FiLumena Birth was born (see what I did there?) after much prayer and after attending the beautiful birth of my friend's son who was born into Heaven before he was born into her arms. I felt what I can only describe as a calling to love women through the births and sometimes the goodbyes of their babies.  

 

I believe very strongly that no woman should be denied the loving and supportive prescence of a doula based on income or circumstance. For this reason, I am willing to work with families and moms so that their needs can be met.  It is also why I will never charge for bereavement births. My ability to support mothers and families during their most private and difficult moments is made possible by the generous gifts of others. 

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I have a deep reverence for and always welcome the chance to support new parents and first time mothers as they learn about how amazing their bodies are! A woman's first pregnancy and delivery so often influence her approach and attitude towards birth and growing a family, and I work hard to guard and hold space for mom and dad as they learn together what they are capable of. Offering information, encouragement, education, and hands-on support to new parents is such a privilege! 

 

I have a special place in my heart for those births that other doulas may shy away from: high risk, NICU-transfer, difficult or fatal diagnosis, and those circumstances some doulas avoid: low income families, single mothers, teen moms, homeless mothers, military wives, and victims of trauma or sexual abuse. 

 

I consider being a doula to be more than a "job." It is a calling, my ministry. As a faithful Catholic I am uncompromisingly prolife and "whole life."  I believe that each mother, each father, and each child has a God-given dignity that is not contingent upon any other factor. This dignity is sacred and paramount and I see part of my role in any birth I attend as safeguarding, upholding, and defending the dignity of mother, baby, and family.  My faith also impacts my perspectives on fertility care.  I have a wealth of information and years of experience with fertility care, NFP, and various methods of natural pregnancy spacing and natural pregnancy acheivement. I am more than happy to provide you with information regarding fertility care and management at your request.  

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Whatever your situation, whatever trimester you are in, whatever the circumstances of your upcoming birth, I would be honored to serve you.

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FiLumena Birth is named after St. Philomena, an early Christian martyr who was given the title "Thaumaturga" or "powerful with God."  I ask for her intercession at every birth I attend and sometimes refer to her as "the invisible doula" who attends births with me. 

 

I feel I should note that while my faith has played an obvious part in my journey into birth work, in no way do I expect or mandate that my clients share my faith. You can be sure that as your doula, I will respect YOU and your own faith traditions, beliefs, or practices.