In 1994, wanting to broaden my skill-set, I enrolled in a Prenatal Massage training. It was there that I met a fledgling Doula. She had been in the very first Birth Doula Certification program in Los Angeles. I was in the second!

My Prenatal clientele grew through word-of-mouth. Though none of my massage clients had heard the term, “Doula,” (a pioneering career-path at that time) their interest was piqued at the mention of, “massage during labor.” And so my work in birth quickly began.

The book, Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin became my “bible.” In 1996, I had the chance to study with Gaskin and The Farm Midwives. I flew to Summertown, Tennessee, returning ten years later for training as a Midwife Assistant.

By 2004, I was looking for ways to prevent unnecessary Cesareans. I acquired a 720-hour Credential in Clinical Hypnotherapy as well as Certification in HypnoBirthing-The Mongan Method. Hypnosis proved to be one of the best preventative solutions. Though I no longer assist in hospitals, I’m passionate about supporting the first phase of labor in Clients’ homes. There, we can increase confidence and cervical progression, which is the most beneficial Cesarean prevention solution of all.   

What called me to this work? It was the desire to engage in the highest level of service and the most sacred of experiences. There’s nothing more mystical, mysterious and miraculous than labor and birth. There is nothing more honest. I’m in awe of Birth’s transformative power, and I’m moved by the notion that I’m a part of something so intimate, and at the same time, universal. And there’s nothing more satisfying than observing or enhancing immediate Mother-Baby bonding, and welcoming each tiny human into our world.