How long have you been a doula?
I began attending births in 2001 and have assisted at an average of 2 per month since then.

Why did you decide to become a doula?
With my first birth I was lucky enough to have some amazing support from women who believed in my ability to birth. Hubby was great but the female support was different – they seemed to know what I needed before I knew I needed it. I was struck by what an impact their support had not only on my labour but our connection with our baby. I wanted to make that difference for other women. That combined with my insatiable thirst for all things related to birth… becoming a doula was an obvious choice.

What training have you had? Have you completed any other birth-related courses?
I took a 2-day doula-training workshop. After that I began attending births as a volunteer and completed the steps to become certified by DONA – Doulas of North America. I teach prenatal classes based on the book Birthing From Within by Pam England, so I have completed a Level 1 Birthing From Within training. I have also taken an 18-hour course on breastfeeding for health professionals and am the current President of the Calgary Doula Association.

What are your hobbies, passions, diversions etc?
Gardening, cooking and eating good food would have to be my favourite pastimes. As for my passions… I have three of them, Audrey (1997), Grayson (1999) and Kate (2001). Every day they teach me more about what is important and make me realise how lucky I am. Diversions would be – activities with my family, hiking and skiing in the mountains, just basically getting outside and
enjoying nature.

What is your philosophy about birth?
First and foremost I believe that birth is a natural process, something that women’s bodies are designed to do. It’s been my experience that women who feel nurtured, supported and empowered to make their own decisions during their births are much more likely to be satisfied, even if things turn out differently than they had expected. I really believe if they feel satisfied with their birth, they’re going to connect with their baby and that’s my goal.

A little something about your personal life...
My background is as a professional musician, trumpet player to be exact, and that’s how I met my husband Mark. We’ve been married for 10
years and met in Chicago after having travelled from opposite ends
of the earth – me from Australia and him from Victoria BC.

What are your specialities, unique qualities, whatever… what might make someone want to hire you specifically?
I would hope that people would be drawn to me because I am the calm, non-judgemental voice of experience in the labour environment. I can help you pick out the music that’s going to help you through your labour, show Dad how to massage you so you’ll think he’s indispensable, and help with baby’s first feed. But my best tools are my voice, my hands and my desire to help make your experience worth remembering.