Why I Became a Doula…

Childhood

I was an only child for 4 years of my life… then my sister joined our family on my 4th birthday. At first, I wanted nothing to do with her and I was mad as all get out that she “stole” my birthday. LOL Of course I learned how amazing she is and how much I LOVED having a baby in our home. About 9 months after her birth, my mom found out she was pregnant again. I was ecstatic!!! I was so excited that I begged and pleaded to become a Candy Striper at the hospital she was going to have my brother. I joyfully went to all the classes and couldn’t wait for my brother to join our family.

Teenage Years

Fast forward a few years and I started my own babysitting business when I was 12. I loved taking care of the kids I watched. My love for babies and new families was obvious and strong from a young age.

After I had graduated high school, I went to college and studied all things about the human body. I was hooked and totally fascinated. Our bodies are so unique and can do so many things. My favorite classes were my anatomy and physiology and human development classes.

Young Adult

When I was 21, I had the opportunity to go to Bulgaria for 18 months on a church mission. I was able to go to many orphanages while I served there. My heart ached for those sweet children who lay there in cribs with little to no human contact most days. Their beds were filled with ants and feces. The children that were not left to be alone in cribs, would sit on the floor or on a stool and just rock back and forth. This was a life-changing experience for me. I know it was my life’s mission to work with children and babies.

After returning from my mission, I met and married my husband. He and I both attended Lane Community College. I continued my studies on the human body and was hoping to become a NICU or Labor & Deliver Nurse someday, but life had other plans for me.

Motherhood (The BEST HOOD to be a part of!)

We had our daughter in 2002. She was born via cesarean section because she turned to a frank breech position at 36 weeks. We tried everything to get her to turn to avoid a cesarean, but nothing worked. I quickly learned how hard it was to be a mom. Luckily, I had a lot of family support and help.

We then had our second baby a boy four years later, in 2006. His pregnancy was beautiful with no complications. At the time where we lived, they didn’t offer VBACs so I ended up having my second cesarean. I knew what to expect and it felt very routine to me.

Four years later we had our 3rd child a boy. His pregnancy was full of complications. I was very sick when I was pregnant with him. I ended up being admitted to the hospital at 30 weeks. I was diagnosed with pancreatitis, gallstones so bad that it was basically solid stones, kidney stones, preeclampsia, and eventually, my liver and kidneys tried shutting down. I ended up having him at 33 weeks via cesarean. Since he was born so early, he had a short stay NICU.

Later that year, we moved to Indiana where I met a dear sweet friend. One day we got to talking about careers. I of course told her about how I love babies and how I would love to work in a NICU or in Labor & Delivery. She then told me all about how she was a doula. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to learn more. I did a lot of research and read about being a doula. Through my research, I came to the understanding of the great need and benefits that having a doula can make.

Training

I eventually found Birth Arts International. I quickly worked my way through the Birth Doula course and got certified. I then went on to certify as a Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Consultant, Bereavement Doula, and Childbirth Educator. All along the way doing other classes and courses to make me a better educated and qualified doula.

I have had the opportunity to work with many families over the past 5 years. I have been to all kinds of births. All are very special and unique. Every time a baby is born, it is just so magical. I love watching families as they welcome a new little one into their family.

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE being a Doula!

I would love to connect and see how I can support you throughout your pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Check out my website for more information!