I am a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula (PCD(DONA)) and I serve the greater south metro area of Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN. I am a mother to three awesome, energetic boys. My personal struggles postpartum is what led me to doula work. I know firsthand the loneliness of postpartum depression and how it steals joy from what should have been one of the happiest times in my life. My husband and my family were very supportive and provided many hours of physical support in my home. What they were lacking was knowledge about postpartum mood disorders and how to identify them. My hope is that every mother and family feels supported, not alone and can receive help when needed.

Often times, it’s the small things that make a huge impact. That is how I feel about Postpartum Doula work. The services I provide are nothing extravagant, but they are given at a time when taking care of the little things means better focus on the big things. My goal is to give each family I serve a great postpartum experience. This will look different for every family, which is another thing I love about being a Postpartum Doula. I can tailor services to exactly what the family needs to maximize their postpartum experience.

When working with families, I enjoy tidying up, keeping things organized, and working in the kitchen making and prepping meals so the family is all set when I leave. Postpartum nutrition and hydration are key to delivery recovery and establishing a healthy breastmilk supply. I am a firm believer in breaks. Everyone needs a break. I pride myself on being able to give Mom (and family members) a break – to do whatever it is she needs to do for herself so she can come back to her baby calm and refreshed.

My ultimate goal is to leave a family feeling confident to care for their baby no matter what may come and has a village to call on. Your village is made up of natural supports - people in your life whom you trust and will support you. Every family needs a village, but it’s not always easy finding one. My goal is to leave each family I serve with natural supports in place so they can feel supported after their formal supports are gone. I can help you identify people in your life who could be your natural supports or get you connected with groups in your community to build these relationships.

Currently, I am a member of DONA International, Southwest Metro Breastfeeding Coalition, Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition, and Postpartum Support Minnesota. Through these organizations, I connect with the community, network with other birth professionals, and attend trainings to continue my education. Formal training and education about perinatal and postpartum mood disorders is necessary and learning to identify Moms who are struggling is a significant part of the work I do as a doula.

It is my goal to walk beside Moms and families and offer the information and support they need at an overwhelming and vulnerable time. I don’t take this opportunity lightly. This is a sacred time for families, a time they can never get back, and I feel honored when I am chosen to care for and support families during their postpartum experience.