I’ve been so fortunate to grow up surrounded by strong and resilient women (and men too!) who believe that birth is a natural process and not something to be afraid of. I was always told it was hard work, but the most rewarding hard work I’d ever do. All the women in my family gave birth at home with midwives and so I just figured that’s how it’s done. When my turn came I decided I wanted to have an unmedicated, natural birth, but I wasn’t quite ready for a home birth. I decided on a birth center near Portland, OR and starting preparing for what would become one of the best days of my life. My oldest son arrived on a hot September day and changed my world forever. His birth was incredibly empowering for me as a young woman and although it was hard work I managed to breathe deeply and stay present with the sensations that ebbed and flowed and swept over me like giant waves. Since that day, I’ve had two more wild and wonderful boys – yes, I’m totally outnumbered at my house! – and I’ve found this amazing path as a doula.
After finishing doula training with DONA International I chose to complete the certification process and have been a DONA certified birth doula since 2013. Over the past 11 years I have attended over 300 births in hospitals, birth centers and in people’s homes. Embracing opportunities to update my skill set and learn more about how I can best support my families has always been a guiding principle for me as a doula.
Me and my kiddos with my amazing Gram Bunny who inspires me to be more patient and find humor in the chaos – and yes, there is always at least one shirtless child in every photo we take!
I completed both Rebozo and Hypnobirthing practitioner certification in 2014 and have completed specialized workshops in massage, acupressure and Spinning Babies techniques.
Attending a birth is more than a profession to me, it’s an absolute honor. Every birth is a miracle and I never cease to be inspired by the courage of mothers, the tenderness of partners and the sweet, round, wrinkled, perfect babies at the end of it all! I’m so deeply grateful that I get to do this work.
