Twelve years ago, I attended the birth of my sister's daughter. I was surprised by the lack of information provided to us, the indifferent attitude of some of the nurses and doctors, and felt like we were left with very little support. Although my sister and her husband had taken birthing classes and read several books on the subject, it felt like entering the world series after reading about baseball. We needed a caring, devoted, knowledgeable person with us throughout the labor.
I quit my job in software in 2003 to pursue doula work full time and in that time have attended nearly two hundred births. In addition to my DONA training, I completed doula training with Natural Resources, an extensive program that was twice as long as DONA's training. I have 20 years of Zen training and practice. I am also trained in HypnoBirthing® and Mindfulness Based Pain Management, which provide techniques for coping with pain during labor. 15 years of yoga practice combined with training in comfort positions for pregnant and laboring women has prepared me to help individuals find postures that relieve discomfort. In addition to practicing massage for several years, I have completed a pregnancy and labor massage course, as well as an acupressure for labor training. I have excellent people skills and work well with doctors and nurses which helps create a harmonious atmosphere in the hospital room while ensuring my clients are well attended to.
I view birth as a sacred event where I have the opportunity to help a woman get in touch with the strongest part of herself, the part that knows exactly how to bring her child into the world. I feel honored and grateful to have found a livelihood where it is my job to assist in this miraculous and transformative process.
Below: my daughter Phoebe, born at home in January of 2008.
To sum up my credentials:
