How it all began!
I have had a passion for babies and birth since I was a child. I began babysitting at 12 years old and built some amazing relationships with the families I cared for. Many of those families taught me about pregnancy, birth and caring for newborns.
As time went on...
I supported a couple of friends in labor
In high school, two of my closest friends became teen moms. They asked me to be with them when they gave birth. Seeing my friends have their babies, firsthand, opened my eyes to the miracle that is pregnancy and birth. I knew in that moment that my calling was to support families as they brought new life into the world.
After Graduation
I married young and wanted to start a family of my own right away. My husband and I got pregnant and our first baby was due in January. Little did I know that despite my normal, healthy pregnancy, I would be encouraged to induce early at 37 weeks and the cascade of interventions would follow. The induction led to extremely intense contractions that were not manageable. The strong contractions led to an epidural, the epidural led to a prolonged labor, high blood pressure and decreased heart rate in the baby. The list goes on. After the birth of my first baby, I began to research all the interventions and side effects. Information wasn't as easily accessible in the late 90's, so I reached out to some of the families I used to babysit for and some of their midwives to learn more.
Training for Birth Work
The midwives graciously allowed me to come in on clinic days and assist them with research. Shortly after, I was allowed to attend some births for families that couldn't afford additional support. I was eager to experience anything pregnancy and birth related, even if it meant volunteering my time. As the years went on, I continued to volunteer with the midwives while also working full time in corporate America and occasionally being paid for my birth support . My life took some interesting turns over the years which pulled me away from birth work, but my passion never left. Even when I wasn't able to attend births, I spent my down time reading books on pregnancy, birth, newborn care, and breastfeeding.
Over the last 20 years
Having struggled with secondary infertility, late term loss, miscarriages, and much more, I have continued to further my knowledge around pregnancy, birth and babies. I have attended births anytime I have had the opportunity while adding to my education. I have earned certifications on holistic infertility solutions, pregnancy, infant and child loss, bereavement, childbirth education, postpartum mood disorders, lactation and sleep consulting, to name a few. I have also officially certified as an Elite Doula & CO doula and trainer. Over the years, I have watched God show himself, faithfully in every area of my life and I am honored to care for families in the way He is guiding me to serve.