This isn’t just a job, it’s my passion, my spirit, it breathes life into my soul!
I believe that every expecting parent deserves someone supporting not only them, but their partner, from the start of labor through the post partum period. I believe that there are many different ways to have a successful birth and my job is to help you achieve what that looks like for you. I want to empower you with the knowledge and support to make this possible.
My life is an open book, feel free to ask me questions..while I am chatty in words, I also appreciate holding silence when needed in your birth space… Please enjoy my story..
I spent the first 20 years as a parent learning about significant preterm labor, bedrest both in and out of hospital, interhepatic cholestasis, pre eclampsia, premature babies, breastfeeding complications and extended breastfeeding, Sensory Disorder, Airway Disorders including Larygomalacia and Sleep Apnea, Autism, Learning Disorders, ADHD, and learning how to support an LGBTQ child. As our world finally balanced, I attended my first birth as a photographer in 2017. It was amazing and I knew in that moment that this was my life path, and that life had trained me well.
I began seeking more births as a photographer and quickly realized I wanted to give more support than photography. In May 2019, I began training with Big Belly Services. I knew I found my passion and calling when after a particularly hard week, I wanted to fall into bed. Instead I was called into a 30 hour birth. At the end of the two days, I drove home with a smile on my face and knowing all was right in the world, a baby had successfully come earth side. I love every moment I’m supporting birthing parents, even when I’m needing to find new tricks to help them.
When I am not involved with births, I am being mom to my 3 amazing, growing boys. Two are getting ready to fly the nest, and all three leave me with a great sense of pride at the little adults they have become. I have also been married to my adoring husband for over 20 years who is a Registered Nurse and fully supports this on call lifestyle. We love to travel, hike, and play games together as a family. We have numerous pets including an autism service dog.
As a volunteer I am involved with organizations supporting young, single moms. Please reach out if this fits you and you are in need of support. I volunteer with Make a Wish Foundation as there is nothing better than watching a child who has struggled receive a rainbow in the storm! (Something I found out when my own kids received wishes).
It is so hard to sum up a person and journey in words, feel free to ask me more and I am happy to share. But it all comes down to this… life is about the moments, they are ever growing, ever changing. I love to learn, grow and give compassion throughout those changing moments!
Training & Certifications
May 2020 – DONA Certification
June 2019- DONA Approved Training- EnCircle Birth Doula Training- Big Belly Services
May 2019- Advanced Doula Training “B.R.A.S.= Breastfeeding Resources Applications and Skills for Doulas
May 2019- Advanced Doula Training- “Supporting Families in Grief”
I do not care what kind of birth you have…a homebirth, scheduled cesarean, epidural hospital birth, or if you birth alone in the woods next to baby deer.
I care that you had options, that you were supported in your choices, and that you were respected.
–January Harshe