Why I Became a Doula
I believe doula work is some of the most compelling and meaningful support work a person can do. A good doula can change a person’s life. At its core, doula work is all about holding space for one of life’s most intense experiences. Deep care by a doula, a friend, a partner, or a physician during labor can become a guidepost in a moment that can feel unpredictable or uncertain. I believe that when people feel radically cared for during labor and in those early newborn days, that “cared-for-feeling” permeates the memory of that experience. I can’t imagine now a more meaningful and fulfilling career for me.
When I Became a Doula
Oh, about 8 years ago now. After going through the DONA doula training through the Simkin Center in Seattle, I did several apprenticeships with a few of the more experienced doulas. After that, I just took off. I learn something new with every birth I do. Every family I do postpartum care for teaches me how to be a better doula. In my time as a birth doula, I’ve had the honor of witnessing over 50 births. I’ve walked alongside over 50 brand new families as a postpartum doula.
Services I Provide:
Babywearing education, cloth diapering education, lactation counselor services, newborn care specialist, parenting consulting, sibling support, multiples support, rebozo in labor work, birth story processing.
I have experience in both home births and more highly medicalized birth. Regardless of what sort of birth experience you want, I’m here to support you.
Training:
DONA Doula Training through the Simkin Center and Bastyr University (2014)
Birth Assistant/Monatrice Training and Experience with Kim Johansen CNM (2020)
You’re Not From Around Here Are You?
Nope, I’m a Mississippi transplant from Seattle, Wa. My sister came to Jackson to go to Bellhaven years ago and decided to stay. A while ago I decided I couldn’t do another year without her so I picked up my house and my doula practice and moved down here. I’m excited to continue to grow my skills in a new part of the country. No matter where you are in the world, women need the support, listening ear, and grounding presence of a good doula.