Find a Childbirth Educator Near Me in St. Joseph, MO

My passion as a doula is empowering pregnant women to take control of their prenatal preparation. I learned with my first pregnancy that birth is a huge physical feat, so I give you tools and simple movement exercises (that I wish I had back then!) which will train and balance your body specifically for the task at hand: pregnancy, birth, and recovery. I hired a doula for my first two births and I was SO grateful for that decision!! I gave birth at a free-standing birth center, with the support of her and my spouse. If it wasn't for my doula, I know I would not have made it through the marathon of labor! I came away feeling supported and strong. I was certified as a doula in 2016 and then in 2022 trained as a Body Ready Method Pro & Childbirth Educator. My wish is for everyone to be able to bring their baby into the world feeling supported, cared for, and prepared. I believe in the empowerment that comes from taking charge of your own labor which reveals a deeper strength you didn't know was there. You deserve a strong support system so that you can have a beautiful birth experience.

I began my career as a birth professional in 2013 as a registered nurse, specializing in Labor & Delivery. I am also a certified doula and home birth midwife. I have worked as a travel nurse in different states, which has allowed me to learn a variety of useful methods and introduce them where beneficial to my birthing moms. It has been my pleasure to work with families of diverse backgrounds, helping them welcome their new baby into the world and fulfill their best possible pregnancy & birth experience. I enjoy working with women who labor with or without epidurals assisting them with massage, positioning, and breathing techniques to achieve a calming labor experience. I have attended over 2,000 births including water birth and cesarean deliveries. I completed my training and certification as a birth and bereavement doula through both the DONA International and Stillbirthday (bereavement) programs. I have also obtained certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to assist women in their breastfeeding goals. As a Chocolate Milk Cafe facilitator I hold monthly meetings to provide Black women and their families with breastfeeding support and resources. I have received training as an Evidence Based Birth Instructor through Evidence Based Birth. Additionally, I have completed training to become a fertility and pregnancy and infant loss (PAIL) advocate. As a registered nurse I hold certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Basic Life Support (BLS), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), AWOHNN Fetal Monitoring (Intermediate & Advanced), and Safe Sleep. My goal is to help educate mothers and families to be as prepared as possible for the childbirth experience and help them to adjust thereafter. I offer hands-on support, as well as help mom understand each step of the labor/birth process so she may better voice her desires to her provider (MD/CNM). I am very open and willing to answer mom/family questions and address any expressed concerns. Sharing the birthing process and miracle of life is my passion. I know that the birthing process can be very overwhelming and my focus is to help diminish any sense of fear and replace it with knowledge and empowerment. I promise to hold your hand every step of the way so #Let’sHaveABaby! **I AM UNABLE TO SEE MESSAGES!** To connect Please schedule a consult via my website www.laboredwithlove.com 913-543-1077

I help soulful folks have radical births. Revolutionizing birth.

The Birth Nerd provides high-quality childbirth and parenting education to Kansas City families. Finnley is an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor and Trained Birthing From Within Childbirth Educator. She loves to connect with nerds and LGBTQ+ folks.