Parenting and Birth Education

• Education

  • M.Ed in Education, Boston University

  • Certificate in WellCoaching, WellCoaches®

  • Certified Childbirth Educator, BACE

  • Doula Training, DONA

• Work Background

  • Parenting and Birth Education, Birth, Breastfeeding and Parenting classes, Parent Support, Parent Coaching, 2003-Present

  • MIT, Birth, Breastfeeding and Parenting classes and Parent Support, 2000-Present

  • Doula (semi retired) with over ten years of experience attending births

  • MIT Lincoln Labs Parent Support Group Facilitator, 2010-Present

• Customers

  • All parents, parents to be, adoptive parents, grandparents and others interested in Learning more about birth, breastfeeding and parenting

• Why we do this?

  • When I had my first baby, I studied and prepared as best I could for a positive birth and breastfeeding/postpartum journey. I attended a hospital based childbirth class based on my practitioner’s recommendation. I even planned to take my notes to my birth! While overall things went ‘well’, I was left with deep gaps in my knowledge and care along with a lack of true support or even knowing what support I needed and how to find it. As a Health professional/educator, I knew I would breastfeed but was shocked to see what a learning curve existed and how much time this crucial life experience took.

  • In order to fill the gaps of thorough, evidence based and continuously updated information and provide the best possible classes and support to empower parents and others to be supported in their journey, I immediately changed my focus to perinatal health and started my additional training in breastfeeding and childbirth education as well as doula care. I found the most detailed/thorough course I could which involved two. years of study/testing and many hours of hands on training. My training and philosophy always emphasizes evidence based care (updated regularly for any changes/new evidence) and freedom of choice. Studies are completed all the time but it is difficult for our health care system to quickly update their practices based on the new information. I seek to fill this gap.

  • I have helped thousands of women, families and others from all over the world. I continue to learn and grow my knowledge and never never get bored helping folks through these pivotal life transitions which are a foundation for parent and child lifelong health. It is my honor to serve all who find me!

Experience

Over twenty years of child birth class and other teaching and parent support at MIT and MIT Lincoln Labs