It all started in 2007 when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. I started learning about doulas and the role they play in supporting women during labor and childbirth. I thought that maybe someday I’d like to be one, even though I knew very little about what a doula really does, or what childbirth is really like. Somehow, I was intrigued by them and could envision myself being one. I thought I’d give birth with a doula in attendance, and then see what I thought of the whole birth-doula thing before I made the decision to jump careers from interior design. 

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My experience with the South Community Birth Program in Vancouver, BC was amazing. I went into the pregnancy believing that my body was created to be able to give birth. While attending the birth program for both prenatal care and education, that belief was supported and encouraged. One day we had a doula speak at our group who talked about the fact that all the prep we do before hand- all the reading and the classes- is for our heads because our bodies already know how to give birth. At some point in labor, women usually figure this out and let their bodies do the work, instead of trying to think their way through it. I loved this. And I felt empowered going into my own birthing experience. 

 

Giving birth to Naomi was truly one of the most exhilarating and empowering experiences of my life and has since fueled a passion in me for natural childbirth.

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In the winter of 2010 God called me to pursue becoming a doula in order to serve under supported mothers. The timing finally seemed right and in the fall of 2010 I began the certification process. 

 

After the birth of my second daughter in 2011 I experienced severe postpartum trauma. I was faced with my own mortality in a very real way. Walking through this trauma and necessary counseling afterward has had a profound impact on my life and on my calling as a doula. In addition to under supported mothers, I have developed a passion and heart for expectant moms with previous birth traumas of their own. The birth of my third daughter in 2013 was greatly rewarding and brought much healing and redemption to me, my family, my midwife, and my own doula. I now long to serve other mothers coming from traumatic experiences themselves. I understand the fears that these past experiences bring us, but I also know the hope and healing that can come from new birth.

 

After years of waiting patiently and walking in obedience to my calling, New Mercies Birth Doula Services was born in January 2014. I have been joyfully attending births and snapping photos ever since.