About Me

My name is Jen. I was born and raised on a farm in country New South Wales within a large family. Since I can remember, I have always loved babies and children and started caring for them at a young age.

I am passionate about positive pregnancy and empowering birth experiences, and how these directly affect the way a mother feels about her child, how the child feels about himself and how this shapes family dynamics. I am an advocate of conscious parenting and believe that the way a child is cared for shapes his emotional development for life; I believe children need to feel wanted and loved, right from conception.

After hiring a doula for the birth of our first baby, I developed a real understanding of the positives a doula can bring through her support of a woman and her family. I went on to have the same doula at the birth of our second baby, and again experienced a calm and positive experience.

My ultimate dream is for every woman to feel respected and revered in her birthing space, empowering her to make choices that are right for her and create a positive birthing experience.

I am a Certified Doula with Childbirth International, and continue to update my skills and knowledge as I support women and their families. At present, I am in my second year of midwifery training at the University of Canberra.

Studying midwifery has given many benefits to my doula work; I am learning much about the complexities of pregnancy and birth and how we can help women have positive experiences. I have also been given many opportunities to build rapport with birth professionals, work in varied birth settings across Canberra and get a  first-hand view of the maternity system from the "other side".
 
I keep up-to-date with all things pregnancy and birth, through my midwifery study, being a member of trusted organisations such as Australian College of Midwives, Australian Society of Independent Midwives, Maternity Coalition, Birth International and Childbirth International, and doing my own reviews of evidence-based research. I also believe connecting regularly with other doulas and birth professionals brings much to the ways a doula provides support, and I do so regularly with those  working in and around Canberra.

I am married to a wonderful, supportive man who understands my passion to help women and families through welcoming a baby. We have lived in Canberra since 2006 and have two daughters - three years old and seven months old, both birthed in Canberra. My husband and I are both ex-armed forces, so I have a special appreciation for families who experience the absence of a partner or parent to accommodate exercises, courses and overseas postings.

If you would like to discuss how I can support you and your family through the journey of welcoming a baby, please contact me.