"A do-what?"
I have always been drawn to babies. Since I was a child I have dreamt of being a "baby nurse." I had attended a couple of my friend's births and became awe struck by the wonder of birth. Then I had two children of my own and experienced the joy of becoming a mother and the hard work of labor, naturally and c-section.
In December of 2015 my sister-in-law allowed me to be in the delivery room while she labored with my nephew. I assisted her in ways that came naturally to me. Her mother noticed and complimented me. I explained to her that I always wanted to work in Labor and Delivery, even went to school for nursing, but due to some life circumstances I had to do something else. The nurse was completing her routine check at this time. She told me to look into being a Doula. My response was honestly "A do- what?" She said "A Doula does exactly what you have been doing without the extensive schooling." I went home, researched and decided to attend Childbirth International (CBI). From there "Birth Affirmations" was birthed in August 2016.
My Training
Certified Birth Doula (CBD)
Completed: 17 August 2018
Peer Lactation Consultant
Completed: May 2022
Comprehensive Postpartum Expert
Completed: May 2022
Spinning Babies- Shoulder Dystocia
Completed: 30 July 2022
Womanhood Watchman
18 February 2023: Birth Affirmations changed to… Womanhood Watchman.
Why Womanhood Watchman?
In the Strong’s concordance “watchman” is H6822. The definition: “a primitive root; properly, to lean forward, i.e. to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await:-- behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch(-man).”
As a doula, with a desire and 10 year goal to become a traditional midwife, that is exactly what I do… observe, wait and keep the watch. While I am a certified birth and postpartum doula I recognize the importance of every stage of womanhood from childhood and the beginning of cycles all the way to menopause.
If/when I see things that are potential dangers to women it is my responsibility to sound the alarm. If I don’t I would be walking in disobedience.
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17 NKJV
“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” Ezekiel 33:6 NKJV
Daily, I see how teenage girls are clueless about their bodies; especially cycle health. Even those of us who do know our bodies may not have an appreciation for how intricately God created our bodies to cycle. I know it was not something I appreciated until the last year of having my cycle. Now, I honestly miss it.
As a woman who has recently been thrown into full blown menopause due to a hysterectomy I am learning so much about menopause and hormones. While I am still navigating these uncharted waters I am willing to share all that I learn along the way. And support anyone else in this stage of their womanhood.
I’m a women’s health advocate.
I will share evidence based information so that women can make informed and confident decisions about their health and healthcare procedures.
I am not a medical professional. Any information I share is not medical advice and is only for educational purposes. I can not diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. You alone are responsible for any actions you take for your emotional, physical, mental or spiritual health with the information I provide.
God has knitted us fearfully and wonderfully in our mother’s womb. Our bodies are intricately created. I strive to always measure all information by the truth of God’s word, the Bible. The Word created all things with a purpose and asking His will and seeking Him for His design is my goal.