Client Information
As a BirthWorks® trained and certified doula, I believe that you already have the knowledge to give birth within you. I am simply here to keep you in touch with that knowledge. I strive to offer my clients the most current information based on the latest research in the fields of pregnancy and birth. As your doula I work independently; I do not work for the hospital or your care provider.
About MeI have been interested in pregnancy and childbirth since childhood- having aspired to be a birth attendant from the age of 6. I attended the University of Florida with the intention of entering medical school to become an OB/GYN, before becoming aware of midwifery following the birth of my first child in 1994. Before moving to Maryland in 1998, I planned to attend The Florida School of Traditional Midwifery to become a Licensed Midwife. Since moving to Maryland, I have remained involved with childbirth and postpartum issues, being active in La Leche League International and serving as leader for 1.5 years before retiring to pursue my dream of helping women to welcome their babies into the world in a safe, gentle manner. I began attending births as a primary doula in 2003, and was officially certified by Birth Works® in 2004.
During the past 12 years I have studied prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum issues extensively while raising my four children in preparation for attending births when they were old enough to be without me during long labors. After the birth of my 3rd child ended in a cesarean section, I became especially interested in cesarean prevention and in Vaginal Birth After Cesarean issues. My 4th child's birth was a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) at home in June of 2004. I am an active member of a local organization called Birthing Circle of Frederick, which was founded by a midwife and her daughter to offer families in our area a place to share information on birth choices available locally. I have attended talks by Marsden Wagner, MD, Suzanne Arms, and Ina May Gaskin, and a workshop with Gail Tully. I subscribe to several current publications in the field of obstetrics and midwifery.
During pregnancy I work with the birthing family to prepare a birth plan that fits their individual needs. I also encourage the woman and her partner to identify and work through any fears they may have surrounding childbirth or parenthood. My clients have access to a lending library filled with pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting related books and videos. I am available by phone or email for questions or concerns, and I will help parents find the information they need in order to make informed choices.
During labor I will remain with the laboring mother continuously, suggesting positions to optimize the baby's descent through the pelvis, offering encouragement and reassurance to the mother and her partner, and using techniques such as massage and guided imagery to maximize relaxation and minimize tension and fear. I also remain a source of information to facilitate informed decisions regarding technological interventions and common labor medications. I will strive to maintain an atmosphere of calm and respect for the intense work of the laboring woman and to remain mindful of the joyous process of welcoming a new baby into the family.
Following the birth I will remain with the mother, offering nourishment and continuing to comfort her with massage or assisting her with postpartum activities such as showering and changing into fresh clothing. I will also provide breastfeeding assistance, remaining until the mother and baby are comfortable. Within two weeks after the birth, I will visit the mother and baby at home to talk with her about the birth and answer any questions or concerns she may have.
It is my goal to form a warm, caring relationship with each birthing family. Above all, the woman should feel completely comfortable and safe having me accompany her during one of the most intimate and powerful experiences of her life.
