Services Provided:

Temporary volunteer doula support as I gain experience and complete my certification. I completed the doula training workshop with Michelle L'Esperance.

Support Services:

• prenatal
• birth doula
• newborn care
• breastfeeding
• cloth diapering
• babywearing
• postpartum

Personal Statement:

The experience of the birth of my son, upon a long standing foundation of a deep rooted interest in supporting the health and wellbeing of families, blossomed into an inspiration to help couples actualize the birth of their dreams and begin their journey together as gently as possible.

One of the reasons I love being a doula is the opportunity to share information and facilitate a sense of community. I'm of the mind that knowledge dispells fear, and the more we know makes us stronger when we enter unknown territory. One benefit of having a doula present is the access to knowledge about birth when questions arise, and the passing on of the wisdom of women and families before us so we don't have to recreate the wheel. I understand that each person comes from a unique background and experience and I respect the birth plan that a couple develops and support them in their wishes and help advocate for their desired outcome. While respecting the amazing ability of the woman's body to birth, I am aware that every pregnancy and every labor follows its own course and is unpredictable and therefore requires some flexibility. Therefore I'm sensitive to times when a decision needs to be made and use what I've learned about the couple to help inform and guide their choice. I bring a patient, diplomatic personality and calm demeanor that is helpful when there is a flurry of activity and excitement around the laboring woman.

So far since I completed the doula training workshop with Michelle L'Esperance in February 2010, I have attended 2 births, acted as a back up doula for 2 others, supported a family as postpartum doula, doing overnight and day visits, on call volunteer for Baystate, and most recently, enjoyed the awesome experience of the homebirth of our daughter. As I continue on my journey toward becoming a certified nurse midwife, I look forward to supporting families as a doula.