I received my education for the doula’s role from a DONA International Birth Doula Trainer in 2005. DONA International is the world’s premiere doula organization. The founders are among the foremost experts on doula care, and being a DONA International doula is a widely respected measure of quality and professionalism. As a DONA International doula, I’m educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that I have learned are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth and the postpartum period. A doula's presence at birth and postpartum improves outcomes for mother and baby.
I have served dozens of families as a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and lactation educator. I hold a bachelor's degree in public health and passed the certified health education specialist exam (C.H.E.S.). I am also a wife and mother to 4 children (ages 9, 7, 3.5, and 1 year). My husband and I are also attachment parenting support group leaders for API.
I serve all women and families, whether they are planning to have an unmedicated, medicated, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), or cesarean birth. I believe every woman deserves a doula! I provide free birth doula services to teens, mothers giving their child-up for adoption, and to women whose partners are deployed overseas. My fees are based on a sliding fee scale and I also offer payment plan options. Please talk to me before you decide a doula is not for you because of finanical concerns. We can make it work out!
First, you have to understand where I came from. My father was in the U.S. Air Force in The Netherlands where he met my Dutch mother. I was born in Holland at home with a doctor, midwife, and my father in attendance. (Read more about birth in The Netherlands) My mother also had a baby nurse (similar to a postpartum doula) after I was born. While growing up, my parents were certain to correct stereotypical images of women birthing their babies on television shows to my siblings and I. I was always aware of the innate wisdom within.
When I became pregnant with my first child, I surrounded myself with women who believe pregnancy, labor, and birth are natural processes. My husband and I took an independent childbirth class (outside of the hospital) called The Bradley Method of Husband-Coached Childbirth. I gave birth to all my children naturally with the support of my midwives, doulas, and husband. All of my children were nursed, as well.
In a culture that can portray pregnancy and labor in a negative image, I know other women and families need to be empowered with their pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum journeys. Please contact me, for your free initial visit!
I received my education for the doula’s role from a DONA International Birth Doula Trainer in 2005. DONA International is the world’s premiere doula organization. The founders are among the foremost experts on doula care, and being a DONA International doula is a widely respected measure of quality and professionalism. As a DONA International doula, I’m educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that I have learned are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth and the postpartum period. A doula's presence at birth and postpartum improves outcomes for mother and baby.
I have served dozens of families as a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and lactation educator. I hold a bachelor's degree in public health and passed the certified health education specialist exam (C.H.E.S.). I am also a wife and mother to 4 children (ages 9, 7, 3.5, and 1 year). My husband and I are also attachment parenting support group leaders for API.
I serve all women and families, whether they are planning to have an unmedicated, medicated, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), or cesarean birth. I believe every woman deserves a doula! I provide free birth doula services to teens, mothers giving their child-up for adoption, and to women whose partners are deployed overseas. My fees are based on a sliding fee scale and I also offer payment plan options. Please talk to me before you decide a doula is not for you because of finanical concerns. We can make it work out! 
First, you have to understand where I came from. My father was in the U.S. Air Force in The Netherlands where he met my Dutch mother. I was born in Holland at home with a doctor, midwife, and my father in attendance. (Read more about birth in The Netherlands) My mother also had a baby nurse (similar to a postpartum doula) after I was born. While growing up, my parents were certain to correct stereotypical images of women birthing their babies on television shows to my siblings and I. I was always aware of the innate wisdom within. 
When I became pregnant with my first child, I surrounded myself with women who believe pregnancy, labor, and birth are natural processes. My husband and I took an independent childbirth class (outside of the hospital) called The Bradley Method of Husband-Coached Childbirth. I gave birth to all my children naturally with the support of my midwives, doulas, and husband. All of my children were nursed, as well.
In a culture that can portray pregnancy and labor in a negative image, I know other women and families need to be empowered with their pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum journeys. Please contact me, for your free initial visit!