About
What languages do you speak?
English.
What is your personal definition of “doula”?
To me, a doula is someone who is available to provide information and holistic care without judgment. A doula is there to celebrate and ease the emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental transitions alongside a new family.
What brought you to birth and postpartum work?
I saw in my life the importance of community and listening to our bodies. Through my interests in early childhood development, working with people, and building community care I came into postpartum doula work.
In a climate of caregiver burnout, how are you caring for yourself?
As a caregiver, parent, educator, and crisis support worker I have had to hold myself accountable when it comes to caring for myself. I practice sacred Mondays where I avoid booking commitments. It gives me those moments to embrace and embody slowing down, actually drinking my tea while it is still warm. I feel nurtured in nature and am often trail running or building on my canoeing skills.
What is a standout book, movie/tv, etc about the childbearing/parenting journey that you return to?
BOOK
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
Trainings
BIRTH/POSTPARTUM
• Certified Lactation Educator, Evergreen Perinatal Education.
• Emergency Childcare and First Aid CPR/AED Level B, Red Cross.
• Postpartum Doula Workshop, DONA.
• Nursing Workshop.
• Trauma-informed Practice Training, Alyson Quinn.
• Crisis Response for Birthworkers, BADT.
• SNIWWOC Cultural Birthworker.
• Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault Training.
• Supporting Queer and Trans Birthing Families Training.
• Mental Health First Aid, Jodi Radtke.
• Trauma-informed Leadership, Nick Cardone.
FOR YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING, WHAT IS THE WORKSHOP/TRAINING ON YOUR RADAR?
• A workshop on how to best support Coast Salish People and their cultural practices.
• Decolonizing birth work training.
• Ongoing justice, equity, and diversity training.
• Grief training.
