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​My experiences with childbirth began while I attended IUS and volunteered at St. Elizabeth's Regional Maternity Center. They asked if I would be a birth coach and blindly, I said, "yes." I knew then that that would impact my life somehow but I just assumed that it would be through my personal desire to have children. I had no idea that it would mean something so much bigger-- the desire to support women through their own journeys. Years later, I became pregnant with my son Lucas and knew nothing of doulas and midwives. I knew that women, for centuries, had given birth without medication or interventions. However, not being educated about my birthing options, I trusted in the medical system and had minor interventions which led to a less-than-ideal birth for me.
After my son’s birth, I researched my options and felt more empowered to make informed desicions. In my research, I stumbled across La Leche League (LLL). I became a member in 2005 and then an accredited leader in 2007. LLL opened the doors for me in my education about childbirth and breastfeeding. When I became pregnant in 2007, with my daughter Leena, I decided this time I would hire both a midwife and a doula. With these simple changes, the differences were huge.
Seeing where the support and the right education made all the difference in my birthing experience, I realized then that this was where I wanted to utilize my skills and desire to empower other women with their choices in childbirth. Finally, the time was right in my life to take the next step, so in November 2010, I trained with DONA and became a birth doula. In July of 2011, I furthered my breastfeeding education and sat for the exam to become a board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).
As a doula, I have learned to listen to myself and my inner voice and to help women find their voices as well. I am able to intuitively listen to what a woman’s needs are during her birth, and to keep her on the path that she wishes her birth to be on. I am familiar with the journey of labor and I am able to remind a woman and her partner of the normalcies within each stage. As labor progresses, I can offer comfort measures that are specific to each woman and comforting in general. For example, I am diligent about making sure that a woman uses the restroom, changes positions, and stays hydrated – all of which help to ensure that labor can progress in the most successful way. An important laboring tool that I like to employ is the use of visualization specific to a laboring woman in order to help her feel calm, safe, in control. In addition to supporting women during labor, a large part of my role as a doula is to stay in communication with her birthing partner by offering suggestions in a mindful and supportive way.
Prenatal visits give us the opportunity to discuss any fears, concerns, hopes, and desires for your birth. As your doula you can expect that I will be open and honest with you and in my experience, a communicative and reciprocal doula/client relationship is the most successful way for you to feel nurtured, and to find your safe space during labor. With this knowledge I am able to attend your birth and reflect back on our prenatal appointments, reminding you of your goals and helping you to achieve your desired outcome. Additionally, I like to include time at each of our prenatal visits to address your breastfeeding concerns and to answer any questions you may have. As an IBCLC, I have found that the best possible breastfeeding outcomes are produced when a woman has informed herself before the birth of her baby.
With the birth of your baby, I can then assist you in getting the baby latched on in order to ensure a good start with breastfeeding. At your postpartum follow up we can discuss your birth and I can answer any questions that you may have about your labor. This is also your opportunity to take advantage of my breastfeeding knowledge.
I know that birth is a life changing experience, and I would consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you during such a sacred time. If you are interested in meeting with me for a consultation appointment, please feel free to call or email. Thank you.​

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