How I became a doula: After the birth of my second child, I became very aware that good labor support is essential to prevent
or correct unforeseen anomalies that could lead to unnecessary intervention. At the same time, I was looking for a new
career that would be meaningful and allow me to be home to raise my children.
To become a doula, I went through
the normal DONA doula certification process which headed me in right direction. However, the majority of my
knowledge and skills have been taught to me by the mothers and their partners I have educated and supported over
the last 8 years.
I have attended quite a spectrum of births and have a good understanding of the individualized information
and support needed for couples to prepare for a good experience and outcome no matter what their circumstances. This
spectrum includes, but is not limited to:
(c) 2010 Better Birth & Beyond, LLC. All rights reserved.
"The most important care provider for a pregnant woman is herself". ~ M. McClafferty
My experience: I am the mother of 3 wonderful children, birthing two of them naturally. I have been teaching childbirth classes and
have been a practicing birth doula for 8 years supporting over 235 couples in our local hospitals, birthing centers, and in their
homes.
Normal, low risk
Hospital
Birth Center
Home birth
VBAC
High Risk (mom or baby)
Twins
Breech
Post Trauma
Scheduled Cesarean
My Personal Philosophy: I was raised on a small farm, and from a very young age I witnessed normal birth in the barn... animals
labor easily without fear, anxiety, or interruptions. As a mother who has given birth 3 times (over a 16 year span), I
can appreciate how important my childhood education was and also how easily negative images, scary birth stories, and continuous interruptions
can impact a birthing woman and alter the course of her labor. I believe a birthing woman should be cared for as an individual
and she should take part in making informed decisions about her health and about her care. Our fear based culture has taught
women to give up their power to others during one of the most important, yet vulnerable times in their life. As a doula, I try to
keep the “power” where it belongs, within the mother.
In my role as a doula I also prepare and support the partner
in a way that will allow him/her the freedom to just be present for for the mother or become an active part of the birth
team.
Better Birth & Beyond, LLC
--------------------------