Labor of Love 

I am a mother of nine wonderful children, all of whom were born at home.  I am a certified childbirth assistant (doula) and a lay midwife. Since 2000 I have learned through my own experiences, that of my family and friends, and then branched out into my community, which has grown into a great passion for birth.

I am very easy to get along with. I have a soft, passive, compassionate personality. I am agreeable and accomidating. However I am also strong and firm when I need to be. I require that you are always honest and upfront with me and that you submit to my authority when I do tell you to do/not to do something. I will always have your best interest at heart, what is best for your health and well being, putting you above myself. I am highly intelligent, well educated, and experienced. I prefer to be prepared and ready; however, I can adapt to changes swiftly. I handle emergency sirltuations very well. I am an excellent problem solver. I provide open minded, not judgemental or condemning, counsel with views of more than one side or course of action.

I believe that birth is a natural process, best left undisturbed. I do believe there is a place for medical technology: during births that have true complications where medical intervention is necessary and saves lives.

I believe parents should educate, prepare, and practice for the birth they desire to achieve.

Childbirth is a major event in a woman’s and couple’s life, affecting the psychological as well as the emotional and physical aspects of their relationship.  This is not to be taken lightly.

Outside factors can have a profound influence on the medical and emotional aspects of birth (environment, people present, state of mind and emotions, fears, activities…)

Women attending and supporting women through birth is the historical norm and can have a profound positive influence on both medical and emotional aspects of birth. This positive influence can help reduce the likelihood that medical intervention will be needed at all.

I firmly believe that no one can predict the future. I cannot guarantee that you will have your ideal birth, nor can I guarantee that you will not face the unexpected during your labor and delivery. Life happens, and labor and childbirth are a part of life. However, I do guarantee that no matter your medical circumstances, no matter your wishes and desires that make up your ideal birth, I will do my best to help preserve your wishes and make your birth a positive experience you will remember fondly.

I have knowledge, experience, and training in dealing with complications such as nuchal cords, breech positioning, posterior positioning, shoulder dystocia, hemorrhaging, twins, infections, premature labor, prolongued labor, precipitous labor, perineal tearing, jaundice, ...

I have experience with women who were sexual abuse victims.

As a doula, I have experience supporting women in home and in hospital, delivering naturally or with an epidural, and through having cesarean sections.