I am right by your side, every step of the way.

When I had my first child, I was only 20, and I was overwhelmed. The fear, the questions, the confusion. I felt railroaded into so many things that I didn't really want, I felt like I was on an assembly line, and no one had time to guide me into a labor experience that would leave me feeling in control, safe, and empowered. Two days later they wheeled me out of the hospital with a newborn that I had limited knowledge on how to take care of. It was kind of a figure it out as you go situation. Some new moms have community, and I did, but what worked for my mother-in-law with her kids, and my mom with hers were completely different things, how was I supposed to know what would work for me. I distinctly remember my partner coming home from work while I was deep in the trenches of my fourth trimester. Baby was sleeping next to me in bed clean, fed and content. I however was covered in spit up, old sticky breastmilk, pee, poop, sweat, and tears. I knew in that moment that there had to be a better way. From that moment I dreamt of being a doula so that I could support families through one of lifes biggest transitions. 

As a doula, I leave my preferences and opinions at the door. I'm not the parent, I'm just there to educate and support. whether you are having a planned induction in hospital, or birthing in a tub in your backyard, I will be there supporting you to try and have the best experience you can have. You CAN have a beautiful labor, even if interventions are needed, with the support of a competent doula, it can be wonderful. 

Going through the fourth trimester alongside a new mother, I have one phrase that I use over and over again, "I gotchu!" As a husband walked into me rubbing his wife's feet while she ate the sandwich I made her after I put the baby to bed, he remarked, "I didn't realize a doula was this level of service!" I couldn't help but smile and reply, "of course it is, as it should be!" 

I love caring for my moms as a doula. I have been in a home where I came for three hours once a week for a month, and I only held the baby once. I gave mom the space to focus on her relationship with her new son, and let everything else be my responsibility. Cooking meals, cleaning, homeschooling the older kids, even catching up on home projects that have been driving mom crazy for months! I gotchu!