welcome!
I compiled a list of fun facts as well as insight into my experience and birthing philosophy. Obviously, this is not all encompassing so please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. I am genuinely happy to respond.
Here we go. I...
…birthed 6 children. My oldest in the hospital, the other 5 out of hospital. (3 boys & 3 girls)
...am currently working toward obtaining my BSN degree, and then becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife
…breastfed all of my children
…worked for two different birthing centers over the past 18 years as a first and second assistant to midwives
…teach childbirth education classes
…was a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for 6 years, including teaching a postnatal mommy and me class
...have a BA degree in Behavioral Science and am a certified childbirth doula through DONA International. I also have advanced doula training in the biomechanics of the body in childbirth
...am fascinated with placentas and offer encapsulation services
…could be described as a birth junkie and will discuss any details of pregnancy, labor and/or delivery at any time, with anyone
…enjoy the beach, mountain hikes and chai lattes
…my husband is my biggest fan but does not want to be my birth debriefing buddy
…enjoy getting to know other women and think of myself as down to earth, so please don’t hesitate to reach out, comment, share your story, etc.
…feel fulfilled and truly myself supporting women in childbirth
…am called to be a birth worker; It is a passion that is in my heart
…believe in the sacred space of birth and that every mama should feel safe, supported and loved going into labor
…help mama address any fears or anxieties and release them prior to labor
...pray for my clients throughout pregnancy, but especially during labor
…will look a laboring mama in the eye and gently, but firmly, remind her- you were created for this
Birth Preparation
There are many paths to an empowering, positive birth. The goal is to get you there feeling supported, safe and confident.
If you choose a method such as Bradley, Birthing from Within, Christian Hypnobirthing, etc. I will support you in that. I do not align myself with one method over the other. Ultimately, if it works for you- I'm all for it.
I do believe women were created to birth and you are all you need, so if you decide to birth instinctively drawing on body awareness and breathing- I know you can do that too. I encourage you to educate yourself throughout pregnancy so that you can make informed and intentional decisions and understand the basics of childbirth. Taking a childbirth education class as part of birth preparation can help to boost confidence.
It is helpful to understand the connection of mind, body and spirit. Birth is not just a physical exercise or process. A truly positive birth experience comes from a balance of mental, physical and spiritual wellness. The mind is stronger than the body and birth is more mental than physical. That being said, preparing physically will also set you up for an easier labor and birth.
Labor is unpredictable, especially the early stage. Ideally, you can set aside your expectations while intentionally embracing the process of labor and birth and all that it entails, while also having the flexibility to adjust and accept the changes.
As your doula and/or childbirth educator, I will help you apply the principals of mind, body and spirit to your pregnancy and birth.
My Why
At 18 years old and 41 weeks pregnant my OBGYN told me I needed to be induced. The day I was to be induced I went into labor but the OB decided to continue with Pitocin and at five centimeters I was given an epidural.
Uninformed and trusting the OB when she said that my baby was "too big" and my pelvis was too small I signed the papers to have a C-Section.
A nurse asked the OB if she could work with me for one hour and the OB obliged. The nurse attached a squat bar across the bed and had me get off my back and in a squat position. My legs were weak from the epidural but she and my sister, who was "my coach", encouraged me with positive feedback.
One hour later the OB returned, checked and I was 10 cm and ready to push. My 9lb 3 oz son was born vaginally thanks to that nurse. I am forever grateful for her.
I knew I needed to get educated about my body, pregnancy, labor and birth. In turn, I wanted to support and educate other women so that they could make informed decisions about their bodies and births.
Since my first hospital birth experience, I have had five positive birth experiences out of hospital, mainly because I knew what to expect and did the preparation.
I am blessed and honored to serve as a birth worker in this season of life and look forward to being a midwife in the future.