Hello, my name is Allison. I live in Lynchburg, Virginia with my husband Paul and our son Jude. My husband is a musician. Paul uses his music as a form of ministry. I love and admire the passion he has for what God has called him to. Our son is two and a half and is a ray of sunshine. He too loves music. I stay at home with Jude and we will begin our homeschooling studies in the Fall. Although, every day and experience is an opportunity to learn! I have also been schooling myself in depth in the areas of pregnancy, childbirth, and post partum care. I am a midwifery student with Charis Childbirth. I am thrilled to be on such a fulfilling path, having been given the opportunity to serve women, babies, and their families.
Just after high school I had pursued nursing, knowing that my passion lied in caring for others "physically and emotionally", but it wasn't until the birth of my son that I really began to understand what my calling would be in life.
During my pregnancy I had been so blessed to have a doula, my dear friend to support and mentor me. She met with us weekly and extensively educated my husband and I in prenatal care, anatomy and physiology of a woman's body, pain relieving techniques, positive coaching methods, breastfeeding, and infant care. She showed me how to practice holistic approach, the use of herbs, and other natural alternatives. Through our priceless , enriching, and to be honest "life transforming" time spent with one another, I was given the wisdom and peace that I needed to completely trust God through an un-medicated delivery. I received this information like nothing I had ever studied before. I immersed myself in labor support and natural childbirth books and started to find myself answering most questions from the other new "parents to be" at our prenatal couples group. My heart took to the subject of pregnancy, mothers, and babies like a fish to water. I felt so much joy in sharing what I had learned with other expecting women and also with mother's that had never considered the thought of giving birth naturally with limited to no intervention. . I remember feeling such sorrow when a mother would speak of her sterile birth experience in the hospital and of their struggles with breastfeeding, but was inspired by those who had such a gleam in their eyes when they spoke of the beautiful and powerful natural birth of their children. What a precious gift it is for women to carry children; I was in my element and loved every second of being pregnant, however I was greatly anticipating my baby's arrival and was so excited to experience this miraculous event of birthing my child first hand.
When the day of our son's birth had finally come, our doula came over soon after we had called. Having her AND my husband there supporting me was wonderful. In the midst of intensity, prayer, harmony, rhthym, relaxation, music, massage, and laughter; I was beyond grateful for the loving support that amplified this beautiful experience! From the beginning of the labor to the end our doula never left our side. After she helped me with my son's first latch, she tucked us into bed, kissed us and was back in the morning to continue her much needed assistance.
I truly believe that having support and encouragement during a woman's labor is key to a healthy and happy birth!
After our son's birth, I felt a fire had been lit inside of me. I had experienced labor and delivery and wanted to learn more! The idea of becoming a child birth educator, doula, and aspiring midwife were born in me. God gave me a desire to share and keep sharing His design for women and their babies. From the formation of each precious life to the miracle of birth, prenatal care, infant care, acquiring healthy eating habits, breastfeeding, and the importance of support and encouragement from other woman.
As I have searched my heart for what has inspired me to be here today, I have found that my personal birth experience has impacted my life in a tremendous way (as I'm sure it would for most women). All women remember the births of their children. A memory, pleasant or not, stays with them for the rest of their lives. I strongly believe that these memories will significantly impact how they bond with their children, their confidence as a mother, and also how they will lead their lives as women. I came out of my laboring experience feeling a strong sense of achievement, self-worth, and confidence. I felt after having a natural God designed birth that there was nothing more difficult or more satisfying. I could handle anything that came my way. When I tell the story of the day my son was born, I too have the same gleam of wonder and astonishment. When women understand that they are specifically made to give birth, their confidence soars!
It is my desire to not only serve childbearing families, but to develop a relationship built on trust and love. It is a tremendous honor to attend someone's birth, however a doula is not a spectator, a doula is a servant. I will be there to serve in whatever capacity the family may need. A doula is a “coach, a hand holder, a cheer leader, a bridge builder between the staff and the family, she's there to massage backs and feet and hold hot compresses where ever it hurts, she protects a mother's dignity, a messenger to the waiting family members, or one who waits with and supports the family members”.........come to think of it, I think everyone could use a doula in their lives!
It is a privilege to work with Laurie. She has such a humble and genuine spirit. I am thankful to be a part and learn from her many years of experience as a doula and as a mother.
~Allison