About me

LIFE
I'm a lucky wife, to a wonderful husband. Together we have three amazing children.  Like many women I had a romantisized idea of what my childbirth experiences would be like the first two times around.  Looking back after the first two experiences of labor, I just couldn't put my finger on what was missing or what went wrong.  When planning our third pregnancy I found myself on this journey for information of how to create the ultimate (in my eyes) birth experience.  Along the way I came across wonderful information about doulas and what they bring to a birthing experience.  I was so inspired by all of the women I talked to.  It was then that I decided to hire a doula to work with myself and husband for our third childs' birth, but also to obtain the certification myself. 


TRAINING
The journey of certification has been amazing, unforgettable and empowering.  I recognize that birth is a key life experience that the mom will remember forever.  I understand the physiology of the birth process and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.  I perceive my role to be one which nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.  I will help the woman and her partner prepare and advocate for their plans for the birth.  Also in finding a caregiver who will work with them to do the same.  I believe that a woman has every right to try to have the type of birth that she chooses.  I want to inspire her to feel confident and empowered.  I believe it is best to be educated in all of your options as a pregnant woman and to make the best decision for you and your beliefs.  As  with every labor there are variations and baby often has their own birth plan.  What I want to give mom is the ability to control her decisions and reactions to circumstance if unforseen things occur.


I have completed my training with Doulas Of North America   (DONA) for 16 contact hours.
I have taken a total  of 24 hours of Childbirth Education. 
I have completed additional Lactation Education and also personally breastfed for a combined total of three + years.
I retained Hatha Yoga, Level I certification for two years
I have donated time to an area hospital in their occupational therapy department, working with children
I have been a volunteer doula in my community
I attended OSU and then transferred to attend college in Findlay where I studied Architectural Drafting & Design
I then worked for Pier 1 Imports as a manager for 5+ years in Ohio & Atlanta, GA. 
While obtaining my yoga certification I taught gymnastics for a year at our local YMCA.
I have been loving every moment of being a SAHM for the last five years!  :)


EXPERIENCE
I am familiar with St Ann's, Mt. Caramel East, Grant, OSU, Dublin, Dr's West, Grady and Riverside. 
I have experience with high risk pregnancies, natural births, cesareans, as well as low risk pregnancies.  
I have been in the operating room for cesarean deliveries and am comfortable being that support person.
Familiar with Lamaze, Bradley and Hypnobirthing Methods, as well as inductions and epidurals.
I have worked with Certified Nurse Midwives & Obgyn's.
Currently I have 146 hours of practical experience.

MEMBERSHIPS
Member of DONA International
Former member of Birthworkers of Central Ohio
Former member of American Fitness Professionals & Associates