Next Steps

I've been on the computer now for hours. Checking emails and responding, reading blogs, checking facebook, and researching my next step in my midwifery education. The next class I need to take (my last prerequisite) is A&P II and it starts on August 16th. It costs money, as most education does. Which is fine, besides the fact that I'm running pretty low in that department. I keep trying to focus on abundance and know that when I put myself out there and state my needs, they will be met. I love thinking about being a midwife and the busy practice I will have someday with the glowing mothers and healthy babies. Empowering women to birth the way they choose and be that supportive woman right beside them with the knowledge and experience they can draw from when they question themselves. That I will be that quiet voice that says, "You know you can do this. You are doing this. Your wise woman is powerful. Listen to her." I can visualize it so clearly. I love what I do. I really believe that it is my calling and when I listen and do it, I feel infinite.

As I work toward becoming a midwife I also want to continue building my doula practice. My goal is to be busy with clients. I envision having two to four due dates on my calendar a month and also have a couple of postpartum clients, as well as continuing to sell and make baby slings. I want to make this blog beautiful and full of interesting information about all things natural momma/baby related. Another goal is to have an actual website dedicated to my business and create more of an on-line presence. These are things I will need help with since I don't consider myself incredibly computer or internet savvy.

A new friend (also recent client) came over for dinner last night. It was so nice to have her and her sweet baby girl over for a visit. It brings me so much joy to see the babies I help birth, grow. And it's so nice when I have that unspoken connection with the mother. It is such a huge thing to be part of a woman's process as she gives birth. I am so humbled every time I witness that miracle. This new friend is so fun to be around. She is such a light. My partner and I had the joy of doing her last postpartum visit together so that Michelle could get some more practice with her camera and do a photoshoot of them for free. When she came over last night we gave her a CD with all of the pictures on it. There are some with me in them and I asked if I could possibly use one or some for my promotional material. She said yes and now I just need to go through them more carefully and see what would work. I also want to put it out there, that if I have been your doula in the past and you have pictures you would like to send me or you are okay with me using, please let me know. I would love to compile pictures of past clients for a photo gallery on my (eventual) website.

I'm just thankful for all of the women who have let me be with them for their births and all the rest to come. I hope I can help make your journey the best it can be. I know from personal experience that a positive birth lasts a lifetime and can be so empowering and healing.

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.