It all started when…

My husband and I have lived, worked, and grown our family in the Bay Area for over 20 years. I’ve worked for a fashion start up and in the corporate world as a manager and in human resources. My children are now fourteen, nine, and five!

In 2010 after my first was born I began my journey towards birth work. I enjoyed my career at a prominent Bay Area communications firm, but my heart shifted towards what has become a calling. I absolutely love supporting new families as they grow!

Why I do what I do

I’ve had three babies and two miscarriages with varying degrees of support and care. I know that feeling of being alone, out of control, and scared in labor. I know the feeling of being so sick during pregnancy, that hopelessness begins to take over. I remember the feeling of anxiety setting in, of the fears whispering in the night that I wasn’t enough, that I couldn’t do this thing called Motherhood.

I also know what it feels like to be surrounded by love and trust, feeling completely safe as I birthed my baby. I know the moment of deep bonding with the new little being that slid into my arms. The difference isn’t necessarily the method of birth…cesarean vs vaginal, home vs hospital, medicated or not (although these things all can affect birthing and bonding). Instead, it’s the team you choose to have around you and the care you receive. It’s the knowledge you pursue before and after your birth, the people supporting your postpartum healing, and the voices you allow to speak to your heart.

I've come to a place of deep thankfulness for my story, the hard and the joyful. I know my experiences add depth, perspective, and compassion to the care I provide.  In the same way, I believe your story is unique, powerful, and life-changing.  And I am so excited to walk this part of it with you!

Certifications and Education

Certified Birth Doula 2011
Essential Oils for Birth 2013
Birth Stories and Birth Trauma with Birth Story Medicine 2014
Lamaze Childbirth Educator 2015
Homeopathy for Birth and Immediate Postpartum 2015
Optimal Fetal Positioning 2015
Home Birth for Doulas 2015
Midwifery 101 Class 2016
Nursing Mother's Counsel Breastfeeding Educator 2016
Doula Training 2017
Spinning Babies Training 2015, 2021
Preventing and Healing Traumatic Births with Dancy Perinatal 2022
Sex After Baby with Dancy Perinatal 2023

Memberships and Affiliations

Nursing Mother's Counsel - Professional Member
Blossom Birth - Practitioner, Instructor, Member
Evidence Based Birth - Professional Member
Dancy Perinatal - Trauma Informed Perinatal Professional 

I continue my education through talks, webinars, and workshops, and reading the latest research on evidence-based birth practices; herbs for pregnancy and birth; nutrition for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; breastfeeding and early bonding; supporting abuse survivors during their labor and birth; and more. I meet regularly with fellow doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants to share experiences, advice, and accountability. 

My role prenatally is to provide information and referrals, assist with creating a birth plan, and help you process through questions or concerns regarding the upcoming labor, delivery, and postpartum. I will work with you to develop trust in your own body -- letting it do what it already knows how to do!

I will work with you and your partner during labor to provide comfort, encourage progress, and give you the tools you need to make informed, confident decisions. The role of the partner is integral to the process of labor - someone who knows you and loves you deeply, and whose love can help raise those oxytocin levels to encourage a peaceful, gentle birth! I help the birth partner move into the role they are most comfortable with to help facilitate that connection and support, both emotional and physical.

Once labor begins I will come to you when you need me. Physical support comes in the form of massage, positions, essential oils, acupressure, and use of a TENS unit. I'll support your decisions, and encouraging you to trust your instincts and your body. I'll do everything I can to facilitate peace and help create a safe place for you to bring your baby into the world.

Throughout labor, I will continually assess the progress by how labor sounds, looks, and feels, and will make recommendations on the positions needed based on what the labor patterns are saying. I'll work to anticipate the next steps to help keep labor moving forward naturally.

THERE'S A BEAUTIFUL BALANCE BETWEEN FINDING COMFORT DURING LABOR AND INVITING PROGRESS. MY GOAL IS TO HELP YOU FIND THAT BALANCE - MOVING THROUGH EACH MOMENT WITHOUT FEAR.

I approach my work prayerfully, trusting God's wisdom, goodness, and accessibility in every situation, no matter the question. Every client I take is prayed for, and every labor is prayed through. Perhaps that's a bit unconventional, but it's part of what I bring to each birth.

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.”

— ACOG, MARCH 2014

Early March 2014, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) released an article on recommendations to improve birth outcomes. Doulas were listed as the top most beneficial tool to improve labor and delivery outcomes! This statement validated what we have seen in older renowned, controlled studies. Some of the benefits these studies revealed:

BENEFITS OF A DOULA DURING LABOR AND IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM

50% reduction in Cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in need for medications to speed labor
40% reduction in need for forceps/vacuum extractor
30% reduction in use of other (analgesic) pain medication
Reduction in use of episiotomies
Increased confidence in self and in partner/coach
Higher success rate in breastfeeding
Increased satisfaction with birth experience
Mother views baby more positively
Continuity in care: prenatal, labor, birth and immediate postpartum
Lowers anxiety/stress levels
Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries

BENEFITS TO MOTHERS SIX WEEKS AFTER BIRTH

Less anxiety and depression
More confidence with the baby
More satisfaction with their partner

LONG-TERM BENEFITS OF USING A DOULA

Improved breastfeeding
Increased time spent with baby
More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality and health, and maternal competence
Decreased postpartum depression

SOURCE: "Mothering the Mother," by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, New York (1993).