One out-of hospital labor, one cesarean, one misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, and three all natural hospital VBAC’s with a caring midwife and doula. This is my story…

You could call me a natural mama of sorts, but my motivations came from an inward desire to have a meaningful birth experience. After 39 hours of labor at home and at a freestanding birth center, I transferred to a hospital by ambulance and within five minutes of arrival, our daughter was born via emergency c-section under general anesthesia. I understand what it’s like to have birth happen in a way you didn’t expect.

Our daughter spent time in the NICU, but she was healthy (thank you, Lord!) My one regret was that I didn't hire a doula to help me through both the long labor and the transfer to a hospital I had never visited. Neither my husband nor I knew what was happening moment to moment. I know that even if things turned out the same, having a doula would have made an immeasurable difference.

Six months later, doctors thought I had a cancerous germ cell tumor in my ovary. I went into major surgery to remove my right ovary and fallopian tube, only it wasn’t a tumor. It was a baby. Although I am so grateful that it was not cancer, I have personally felt the loss of a child and the feelings that came with that.

We became pregnant shortly thereafter (with only one ovary and one tube) and I knew I wanted to pursue a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). We hired an amazing doula named Kim to help us through. One week after my due date and facing induction, my water broke at home. We raced up I-280 at 1:45am where Kim met us at the Emergency Entrance of Flower Hospital. Our second daughter was born 45 minutes later in my street clothes. I am aware of the mental challenges that face birth and the unknown that comes with it.

We went on to have two more children (both VBACs and both sons) and Kim was there each time. We had so much support from her at every turn of our birth journey. Now that our family is complete, my passion is to help provide the same support that I was given, to mothers from all walks of life.

My Professional Career:

• I am certified through DONA International, the leader in evidence based doula training [DONA Profile] / Recertification completed in 2023

• I have personally been trained by Gail Tully from Spinning Babies International

• I am working toward my Lamaze Childbirth Educator Certification and plan to take my exam in November 2024

• I have worked hard to bring awareness to our field on both local and state level

• I have served as a doula for over 70 families in the NW and Central Ohio area, covering 9 different hospitals

• My unplanned cesarean rate is 3% with clients; national average for unplanned cesarean is 19.6%; overall national cesarean rate is 32%

• Served as a doula for 9 successful VBAC births

Ultimately, I can’t control the end result of any birth, but I will always give supportive, sensitive and loving care. will never be the same after childbirth. The birth of new life has the power to transform your own. Birth was meant to have meaning.