Ariel is the birth doula and owner of Rooted in Love (RIL) Doula Services in Stafford, Virginia. She became a DONA Birth Doula in 2021 after years of work in supporting mothers and children as a Public Health Advocate.

Ariel became a Birth Doula to teach mothers to trust their instinctual power and to create breathing room during birth. In the birthing room, Ariel works to create moments of intentionality and connection, supporting mother first and foremost while guiding her partner(s) thoughtfully through labor. Her support enables mothers to connect with their bodies and babies in birth to help lay the ground work for a connected postpartum journey. Ariel has diverse experience working with families and birth plans with both births at hospitals, at birth centers or at home (as long as a medical professional is present). Ariel has supported mothers through c-sections as well as through successful Vaginal Births After a C-Section (VBAC).

Ariel loves being a doula as it gives her the opportunity to help guide women through one of the most memorable life events they experience and to advocate for the mental, emotional and spiritual sides of birth.

Ariel Groft, MPH, CD-DONA, CLC, CBE

Beyond Birth Work

Ariel’s birth work began in 2014 in Philadelphia as a Healthy Start Advocate (community trained doula) and lactation counselor. In 2021, Ariel pursued further training to get certified as a DONA birth doula, childbirth educator and re-certified as a lactation counselor. Ariel has a Bachelor’s of Science in Reproductive Animal Science and a Masters in International Public Health. Her career in public health has focused on sexual and reproductive health, youth development and quality improvement of community health. Working as a Birth Doula unites Ariel’s passion with her other professional experiences, giving her great joy and enthusiasm when supporting parents like you!

Outside of work, Ariel enjoys adventures with her hubby and son, country line dancing, attempting to garden, horseback riding, hiking and camping. Her favorite things (aside from her family) include delicious berry lemon baked goods, summer night bonfires, unique earrings, and any animal she can cuddle.

Ariel’s
Training and Certifications

  • Ariel is a certified DONA Birth Doula. She completed DONA’s Birth Doula training requirements as well as significant training on the emotional, social and mental support needed for mothers and their partners during birth. Since her doula journey began, she has had the privilege of supporting mothers in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

  • Ariel completed training with Lamaze as a Childbirth Educator in 2022 and childbirth trainings with DONA in 2021. She also completed significant training on childbirth with Maternity Care Coalition in 2014. She has also completed academic coursework on pregnancy, disease prevention, public health, perinatal epidemiology, maternal health and child health.

  • Ariel completed the Healthy Children CLC course and received her certification as a CLC in 2015. Since then, she supported over 35 women in their breastfeeding journey and served as an advocate for breastfeeding friendly workplaces. Ariel continues to expand her breastfeeding work by recertifying as a CLC in 2023.

  • Ariel has several years of child development experience and training through academic coursework, hands-on education, non-profit trainings and serving as a Healthy Start case manager in 2014. Her experience includes infant feeding, child nutrition, child development, psychology, Ages and Stages Questionnaire facilitator training and training on the Life Course model.

  • Ariel received her certification in 2022 for CPR/AED/First Aid for adults and pediatrics from the American Red Cross .