How I got here

While visiting my Colorado family, my daughter-in-law and grandson suggested that I look into study as a Doula. “You have been doing it your whole life for free and you are a natural” they chimed. Ready to retire once more and respond to my heart’ desire, this resonated in me deeply.

There really is something I would love to get up for each day, that was natural to me and it would be much more satisfying than just a job, it would be a culmination of my life’s work with something to look forward to. After research, my choice for training and education was through DONA. My path guided me to getting educated as a birth doula, with some midwifery, and as a post partum doula. It was the most comfortable training I have ever gone through. Every book, every article and every study was fascinating, I could not get enough. I have been an educator for most of my adult life, which helped me to appreciate learning about a subject I was passionate about. Writing my thesis was fun, not grueling. And the work! I love my work, each client is unique, each job different.

I am still studying to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I look forward to many years as a Post Partum Doula and down the road, adding IBCLC to my job description.

My philosophy as a Doula

All people need to be heard. We thrive on affirmation, kindness, and respect. When women face an experience that is so new, so life changing and sometimes frightening as well as exhilarating, she requires support. She may have read all she thought she needed to, gone to all of the classes she was required to and purchased the latest equipment that was suggested…to find that she still has so many questions, she may find herself alone in a room full of people and she may feel so tired that she is afraid to sleep for fear of not awakening. Pregnant women need support during her pregnancy, during birth and after the birth of her baby.

I believe it is her right, not a privilege.