I first came to birth work in 2005 when I supported my sister and her husband through the birth of my niece. That initial experience planted a deep connection to birth and to supporting women and their families through the birthing experience. Since then, I received my doula training from DONA International and participated in other births. I also assisted in prenatal group care with women facing a broad spectrum of challenges at a low-income clinic in Chicago. My own experience with the birth of my daughter in the spring of 2009 reaffirmed to me the value of good support in labor for a woman to discover and sustain her own strength. I am excited to come alongside other mothers in their own birth journeys.
As a doula, I adapt my support according to the specific needs of the birthing mother and the vision she holds for her birth experience. I walk with her through whatever unfolds during birth and I support her through the decisions that she makes for herself and her baby. I am a quiet presence in the birth room, and I also seek to help partners and other support people to be involved in ways that work best for them and the laboring mother. I am committed to serving each mother and family wholeheartedly as they make their birth experience uniquely their own.
My family and I moved to Portland in fall 2009. Previously I have lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Japan and India. I am savoring the natural beauty and long growing season of the Northwest as well as Portland’s creative food carts. I love music and reading but I particularly enjoy traveling and discovering new places. My days are filled with the laughter of my daughter as my husband and I facilitate her own exploration in the world.