WHO WE ARE…

Owners Stephanie Cruse and Brittany Dowell’s collective vision is for Apple Birth & Wellness to reach beyond the traditional offerings of labor and postpartum doula care.

Brittany and Stephanie met at a labor doula training in October 2015, and started business partner dating shortly after. In April of 2016, they decided to officially become business partners. They spent many, many hours hashing out Apple Birth & Wellness at “the office” (aka Northside Social in Clarendon), and have an affinity for cafe au lait and breakfast sandwiches with runny eggs.

 

Stephanie Cruse, MA

Stephanie Cruse, MA

Owner & Doula

In her past career life, Stephanie’s passion was Latin American Studies and Gender Studies. Prior to owning her own business, she worked in philanthropy from 2006-2014. In 2012, Stephanie had her son and experienced an incredibly challenging time with postpartum depression, and it was hard for her to find non-judgemental support.

 

So, Stephanie decided that she would open a business to be that kind of support for others going through this rollercoaster time in their lives. She began by certifying as a childbirth educator and yoga instructor, but the best career surprise of her life was becoming a labor doula. She absolutely loves supporting families during childbirth.

 

Registered Teacher

Yoga | Prenatal Yoga | Postnatal Yoga 
Also, an anatomy junkie

Certified Childbirth Educator

BirthWorks International
Loves teaching group and private classes!

Trained Labor Doula

Loves being a doula and giving continuous support.
Trained through Postpartum Support Virginia to be a peer support group facilitator.

Loves giving space/permission for you to say how you are really feeling.

Trained through Mental Health America in Mental Health First Aid. I can provide immediate support in mental health emergencies.
Trained through the Veterans Yoga Project in Mindful Resilience for Recovery After Trauma
Brittany Dowell

Brittany Dowell

Owner & Doula

Brittany Dowell has been serving expectant and new families in the Washington, DC area for six years. She currently works as a prenatal yoga teacher and childbirth educator, offering unbiased, professional support to new parents as you navigate making the right choices for your unique family.

After becoming a certified prenatal yoga instructor, she realized that her desire to support new parents during their journey was leading her to a new career in family support, first as a childbirth educator, then as a doula, and now, as a nursing student at George Washington University preparing to become a labor and delivery nurse.

Clients say that while her experience and knowledge are valuable and appreciated, Brittany’s calming demeanor, patience, thoughtfulness, and warm heart make her the asset she is, whether in the yoga studio, labor room, or at home.  She skillfully guides parents so that they transition smoothly into their new role feeling calm, capable, and confident.

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We serve the Washington, D.C. area, including the communities of

Adams Morgan, Alexandria, Arlington, Annandale, Bethesda, Brightwood, Brookland, Burke, Capitol Hill, Chevy Chase, Clarendon, College Park, Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, Fairfax, Falls Church, Foggy Bottom, Fort Totten, Fort Belvoir, Friendship Heights, Glover Park, Georgetown, Hyattsville, Logan Circle, Lorton, McLean, Merrifield, Mount Pleasant, Mt. Rainier, Navy Yard, Oakton, Palisades, Penn Quarter, Petworth, Reston, Rockville, Silver Spring, Springfield, Takoma Park, Tenleytown, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Woodbridge, Woodley Park, and more.