My own journey involved an ambulance ride and a cesarean under general anesthesia, one misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy a year later, and then three all natural hospital VBAC’s with a caring midwife and doula. Now that our family is complete, my passion is to help provide the same support that I was given, to women from all walks of life. I am certified through DONA International, the leader in evidence based doula training, have personally been trained by Gail Tully from Spinning Babies International, and I have served as a doula for almost 70 families in northwest Ohio. Ultimately, I can’t control the end result of any birth, but I will always give supportive, sensitive and loving care. You will never be the same after childbirth. The birth of new life has the power to transform your own. Birth was meant to have meaning.

PRENATAL Provide 1-2 prenatal visits depending on mother’s comfort level Give access to my full doula library and resources (incl. my loan of birth balls) Help mother and partner prepare a birth plan Be available with unlimited text, phone and/or email support LABOR/DELIVERY Offer position suggestions, Spinning Babies techniques, massage, acupressure, and counter pressure Help with guided breathing techniques Use hot or cold therapy Encourage and affirm the mother’s efforts Provide support with the use of a birth ball, peanut ball, and my personal CUB Birth Stool, and Obi Labor TENS machine Create a calm environment that may involve soft lighting, music, or essential oils Provide clarity on medical information; discuss the pros and cons of any intervention Give breaks to the partner or other support persons Keep track of any necessary data for the progress of labor Take photographs if desired POSTPARTUM Attend to the mother and remain after the birth for 1-2 hours if needed Offer breastfeeding support Meet with the mother and partner in their home for a postpartum visit Provide a homecooked meal