The Who & What that Makes Me 

Who Completes Me?

Background | Family | Identity

I followed my birth doula, Billie, on Facebook, right-up to her retirement a few years ago. I adored her and always reflected on the powerful way her presence changed my birth experience. 

This job is one that is based on trust, respect and chemistry, so it seems fair that anyone who wants to consider bringing me into the home or birth space 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 unused vacation days, and for one or two of our kids, that meant 3 or 4 if we wanted to be home for a week at Christmas. The feelings of overwhelm and longing that such a choice left is at the center of why I was desperate to become a postpartum doula before I certified in birth. No matter how local your family is, or how much preparation you do, the 4th trimester is exhausting and life-altering. 

A postpartum doula supports sleep, education, and reassurance that such a special time deserves to be more than just endured. When I walk into your home, it is with a mother’s intention, an aunt’s love and your best friend’s helpful attitude.

We raised 4 children in Wyckoff, having moved only once within the town, so we have lived in the same house for most of our married life, 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. Thankfully, I am embraced by my husband’s family, so they continue to be my north star for the evolution of parenthood. 

Fall is all about football in our house. Raising 3 boys who played and a daughter who cheered for Ramapo Football indoctrinated me. Besides that, there are no extra TV’s to watch anything else. Winter time is all about college basketball – we paid tuition to UCONN, Seton Hall & Villanova. Enough about that as we look forward to celebrating the last tuition payment to TCNJ in a few years…

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. .

A Seton Hall Covid Graduate - Outdoor Photo, no ceremony
Winnie & Shelby - Study buddies for 2 CPAs, Doula, MBA, and Lactation
Partially paralyzed by a stroke at 1 1/2, Shelby taught us reilience
Ramapo Football, Drew Gibbs, and Senior Year. Lucky us.
My best friend and business advisor
This kid and my mom held mutual love
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