My birth philosophy is that every woman deserves a satisfying and secure space in which to birth. As a doula, I work to facilitate the creation and maintenance of that sacred space before, during, and after birth through emotional, physical, and information support for mothers and their families. Just as each individual is unique, so are births and those that support mothers during this special time. All services are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of clients in order to provide the support that will best fit moms, babies, and those who love them.

I am interested in working with women and families of all shapes, sizes, expression, formation, and self-definitions. I am open to journeying with clients through birth plans of any composition ; including but not limited to, natural, low intervention, medicated, Caesarian, VBAC, hospital, birth center, home, and water births. I have knowledge of aromatherapy, pressure points for use in labor, massage, guided meditation, moxibustion, use of the faja/rebozo (labor shawl), and labor positioning; all of which I seek to use according to the needs of clients. I currently serve women and families in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and may take clients located in the greater Hartford, Connecticut area.

Education and Training

I proudly hold a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and a certificate in the study of culture, health, and science with a focus on women’s health from Mt. Holyoke College (cum laude , 2009). This is where my interest and passion for maternal and child health was first sparked and encouraged to grow across the multiple disciplines of biology, anthropology, religion, art, economics, and politics. I am currently pursuing graduate studies through a master’s in public health (MPH) program with a concentration in community health education at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. I am also a trained sexual health educator and small group/workshop facilitator.

I participated in a DONA approved birth doula training with Tara Poulin, CD(DONA), CCCE(CAPPA) from Birthing Gently and completed my postpartum doula training with Michelle L’Esperance, CPM from Warm Welcome Birth Services. I am certified in first aid care through the American Red Cross and infant/adult CPR through the American Heart Association. I am also a certified small watercraft safety instructor and a nationally certified pharmacy technician (CPhT).

I am an avid recreational kayaker, love to camp, and cannot live without my trusted canine companion.

Why use a doula?

Research has shown that the presence of a doula can:

• Lower the use of interventions including cesarean sections, forceps, and vacuum extractions
• Increase the success of breastfeeding
• Increase pain tolerance and relaxation
• Allow new parents to look back on their birth experience positively
• Increase confidence in mother’s ability to birth and parent
• Result in early and effective referrals for postpartum depression and mood disorders

Client experience has shown that the presence of a doula can:

• Relieve partners of stress before, during, and after the birth
• Allow partners to be more present and attend to their mamas’ needs at birth
• Promote communication between birthing mothers, families, and providers

As technology increases the need for personal care and communication has diminished. We live farther away from our most precious family and friends than we ever have before in human history which can make the parts of our lives filled with excitement and change a bit more challenging. Doulas offer their clients unconditional and nonjudgmental support while creating welcoming and familiar climates for birth and growth as individuals and families.