bio

My journey into birthing began when I became pregnant for the first time. I devoured absolutely every book I could read about birth; that was 1985.  I felt transformed by this amazing event called birth and I wanted to be actively involved as a support person in other women’s birth experiences.   Around the same time, my girlfriend’s were also having babies, and as a result they would ask me to support them through labour and delivery by acting as their “doula”. Three more babies, and twelve years later, I returned to school and studied communications. I then entered the world of event planning, working in the arts sector for several years.

It wasn’t long after that I was called to devote more of my energy and time to the healing arts.   In 2005 I decided it was time to professionally pursue my two greatest passions -- yoga and birthing.  

After completing my training as a yoga instructor, I started practicing as a doula. I felt inspired to complete the formal doula training and became certified as a Birth Doula in 2007. I am a member of DONA (Doulas of North America) and YA (Yoga Alliance) and I am a Registered Traditional Thai Massage Practitioner.   I am actively involved in Edmonton’s childbirth community, including The Doula Association of Edmonton. 

Philosophy

I learned many things from my own birth experiences.  Most importantly, I learned that a woman in labour needs empathetic, patient, and calm support.  Also, pregnant women need knowledge about the birth process; this knowledge is imperative as it enables women to make the choices that are right for them and for the journey they are about to embark upon. 

I believe that a woman's body is made to reproduce. We need to trust in this wondrous birth process and create a soothing, safe environment where mama can work hard and enjoy the arrival of the new baby. This is an experience that both she and her partner will remember for a lifetime, so everything should be done to ensure it is an experience all will cherish. 

Although I believe that natural childbirth is best, both for mother and child, I also believe that every woman should make that choice for herself, and I will support her in her decision should she choose to use medication. 

My goal is to make childbirth a rewarding experience for both the mother and her partner by helping partners participate in the birth process, while making sure the mother’s needs are met.

My practical aim is to provide pregnant women and their partners with the comprehensive knowledge, support, and information that they need for a positive birth experience in a non-judgmental manner. Whether the choice is to give birth at home or in the hospital, to use physical supports such as massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy, or to use medication, it is my desire to make my clients feel emotionally comfortable, prepared, and confident to give birth in their own way.