About meIn 2012, I made a life-altering choice to transition my career after a decade of working in early education. I pursued postpartum doula certification training with Doulas of North America (DONA) under Ann Guarer. During this program, I uncovered my zeal for supporting families during the postpartum period and recognized the importance of offering unwavering assistance. This newfound passion motivated me to become a postpartum doula, serving families in the bay area. Through my work, I have developed extensive expertise in providing comprehensive lactation support and gained the confidence to impart the most up-to-date information to breastfeeding mothers.
Later, I attended a second DONA training and became a birth doula. Since 2013, I have been attending births and providing postpartum care to all families, including those experiencing trauma, and loss, single mothers, and LGBTQIA. As an indigenous person and a bay area native, I bring a unique perspective to birth work. My journey into birth work has been one of self-discovery as I learned about my birth story as a twin-less twin. After learning about losing my twin brother in utero, I began trauma work to heal and bridge my relationship with my parents. I did not understand the impact of their journey into being parents was different than most births, and I often felt they were not connected to me. I reminded them of a hard time medically, which must have been tough for everyone involved. In addition, my reproductive health was misdiagnosed, a shared experience among people with uteruses. Chronic pain is frequently disregarded, and we often doubt our ability to cope with difficult situations. Despite consulting numerous physicians and specialists over 12 years while attempting to conceive naturally, I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis. Regrettably, my financial circumstances do not allow me to pursue assisted reproductive technology (ART) to have a biological child. Nevertheless, my partner and I have discovered alternative avenues to care for children within our social circle and community, and we cherish them deeply. While we have chosen not to have biological children, we are content with what we have and have faith that this path is meant for us. We continue to find joy in each other's company, and we view our three animal companions as members of our family, or "kids." Although I have not given birth biologically, I possess considerable expertise and understanding and am committed to providing individualized support to help you navigate life's changes. As a birth and postpartum doula, I strive to provide comprehensive care and support to families as they transition into their new roles. My experience and education have taught me the importance of continuity of care, especially for those experiencing trauma and loss and those in marginalized or LGBTQIA communities. My journey into birth work has also given me a unique perspective that I bring to my work, allowing me to be more compassionate, understanding, and patient. With my knowledge, compassion, and support, I am confident I can provide the care and assistance that families need as they embark on this new chapter. |
My Philosphy |
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Certifications
In 2016, I attended Heart & Hands Midwifery Intensives by Elizabeth Davis in San Rafael. Later that same year, I pursued a Holistic Birth Doula certification through The Matrona in Santa Cruz, followed by certification as a Holistic Childbirth Educator from the same institution. In Monterey, I participated in a Penny Simpkin Workshop and received Rebozo certification from Gena Kirby, attending her workshops in both Monterey and San Francisco. In 2015, I completed the Birth Trauma: Self Care for Sustainable Practice course led by Juli Tilsner CM in San Jose and the GentleBirth Instructor Training offered by Tracy Donegan in San Jose. The following year, I received Rebozo certification from Ilka Fanni in Berkeley and attended the When Survivors Give Birth workshop by Phyllis Klaus MFT in the same location. In 2013, I completed the NMC Lactation & Breastfeeding Training with Audrey Kalman in Redwood City, as well as a Birth Doula Workshop & Childbirth Education training with Kyndal May (DONA) in Palo Alto. Finally, in 2012, I participated in a Postpartum Doula Workshop led by Ann Guarer (DONA) in the same location.
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