Doula work to me has been a way to build community with the new families that we work with. Families spread globally disconnecting the past generations and their knowledge. There is also new information in child-rearing that having professional support plugs you into.
It has been a joy to work with all of our families over the years and to see them grow their connections as their children grow. It is also a blessing to work with a team that supports each other as much as they do with each client.
My own doula experience was with the birth of my third child with the support of a doula. They were there with a quiet presence that supported the whole birth team. After that experience, I started my studies and started supporting families during childbirth. The desire to move into postpartum care came a few years later when I met Deana Andersen-Tennant and saw how she impacted the families of multiples she was working with.
Today I am taking both birth and postpartum clients with a focus on families bringing their second or third (or fourth or more!) child into their family.
The dynamic of sibling adjustment that a new baby brings to the family is an area of care that I really enjoy. Mothers and Parents might feel loss over their “baby” no longer being the only one to take care of. Siblings might feel displaced while parents are taking care of the new family member. My goal working with an experienced family is to find balance and skills within their new normal. Just like having your first, there will be some surprises.
In the community, I am co-facilitator of Baby Blues Connection support group held weekly. My heart's desire is that families are connected. No one should parent alone. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you during this transition.
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