Meet Your ProDoula

Background/Experience that you think is beneficial to Doula work: I am originally from Chicago, but have lived in the West Michigan area for 20+ years with my husband and our three children. I have always felt the calling to serve, nurture, advocate and empower others. I began my career in Interior Design after graduating from Western Michigan University. My career has taken many paths from Design, Sales, Substitute Teaching, Advocacy,Administrative Support,Event Planning and as a Health & Wellness coach. All the while being a stay-at-home mom of three children. I consider myself an ongoing learner. I have added a certificate in Advocacy from the TN Developmental Disabilities Council to support our youngest son who has Down’s syndrome and others children with disabilities. In addition, I have earned a certificate in Leadership from McCormick Seminary (Chicago). My interest in birth work began during my own pregnancies and birth experiences. All of which were unique in many ways. My husband and I chose the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth during our first pregnancy. ~First labor/deliver was a precipitous labor, causing fetal distress and almost resulting in an emergency cesarean delivery. Fortunately, I was able to delivery our son unmedicated and naturally. ~Second labor/delivery was also a precipitous labor. This labor/delivery happily was an uneventful and unmedicated delivery of our daughter. ~Third pregnancy included fully medicated bedrest with daily fetal monitoring from 29-36 weeks. It included several trips to the hospital and an early delivery at 36 ½ weeks. Labor/delivery began with the bag of waters breaking naturally at home and a slow labor, the choice was made to have an Epidural. With the needed pain relief, delivery went quickly and without issues. It was the delivery of our youngest son. At one week he was hospitalized for “failure to thrive”. At three weeks he was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, Down’s syndrome. At three months he was again hospitalized with RSV. Over the years I have supported other families of children with various disabilities. I have advocated for our son and others for appropriate inclusion in areas of education and community activities. I have a desire for woman to have a positive supported birth experience. My plan is to continue my education in the areas of Labor & Birth, Postpartum & Infant Care, and Bed Rest doula work. The miracle of life, pregnancy and birth are a genuine privilege that I am honored to support physically, emotionally and as a resource to others.

What led you to become a Doula?: I have always felt the calling to serve, nurture, advocate and empower others. My interest in birth work began during my own pregnancies and birth experiences. All of which were unique in many ways. My husband and I chose the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth during our first pregnancy. ~First labor/deliver was a precipitous labor, causing fetal distress and almost resulting in an emergency cesarean delivery. Fortunately, I was able to delivery our son unmedicated and naturally. ~Second labor/delivery was also a precipitous labor. This labor/delivery happily was an uneventful and unmedicated delivery of our daughter. ~Third pregnancy included fully medicated bedrest with daily fetal monitoring from 29-36 weeks. It included several trips to the hospital and an early delivery at 36 ½ weeks. Labor/delivery began with the bag of waters breaking naturally at home and a slow labor, the choice was made to have an Epidural. With the needed pain relief, delivery went quickly and without issues. It was the delivery of our youngest son. At one week he was hospitalized for “failure to thrive”. At three weeks he was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, Down’s syndrome. At three months he was again hospitalized with RSV. Over the years I have supported other families of children with various disabilities. I have advocated for our son and others for appropriate inclusion in areas of education and community activities.

What are some positive comments made about you by other people?:

I have been told that I am encouraging, open minded and caring.
I am easy to confide in and very open to talking through things with a positive perspective.

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