the help you deserve bringing your baby into this world.

Pregnant woman in a white dress and brown knit cardigan hanging off her shoulders. She is standing in front of a white wall and holding her belly. Her face is not visible.

When I was 11 years old, my mom was pregnant with my youngest brother. She was 39 years old at the time, and her age made it a higher-risk pregnancy. Thankfully, she had a very safe pregnancy, and my healthy baby brother was born via C-section! Being in middle school during that period, my mom’s experience ignited a passion for women’s healthcare. I spent four years in college working towards a degree in pre-medicine, with the ultimate goal of working in OB/Gyn. I worked for two years as an emergency room scribe, where I witnessed a number of pregnancy-related concerns and conditions, cementing my decision to work in the reproductive healthcare field. As part of this experience, I also shadowed in an OB/Gyn clinic, where I witnessed a C-section birth. I am also in grad school studying reproductive science and medicine, where my passion for women’s health has deepened even further. I am a firm believer in the benefits of a hospital birth, but I also have an understanding of the trauma many women face within the medical system. As a doula and future healthcare provider, I am extremely passionate about creating positive, safe birth experiences and arming families with the information and tools they need to feel confident and comfortable at an exciting, nerve-wracking, beautiful time.

why i am PASSIONATE

  • I am an alumna of Augustana College and I am a current graduate student at Northwestern University

  • I am 23 years old, and I have two younger brothers who are 20 and 11 years old

  • I have a dog named Teddy and a cat named Suzy Q

  • I am Catholic, and currently teaching kindergarten religious education once a week.

  • I studied abroad in Italy for a month in college

  • I love to read, but I can’t pick a favorite book!

GET TO KNOW ME

my priorities

  • A new mom is standing in a white shirt with her hair pulled back. She is holding her baby and pointing out of a window.

    CONFIDENCE

    Help families feel confident and safe going into the delivery room.

  • A person is holding a pen and a clipboard and writing on the clipboard.

    research

    Provide research-based information and answer any questions from a scientific background.

  • A pregnant woman is in a hospital bed hooked up to wires and IVs. She is wearing a hospital gown that is pulled up to show her belly.

    advocacy

    Advocate for better hospital birth experiences and encourage open communication between families and providers.

  • Two people are holding ultrasound images of a fetus.

    Positivity

    Create positive memories surrounding the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.

FAQs

  • A birth doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and shortly after birth. They help with birth plans, offer comfort measures like breathing techniques and massage, and advocate for the birthing person’s preferences. After birth, they assist with bonding, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery, ensuring a positive and empowering experience.

    • Emotional Support: Continuous reassurance and guidance during labor.

    • Physical Comfort: Pain relief techniques like massage, breathing exercises, and positioning.

    • Advocacy: Ensuring your birth preferences are communicated and respected.

    • Improved Outcomes: Doulas are associated with shorter labor, fewer interventions, and lower C-section rates.

    • Partner Support: Helping partners feel confident and involved in the process.

    • Postpartum Care: Assistance with breastfeeding, newborn care, and emotional well-being after birth.

  • It's recommended to hire a doula as early in your pregnancy as possible, ideally by the second trimester, to allow time to build a relationship, discuss your birth preferences, and receive continuous support throughout your pregnancy. However, doulas can still be hired later if needed.

  • A doula complements the care provided by a midwife or doctor by offering emotional and physical support during labor and postpartum. While doulas don’t perform medical tasks, they focus on creating a nurturing environment, empowering the birthing person, and ensuring their needs are met throughout the experience.

Get started with joyful blossom today.