I followed my birth doula, Billie, on Facebook, right-up to her retirement a few years ago. I adored her and have often reflected on the powerful way her presence enhanced my birth experience by showing me that I could safely deliver my baby AND feel safe, calm and supported. This job is one that is based on trust, respect and chemistry, so it seems fair that if you are considering bringing me into your birth space, you should know who and what round me out as a person. 

Most doulas share similar credentials, but lived-experiences are how we relate or connect to the people we choose to bring into our circles.

My husband is a civil engineer in the city, and that has always meant an early start during the week, even when we had babies. Most of my clients are shocked to learn that the only days off a new dad got back then were his unused vacation days. For my family, that meant 3 or 4 days home together because we wanted to be home for a week at Christmas. The feelings of overwhelm and longing that such a choice left really taught me to value support for postpartum families. No matter how local your family is, or how much preparation you do, the 4th trimester is exhausting and life-altering. 

We raised 4 children in Wyckoff, having moved only once within the town. We have lived in the same house for most of our married life, so Bergen County is my stomping ground. I describe myself as Jersey gal, but my extended family is from NH. When my mom passed in 2023, our nuclear family entered into what I can only describe as its Reality TV Drama phase, so when I say I understand why you don’t want a particular friend or family member in your home, believe me, I do get it. 

Fall is all about football in our house. Raising 3 boys who played high school football and a daughter who cheered and competed, my Friday nights have made terrific memories. Winter time is all about college basketball – we are a Big East family – alumni of UCONN, Seton Hall & Villanova keep the group text buzzing from January through March!  Our TCNJ student keeps us honest and humble as Patriots fan when our friends tailgate at the Giants & Jets games. 

My labels – Daughter without her mother, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, sister, aunt, sister-in-law (thank goodness), mother,  Golden Mom (I am totally in love!), friend, cousin, and neighbor. I make concerted effort not to get bogged down in additional labels gifted to me as similarly as unsolicited advice will be offered to you.

 Favorite Neighborhood stops include BullDog Coffee, Paris Baguette and Pour City.  I love tacos, salsa and queso to the point of obsession. A recent client reflected that I talk a lot about beans – how I make them and why my clients need an instant pot. Most mornings we take long walks to start the day right. Bollywood music, Pink, and Broadway plays make me happy. I stay away from the mall, stink at on-line grocery orders and really love meeting new families on Zoom or at work. 

The ideal client for me is one who appreciates knowledge, who seeks a safe, judgement-free resource in the birth world. I’ve done birth for myself 4 times, so as your doula, I will draw from my background, education and family for strength to walk together with you, your partner, husband, wife, most-important-person into parenthood.