What brought you here to your profession as a postpartum doula?
"Since becoming a mother myself, I have had a strong desire to support moms right after they have their babies. This stems from my own personal experiences with the delicacy of the postpartum time period. For several women, the postpartum period can be a time of uncertainty, insecurity, high emotion, and adjusting to a new normal. This often leaves new moms in a place of vulnerability and even loneliness, and they need help. Before becoming a postpartum doula I began to explore ways to fulfill my desire to support moms during the postpartum period. I wasn’t having much luck until one day a friend from my childhood shared on social media that she was starting a business as a postpartum doula. I was immediately intrigued and contacted her to find out more. Once she told me all that a postpartum doula provides, I knew I had found my niche, the “job” that was perfect for me and my gifting."
What is your favorite part of supporting families?
"As a postpartum doula, I see myself as a coach for my clients. I love being there to train, educate and support them so they can be the best in their role. I love seeing families flourishing after getting the specific support they needed. Watching new moms feel relaxed, empowered, and content in their role of mother is pure gold to me. "
What are some of your dreams and visions for your profession?
"As I stated previously, I see my job as a postpartum doula as a coach or a shepherd for my clients; guiding them through the beginning stages of caring for the newest member of their family. Besides working with families privately, I hope to take my love of coaching families to mothers in challenging situations, specifically moms who are in crisis pregnancy situations or teen moms. I believe being a mom is a learned skill and no matter your background or financial situation any woman can be a wonderful mom. Most of us just need someone to come along side of us and coach us through. "
Where are you from?
"I am a born and raised New England girl. I was born in Londonderry, NH which is a small town in the southern part of the state. I lived in the same house until I left for college. After college, my husband and I lived on the South Shore of Massachusetts for seven years before moving to Northern Virginia."
What would be your best advice for a new mom?
· " Remember to ask for help and know it is okay to not be able to do everything."
· "Take life a little at a time. Bringing a new life into your world is overwhelming and the days will feel long. I encourage moms to focus on the present and take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, or even ten minutes at a time!"
· "Try to remember, especially in the hard moments, you are the perfect mother for this new little one. I don’t believe in 'wrong fits' when it comes to mothers and their babies. In the midst of trying to figure out everything, new moms can feel inadequate and unsure, but the truth is they are more than enough for their baby just as they are."