LDBS is a means for expectant women to purposely prepare for and become confident in their ability to have a great birth. It’s my desire that through those things they will experience joy in their birth journey!

 

I am certified as both a birth doula and childbirth educator. As a doula, I support families by preparing them for their birth-day over the two prenatal visits we have together. I am also with them for the entirety of their labor, providing physical and emotional support, whether that’s at home, a hospital, or a birth center. I also visit with families postpartum and enjoy talking through newborn care questions and referring them to other local resources, as needed.

 

As a childbirth educator, I teach a course that focuses on sharing practical tools for having a low-intervention at any birth location. Some of the things families will learn are what to expect during each phase of labor, breathing techniques for labor and pushing, and we also practice different labor positions to sustain labor progression, pushing options for shorter pushing times, and comfort measures that effectively address discomfort. We also spend a lot of time preparing partners for how they can support mom in her pursuit of a low-intervention birth.

 

I work with families that live within roughly one hour of my home (Crozet). I have had the blessing of serving families from Louisa, Ruckersville, Stauton, Harrisonburg, Crozet, Charlottesville, Swope, Grottoes and more! I enjoy getting to connect with families from all over. I am also in the process of making the workshop I teach accessible virtually.

 

I have been a certified childbirth educator and doula for two years.

 

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong regarding timing, but ideally it’s best when moms begin working with me at the start or middle of their second trimester. I share with all of my clients things they can do during their pregnancy to prepare for birth and incorporating those things into their routine sooner can help establish helpful patterns and mindsets that can bless not only their birth but their pregnancy as well! I’ve also had plenty of clients who have started working with me in their third trimester. These mamas tend to get close to their due date and realize they desire additional support. I love working with these ladies as well and seeing them go from apprehensive about birth to confident. So it’s never too late!

 

For families taking my workshop, most find it helpful to attend when they are roughly 30 weeks pregnant. But any timeline is welcome!

 

I hope they walk away feeling cared for, understood and encouraged. I think often there’s a good bit of fear surrounding birth and I have a passion for helping women see the beauty of preparing for and then ultimately giving birth. I hope they also sense the sincerity with which I desire to support them during such a vulnerable and sweet season. And it’s an honor to do so!

 

I have two new rounds of my Labor Essentials workshop starting on March 19th and April 16th. Families can register for those by going to my website: www.ldbirthservices.com/classes/labor-essentials-workshop