Marie Nowacki Ford (PCD, CIFE, CPST)

I am a DONA trained and CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula (PCD), CAPPA Certified Infant & Family Educator, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), and co-owner of Mile High Doulas, a postpartum care collective. 

Through my past experience as a nanny and family assistant, I fell in love with helping families through the journey of parenthood. After witnessing firsthand how chaotic life can be through pregnancy and after birth, I pursued my training to help families navigate this major life transition. My goal is to empower you to care for your child and enjoy your new roles as parents.

While focusing on overnight care, I specialize in hands-on education, physical and emotional support, feeding assistance, sleep training, cooking, and household organization. My goal is to nurture parents and their child in this vulnerable and intimate time. A full fridge, clean home, and person to talk to can make all the difference! I also provide antepartum support like birth planning, New Parent and Newborn Care Education classes, and freezer meal prep. 

Beyond educational, physical and organizational support, I have a strong focus on emotional and mental health with my families. Using a trauma-informed and inclusive approach is important to me; becoming a parent is a huge shift in identity and deserves to be treated with immense care and respect. My education and extensive experience allows me to assist with single parents, LGBTQ+ families, adoptive or intended parents, parents of advanced age, families who have experienced chronic illness, loss, eating disorders, anxiety, and sexual abuse. I am a sexual abuse survivor and also identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

For families wanting to feel more prepared to welcome their new baby, I offer private classes which focus on the postpartum period, infant care, and expectations for the first few months after birth. If you just have a couple of questions that you need answered, consider booking an "Ask Me Anything" call. 

An important aspect of keeping children safe is proper child restraint use. Car seats are confusing; and I am here to help! I offer private Car Seat Education & Installation appointments at your home, with all of your vehicles. I can work with children of all ages and specialize with infant car seats and navigating the car seat transitions over the first years of life. 

When not working as a doula, I am a Family Health Educator at Good Samaritan Hospital (Intermountain Health), and also support the Baby's First Ride program out of Good Samaritan Hospital and Lutheran Hospital. I spend my free time with my baby boy, husband, and two rescue dogs. I also love to cook healthy meals and snacks for my family and friends while listening to a good audiobook.