Empathetic Doula Services: Navigating Birth Journeys From a Mom Who’s Been There
Hello friend! I’m so glad you’re here.
I'm Faye, a certified doula dedicated to supporting moms on their special journeys in the Henry County area. My focus is on high-risk births, those involving NICU stays, and trauma-informed care. I'm truly passionate about promoting births without unnecessary trauma. I want to help mother’s achieve the best birth they possibly can!
Currently, my mission is to provide compassionate support to mothers and their partners on complex journeys, ensuring they have a positive and empowering birth experience. I believe that birth is a transformative experience, and a mother's journey is absolutely essential. Let's work together to make your birthing journey the best it can be!
About Faye
It's truly amazing to reflect on my journey, especially considering that as early as 2017, I was sharing birth content on social media without realizing it would become my passion! When I unexpectedly found out about my pregnancy in 2021, it was a whirlwind of emotions. The idea of being pregnant was initially overwhelming, as I had staunchly been childfree most of my life. Being a researcher at heart, I delved into learning everything I could.
I went from wanting a cesarean to knowing a home birth was right for me, however, our birth center was more in our realm of finances. I attended the required orientation and learned that I needed to see an obstetrician for blood work before starting my care. Desperate to move forward, I scheduled an appointment with the first available office when I was around 17 weeks pregnant.
During that appointment, my son was diagnosed with a rare defect known as gastroschisis—an abdominal wall defect where the intestines protrude through an opening in the abdomen, with no known cause. I was informed that a cesarean section was necessary. My plans for a natural or birthing center birth were shattered and I was devastated. I collapsed in the parking lot asking my husband how could this happen? Weekly doctor visits, exacerbated by my white coat anxiety, became part of the new routine, and I faced the impending loss of autonomy. Devastated and terrified, I took a few weeks to process my emotions, ultimately deciding to advocate for a positive birth experience where I still had a say.
I immersed myself in education, delving into all possible decisions, risks, and benefits. I became an expert not only in my own birthing experience but also in understanding my son's rare defect more deeply than some surgeons. In those weeks, I transformed into the advocate and expert for “US.”
“A woman in birth is at once her most powerful, and her most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.”
— Marci Mecari
You deserve a good and empowered birth.
Reclaiming control over my story and autonomy was a pivotal decision for my son and me. Despite the typical gestation for babies with gastroschisis being 30-32 weeks, I delivered him at 37+5 weeks, and he was as perfect as could be. I had a birth that wasn’t completely traumatic. I was induced and maintained my refusals and held my boundaries. I tell you this because “a healthy baby” isn’t all that matters. YOU matter. YOUR birth matters. While the desire for a safe and healthy baby is universal, not every baby's health journey is the same. It's important to recognize that there are ways to enhance your birthing experience and make it more positive. You deserve to have not just any birth but a truly good and empowering one.
My NICU experience with my son was extremely difficult and the idea of leaving him there was something I couldn't fathom. We would stay at the Ronald McDonald House at night but, I spent every waking minute with my son. This experience gave me invaluable knowledge and insight into being in the NICU with an infant. I became aware of so many resources that other parents who were there didn’t even know about. While it's an experience I wouldn't wish upon anyone, the skills and insights I gained have equipped me to help you navigate the NICU and strive for a more positive experience.
Here are a few of my favorite things:
I thrive on coffee
My son is my INSPIRATION
I have a passion for learningI have a Bachelor of Science (Biology) degree and love to research! I love everything outdoors.
I am a HUGE supporter of women doing what THEY feel is best for themselves when informed of the evidence.
My Process
01
InquireSchedule a consultation call to discuss your wants and needs for your pregnancy and birth
02
BookBook me for birth or NICU support, or if you just need to ask some questions, vent, or work through your previous birth, schedule a 1-on-1!
03.
visitWe’ll work together through your pregnancy to set goals and structure mindset for birth.
Interested in a positive birth?
Interested in learning more about positive birth? Schedule a free consultation call, and we’ll share our tools for navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with positivity and confidence.