About Marcela

I have been working as a birth doula in Austin for about 13 years.

My bachelors degree is in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, CO.  http://www.naropa.edu/ That gave me a foundation in holistic health that excited and inspired me.

The first birth I attended in 1997 was that of a friend.  While I was on a trajectory towards a helping profession, after that event , I knew that it would be related to birth.   I was floored with the power of a woman in labor.  I continue to be.

I am also a registered massage therapist and studying Biodynamic Craniosacral Bodywork.  My practice as a body worker is, for the time being,  limited to working with women in their childbearing year.

Lanell and I have inspired, encouraged, and accompanied each other in our birth work and friendship for over 10 years.  Conscious Birthing Austin came about 6 or 7 years ago when, as doulas, were inspired to create our own curriculum for a childbirth preparation series.  We both went on to initiate training from Birthing From Within.  I completed Level I and continue to develop myself as a childbirth educator.

I am ecstatic to be a mom to a vibrant and amazing 6 year old boy and a beautiful 2 year old girl.  My experience as a mother informs my professional life in innumerable ways.  My husband Eric  http://ericbillig.com/ is a loving, talented and supportive partner.  We love many things about our life and living in Austin.