On becoming a birth & post partum doula...
My decision to become a doula has been life altering. After caring for my terminally ill mother in our home for the last few years of her life. I realized that I needed to look for a career doing something that inspires me. My past career in IT was appropriate at the time and the jobs I took in the years I was raising my three children were also important in terms of helping support our family. Nevertheless, the opportunity to work in a field in which I could derive personal meaning was something I have hoped for throughout my life. When I learned about doula care, I was moved immediately and understood that this was just such a career. To learn about this following my mothers’ death and realize I could incorporate all the skills I had learned in terms of caring for another made it an even more perfect fit while emphasizing that personal meaning that I sought.
I have a 27 year old daughter, and 18 and 16 year old sons. We are a very close family, and they all support my career choice. My husband recognizes how happy this has made me as well and is supporting any logistics with the kids or my familial responsibilities that need to take place in order for me to attend births, trainings, (sleep after an all nighter!) or to just process what I have learned. Furthermore, I am enjoying the educational enrichment that this work is giving me nearly as much as attending births. I love doing the research that needs to be done when a client asks me a question I don’t know the answer to; it’s like a bonus education that can benefit future clients as well.
MY QUALIFICATIONS
I've had three children myself and breastfed all of them as well. I fully understand that every woman and every birth experience is unique.
After taking care of my Mom for 3 years until her death in January 2009, I realized my true calling as a personal support person. I would love to nurture and inspire you!
I completed my training through DONA International in February 2009.
I have been attending births in both a birthing center setting and hospitals since May 2009.
Observed a Bradley Class series in May 2009
Attended a workshop on Anesthesia practices in the bay area in order to familiarize myself with these methods
Completed Teacher Training for CALM BIRTH, certification in process
Mentored by my Doula colleagues Diana Hurwitz & Vanessa Pisias.