I am a mother of two boys, Aidan and Ethan. I love to cook, bake, work out, craft, and listen to music. I try and maintain a green lifestyle and believe in treating the body holistically, but definitely believe that modern medicine has its place too. I like to think of myself as a very balanced person who uses both reason and logic along with intuition and wisdom. Many people have told me I have a very calming presence and a healthy sense of humor. I like to think I bring a lot into the labor room as a part of the birthing team.
I loved being pregnant and the experience of childbirth and motherhood was very transformative for me. It is my hope to share my experience and knowledge with others and to provide support for women and partners during labor and post-partum to ensure happy, healthy mamas and babies! After many years of study about the human condition, I am an advocate for natural childbirth, breastfeeding, VBAC, attachment parenting, cloth diapering, babywearing, delayed cord clamping, and keeping baby whole...but those aren't necessarily pre-requisites for having me as a Doula! I would be happy to provide you with evidence based research as to why I do advocate for those issues though, but only if you would like.
Before I began my training as a DONA certified Birth Doula, I worked as a Social Worker for several years. My education, background, and professional experience provided the springboard into my Doula studies. I have parlayed many of the skills and a breadth of knowledge that I gleaned over the years studying Sociology, Anthropology, Counseling, and Social Work into the childbirth arena... and then some! I completed my DONA workshop in February of 2011 along with childbirth classes offered by St. Anthony's Hospital in Crown Point. I have also attended the childbirth classes at Porter Memorial Hospital. They say that the profession of Doula is a calling and I must say: I have been called! I can think of nothing better than educating and empowering women before, during, and after childbirth. So please, look around, and let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to chat!
In early 2012, about a year into my journey as a Doula in training, I completed the DONA requirements for certification which included classroom training, lactation training, reading (and more reading!), writing, researching, and supporting 3 women, continuously through labor and delivery. I was certified as a DONA Childbirth Doula, but I work freelance now. My current fee is $500. Similar to most of my colleagues, I will work with your budget and am open to a sliding scale, payment plan, and trade. I believe all women deserve a Doula and your income level should not affect your ability to have a Doula and the birth that you want. I truly think it's amazing to see babies (and mothers!) born.
Thank you for reading!
I loved being pregnant and the experience of childbirth and motherhood was very transformative for me. It is my hope to share my experience and knowledge with others and to provide support for women and partners during labor and post-partum to ensure happy, healthy mamas and babies! After many years of study about the human condition, I am an advocate for natural childbirth, breastfeeding, VBAC, attachment parenting, cloth diapering, babywearing, delayed cord clamping, and keeping baby whole...but those aren't necessarily pre-requisites for having me as a Doula! I would be happy to provide you with evidence based research as to why I do advocate for those issues though, but only if you would like.
Before I began my training as a DONA certified Birth Doula, I worked as a Social Worker for several years. My education, background, and professional experience provided the springboard into my Doula studies. I have parlayed many of the skills and a breadth of knowledge that I gleaned over the years studying Sociology, Anthropology, Counseling, and Social Work into the childbirth arena... and then some! I completed my DONA workshop in February of 2011 along with childbirth classes offered by St. Anthony's Hospital in Crown Point. I have also attended the childbirth classes at Porter Memorial Hospital. They say that the profession of Doula is a calling and I must say: I have been called! I can think of nothing better than educating and empowering women before, during, and after childbirth. So please, look around, and let me know if you have any questions or if you would like to chat!
 |
| dona.org |
Thank you for reading!
