & Paoli Hospital
2009-2013  Educator : Drexel ObGyn Group: Hahnemann Hospital
1999-2001 Tenent Hospital System
1996-97  Tampa General Hospital

Dena is a Birth Doula Certified by DONA and ICEA
A Pre-natal Yoga Instructor
A Professional Trainer of both ChildBirth Educators and Birth Doulas through ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association).

Dena authored The MotherSource Pregnancy Resource Directory,  “Joy and Sleepfilled Nights” a promotional brochure for Schwarz Pharma, and was a contributing author for the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2012 editions of Expectant Mothers Guide.

Dena was originally certified in The Bradley Method, has a Level 1 Certification in “Birthing From Within”, and is currently certified by ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association), Lamaze and BADT. She has been certified as a  MotherWell Pregnancy Fitness instructor and is a Prenatal Yoga Instructor. She is a lactation support person, and is Trainer for ICEA (teaching new childbirth educators and Birth Doulas their craft). She integrates all methods and adds zen meditation, affirmation, and deep relaxation techniques to re-frame fear about childbirth and instill confidence.

Mission Statement: “If you don’t know Your Options, You Don’t Have Any”

Philosophy:  I address 3 main areas in the work we will do together.
MIND: I want you to feel prepared with not only understanding the mechanics of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.. but understanding the waters you are navigating.. in the hospital, birth center or home. The safety of Black and Brown bodies and a focus on reproductive justice is of prime importance.
BODY: Understanding Pelvic Biomechanics: How do we create space in the pelvis to do whatever we can to open and let this baby come.
SPIRIT/ EMOTIONS: Fear/ Stress Management: holding fear in the body through previous trauma, or absorbing negative narratives about birth is a place many birthing persons get stuck. Let’s work together to trust your body and intuition.
Birth is sacred work and it is my deepest honor to serve.