WHO I AM

I am the third of four children, born in Colombia and raised in a Baha’i family. I moved to the US when I was 13 years old with my parents and younger brother.  I got married at 20 as a student at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, GA and my husband and I now live in Orlando, FL and have three daughters.  Being a mom has been tremendously fulfilling but also challenging (as any mom will tell you)!  I enjoy an active lifestyle and I’m passionate about health and wellness, meeting new people, serving others, and traveling with my family.  I love dancing (especially salsa) with my husband, water sports and baking and gardening with my girls.

WHY I AM A DOULA

I have always been mesmerized by childbirth.  One day many years ago, while my mom was talking to my two older sisters sitting at the kitchen counter, I asked her (out of the blue) if she was pregnant.  Surprised by this question from her three year old daughter, she said “Si!” (“Yes!”) with a gleaming smile.  My sisters thought she was joking.

After we found out it was going to be a baby brother, I asked my Dad to make a countdown calendar for me; I couldn’t wait to become a big sister. I frequently asked my sisters and their teenage friends to read me an encyclopedia-type book on childbirth (with graphic pictures and descriptions) and it quickly became my favorite book around the house.  

I’m following my desire to serve women.  In fact, Doula means woman’s servant in Greek.  My goal is to empower women and their families through pregnancy, childbirth and in the post partum period.  I think women need to feel cared for, supported and loved during this pivotal moment of womanhood.  My goal is not to replace the role of the partner or father in the childbirth process but rather to be part of the birth team.. The doula-client relationship begins several months before baby is due. During this time, the mother is free to ask questions, express concerns and fears and her desires for her birth plan. As a doula, I am an advocate for the mother, helping her fulfill specific desires she may have for her birth in order to have a positive and safe birthing experience regardless of birth location. I provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during and shortly after childbirth. I can provide comfort measures and relaxation techniques, positive affirmations to help the mother during labor and encourage participation from the partner in the process. After birth, I will stay and help the mother with breastfeeding and encourage bonding. It would be my honor to be part of this big day!