As a student nurse, I had the opportunity to witness birth(s) in a role that was very similar to birthkeeping. I had clinical rotations in L&D, postpartum & NICU. Loved it. Begged for and obtained a job in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) before I graduated. The hospital closed right after I graduated & I headed into medical-surgical nursing. I worked in Oncology & Pulmonary Step-Down, which was mostly comprised of patients being sustained on life support. My experience was on the opposite spectrum of birth. Death & loss became the norm. Later in my career, I became a NICU Care Manager. I spent years in this position, which unexpected linked me back into the path I was meant to travel.

Becoming a doula, more recently, was a step back to familiarity & wholeness. All my lived experiences led me to this space of just being. I feel a rush of nostalgia when I spend time with my clients. That familiar sense of community I experienced in my younger years has returned. I get to witness the transformation that comes with parenthood. I support the balancing of parenthood & individuality. I live a completely different life & the best thing about it, I created it. Wait, that’s the second-best thing. The greatest thing EVER is I do not work for anydamnbody. Noboooody babyyyyy. On my way home from a birth, I fight the urge to do cartwheels out of the hospital. No more memorizing policies & procedures. No nurse admin breathing down my neck (iykyk) AND no more missing out on my children’s accomplishments & happy moments. I feel so free, so limitless, it has completely made me one of the most annoyingly happy people you will meet, unless if I am hungry.

Wishing my labor of love, Birth & Beyond, NYC, the happiest birthday. You have brought me so much joy, healing & genuine connections. Happy anniversary to my fellow birthkeepers that started their journey with me. Cheers to us <3