Certified Doula (DONA)
Certified Childbirth Educator (CAPPA)
* hospital birth, home birth, water birth
* mothers and/or partners with a learning disability
* mothers aged 15-40 years of age
* vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
* unexpected & emergency cesareans
* B.S. in Biology, 12/99
* DONA-approved doula training, 10/00
* Terra Association doula training, 11/01
* Labor massage training, 04/02
* CAPPA-approved childbirth educator training, 04/02
* Emergency (Delivery) Skills Workshop, 08/02
* Waterbirth Workshop, 09/02
* CAPPA-approved postpartum doula training, 03/03
* Guidance and Counseling I, 04/03
I have always held a great fascination towards children and the field of women's health. My two daughters, and my role as a doula and childbirth educator, help satisfy these long-time interests.
I have 2+ years experience working at a children's hospital in USA (as a volunteer). During my stay in Edmonton, Alberta, I was a labor support volunteer for the Terra Association and a member of ASAC (Association for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth), DAE (Doula Association of Edmonton), and the Edmonton VBAC Support Association. I served on DAE's Executive Committee for 2 consecutive years (09/01-09/03) in the capacity of Treasurer & Membership Coordinator. Also, I was a DAE Mentor and the DAE Newsletter Editor (06/02-12/03). I continue to be an active member of DONA (Doulas of North America) and CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association).
My services are flexible and targeted to meet the individual needs and expectations of mothers/couples. Time permitting, I meet expectant mothers/couples three times before the birth and once after the birth.
The first meeting is usually a 1-2 hour introductory session, where each of us talks about ourselves and our roles and expectations. I answer any questions or concerns that the mother/couple might have about the pregnancy and/or upcoming birth. If the mother/couple doesn't already have a birth plan, I provide her/them with some material to help her/them explore this option. I am happy to provide further assistance with it over the phone and/or during subsequent visits.
The second meeting is usually spent talking about the labor and delivery and can last up to a few hours. We discuss and explore various endurance-enhancing and pain-coping techniques.
The third meeting is spent talking about the postpartum period and usually lasts about 2 hours or so. Topics include (but are not restricted to): recovery from a vaginal versus cesarean birth, how to get enough sleep after the baby's arrival, infant nutrition (breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding), newborn circumcision, newborn care (for boys versus girls)...
If the mother is comfortable with the idea, I also like to attend one of her pre-natal visits because this gives both her caregiver and I an opportunity to become familiar with each other.
Upon request, I can take pictures during and/or after the labor and delivery. Also, I provide mothers/couples with a birth story at our post-natal meeting. If the mother/couple desires to discuss her/their birth experience at this time, we do that. Also, if the mother needs assistance with newborn care and/or breastfeeding, I can help her with that during our post-natal meeting. If/when necessary, I can provide appropriate references.
Although it is up to the mother as to what and how much information she provides me with, I prefer to not have "surprises" at the birth in terms of needs/preferences - personal, religious, etc. I am more than happy to listen to concerns, answer questions, and provide references via phone or e-mail before or after the birth. Upon request, I can also provide client references.
Last, but not least, it is an honor to share someone's birth experience with them, and no matter how many births I attend, each one is always a unique and miraculous event!