I’ve had the ultimate pleasure of supporting many of my friends and family throughout their pregnancy and the birth of their child(ren). I've witnessed first hand the value of having someone present who is supportive, caring and knowledgeable of what women experience during childbirth. Participating in these births along with my training gave me the experience needed to offer optimal support to new moms and their families. 

My work as a doula has given me the greatest sense of fulfillment I've ever experienced, and because of this I've decided to dedicate my life's work towards enhancing the well-being of women and their families through these services. 

Here are a few details about me: 

Training and Experience:

I completed my Birth Doula certification training at the Center for the Childbearing Year in June of 2016 under Director and Owner, Patty Brennan. Along with my training, I've studied various related topics including Early Childhood Development, and Nutrition, taught by a registered dietitian.

Along with my training, I've had the pleasure of volunteering my services at DMC's Hutzel Women's Hospital, located in Downtown Detroit, MI. There I assisted the nursing staff on the mother/baby unit with various aspects of post care, along with some light secretarial work. I prepared suites for the family's arrival ensuring that they had the essentials; diapers, wipes, formula for those who requested it. I kept an eye out for the little one while mom showered, changed a few diapers, and swaddled babies for dad's who would look at their baby with gentleness yet uncertainty. I'd assure them that they would get it with practice. When I wasn't on the mommy/baby floor, I was in the NICU, holding, feeding, and caring for babies who weren't quite ready to go home yet. The head nurse at that time was very supportive of me and encouraged me to see my goals through. She taught me so much in regards to how to properly care for a new mom, and a new baby. 

After “officially” becoming a doula, I volunteered a portion of my services to the Southeast Michigan Doula Project, or SMDP for short. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, SMDP connects women from low-income households to doulas who are available and willing to provide support during childbirth. Working with SMDP helped me gain additional experience, and served as a constant reminder that all women deserve the support of a doula.

I continue to attend workshops, seminars, and classes centered around obstetrics and infant & maternal care, increasing my knowledge and in turn, the value of the care given to my clients. I have been certified to provide First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross since 2008.

A little history:

I knew early on that my place was in women's healthcare, supporting the well-being of all women. Becoming a Doula was a very organic process for me, it seems as though life just happened to place me here. As a young girl, I witnessed the women in my family support one another throughout pregnancy and especially during the postpartum phase. One aunt would babysit while the parents slept, another would just come by to keep the laughs going, one sister would cook, another would help clean. So when my baby sister was born, about 8 years after my younger brother, I jumped right in to help my mom, already knowing what to do.

Years later, I had the honor of being present during the birth of my youngest niece, a great-niece and great-nephew. All were simply amazing and I am so proud of them. Using these experiences, along with the advice of my mother who's "breathe though it" technique still stands true with any natural birth, and the twenty-plus years of doula experience passed down from my mentor, Ms. Arnetta Ford, I am fully confident that I will provide you with the attention and care that you need now, during, and after the birth of your child. You can rest assured knowing that you are in the hands of a very loving and understanding woman who will respect your wishes, advocate for your best interest, and work cohesively with your primary care provider & medical staff and family.