I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Joey, for 18 years. We have been blessed with 3 girls and 1 boy during that time. We also experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage, and the joy that our rainbow baby brought to our whole family. I have loved all things relating to birth and babies for as long as I can remember. I drew a picture when i was very little, showing me being a “baby nurse.”
Having had 3 hospital induction births and 1 spontaneous natural hospital birth as well as being high risk for the majority of my pregnancies, I understand the medical side of pregnancy and birth. I also loved each of my births, for all of their similarities and differences. I never had a professional doula. For my first birth I was blessed to have my mom and an amazing nurse help me. They rubbed my back, had me change positions, breathed with me, and helped me achieve the vaginal birth I wanted. I did not have this for my other births, and I wish I had had someone there to help me focus, it would have made it easier and more relaxing.
I was able to successfully breastfeed all four of my kids. I breastfed anywhere from 18 months to 3 years old, depending on the kid and their needs. I have dealt with almost all of the typical breastfeeding hurdles, including a baby that had multiple food intolerances that changed my diet drastically. I have learned from each of these circumstances and hope that I can pass along my wisdom and encouragement to other moms.
As a doula I have experience with both natural birth, induction birth and c-section moms. I also have worked with NICU families and pumping moms. I also have personal experience with cloth diapering, baby wearing and co-sleeping.
Over the years as I have read and researched, I believe that as women we need to be more in awe of how our bodies work and are capable of birth. Because of this, I decided to also become a childbirth instructor. I want more moms to be able to advocate for themselves and understand their bodies and the birthing process. I believe every mom, no matter the situation, can have an amazing birth.