Qualifications
Having four children of my own, I feel I have a strong foundation in childbirth and newborn care. I am the oldest of five grown children and grew up around babies and breastfeeding. I was helping out at home with my newborn brother at the age of twelve.
I started supporting women as a birth doula in 2003 and expanded my work to include postpartum support in 2008. I have taken specialized training through DONA International (formerly Doulas of North America) for full certification as a birth and postpartum doula. This entailed having completed a comprehensive course of study combined with specific fieldwork, essays and evaluations.
As a certified doula through DONA International, I am required to take continuing education classes to keep my certification current. This enables me to get the most updated information to the public. I also have current certification in Infant, Child and Adult CPR as well as First Aid. I am also required to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practices as outlined by DONA.
I am a passionate birth advocate as is shown by my community involvement. I am a current member of the Tidewater chapter of Birth Matters Virginia, whose goal is to improve the culture of birth in Virginia by promoting an evidence-based model of maternity care and supporting care providers who practice mother friendly care. I am also a member of Hampton Roads Partners in Birth, which strives to connect women who serve families in all aspects of the birth experience by providing support, references, education and whatever else is needed to aid expecting and postpartum families.
