I was born and raised in Powder Springs, GA. I’ve had the privilege of being around children all my life. I am mother to Calla Lily; you can read her birth story here.
My interest in birth started around the age of 11 when my sister was expecting my nephew. When I was a teenager I found reproduction extremely fascinating, I did a few projects and essays about pregnancy. When I was 18 I decided I wanted to be a traditional midwife.
In 1999, I became pregnant with my daughter, Calla, and took natural childbirth classes. I loved every minute, so when my daughter was 3 I took the teacher training for the same method I had used; I had wanted to become a childbirth educator since she was about 6 months old. Over the course of the next few years I learned so many things and met so many amazing women (two of whom I work with now) and couples. As I evolved as an educator, my views about birth also evolved, so Becky, Laura, and I decided that it was time to write or own classes.
In 2005 I took the DONA doula training workshop and in 2006 I attended the ALACE doula training workshop. I have attended 5 laboring women – 2 homebirths and 3 hospital births. I wish all women could experience another woman’s labor and birth, at home and at the hospital, it is an invaluable experience!
I have always had an unconventional approach to life. I chose to leave public school at age 16 to complete my education at home. My own daughter is now home schooled. I believe that we are each responsible for our lives and our decisions and no one knows what is right for us and our families better than ourselves. That applies to all aspects of life, especially the births of our children!