ABOUT ME

I first found out what doulas and midwives are when I was only a freshman in high school. I was given a book called Women Hold Up Half the Sky that detailed the variety of different types of oppression women and girls face worldwide, one of them being maternal mortality. The book spoke about how training midwives and traditional birth attendants to better serve their own communities greatly decreases maternal mortality and morbidity. 

​While this book focused on other nations, I soon discovered the staggering rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the U.S., which is higher than any other developed nation (especially for birthing people of color). I began reading about how expensive, de-personalized, and formulaic aspects of our maternity healthcare system are, and how doulas and midwives improved rates of healthy births, newborns, and family satisfaction. ​In my time in birthwork, I have developed a love for rich prenatal education and preparation, combined with encouraging a simple trust that our bodies know what they are doing. I believe that this combination is the best coping mechanism available, even better than all the massage and breathing techniques in the world (though those are great, too!). ​

I have a middle-of-the-road viewpoint on birth: the majority of the time, it can happen safely, with minimal intervention, if enough time and space is given. But sometimes medical interventions are absolutely needed, and we are privileged to have access to them here in Houston. ​

In prenatal visits, I love talking with families about every little joy, fear, and anxiety they may have about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I believe that long conversations and meaningful relationships allow me to serve you in the best way during your care.

Working with partners and other family members is also a joy; I love showing partners how to support the laboring person, and some of my favorite births have been ones with older siblings involved. ​

Beyond doula work, I am also a student midwife at a birth center in Houston. My midwifery education has only benefitted my doula work, as it has improved my understanding of pelvic anatomy, pregnancy health, and variations in normal labors. I have worked alongside many different midwives, doulas, nurses, lactation consultants, massage therapists, postpartum doulas, and other professions, and have loved learning tidbits from each one of them. I have attended births in multiple hospitals, birth centers, and homes, and each one is so incredibly unique and wonderful. ​

Outside of birth, I also love cooking, drumming, and solo travel. I am a Christian and love learning about different religions and caring for folks of any faith orientation. My faith has led me to approach birth work from a social justice perspective. I live with my partner and his family on an acre of land in the middle of Houston with chickens, cows, and a huge vegetable garden. I was raised in Oregon and have also lived in California and New Mexico, and love road tripping through the Western with bluegrass, Americana, and regional Mexican music playing.