Introduction:

I am a thirty-something full-time wife and mother of four young daughters, who are the joy of my life. I am originally from Alaska, but moved to Fort Wayne shortly after meeting my future husband. I enjoy reading and traveling, as well as just hanging out with my family and friends. My faith in God has always played an important role in my life, and our family has attended Crossbridge Community Church for over 10 years. I am also a volunteer peer advocate at A Hope Center. I really enjoy offering Hope to families who may be experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

My journey into the “Doula-world” began during my first pregnancy, by simply learning that doulas existed. After my second daughter was born, I once again found myself a little disappointed with how my births had unfolded. I decided I needed to learn a little more about this whole concept. I was soon reading books I had never heard about, but they made so much sense! I found a DONA approved training, and began my certification process with a breastfeeding 6-month old in tow. I educated myself, and gained so much confidence that my last two births were completely satisfying and exactly what I had always longed for. I finished my certification qualifications and became an official DONA-certified birth doula in October 2005. In July 2006 I was a co-founder of the local doula group that became the Doula Network of Fort Wayne. I first served as Communications Coordinator, and in November 2008 took over as Director. In addition to the doula certification, I also felt the desire to become a childbirth educator. I chose the Lamaze organization because of their strong commitment to ‘normal birth’ and their history of educating families. I attended a Lamaze training in November 2007, and passed the certification exam in April 2008. I am excited about the opportunities ahead of me, and I look forward to serving birthing families in the Fort Wayne and surrounding area for many years to come.

Birth doula and childbirth education services offered:

Standard pre-natal, birth and post-partum package:

Free initial consultation
Minimum two visits in your home to get acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities, fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. I will want to become familiar with your preferences regarding comfort measures, pain management options and the use of pain medications. I also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together.
Unlimited phone and e-mail contact once hired
Option to labor at home or meet at hospital
Continuous support throughout labor and birth can include but is not limited to:

*Comforting massage

*Positive encouragement

*Facilitate communication between you and care providers

*Interpret medical terms and procedures common during labor and delivery

*Position changes to manage changes in labor

*Aromatherapy

*Warm or cool compresses

*Assurance to both mother and father that birth is proceeding normally

*Facilitate a birth environment that will help protect the memory of your birth experience

Encourage and assistance with immediate skin to skin bonding
Help with initial breastfeeding and continuing support if required
One post-partum visit in your home
On-going support or community referrals and resources as needed

Standard package price $500.00 or equivalent trade of services.

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Value added childbirth education options:

Personally tailored childbirth series in your own home
Personally tailored ‘refresher’ childbirth course in your own home

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For more information or to schedule your free consultation please call:

482-6393-hm

410-1081-cell

For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14