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I’m a native Arizonan and a certified teacher, with degrees from ASU and NAU in Education and have recently been taking classes in Women’s Studies. I am married and am mother to three extraordinary children: two adults and one amazing seven year old, (yes she was a wonderful surprise!) as well as two wonderful teen step kids.
Through the experience and wisdom gained from my own birth experiences, as well as my busy life as mother and educator, I slowly came to realize that I was being called to work with pregnant and birthing women. In 2004 I became a certified childbirth educator and doula with one of the original pioneering groups in the natural birth community. Over the years, my course content expanded as my continuing education and experience has grown. I have recently affiliated with Brio Birth to better serve my students with an updated, evidence based curriculum that draws from many sources for content and inspiration. I am also now part of the leadership team for Brio Birth, as a trainer and regional coordinator. In 2006, I became a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor and am continuing my education in the field of lactation support. This year I begin my birth and postpartum doula certification with DONA International. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and the wonder of birth to be an endlessly fascinating topic.
I believe that pregnancy is a vitally important time in a woman’s life, preparing her physically, mentally, and emotionally for the transition into becoming a mother. I believe that pregnancy and birth are natural, normal, and safe events and that women have the right to birth their babies how and where they want to.
I believe that the human body is beautifully designed to give birth and that with proper support, birth can be one of the most joyful and empowering experiences in a woman’s life, resulting in the strongest bond possible with her baby and her partner.
While I firmly believe in women’s ability to give birth naturally, without drugs or interventions in most cases, I understand that each situation is unique and am committed to honoring your choices for your birth.
I believe that the postpartum period is an equally important time in the life of the new mother, her baby and her family, and that support during this time is vital.
As a doula and childbirth educator, part of my job is to provide you with information based on reliable, accurate evidence. After studying and reflecting on this information, you will then be prepared to make informed choices that are best for you, your baby, and your family.
I am aware that the birthing experience is different for every mother and I am honored to be able to support women in the birth of their preference, therefore, I offer my services to all women, whether they are planning to birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home, supporting them through natural, medicated, or cesarean births.
Giving birth is an experience that the mother will remember for the rest of her life, and I take seriously my commitment to empower her through education, and nurture and protect her memory of her birth and postpartum experience.
~Jenny
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