I have been doing birth work since 1997, starting with teaching childbirth classes, then adding breastfeeding and doula support. In 2013 I became a DONA approved birth doula trainer. In 2011 I co-founded BirthWell Partners, a community doula project, with Susan Petrus (CD(DONA) and LCCE)
I have lived many places in my life. These past 20 years are the first time I have lived in the same city and same house for more than about 5 years at a time. But my temperament is to settle and nest, to become familiar with my surroundings and gather a support network of friends. So, I have always felt like an outsider, except for a few years when I lived in Israel and felt at home. I believe this, and the fact that I am a Jew/minority, have shaped me. I know what it feels like not to belong, not to know things everyone takes for granted, to feel lost.
I have also always lived in privilege: never unable to have what I needed, or wanted; except for my deep need to have my friends near by. Being financially privileged means that I have always had the luxury to devote myself to work for change; needing to earn a living, but not depending on my income to live.
I believe my life has shaped me to understand some of the social justice issues birth-givers and families are facing, and to also have the time and space to try to do something about it. It has allowed me the luxury of passion.
CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, CLC, MPH, MA