Hi! I’m Jackie, and I’m honored to be considered as your birth doula!
In 2018, my husband and I moved from Virginia to Dallas, Texas seeking a change of scenery and an opportunity for career and personal growth. Little did I know that this time in Texas would introduce me to a world of supportive, empowering, holistically-minded birth professionals who shaped not only the way I wanted to birth my own babies, but also the trajectory of my career.
Prior to our move, I worked as an elementary teacher and yoga instructor. I have always been passionate about educating and helping others, whether they be children or adults, and inspiring those around me to strive for physical and spiritual wellness.
While pregnant with my first baby, I dove deep into the biology of pregnancy. I pored over books and blogs alike, in absolute awe of the female body’s ability to create, sustain, and nurture a human life. I drove my husband crazy with an endless supply of ‘fun facts’; I just couldn’t get enough!
I was equally passionate about bringing my baby earth-side as naturally as possible. I immersed myself in literature about everything from the toxins in my shampoo to the multitude of cord-clamping options. Armed with more knowledge than I’d ever known possible and an incredible support team, I was able to have the unmedicated, birth center birth I’d envisioned (well, almost…nothing ever goes quite to plan!). More importantly, I entered motherhood feeling strong, empowered, and held.
My experience with pregnancy and childbirth ignited a flame in me. I immediately signed up for a doula training workshop and began immersing myself in the local birth community. Now that we have moved back to our roots in Philly, I cannot wait to dive in and share the doula love with my East Coast fams, bringing with me all the knowledge, passion, and skills I’ve learned thus far.
I am forever hooked on all things birth and motherhood, and I would love to share my experience with you, in hopes that I can help you feel as powerful, confident, and prepared as possible on this beautiful birth journey.
Background + Training
I am a Certified Doula with DONA International, the world’s leading doula certifying organization, as well as a Certified VBAC Doula with The VBAC Link. Additionally, I am a certified 200-hour and prenatal yoga instructor. I love helping my clients integrate pregnancy-safe stretches and exercises into their birth prep to help ease aches and pains and prepare the body for the marathon that is labor.
In my past life, I obtained a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Masters in Education before spending several years in the classroom. My background in both of these areas translates into my doula work in my interactions with families and medical staff. I believe that putting in the work to be mentally and emotionally prepared for birth and parenthood is equally, if not more important than the physical prep. Depending on your preferences, this may include studying hypnobirthing, practicing affirmations and soothing visualizations, meditating, learning effective breathing techniques, or simply arming yourself with information for any obstacles that may arise. My job, of course, is to coach you in all of the above.