Cherished Birth

For almost a decade I have been supporting women in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I started my journey in birth work in 2013 and I completed the DONA International birth doula workshop in January of 2014. I received my certification in August 2015.  In August of 2022, I completed the Crossover Doula Certification program to become a certified birth doula through Birth Arts International.

A Postpartum Doula works with each family individually to find out their particular needs.  Some of the postpartum services include:

• Breastfeeding support
• Help with emotional and physical recovery after birth
• Light housekeeping so that mom does not feel so overwhelmed
• Running errands
• Assistance with newborn care such as diapering, bathing, feeding, and comforthing
• Light meal preparation
• Baby soothing techniques
• Sibling care

I completed a Lamaze Childbirth Education workshop in June, 2013 and September 2017.  I have researched other childbirth education courses and have constructed a curriculum of my own that I offer to local expecting parents.

 I am a PBi Trained Placenta Encapsulation Specialist.  After my experience with encapsulating and consuming my own placenta after baby number three, I was immediately convinced of the benefits.  I had an increased milk supply and amazing energy. For the first time since becoming a mom, I didn't experience any postpartum depression symptoms. I highly recommend placenta encapsulation to all new mothers for the benefit of a smoother recovery and transition into motherhood.

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I am a homeschooling mother of four children.  I have been married to my husband for almost 17 years, and we live in Elizabethtown, PA.  We enjoy spending time together going on vacation to Florida to visit extended family, hiking and camping in the summer, and just hanging out at home watching a movie and eating popcorn.  

 I believe childbirth is a normal, natural process that should not be interrupted by medical interventions-as safely possible.  Using gravity, movement, and other non-medical/clinical techniques to ease labor are great ways to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy birth experience. 

Make Decisions for you- I can provide you with evidence-based information, but it is up to you to discern and make your own decisions.

Perform Clinical Tasks- I will not perform clinical tasks such as taking blood pressure readings, monitor contractions, listen to fetal heart tones, cervical checks, etc.  Those tasks are for the OB/GYN or midwife to perform. 

Speak for you-As your birth doula, I am your guest in a hospital or home setting.  I can give gentle reminders to the hospital staff or home birth midwife on your behalf about your birth plan, but I cannot give orders. They have absolutely no obligation to listen to what I have to say.  You are their patient, therefore it is up to you and your partner to discuss your options and needs with the medical staff.  I am there to support your decisions, and to help you to follow your birth plan.

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