Welcome! and thank for visiting my website.
I ensure that the mother has the information she needs to make informed decisions planning for labor, as they arise during labor, and post birth. This includes prenatal education support, labor support (emotional and physical comfort, suggestions on decisions, and reminders of the birth plan), as well as postpartum support (breastfeeding advice, an opportunity to reflect on this monumental transition to motherhood, and outside referrals).
To provide the kind of all-encompassing, non-prescriptive support I wish to offer mothers, I pursue the study of as many practices as I can. For birth, I have knowledge in HypnoBirthing, the Bradley Method, Lamaze, Birthing from Within, and the use of the Rebozo. For postpartum and baby care, I have studied breastfeeding, Attachment Parenting, Happiest Baby on the Block, placenta encapsulation, and Elimination Communication.
For me, the true meaning of a doula is a woman mothering a mother in the role of a sister and a teacher. I believe a doula’s purpose is to assist a woman with a smooth transition into motherhood.
Certifications
In 2011 I received my Doula Certification with DONA International. I decided to become a birth doula because I wanted to make a difference by providing education, support and mothering the mother through labor.
In 2012 I became a Certified Childbirth Educator with ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association). I decided to become a childbirth educator because of my enjoyment from attending births and the continual learning from each one. As part of my certification I taught a 5-week series at St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA. I had the privilege of being mentored and shadowed by Diana Peterson who has been teaching childbirth classes for over 15 years.
In 2013 I received Certification as a Doula Specializing in Acupressurefor Labor Support through Acumassage Therapy Center with Nicolas Olow, LAc. Benefits of Acupressure are to provide comfort measures for emotional and physical support during labor.
Experience/ Workshops and Knowledge in
- Certificate of Completion Baby Behavior 101 (Teaching Parents to understand Infant Cues, Crying, and Sleep)- Lamaze
- Bradley Method
- Hypno Birthing
- Birthing Within
- Massage
- The Use of the Rebozo
- Aromatherapy
- Penny Simkin “Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn”
- Phyllis Klaus “When Survivors give Birth”
Postpartum and Baby Care
- Education in Breastfeeding support and four years personal experience
- Placenta Encapsulation
- Elimination Communication
- Kangaroo Care
- Harvey Karp’s “Happiest Baby on the Block”
Professional Affiliations and Support
- DONA International
- ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association)
- CIMS (Coalition for Improving Maternity Services)
- March of Dimes
