List

I have been struggling with what to say first. So much has happened in the past year, and even though I know that I don't need to recap it all, I feel that some things are important to know about me, since they are so much of who I am. Maybe it would be best to make a list? Yes, this will make it very simple without too much explaining. Wow, I sound like a Virgo...making lists. But like my Aquarius self, in no particular order...just flowing (or flying)like the free spirit I am.

I am:
~Mother - to two boys ages 6 (Milo) and 3 (Felix)
~Doula - for over four years, in all settings
~Musician - since I can remember (writing songs since I was 12)
~Lesbian - This is the biggest thing that has fully surfaced in the past year. Thus creating huge change.
~Divorcing - after an 8 year relationship. He is very supportive of me being who I am (I don't think he was too surprised). We have a good friendship and both love our kids very much. All good things.
~Partner - to Michelle. The loving, supportive, and caring woman in my life. She has helped me through much of the change in the past year and makes it possible for me to pursue my passion of birth work full time.
~Crafty - I love to sew, knit, draw, paint, make pottery, create in general
~Active - I love to bike, hike, camp, swim, garden, play, laugh, be silly
~A lover of all things natural - Being outside fills me with so much joy. I'm really into sustainability, supporting local, growing my own veggie garden, alternative health care and birth options...

Okay, I'm tired of the list. I think that starts us off with some good ground work. You know the very basics (if this blog is all you know of me) and each point can be expounded upon as I continue this blogging process. Sending you all love, as I am done for the day.

Introduction

My idea to start a blog started about a year ago. Originally, I thought it would only be about my journey to becoming a midwife...then the idea developed into something more. Firstly, I have never really blogged before, so this is pretty new to me. My purpose in finally starting this blog is for many reasons. Some of these are to more fully express myself to my friends, family, and clients, to educate about birth and what birth work can be like for those interested in the pregnancy/birth/postpartum supporting professions. Other reasons are to share about my journey toward becoming a midwife, to talk about my practice as a doula, and to share a little about my personal life. Yes, some of the reason I am blogging is to hopefully gain more doula clients. I think it will be a nice way for women and their partners to find out a bit about me either before or after meeting me.

The past year of my life has come with many changes and ups and downs. I am happy to say things are leveling out somewhat. I had to put my doula business (of almost 4 years at the time) on hold for months to let the dust settle a little and find out where I'd end up. I am now starting up my business again and would love to have two to four client due dates a month, like I used to. I am currently providing services to women in Whatcom, Skagit, and Island counties in Washington. I love having a full schedule with lots of mamas and babies to help as they rediscover the world together. I believe the transition though pregnancy, birth, and the first month or so post-partum are one of the biggest life changes for women, babies, and the family. I want to empower, support, and give lots of compassion to the families that choose to have me as their doula. I will do my best to give you care specific to your needs and wishes. It is my desire to help one woman at a time find her best way of mothering and nurturing her new little one, while getting support for herself so that both can flourish together, creating one more peaceful family in the whole.

I hope you join me on my journey. Let me know if you have any questions about my life or business. I'm here to share.