What I am + what I am not.
While I am at your side for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support, I am not a meddler. I am a firm believer in compassionate and empathetic support that is not overbearing or "handsy", but rather cordial, kind, and respectful of personal and familial boundaries. I do not take the place of your partner or other family members; rather, I add the extra support of a professional, non-medical person who is available to offer empathy, relatability, answer questions you might have, and practically assist you where desired as you adapt to life with your sweet baby. It is my desire that each of the clients I am privileged to serve feel completely safe and valued in my care. I greatly respect the privacy of each mother and baby I serve, whether that be emotionally or physically.
As mothers, we don't need reminded that motherhood is hard.
We just need supported through the hard.
Being faced with unending options, overwhelming decisions, and the high surge of emotions during pregnancy & beyond, it is easy to feel afraid, confused, and nervous. Am I doing the right thing for my body and baby? Am I making the right choice? As you navigate decisions and overwhelm as you near labor, birth, and prepare for postpartum, the support of a qualified doula is invaluable and statistically has shown to increase the mother's satisfaction with her overall experience. I'm here for you, Mama.
Further, it is estimated that well over half a million mothers per year in the U.S. experience some type of perinatal mood disorder. Mothers are often left to handle so much on their own, resulting in their bodies and minds never adequately receiving the healing and rest they need. The babies are doted on, but who nurtures Mom? Who cares about how Mom is really feeling? What happens after the 6-week appointment when most providers discontinue care, Dad returns to work (usually much sooner), and the friends and caretakers go back home? What about the mamas who are on their own? Or the moms who have no choice but to go back to work outside the home?
"Expanding the definition of postpartum to include the first year after birth may initially seem like a long time, which in itself may be intimidating, but in the long run it allows you flexible boundaries and should relieve you of a false deadline that says you have to 'have it all together' by a certain time."
-Aviva Jill Romm
Empower
Empowerment is finding peace of mind in the fact that I have been gifted by God with the capability to mother my children, the ability to learn and grow, and the means with which to do it. My goal is to make other mamas feel empowered and capable in their role as a mother.
Encourage
Moms need encouraged that they are already "doing it." They are doing something hard and amazing, and they are the best mom for their baby. Even on the hard days, a mama needs told she's "doing it." My goal is to encourage mamas to keep pressing on.
Equip
Every mama has a "toolbox" or "arsenal" of both tangible and non-tangible resources that she adds to with time, experience, and trial. My goal is to help other mamas feel better equipped by sharing the tools I've been gifted by my own "mama mentors."