In 1993, my best friend Mary Beth asked me to attend the birth of her second child. I felt honored and privileged to be her doula. I told Mary Beth that I would be there to guide her, honor her and provide her and her husband with confidence at a time when couples can feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. As Mary Beth and Shannon's gorgeous baby Lee was born, our deep friendship was cemented forever.
I was so impacted by the amazing experience of being there for my friend, that I immediately wanted to support other women and their partners. My passion is being in the delivery room, empowering women, seeing their strength and determination shine as they bring new life into the world. I truly believe that with continuous care, nurturing and reassurance, women are able to birth their babies with less interventions and more confidence.
The word "Doula" is from the Greek, and refers to a woman who helps other women.
As a professionally trained Labor Support Doula (DONA), I care for women and their partners during the birth of their baby. I help them make informed decisions during labor, and I support them in their choices, whether a mom desires an unmedicated birth, or plans on receiving pain relief for her labor. I help with comfort measures, breathing techniques, and position changes, to ensure a positive birth experience. I also assist the mother's birth partner who is there, comforting and supporting the mother during labor.
Each time I attend a birth, I feel honored and privileged to assist women and their partners.
Volunteering is very important to me, and I believe that every woman should have access to labor support and prenatal education. I have been the volunteer doula and childbirth educator at a maternity home in Venice, since 2005. I also volunteer my educational services and teach prenatal classes at the Westside Pregnancy Clinic, in Los Angeles.
I am a certified childbirth educator (ICEA), certified labor support doula (DONA), and certified lactation educator CLE.
ICEA's Motto is: "Freedom of Choice Based on Knowledge of Alternatives". I provide "information, guidance, and stay current on national as well as international maternity care practices".
I serve the Westside as well as the San Fernando Valley: Santa Monica, Venice, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Redondo Beach, Gardena, Beverly Hills, Tarzana, West Hills and Woodland Hills.
I have attended births at UCLA Santa Monica, UCLA Westwood, St Johns, Cedars Sinai, Little Company of Mary, Kaiser West Los Angeles, Huntington Hospital, Kaiser Woodland Hills and Valley Presbyterian Hospital.
As a certified childbirth educator, I teach privately in your home and also group classes at Innovative Baby in Marina Del Rey. I am passionate about my work and volunteer at a maternity home in Venice and also teach prenatal classes at theWestside Pregnancy Clinic. I taught for a year and a half at Kaiser Permanente in Orange County, I am presently employed by Orange Coast Memorial in Fountain Valley where I am a part of their Childbirth Education team!
