At my kindergarten orientation the teacher asked us what we dreamed of being when we grew up and my hand shot up as I proudly told her, “a doctor that takes out babies!” The whole class and the parents all laughed, but I have never lost my love and fascination for birth.

In 2019 our daughter, Irene Marigold Slonaker was born. I’ll spare you the details, but I needed a LOT of support as a new mom living 8 hours from any friends or family and with a hard working husband off managing his farm all the time. My doula was there every step of the way. In many ways, she ensured that my daughter and I got off to a good start on this journey we are on together.

I have learned over the years that birth does not always go the way we hope, but quality support from providers who are respectful and compassionate ensure every birth is an opportunity for empowerment. That is my goal: to empower mothers and families to have the most gentle start possible.

In 2020, I became a certified birth doula and I have been blessed to support many families in that role and as a student midwife/birth assistant.