My Doula Journey
In 2020 (of course 2020, right?) I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Ovarian Cysts at the age of 27 when I felt a cyst rupture in my left ovary.
I made the choice to come off of birth control in pill form, and my body was out of whack. It took me a year to have cycles again, and I wasn’t even ovulating at that point. Having children didn’t seem to be in the cards for me.
I felt like not one doctor cared to help me, and I was told to just get back on the pill. If you have ever felt like you weren’t being taken seriously, this may sound familiar to you. I spent months researching, and trying different things to see what would work with my body.
Fast forward to 2024, I have a beautiful one year old son and feel blessed beyond measure. The good times didn’t come without the bad times, as I felt totally isolated after birth and faced some hardships that deepened my postpartum depression. Luckily, I was fortunate to have a virtual doula alongside my friends and family to support me. Now I want to share that same feeling with people!
Education
University of Wyoming - Bachelor’s in Communication, Minor Psychology
Certified Doula (CD) through DONA
Relevant Courses and Memberships
DONA Approved Birth Doula and Childbirth Course
DONA Approved Lactation Support Course
Member of DONA International
What is a doula?
If you are like me, I had no idea what a doula even was until I was pregnant! So what is a birth doula, anyways? With a quick Google, I am sure you saw the words, “someone who will provide guidance and support to a birthing person.” Absolutely! But we are so much more, and most of us have a personal connection to it.
I am very lucky to be an Aunt to 20 nieces and nephews, with my first nephew being born at age 8. I took babysitting courses at age 11, and always volunteered to help my sisters and brothers anyway I could. I was also fortunate to be a nanny for a few years in Denver, Colorado as well as Haarlem, Netherlands. As I got older, I got to witness the childbirth part, and how truly amazing birth is! But also, how hard it can be. I have witnessed loss, birth defects, abortion, and more. Childbirth is a lot to go through. Whatever your path may be, you don’t have to walk it alone.
My goal as a doula is to be there in any capacity I am needed. I got to experience an incredible birth, and I want to help others take back their power in that setting. I aim to be virtually and physically on-call for my clients when they need me to answer any questions, concerns, or other things that arise. You read that right, DND does not apply to you, my friends! I am there for the ugly, messy parts just as much as I am there for the awesome stuff. I may be there for you in my sweatpants with my shirt on backwards at 2 a.m., but I’ll be there.
Important to note: A doula also does NOT replace the birthing partner in any way. Often times, we get creative on how to include them even more than they would have been! We are here for the both of you, to make this journey special.
While some doulas do not receive any formal training or certifications, I am proudly affiliated with DONA International, which provides evidence based doula training, certification, and continuing education. Another proud resource of mine is Evidenced Based Birth.