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BA, MS, Labor Doula, ICAN of Central Illinois Secretary
As a woman who has given birth via emergency cesarean section and via an HBAC (homebirth after cesarean section), I am acutely aware of the profound impact a birth experience can have on one's life.
Having experienced these two vastly different birth scenarios, I was compelled to do something to support other pregnant and laboring women in their own experiences. Feeling the call to doula life, I left my seven-year teaching and publishing position in the English Department of Illinois State University.
I am currently DONA trained and am completing their rigorous certification process. I am also the secretary of the International Cesarean Awareness Network of Central Illinois, a branch of an international organization dedicated to improving maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Volunteering in a organization such as ICAN fits into my larger mission of not only connecting women to their birth experiences but also to the parenting community as new mothers--something I am able to do myself as well through my membership in the Bloomington Attachment Parenting Group and a local preschool collective.
Every pregnant woman and family deserves the support of a doula throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. Every new mother deserves a supportive, knowledgable, welcoming community of peers. Supporting these experiences has become a mandate for me--I didn't choose doula life, doula life chose me. I hope to be blessed with the opportunity to be your doula.
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 BA, MA, CD(DONA), LLLI, Reiki I
I met the first baby born in Peoria in 2011!! Read all about it here.
As the mother of a toddler and a transplant to the Mid-West from New York City, I left my career in the museum world behind to stay home with my son. The transition to being a Mid-Westerner and a stay/work from home Mama has been wonderful and filled with so much joy.
This journey home inspired my commitment to support women and families during pregnancy, labor, birth and lactation. In September 2008, I trained as a Postpartum Doula and my scope of practice continues to grow. I am now a DONA Certified Birth Doula, La Leche League Leader and a Level I Reiki Practitioner. And, when asked to be an Assistant Organizer for the Bloomington Attachment Parenting Group, I knew that in oh so many ways, I am home.
Attending to the emotional and physical support of a woman during labor, birth (and beyond) is an honor and a privilege. I see every birth as a miracle and I look forward to working with your family during this life changing process!
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