What inspired you to become a doula, and what continues to motivate you in this work?

What inspired me to become a doula really started with seeing and experiencing how powerful (and vulnerable) birth and postpartum can be. I realized how much a parent’s experience is shaped by the support around her and how often women are left feeling unseen, unheard, or unsure in such a pivotal moment of their lives. I felt called to be someone who could change that. To bring calm, reassurance, and empowerment into a space that deserves to feel safe and supported.

What continues to motivate me is the deep honor of being invited into such intimate, transformative seasons. Every family, every birth, and every postpartum journey is different. I never take for granted the trust that’s placed in me. Supporting someone as they step into parenthood, helping them find their strength (and their voice), and witnessing those first moments of connection… that’s what keeps me grounded and passionate about this work.

How would you describe your approach to supporting families during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum?

My approach is centered on meeting each family exactly where they are, without judgment or agenda. I believe support should feel safe, steady, and deeply personalized… not one-size-fits-all. During pregnancy, I focus on education, helping families feel informed and confident in their choices and emotional support, reminding them of their strength and wisdom. 

In birth, I bring a calm, grounded presence, offering emotional support, physical comfort, and gentle guidance while protecting the space so they can stay connected to their instincts and birthing goals with informed consent and shared decision making being in the forefront of their care. 

Postpartum, I shift into nurturing care, holding space for recovery, processing, and adjustment while making sure no one feels alone in those early days. 

At the heart of it, I see my role as someone who helps families feel seen, heard, and supported so they can move through this experience feeling empowered, respected, and truly cared for.

What is one memorable birth or client experience that reminds you why you love being a doula?

One experience that always stays with me was supporting a mother who came into her birth carrying a lot of fear and doubt, especially after a previous difficult experience. Throughout pregnancy, we spent a lot of time building trust in her body and helping her feel more prepared and supported. During labor, there was a moment where everything shifted. She went from looking to everyone else for reassurance to completely turning inward. You could see her step into her power in real time. The room got quiet, she found her rhythm, and she did it on her terms, in her strength.

Afterward, she said, “I didn’t think I could do that, but I did.” That moment gets me every time. It wasn’t just about the birth, it was about her reclaiming confidence in herself. That’s why I love this work. Being part of those moments where someone realizes how strong they are, and knowing they’ll carry that with them into motherhood and beyond, is something I’ll never stop being grateful for.

What is one thing you wish every expecting parent knew before going into labor or postpartum recovery?

I wish every expecting parent knew that how you feel during and after this experience matters just as much as what happens medically. Birth and postpartum aren’t just physical events, they’re deeply emotional and transformative and you deserve to feel supported, respected, and heard every step of the way.

You don’t have to just “get through it.” You’re allowed to ask questions, take up space, change your mind, and advocate for what feels right for you. And in postpartum, you’re not meant to do it all alone…healing, adjusting, and caring for a newborn takes real support.

If there’s one thing I’d want every parent to carry with them, it’s this: you deserve care, too.

When you're not supporting families, what do you enjoy doing in your personal time?

When I am not supporting families, I am spending time with my three kids and husband. Two of our kiddos are in club/travel soccer and the third is a cheerleader and dancer in high school, so we are always on the go and in sports mode! I also have a strong passion for sports photography, so when I’m not documenting births, you’ll likely find me at youth and middle/high school sporting events with camera in hand :)

I come to you as a doula of over 14 years and proud owner of Statesville Doula & Lactation based out of Cornelius, NC. As a certified birth and postpartum doula, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), placenta encapsulation specialist, and birth photographer, I serve families in the greater Charlotte and Lake Norman areas of NC within a 60-mile radius of Cornelius. To schedule a free discovery call, please visit www.thestatesvilledoula.com or find me on IG and FB at @statesvilledoulaandlactation. I look forward to meeting you!