I am the founder of Nurtured Beginnings. When I became a mom in 2017, I was only 19 years old. I was pregnant after the heartbreaking loss of my stillborn baby, carrying not only a child but an overwhelming amount of fear. I had very little education about pregnancy, labor, birth, or caring for a newborn. I didn’t know what my options were, what questions to ask, or that I even had choices. Looking back, I realize how alone I felt. I wasn’t just scared because I was a first-time mom—I was grieving, trying to trust my body again, and hoping someone would take the time to help me understand what was happening. Instead, I often felt like just another patient moving through the system.

A few years later, my daughter arrived five weeks early after weeks of trying to keep her safely inside. Watching the medical team work quickly to care for my premature baby was something I’ll always be grateful for. In those moments, every second mattered. While everyone was focused on my baby, I couldn’t help but feel invisible.

That experience taught me something I’ll never forget; when a baby needs extra medical attention, they absolutely deserve a team of skilled professionals focused on their wellbeing. That, however, does not change the fact that the mother still deserves someone whose focus is entirely on her.

Someone to remind her that her fears are valid.

Someone to explain what’s happening when everything feels like it’s moving too fast.

Someone to protect her voice, support her decisions, and help her feel confident—not powerless.

That’s what a being doula means to me.

My goal isn’t to replace your medical team. They are there to care for your health and your baby’s health.

My role is to care for you. To remind you that your voice matters, your questions deserve answers, and that your choices deserve respect. You should never have to navigate one of life’s biggest moments feeling alone.

Every birth story deserves more than excellent medical care. It deserves compassionate support, too.