ABOUT ME
I have had the joy of giving birth to ten children! I have been happily married to my husband, Mark for 20 years. I began my childbirth education 19 years ago with extensive Lamaze classes. I have had ten different birth experiences and have learned something new from each one. I am currently certified with DONA (Doulas of North America International), the largest doula organization in the United States. I first became interested in doula work five years ago when I had a doula at my seventh baby's birth. The experience was so incredible that I felt the need to let women know just how powerful birth can be with the right support. As a Christian, I also know how often the spiritual aspect of childbirth is overlooked . I encourage women to look to God and ask Him for help in the birth process. I enjoy teaching women about their birth options and the benefits and risks involved with those choices. I have experienced a still birth and understand the many conflicting emotions a woman deals with in a subsequent pregnancy. I have also worked with teenagers, women with high risk pregnancies, gestational diabetes, pre eclampsia, water births and VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean). I have experience dealing with NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) doctors and nurses and the emotional impact that has on a mother. I am an enthusiastic supporter of water birth, having water birthed my last baby. I can happily supply references to those who ask.
I keep my education current by networking with other doulas, lactation consultants, midwives,labor and delivery nurses, and childbirth professionals. I have experience with Bradley, Lamaze, and HypnoBirthing childbirth methods. I am a member of the Georgia Birth Network. I attend national birth conferences and I read every book I can find about birth. I am a Lamaze trained childbirth educator and will be sitting for the Lamaze exam in April of 2010.
I believe in every woman's ability to give birth and that the ultimate source of strength in birth is the Creator himself.
DONA doulas must:
Complete a reading list of books about childbirth, labor support, and breastfeeding
Attend a 16 hr. birth doula workshop where women are taught many hands on techniques to deal with labor
Breastfeeding education through an on line course or workshops
Attend childbirth education classes
Pass a written test
Compile an extensive resource list of professionals in the community that could be of help to a pregnant or postpartum woman, making contact with each of these professionals
Attend three births and have written evaluations from six childbirth professionals who have observed their work. They must also have evaluations from the mothers they helped.
Write a paper documenting the purpose of childbirth support.
