I am a certified labor doula whose passion in to serve moms and families, working with them to help them gain the confidence and skills needed for birth, and providing them caring support throughout their birth journey. Birth is a beautiful, life changing experience, but many moms and families feel a lack of support, are unsure of their options, and feel fearful and anxious about labor. So I come alongside them, giving them the caring support, evidence-based information, and skills they need to feel confident and at peace in and around labor. Most days you can find me at home in my comfy clothes with my two kiddos building a block tower, cleaning up a spill, or reading my son or daughter’s favorite book for the hundredth time. I am known for being an organizer, lover of ice-cream, and a caring friend. I love serving people by listening to them, sending little gifts, speaking words of encouragement, and by lending a helping hand. The things I am most passionate about in life are loving God, serving people, creating community and enjoying nature, unless it’s cold out, then you can find me bundled up inside. Five years ago, I became a mom to a sweet, dark haired, little boy. Seventeen months later, I welcomed a beautiful, bald baby girl and was a mom of two under two. There are many great things we get to experience in this life, and I believe that pregnancy and birth are two that will never leave one’s memory. I can remember how during my first pregnancy I read all the books, asked all the questions and quickly asked my doula friend to be my support and guide. With my second pregnancy, I had little time for reading as I was busy chasing my one year old around. I remember moments where I would feel so ready and calm, yet the next minute feel overwhelmed and uncertain. The sweet movements of my baby wiggling inside, and the kicks that just about made me pee, the memories are so vivid. During my first labor, I felt confident at the start. I knew as soon as I was in active labor and was focused on breathing and relaxing just like my doula had taught me. But as the emotions and waves of labor grew over time, I felt tired and eager for the end. My labor progressed quickly, so my doula was on the phone with me and my family, until she arrived. The words she spoke to me and my husband will never leave me. She listened calmly to what I was saying and the sounds I was making during contractions and would say,” You are sounding great, this is just what you need to be doing, keep going”. She encouraged my husband in ways he could help me manage my pain and stay calm, and assured us during each stage that the feelings I had were normal. The words of assurance, ideas for coping, and hands of comfort that my doula and family provided me were so refreshing and were exactly what I needed to work through each contraction until my baby was in my arms. The education, support, guidance, and care I had during my first birth helped me to enter my second birth with a stronger confidence in my ability to labor. The labor was fast and strong, but I felt in control and calm. I knew each stage as it came, and knew when it was time to push. Two pushes later my daughter was born! Labor and birth are such beautiful things, and even more beautiful when surrounded by people who believe in you and support you each step of the way, even when you sound like a mooing cow, or have them squeezing your hips for so long they are sore for days (yep, that was me). My desire is for every mom and family to have the support they need in and around labor, to have the education they need to feel confident and be able to make informed decisions, and to have a birth experience that is filled with care and peace. Imagine if…
You knew your choices in and around labor and how to make informed decisions each step of the way. You had the confidence to make the decisions you want for you and your baby. You were supported in your choices and birth experience. Your fear and anxiety around labor took the backseat to peace and understanding. You had a support person by your side to help you relax and cope through each contraction and as you settle in with your sweet new baby. It is my honor and joy to support moms and families in this special time of their lives. If you have any questions about my services and how I can help you, please reach out! I am here to support you and look forward to meeting you!
