In the year 2000, I was deeply absorbed in my own world of imagination. From another room, my mom could hear enthusiastic cheers: "Push! You're doing a great job. YAY!" Curious, she peered around the corner and discovered me helping my baby doll "give birth." With all the babies being born throughout my family and the very popular TV show "Bringing Home Baby," I was incredibly drawn to babies and birth at that young age.
Fast forward to 2021, with my husband by my side, we were navigating a high-risk pregnancy after a heartbreaking loss just months before. This was added to the element of military life, which had taken us halfway across the country, far from our loved ones, and at the peak of Covid when no one was able to visit. Amidst these isolating circumstances, we welcomed the premature arrival of our precious little angel, a baby girl. We were so excited to meet our daughter but also had an overwhelming sense of being alone. The hospital staff was professional and kind, but the warmth and support I desired most was absent. There was no one cheering on, "Yay, you're doing a great job!".
After the birth of my first child and because of my experience, I recognized the need to support others throughout my community during their transitions into parenthood. I began to assist them by delivering meals, helping set up their nurseries, and providing encouragement during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Additionally, I made it a point to check in on their emotional well-being throughout these significant changes.
Dedicating years to supporting families in this meaningful way led my friends and family members to encourage me to embrace the role of being a doula. My passion lies in providing support and effective comfort measures and empowering families to seek answers and acquire knowledge. This empowerment enables families to leave their birthing experience feeling that they made informed decisions and are at peace with how the birth unfolded. My experience spans a wide range, from supporting home births to aiding clients in high-risk and premature births.
You can find me hanging out with my husband and toddlers in my free time. We spend much of our time outside enjoying the fresh air while enjoying the water or going on a hike. After the kids go to bed, you can often find my husband and I trying out a new board game or playing a video game together.
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"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
FUN FACT: Took a gap year post high school to do missions in South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.
Trainings:
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What was your biggest takeaway from doula training?
DONA not only teaches us how to hold space for moms, but also provides in depth knowledge and wisdom on recognizing what a mom needs and how to best support her need.
Why should a client hire you?
Unwavering support and education throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. My goal is to reduce stress, increase comfort, and lead you through a birth where you feel empowered and informed.
What is the number one thing you use when supporting a family?
Besides education and birth planning, I would say I use a lot of my background in kinesiology to help a mom and with movements and massage.
Number one birth and postpartum book recommendation?
Nobody Told Me About That: The First Six Weeks
The fourth trimester is such a special and sacred time. It is also a big transition with many things that are new and some things that are unexpected. This book discusses some of those things which helps parents have a smoother transition when they can recognize and expect some of the new things.
Currently Serving | Birth & Postpartum Clients