Doula Deja
About Me
My Story
I have been passionate about childbirth since I was 14. I graduated high school and attended college with the intention to become a nurse midwife. It was quickly clear to me that the role of a care provider at a hospital, bears little resemblance to the care I longed to provide a couple in labor. It was my dream to be able to be fully present one to one with a laboring couple. To provide the intimacy of care that I believe is invaluable. I completed my Associates Degree and stepped out into the working world. My plan was to work and save and pursue a homebirth midwifery license. But my passion for birth was not being fulfilled in the meantime.
It was in 2009 that I discovered the world of doulas. Here was an opportunity to stay connected to my passion while working to save for my future as a midwife. I began working toward certification and attended my first birth in 2010 (the little girl born that day was the flower girl at my wedding). I completed my certification in 2012.
As I worked as a doula, I found myself spending a lot of my time with clients teaching. Helping them navigate the wide world of information to find what was evidence based and important to them. I decided to make it official and pursued certification as a childbirth educator. I completed that certification in 2020.
I still work full time for a tech company. I work with wonderful, supportive people who know that I attend births and love it.
I take only a few birth doula clients birth per year so I that I can spend my time and energy giving each couple my full attention. I also provide private childbirth education for those looking to learn even if they're not sure if they want a doula present.
Other Places to Find Me
The Birth Companions
I'm a founding member of this amazing Mentorship Based Doula Agency.
You can learn more about us at www.thebirthcompanions.com
Your Birth Bestie Podcast
Beth Connor and I sat down and discussed empowering hospital birth.
You can hear me share my philosophy on birth and choice on episode 49 from 2/27/2024.
Blossom Birth & Family
I serve on the Board of this amazing organization that works to offer high quality resources and classes to expecting families in the SF Bay Area.
You can learn more about them at www.blossombirthandfamily.org.
Training
Doulas of North America (DONA)
Certified Birth Doula since 2012
I am also certified in the following doula-specialties:
Spinning Babies for pregnancy and birth.
Pelvic Biomechanics for birth.
TENS Use during labor.
Rebozo use prenatally, during labor, and postpartum.
Acupressure for postpartum care.
International Childbirth Education Association
Certified Childbirth Educator since 2020
I have also spent time teaching subjects as varied as junior gymnastics and high school sex education.