“I had not just birthed my baby, but caught baby with my own hands. I had confronted demons and won. Surrounded by those most important to me, I found the inner strength I had lost. I held baby to my chest. I felt the thick layer of vernix, smelled the sweet aroma of the newly born head and suddenly, the battle I had just won felt so far in the past. As if it was already years in the distance. A beautiful memory of a victory…”
Read More“For years, I’ve educated and supported families through births. Today I proved to myself the awesomeness of my body and the healing nature of a supportive birth team. #dukebrownbro was born Tuesday July 3rd at 1:45am caught by his mother in their home surrounded by love. Weighing 8lbs 3oz and 23inches long…”
Read More“professional photos can help Mom and Dad process a traumatic birth experience, celebrate a joyous experience and share images with a loved one or friends who were not able to be present for the birth. For me personally, the benefit was being reminded of special moments that I may have forgotten about all together, even years later. “
Read MoreI've experienced the helpless feeling of standing just on the other side of the "scrubs only" sign. It’s an anxious feeling, as you are suddenly separated from the family you've supported throughout their pregnancy and birth. There you wait. Helpless. Everything is out of your hands. Some relief comes when you hear the cries of a newborn, but full relief never comes until you see mom and baby, both safe, healthy and together in recovery.
Read More"Her name is Amanda. Alone, she kneels in the birthing pool surrounded by only water with my hands holding hers. She was distracted by doubts about her abilities to manage the pain and a swirling flood of emotions, as her body began to prepare her for delivery. In this moment, a Doula needed a Doula. When we all find ourselves stripped down to our vulnerable places, may we all lift each other up. In labor and in life."
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