I’ve been obsessed with babies and birth for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I'd pretend to nurse my dolls as my mom nursed my siblings. And as the oldest of 7, it wasn't long before I could change diapers and rock a baby to sleep like a pro. I also remember hiding in my mom’s room and reading her Bradley method birthing book – I needed to know this stuff someday! I was never really sure what I wanted to “be” when I grew up, but I knew that I’d be a mom. That desire was rooted deeply in my heart.

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I had no idea how hard it would be to accomplish that dream though. My journey to motherhood includes 5 years of infertility, 4 pregnancy losses, countless tears and prayers, and a miracle IVF baby – our son born in December of 2018.  During those 5 hard years, I struggled with depression, felt like a failure as a woman, and was, honestly, kind of lost. I changed careers several times, not sure what I was looking for because really, I was just aching to be a mom.

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When my high school bestie asked me to be there for the birth of her first son in 2016, I immediately said “yes”. I wasn’t sure how I would feel to actually be there – to see her have her dream come true when I was still waiting on mine. But something inside compelled me to be there anyway. Not only did I want to support my friend, I felt I couldn’t pass up such a special moment, to witness that miracle and in some small way get to be part of it.

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It was a long birth. It had tough and messy moments. But it was also so beautiful and raw and miraculous. I did my best to anticipate her needs, help her find comfort, and keep her encouraged and focused. The moment he was born, I knew.

 

This is what I wanted to do.

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I never would've imagined that I’d find birth work so fulfilling in the middle of the heartache of infertility. In fact, it took me a year and a half after that first birth to believe in myself enough to pursue it fully. I can’t explain it other than it’s truly a calling for me.

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I’ve since had my son (and a second surprise baby!) and now have my own birth stories, complete with amazing birth support at my side.  My first birth had several unexpected twists and turns (as births do) and I know that without my doula there I wouldn't have felt as supported or positive about that experience as I do now. She was a safe, comfortable, positive presence when everything else around me felt uncertain.

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That’s my goal as a doula. To ensure that you feel safe, seen, heard, and empowered. Childbirth can have such a significant impact on your sense of self-worth and you deserve to be valued, respected, and have the birth you dream of! I'm honored each and every time I get to serve a birthing mom and her family.​