I wear many hats. These days, the ones I wear most often are as a birth doula, photographer and mother to two spirited young boys. These three things may disrupt my sleep but fill my life with joy!
My journey into the world of birth began 10 years ago when I photographed the birth of a childhood friend. As a photographer, capturing such profound moments and witnessing that magic of new life ignited me. In the following years I continued to photograph births, but having of children of my own lead me to my passion in supporting women and families in their own birth journeys.
The births of my two sons were very different – for the first I laboured for much of it alone, for my second I had 11 women surrounding and supporting me (plus a birth photographer!). My experiences in labour taught me many things, one of them being the importance of having experienced and dedicated support before, during, and after a birth. I don’t believe that every woman needs to have an army of women by their side, but I know that having at least one consistent person by your side from start to finish can make a huge difference in how you navigate your experience, and maybe more importantly, how you feel about it in reflection.
Over the past 4 years I have attended almost 80 births and have come to know the unique gifts I offer as a doula. I am confident in my ability to support mothers through prenatal education and birth ‘planning’, labour support in both the home and hospital, as well as postpartum and breastfeeding support. I have built a beautiful, and brilliant support network around myself here in Vancouver and I am always happy to share that with my clients.
COMMUNITY. COMMUNICATION. CONNECTION. CREATIVITY.
Being a doula and birth photographer brings together so much of who I am and what I have done in my life. It allows me to combine the strategy and management skills that I developed through my years in the corporate world, with warmth and humanity that I gained through my background in hospitality and customer service. Those that have worked closely with me often describe me as trustworthy, motivational and inspiring…and maybe even a little bit funny. More than anything, I love people. I can find something to love and appreciate in everyone that I meet.
In my free time (yes, I still occasionally find some), I read, sing, play the ukulele, make skin care product and essential oil blends, manage our B&B, volunteer, travel the world with my amazing husband, rehabilitate parrots, manage Type 1 diabetes, talk a lot to strangers and learn as much as I can about this crazy, amazing world and the people in it. I feel blessed and grateful for my chaotic life and for the fact that it has led me to where I am today.