About Me

I have had a fascination with pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding since I became a mother over 25 years ago.

I believe that pregnancy and birth are normal parts of life, and that every expectant mother deserves truthful information about how to achieve a safe and healthy birth. I believe that birth is a process you can trust, and I base this belief on my understanding of normal birth and scientific evidence.

I chose to become a Lamaze certified Childbirth Educator because Lamaze is no longer a "method" for giving birth, it is a philosophy that educates and instills confidence, preparing women to give birth and become mothers. Recently, maternity care has taken an alarming turn, resulting in a high tech model of care that expects trouble and undermines the efforts of women to give birth without routine interventions. Currently, about one third of women who enter the hospital today will deliver by cesarean section. These are the highest rates ever recorded in the US, and pose a significant risk to mothers and babies.  My goal is to improve the quality of care that birthing mothers receive, by giving them the information and tools they need to have the healthiest birth possible.

I do this in childbirth classes that are fun and interactive in a relaxed and comfortable setting at Body & Sole Wellness Center. I am also available for private classes in your home or office.

If you desire doula services, I can accompany you during labor and birth, providing support and encouragement through the process.

Should you need postpartum help, I can provide that as well. Please call or email for detailed information on doula services.

I have been an accredited breastfeeding support person since 2004 and became a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2011. I have four grown children and breastfed all of them.

I believe in promoting wellness through Integrative Reflexology, aromatherapy, homeopathy, herbal remedies and massage. I  became certified as an Integrative Reflexologist in 2009 and offer these optional services to my clients. Integrative Reflexology helps balance the body and mind, producing relaxation and a sense of calm. I am continuing my education in these modalities as I believe they offer many benefits without the risks of prescription medications.

I am a member of :

Carolina Mothercare Network

La Leche League of North Carolina

Lamaze International

International Alliance of Midwives

North Carolina Friends of Midwives

I blog at www.birthwhisperer.blogspot.com

I have also earned the following Certificates and Continuing Education:

Childbirth Assistant through Informed Birth and Parenting 1993

Labor Assistant/ Doula through Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators 1994

Childbirth Educator through Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educator 1996

Apprentice Midwife through Bethlehem Birthing Services 1996

Ancient Arts Midwifery Institute Challenge '97 Advanced Midwifery Course

Labor Doula through Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association 2002

Postpartum Doula through Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association 2002

Passion for Birth Seminar 2006

Childbirth Educator through Aviva Insitute 2008

Postpartum Doula through Aviva Institute 2008

Pregnancy Loss and Healing Seminar through Rapha Triad 1998

Contemporary Issues in Birth Bowman Gray School of Medicine 1997

Christian Labor Support as Ministry from Titus 2 Birthing 1999

The Asheville Birth Conference 2002

Post Abortion Research and Counseling through Rachel's Vineyard, Teresa Burke and Martha Shuping,MD  1997

American Baby Childbirth Educator Conference 2003

Childbirth Educator Update through Anne Tumblin 2003

Focus on Perinatal Depression, University of Virginia School of Medicine 2007

DONA International Conference 2009

International Cesarean Awareness Conference 2001

Lamaze International Conference 2009

Accredited La Leche League Leader 2004

La Leche League of NC State Conference ( Presenter )

Certified Lactation Counselor 2011

This list is updated yearly, to include my continuing education.