Personal: I am the wife to Steve for over 24 years, together we have 8 wonderful children (3 girls and 5 boys) ranging in ages from 23-12 years of age. We have lived in Colorado Springs for 17 years.
My births: All 8 of my children were born in the hospital setting with an OB. I had my first child when I was 20 years old and my last when I was 30 years old. All of my babies were between 9.5 pounds to over 10 pounds at birth, with the exception of one that was a "preemie" weighing over 8.5 pounds. :) Three of those deliveries I had IV drugs to "take the edge off", 2 I had epidural's, and 3 were completely natural. Having personally experienced different methods of childbirth, I highly recommend the natural route. To me, "natural birth" in a hospital setting means; intermittent fetal monitoring and a heparin lock (as opposed to a full IV line.)
My philosophy: I realize there is a place for our high technology and our medicine. And I can honestly say there have been a few circumstances where I have felt that a mom having an epidural was the best decision. My only caveat is that you make that decision for yourself not because your sister, your next door neighbor, or your best friend had one and swears by it. Educate yourself on your choices. I am here to help you with evidence based information! It is my passion to encourage women and give them the confidence to birth their baby the way they were made to give birth.
My birth involvement: I have been involved in the birthing community for well over 20 years. During that time, I was a volunteer counselor for a Pregnancy Center, an activist for women and their babies, as well as helping friends and family with their pregnancies. When my children were at an age where I did not have to be concerned with who will care for them, I began my path to being a doula.
My faith: I am an evangelical Christian. While my faith is very important to me, it is not something that I impose on others. I have worked with people of all different beliefs to no beliefs at all and it has worked beautifully.
My family: My five boys play baseball, and my family has been heavily involved in volunteering for the Colorado Springs Little League for 13 years. My girls enjoy playing volleyball and basketball. We are also involved in our church. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and doing fiber arts.
