My birth story...

I’ve always believed that birth is powerful. I wasn’t raised to fear it — if anything, I was in awe of it. When I became pregnant with my first baby in 2020, I fully expected a natural hospital birth.

But instead, I was admitted at just 31 weeks with pregnancy-induced hypertension, which quickly escalated into HELLP syndrome after being admitted for a few days. I was told I needed an emergency cesarean — and that induction wasn’t an option because “you will die.”

Due to a positive COVID test, my husband was kicked out of the hospital, and I was wheeled into the OR alone. I gave birth without him by my side, and worse, I was isolated from my daughter for 10 days. I wasn’t allowed to hold her, nurse her, or even see her. I was devastated.

I pumped milk alone. My supply struggled. My mental health crumbled. I developed severe postpartum anxiety and depression. And my entire family felt the ripple effects of that trauma.

For four years, I carried the weight of that experience.

In 2024, when I became pregnant again, I was overjoyed — but also terrified. I knew I wanted something different. I wanted to heal. I hired a doula to help me process my first birth and to advocate with me through this one. And I was determined to have a VBAC.

This time, I went full term. On May 2nd, after early labor at home with the support of my doula, we arrived at the hospital — hopeful, prepared, and empowered. I faced pushback from a difficult OB, but I had the support and education I needed to stand firm in my plan. My husband and I advocated for our preferences, and my doula gave me the confidence to stay grounded.

After hours of labor — in the shower, on the toilet, on my terms — I birthed my son in 20 powerful minutes of pushing. It was the redemptive VBAC we had dreamed of. It wasn’t perfect, but it was ours. It was healing.

That experience changed everything.

The care and support I received — especially from my doula — lit a fire in me. I knew I had to give other women the same strength, presence, and protection that had made all the difference in my birth.

That’s why I became a doula.

Because birth matters.

Because your voice matters.

Because no one should have to navigate it alone.

Whether it’s your first birth or your fifth, I’m here to walk beside you — with knowledge, compassion, and the belief that you are powerful, capable, and strong!