Guiding Beautiful Hellos and Goodbyes

In Italian, "Bella" means beautiful, and "Ciao" is one of only a few greetings of modern languages that mean hello and goodbye.

Bella Ciao is a birth and death doula pursuit. Bella Ciao was first imagined by name in 2022, following the birth of my first child and after many years of experience with the deaths of loved ones. Following even more death experiences, the stillbirth of my second child, and many trainings from the field, Bella Ciao was officially launched in 2025.

Meet the Doula

Howdy! Susan Nobblitt (she/her) is known among her community for her calming presence, willingness to sit in discomfort, and ability to listen to what is said and unsaid. A close family friend gave her the fitting childhood nickname "Perky". Before becoming a birth and death doula, she worked in nonprofits as a systems change and conflict facilitator, developing skills that would prove invaluable at the bedside during the intensity of birth and death. Before that, she got a college degree in biochemistry with plans to become a pharmacist, but decided herbal medicine was a better fit for her interests. She continues to learn about it in her garden and parks near her home. She has lived in North Carolina all her life and is proud to call the South her home. She enjoys many things such as kayaking, kickboxing, playing banjo, horseback riding, knitting, painting with watercolor, and spending time with her family at the Eno River.

What is a Doula?

Doula's play a special role in birth and death, both medical events that were once deeply rooted in community. Doula's provide non-medical support by offering physical, emotional, and informational guidance through these pivotal moments of life.

Meet Josh!

Josh is a certified therapy dog who enjoys tagging along on visits to offer his unique form of comfort and companionship to clients who enjoy that.

Check out our birth support

Check out our death support

Click here to contact us

Serving the Triangle and Triad regions of North Carolina

Email: bella.ciao.doula@gmail.com

Instagram: @birthdeathdoula