I love people. I love serving people. I can serve others through massage therapy and I can serve others through teaching yoga, but my very favorite way-- the thing that gets me truly fired up-- is through the time around childbirth. Women are strong and I never get tired of seeing it in real life.
I’ve always known I wanted to catch babies. I considered other fields. I even went to school for a couple other certifications. But I just couldn’t resist birth. It is truly awesome. Have you ever seen a birth? Was the mother supported and cheered on? Were her wishes respected? Was she glowing? If you think that’s just a silly phrase, you need to come talk to me.
Women in labor... women while they’re pushing... women becoming “mama”... women holding their brand new baby for the first time... They. Are. Radiant.
Sure, they’re tired. Ready to be done with their task and just rest. Birth is tough stuff. But so are women. The female body is remarkable. To do everything from conception to delivery (and beyond), even when they think they can’t make it any longer, then forging on because the journey is not over-- it’s seriously inspiring.
I have my (many) opinions which are based on first-hand experience of attending women as they give birth as well as the experiences of others, but obviously we don’t all agree on every detail. So besides fighting for healthy mothers and babies, I fight for women to have options. Too often in our society, birth is treated differently than every other healthcare specialty; the autonomy that we have in any other condition disappears! If we have cancer, the oncologist doesn’t tell us that we’re going to have chemo, radiation, surgery, etc. We are presented with the options and the advice of said doctor. If they tried to force us to receive those treatments, we would be shocked and fight for our autonomy. This is true of all other conditions, too-- except pregnancy! Suddenly, choices are not presented and we’re riding along the conveyor belt of the American birthing routine. What’s the result?
We’re afraid of birth.
Why are we afraid of our own body? Why don’t we get excited about the transformative challenge of birth? Whether you choose home or hospital, breast or bottle, co-sleeping or crib, I want women to know which choices are available to them and that they are sovereign of their own body.
Don’t get me wrong. There are some absolutely fantastic doctors and hospitals out there. But our country as a whole has a long list of ways to improve. Here’s the good news: Americans are educating themselves about birth. They’re speaking up for themselves. They’re forcing protocols to be updated. They’re demanding respect. We’re moving forward. Safe, respectful service is my passion. (Can you tell?)
Shifting gears, to add to the healthy habits of pregnant moms as well as everyone else (men and women), I seriously value massage therapy and yoga. They are tools that every person can benefit from because they are customizable to the individual, their capabilities, and their goals.
Massage has many applications, from pain relief to insomnia to PTSD to inflammation to infertility. Each visit can shift to focus on whatever is going on that day. In a session with me, you can choose from Mercier Therapy, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, or a unique session I create based on your therapy needs. This may also include Trigger Point Therapy, British Sports Therapy, Active Isolated Stretching, Thai Massage, CranioSacral Technique, and Orthopedic Massage. Plus, you may add aromatherapy to any session!
Yoga is also versatile in its uses and benefits! Everyone can participate, no matter their fitness level. Practicing regularly improves your general state-of-mind, memory, focus, and physical body-- as well as helping you meditate on any religious beliefs you may have. There’s a style for every person.
No matter where you are in your journey, wherever life has taken you, if I can help, please let me know. Even if you just need someone to sit and listen. God loves me and He loves you, too. Always. 💛
