About Janet
"Birth was, and will always be, the most commonplace of miracles - an event at once familiar and phenomenal, timeless and immediate, briefly making angels of us all." - Call the Midwife (PBS)
PLEASE NOTE:
- EFFECTIVE 10/1/23, I WILL BE ACCEPTING ONLY ONE BIRTH CLIENT PER MONTH
- CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES ARE PRIVATE IN-HOME ONLY AT THIS TIME; I AM RESEARCHING SETTINGS FOR GROUP CLASSES
You will remember the day of your baby's birth for the rest of your life - how you felt, how you were treated, what was said and done to you and for you. A birth can be transforming and empowering, whether it is an intervention free home birth or an emergency cesarean section or anything in between. If the birthing mother feels respected, supported, cared for, and informed, she is more likely to feel satisfied with her birth experience.
As a birth doula, my goal is for you to approach this life-changing time with confidence in the knowledge that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process. I am committed to seeing that your physical, emotional, and informational needs are met both prenatally and during labor, whether you are birthing at home, at a birth center, or in a hospital. Prenatal visits focus on your options for birth, development of a plan that reflects you and your preferences, and having a tool kit for managing the stages of labor. Often the only predictable thing about birth is its unpredictability. As your doula, I can be the constant during the times of changing nursing shifts, stages of labor, and physical and emotional transitions. My presence also allows partners to participate in the birth at their own comfort level and eases the responsibility of being the sole source of support.
At the time of a baby's birth, a mother is also born. The postpartum period is a time of great joy but can also be overwhelming as the new mother recovers from birth while adjusting to the demands of round-the-clock newborn care. I am sensitive to the needs of these early weeks and want to make the transition to new parenthood as smooth as possible. I look to care for the family globally - new mother, father, other children - doing those things which need to be done so they can focus on recovery from birth and getting to know the new baby. I can offer evidence based support as you learn to care for your infant's needs. If you have chosen to breastfeed your newborn, I can assess the latching and feeding process, recognize any difficulties and make referrals as needed or requested. I also love animals and am a pet owner myself; I will happily walk your dog or care for your cat as part of my tasks!
I am the mother of two terrific young adult sons. My own birth and postpartum experiences were unexpectedly challenging, both physically and emotionally. A wonderful postpartum doula helped me find my confidence and enabled me to relax and grow into motherhood through her non-judgmental support and caring guidance. Her example and how she impacted my life stirred a passion in me to do the same for others. I feel so fortunate to have found a path that not only benefits others but brings me such incredible joy.
CREDENTIALS
Certified Birth Doula, DONA
Certified Postpartum Doula, DONA
Certified Lactation Counselor, Center for Breastfeeding
Certified, Hypnobirthing Support Techniques for Birth Professionals
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE)
Certified, Body Ready Method Professional
Hypnobabies Hypno-Doula
Certified VBAC Doula, The VBAC Link
Certified Newborn Specialist - NCTA
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED