I started working with children in 2007 when I landed my first job in a childcare center. I fell in love with child development and in 2012 I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. That same year, my high school best friend had her first baby. I went to stay with her afterward, offering to help care for baby, and provide comfort measures for her. It was a very fulfilling time in my life, and one I look back on with fondness.

I started working for a family as their nanny and I loved being in the home, not just caring for baby’s needs, but providing help where I could and supporting the whole family unit. I did this for several years until the adoption of our first child. We went on to adopt two more children and had our first biological child in 2017. It wasn’t until I was pregnant that I had ever even heard the term “doula”. Even at that time, I had only known about birthing doulas.

It wasn’t until 2020 and the height of the pandemic that I had learned about postpartum doulas, and the vital role they played in supporting families in what is referred to as the 4th trimester. I instantly knew that this was a career for me, and that all those years ago when I did this for my friend I had taken on the role of a postpartum doula. The attachment between a mother and a baby is truly a beautiful and fascinating bond. It can also be a challenging time physically, mentally, and emotionally. Often times we just need someone there that understands all of this and can step in to offer care when we don’t know how to ask (or have the energy to ask) for what we need.