Birth Doula & Childbirth Educator, certified Body Ready Method pro®

Erika (She/Her)

I am so happy that you have found our site. I am a registered nurse, DONA-certified birth doula, certified BRM pro®, and a mom of two littles. I am 41 years old and had my children later in life and close together. Because I was AMA, I was induced. I had a three-day labor and ended up with a c-section, even though I took hypnobirthing and felt like I had all the tools necessary for a vaginal birth. Delivering at the hospital where I worked made me feel like I had to be a “good patient.” I know I was provided great medical care, but I regret not having a doula by my side. I wonder what might have been different.

My second, Andrew, was born at the height of the pandemic, which was scary, isolating, and a perfect storm for postpartum depression and anxiety. My birth experiences have made me more driven to help parents achieve better mental health support and advocacy.

My children are the lights of my life, but my work in women’s health has become my passion. With so much happening in healthcare due to the pandemic, I have decided to use my education, skill, and experience in a way in which I can fully serve and support the birthing population working as a doula.

I have 10+ years of labor and delivery nursing experience working on a high-risk unit. I have worked with multiples, preterm deliveries, pre-eclampsia, VBACs, and other unexpected pregnancy-related situations. Although no one expects these things to arise, just know that you will have my full support no matter what you encounter during your pregnancy and birth experience.

I am board certified in Perinatal Mental Health and am currently pursuing a degree to become a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with the intention of providing mental health services to the birthing population. I understand the emotional support the pregnant and postpartum population require, and I thrive on providing holistic care as a doula.

I want you to feel prepared and empowered through your birth experience as well as comfort in knowing that your voice will be heard and that I will be there to advocate for your birth wishes. I am so excited to connect with you and support you and the birth of your beautiful baby.

- Erika -

• Body Ready Method Pro

• DONA Birth Doula

• CAPPA Childbirth Educator

• Masters Prepared Nurse certified as a Clinical Nurse Leader

• Inpatient Obstetrics Certification

• Perinatal Mental Health Certification

• Spinning Babies Practitioner Awareness Training

• Birth Monopoly Member

• Postpartum Support International - Illinois Chapter, Board of Directors

• Currently in extensive training for Body Ready Method

• ICAN of Chicago member

• Registered Nurse