About

What is a Doula?:

The DONA (Doulas of North America) International definition: "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible."

MY STORY:

Bright Poppies Doula was born from a mama's ache.

My experience of having children was everything but a rosy walk in the park, it was nerve-wracking, overwhelming, and isolating, nothing at all like other mothers had hyped it to me. My births were both c-sections, and I remember looking at my husband after our first son was born and whispering, "I don't think I could do that again." I struggled with postpartum anxiety, and depression, and no one around me knew how to help. I thought I was alone.

But I came to learn that it didn't have to be the end of my story. I discovered the world of trauma-informed maternal care. My second son (who was a surprise baby for us), and a scheduled c-section, helped me discover that even an intervened birth can feel redemptive with the right preparation.

We have lost touch with how to mother the mothers, how to care and support the trauma-affected mom. I believe that humans were created to heal in community, not six weeks on the dot of isolation. We are not engines or machines, we are souls embodied in flesh and wrestling with our synapses, our bones, our eternity, our mundane- our humanity. I see how Jesus came to us in the flesh, and he spent years being among us, talking, healing, holding, and teaching us before accomplishing his heavenly purposes.

"He provides rest to those He loves." -Psalm 127:2b is one of my favorite verses because it highlights the heart of God to care for us in every need. Nothing is too mundane or simple to Him, and I seek to embody that in my work. Whether that is being there through labor or helping keep mom's water bottle filled on her nightstand after birth. I am committed to bringing compassionate and tender care to my client's needs in childbearing.

WHY "BRIGHT POPPIES"?:

I chose the name Bright Poppies, because, for anyone who has walked through trauma, there is such hope in seeing new life (like a vibrant poppy flower) grow on the ashes of what's been endured. Poppies have been a symbol of rest for thousands of years. That's my vision, to help families establish rest, find their renewal, and cultivate the deep work of rebirth into becoming mom or dad to this new baby. A mother well cared for can impact generations.

NEURODIVERGENT MOTHERHOOD:

I also emphasize neurodivergent maternal care. I was raised in a neurodiverse family, and my own family holds ADHD, and some other flavors we have yet to diagnose. The ND world is an entire culture living within our community, often toting noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, a barrage of appointments and therapies on the calendar, many mothers with neurodiversity have no one to talk to about the unique struggles of parenting they face. I can help you navigate the journey through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum while building an inclusive experience that acknowledges and supports your specific needs.

ACES & TRAUMA-AFFECTED BIRTH:

I am a trauma-informed doula, and I offer a safe space for mothers carrying trauma from childhood, SA, DV, or other ACES experiences. I understand the devastating scars those experiences can bring to your fertility journey. Your story is welcome with me, and I would be honored to companion you in the process of bringing new life into the world. Fertility to postpartum, I can sit with you and we can find hope together for the life you want to give your baby. We can stay connected through baby's first year as well to walk through parenting challenges and triggers.