I have given birth to 5 wonderful children and am happily married to my soul's mate. During my labors I felt completely alone and out of control both physically and emotionally.  It was as if labor was happening to me and I wasn't allowed an active role in it. I came to realize that a lot of women feel the way I did. I think that women should be able have the birth that they choose as long as it is safe. 
   
  I think it is a blessing  to be able to help women and their partners during labor and birth. I know my husband could have used someone.  He was scared and unsure of what to do to help me, as are most men put in that situation. I could have benefited from an unbiased woman to help me through the rough parts.  To be there when I felt my confidence waning and to let me know everything was okay.  I feel very strongly about a laboring women being active in the decision making process.  And I encourage couples to work together during labor, making that family bond even stronger.  I help to anchor the memory of the birth by taking notes and pictures and having the mother replay those memories during the postpartum visit. 
 
     I have been a doula and childbirth ecucator for 4 years. I am honored to be a part of every birth. I love working with and helping families.   I also feel so privileged to be able to help a family have the birth that they desire.*







*not all births can be exactly what a family hopes for.  Sometimes variations from the birth preference are necessary.