There are many benefits to having a doula who is also a registered nurse! From the initial consultation, I utilize our time together to answer your questions and to be thorough in asking pertinent questions regarding your current state of overall being. This is how baseline information is established which is crucial for comparison later in pregnancy and postpartum. I review my clients' intake forms and get back to them shortly after with natural ways to manage pregnancy discomfort, how previous diagnoses can affect pregnancy, how to prepare their bodies for labor and much more.

As a woman’s-woman and extroverted-introvert, I desire a more personal connection with my clients than what I could establish in one nursing shift. We discuss prenatal visits, baby shower ideas, registry must haves, etc. I want to make them feel comfortable by knowing that they have a rapport with someone in the room other than their partner. A true advocate that prioritizes their well-being and interests over that of the institution that they’re delivering in. 

My model of practice focuses heavily my keen assessment skills and on the incorporation of teaching evidence-based information that can be easily digested. While I am not at your birth in a clinical capacity, I cannot "turn off" my ability to read the room as a nurse, explain medical procedures and jargon, and make note of important information such as: vitals, plan of action, available/alternate options, etc. I pride myself on having knowledge of the anatomical & physiological nuisances of birth. Knowing how to reposition a mother at just the right time can decrease the length of labor, ease pain and minimize unnecessary interventions, namely cesarean sections. I find that nurses and doctors also appreciate my knowledge base exceeding that of what is required for standard doula training.

Lastly, I marry my experience as a wife and mother of four girls (20, 11, 8 & 5) into the gumbo that is my framework. There’s a great chance that I’ve experienced similar concerns as my clients during pregnancy after all, I’m parenting across the lifespan and have been married for13 years. My anecdotes are relatable and give practical perspective to my families. As a family-oriented individual, I understand that fathers can become lost in the process of pregnancy since they are not carrying the baby, I strive to help dads connect and bond with their partners and babies in utero, understand the changes that their partners are facing, learn birthing options for enhanced advocacy, and provide labor and postpartum support with confidence.

Why not have the best of both worlds at your baby's first birthday party?!