I am a mother of three who has been profoundly shaped by my journey through birth and parenthood. With the birth of my first child, I had desired a natural labour, but had no true idea how to achieve that. Unguided and lonely, I found labour to be far more intense than I had anticipated, and opted for demerol to cope with contractions. In the end, I had my beautiful baby, and was satisfied with the experience at the time, but felt that something was missing. The more I read and researched, the more I realized what I had missed out on: not necessarily the drug-free birth I had wanted, but the sense of empowerment and joy I could have had, had I been more informed, confident and respected. I believe to the core of my being that I would have benefitted from doula care for this labour, birth and postpartum.
Since then, I have had two more children, the first a quick and easy home birth of a 9-pound baby, and the second a high-risk hospital birth of a premature baby. Though these two births could not have been more different in their events and circumstances, they are similar in their spirit, of support, informed decision making and empowerment. This is what I would hope to give you: we can’t know how your birth will unfold, but it is my greatest wish that you emerge feeling respected and honoured for the work that you have done.
I have breastfed and co-slept with all my babies, and have cloth-diapered the youngest. I believe that parenting is something we all know how to do, provided we are able to follow our own instincts. There is no right or wrong way to do this, just as there is no right or wrong way to birth. My goal is for you to feel strong and confident in your abilities and choices, as you welcome your little one into your life.
I am certified as a doula through DONA International. I am also a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator and have completed a course in Breastfeeding Counselling through the Douglas College Perinatal Program.
