My name is Shelli, I live in Dumfries, Virginia, and I’m a mom of two lovely little girls. I’m married to my high school best friend, and we relocated from Monterey, California in 2004.
My entire life I have studied nursing and allied health professions, starting by reading my mother’s nursing school texts in 2nd grade. I’ve always known I wanted to be not only a mother, but to be a part of facilitating that for other women. Throughout my lifetime I’ve searched for that just right place for me in labor and delivery. An L&D nurse and hospital midwife was quickly ruled out due to my philosophical differences from insurance oversight. At one point I went to college for Medical Administration and Assisting, but never found a home for myself in the field. Home birth midwife sounded fantastic, but we won’t live in one state indefinitely and it’s not legal everywhere yet, plus the insurance is tremendous! I considered becoming an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, but something didn’t quite feel right.
Then I realized, throughout my adult life, I have been blessed to be invited in to support many women during their labors because of the bond with them I had and knowledge I carried. My first being when I was just 18, with a good friend who was in her senior year of high school. I sat with her for a week of prodromal labor, I stayed with her through an induction, and I watched as this young girl was able to stay in the proper mindset, breathing properly even while sleeping, all thanks to the preparation she had done through her pregnancy. I learned then the power of support and preparation on the outcome of labor. Since then, I have been blessed to be at many births, including the birth of my oldest who is adopted, and have learned many things from every family.
In looking back at these opportunities, I realized that all along I’ve been an accidental doula. In April 2010, I decided to be an intentional doula, and do my best to bring thoughtful, supported, and informed birth choices to the women and families of Prince William County and the surrounding areas.
