“If you can help a couple have the birth of their dreams, that’s amazing.”

Christine Golcher was 51 years old when she first learned what a doula was. At the time, she was working as an office manager at a medical practice, and needed a change. Her three children were already grown, but learning about the work of a doula reignited her passions. “It sounded so rewarding and fulfilling,” she remembers.

Nine years—and many trainings and certifications later—she is a certified postpartum doula, lactation counselor, childbirth educator, newborn care specialist, bereavement support, Friend of Breech Babies, aromatherapist, and herbalist helping Philly families grow with Christine’s Care and Compassion. “It is definitely the most rewarding work I’ve ever done,” she tells us.

 Christine serves as a postpartum doula, helping couples transition into parenthood. She helps families have the time and support to bond with their new baby—and sleep!—by assisting with breastfeeding, household tasks, baby care instruction, and emotional support. 

She also offers newborn care specialist services. If the new parents do not wish to help with baby care overnight, they would want to hire a newborn care specialist. In this role, Christine cares for the baby overnight so the parents can sleep. She takes care of feeding, burping, changing, and getting back to sleep; and washes bottles, does baby laundry, stocks diapers, and anything else baby-related.

Christine encourages asking for help and focusing on mental health, especially as a new parent—and the results speak for themselves.

 “Christine is a very kind and careful person who is extremely knowledgeable and resourceful about birth and postpartum joys and challenges. She is professional, experienced and works tirelessly. She is very easy-going, and I felt very comfortable having her in our home from the minute we met. Her support and recommendations were incredibly helpful and reassuring at such a vulnerable and often confusing time in my life.” — Nerida B.

Unsurprisingly, Christine’s Care and Compassion has won Philadelphia Family LOVE Award for Best Doula several times. But her passion and wonder have not worn off in her many years of doing what she loves.

“Every time, it’s just a miracle. Birth is such a beautiful event.”

Christine’s Care and Compassion supports the Philly Family community.