A doula understands not just what a woman says, but her emotions and body language speak to the doula as well. - Andrea Branagan
A doula is a woman who has an inexplicable need to serve, comfort, and protect a mother. At least, that is the feeling that arose within me with my first birth. I was attended to by a volunteer doula, on staff at the Birthing Cottage of Winter Park. I had no idea such a woman existed; but after the birth of my son, I knew I wanted to be become to others, the same support that helped me. I wanted to be there for mothers and partners in all birth settings. The birth of my first child could have been a horribly lonely and isolating experience, as I had no support team planned and not a clue what to expect, but that day will forever be remembered as a day of empowerment, love, and accomplishment.
Birth changes everything.
In my case, birth changed my life path. I have had a growing and burning passion to empower women and families in every choice they make during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. I immersed myself in many different birthing experiences as I worked toward my D.O.N.A. (Doulas of North America) Birth Doula certification. I was blessed to be welcomed into the lives of many families and support their decisions throughout their pregnancies and births. I completed and received my D.O.N.A. Certification in 2003.
I have since attended births in homes, birthing centers, and hospitals. I have been a support for medicated, unmedicated, and cesarean section births. The passion for birth and helping families grew within me and I began working toward my R.N. I graduated in 2006 with 3.68 GPA from Valencia Community College, attaining my Associates Degree with nursing understudies, and was accepted to the VCC Nursing Program (one of the highest ranking nursing programs in the United States). My long term goal is to attain my Certified Nurse Midwife (masters) Degree, also known as C.N.M.
I was the president of the Central Florida Birth Network from 2005 - 2007 and have been active in the birth community on many levels. (http://centralfloridabirthnetwork.com) I am a member of the Central Florida Birth Network as well as a volunteer with Get PUMPed!! (http://getpumpedonline.org) I have attended many births over the years and have letters of recommendation from clients which I can provide to you.
I am currently working on a more in depth doula certification with the Commonsense School of Midwifery.
For nine years my life has revolved around, family, birth, and support. I have not only been working with families as a doula, but I also offer lactation support, work as a nanny and childcare provider – specializing in infant care, and homeschool my children. I digress to my original thought, there is a drive within me to serve, comfort, and protect in all aspects of my life.
Birth changes everything.
In my case, birth changed my life path. I have had a growing and burning passion to empower women and families in every choice they make during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. I immersed myself in many different birthing experiences as I worked toward my D.O.N.A. (Doulas of North America) Birth Doula certification. I was blessed to be welcomed into the lives of many families and support their decisions throughout their pregnancies and births. I completed and received my D.O.N.A. Certification in 2003.
I have since attended births in homes, birthing centers, and hospitals. I have been a support for medicated, unmedicated, and cesarean section births. The passion for birth and helping families grew within me and I began working toward my R.N. I graduated in 2006 with 3.68 GPA from Valencia Community College, attaining my Associates Degree with nursing understudies, and was accepted to the VCC Nursing Program (one of the highest ranking nursing programs in the United States). My long term goal is to attain my Certified Nurse Midwife (masters) Degree, also known as C.N.M.
I was the president of the Central Florida Birth Network from 2005 - 2007 and have been active in the birth community on many levels. (http://centralfloridabirthnetwork.com) I am a member of the Central Florida Birth Network as well as a volunteer with Get PUMPed!! (http://getpumpedonline.org) I have attended many births over the years and have letters of recommendation from clients which I can provide to you.
I am currently working on a more in depth doula certification with the Commonsense School of Midwifery.
For nine years my life has revolved around, family, birth, and support. I have not only been working with families as a doula, but I also offer lactation support, work as a nanny and childcare provider – specializing in infant care, and homeschool my children. I digress to my original thought, there is a drive within me to serve, comfort, and protect in all aspects of my life.
