I've had the pleasure of helping couples prepare for their births for 13 years as an instructor of The Bradley Method. ®
My husband, Justin, and I took The Bradley Method ® classes when I was pregnant with our first child. Before becoming pregnant, I assumed I'd have a medicated birth just because, well, everyone says that is what you do unless you are crazy. As I began to seek out the best care for the arrival of our son, however, I realized that not only was a natural birth going to be the safest for both him and me, but that I could, in fact, give birth. The classes we attended provided us with the knowledge, practice, and preparation needed to have an amazingly beautiful birth. We greeted our son, William, on Mother's Day, May 11, 2008. Giving birth was the hardest work I've ever done, but also the most elating moment of my life. My mother, who witnessed my labor and birth, said she felt like she was intruding on one of the most intimate times between a husband and wife. The experience truly was a joint effort, as Justin supported and encouraged me every step of the way.
On April 8, 2010, we welcomed our daughter, Vera, to our family in another great birth. After my daughter's birth we became birth instructors. Our first two children were born at home.
On Sept. 29, 2012 we welcomed our son, Silas, to the family in an adventurous, unexpected car birth. (We had planned a hospital birth this time... but didn't make it there!)
On April 1, 2015 we welcomed our son, Patrick, in our first hospital birth. It was a wonderful, smooth experience.
And last, on October 9, 2017, we welcomed Daniel to the family in what was a long labor with a quick ending... in the hospital elevator! Each of these unmedicated births have taught me more about how unique each labor is, but how the preparation I gained through The Bradley Method ® is effective through all the variations.
Justin works at Chick-fil-A headquarters and the kids adore playing fun games with Daddy when he gets home. In addition to teaching birth classes, I also homeschool some of our children. I try to find a spare moment to draw and paint when I'm not being climbed on by our lively, fun-loving children.
I hope to meet and get to know you soon!