Hey there Mama,
I’m so happy you have found your way over to Rise, Mama! Doula Services. My name is Justine and I am the doula here at Rise, Mama! Read on to learn a little more about me. If you decide to hire me as your doula, you will become a part of the Rise, Mama! family. I’m so excited to welcome you!
I strongly believe that every woman can be empowered to experience pregnancy and birth as what is it meant to be: a transformative, empowering, awe-inspiring time. Whether that means a homebirth in the water, or a cesarean section in a sterile operating room. Empowerment comes through information and informed consent, as well as having an unwavering support system in place. As your doula, I act as the guardian of that support system, as well as your anchor to the here and now. We will work together to make sure you have considered all the options available to you, made choices you feel good about and that we have considered contingencies in case birth turns out differently from what we had hoped (babies can have a mind of their own!). Whatever your birth ends up looking like, I will be by your side.
When you decide to hire me, you hire a confidant; someone who will cheer you on, be in your corner -come what may, and with an unshakable belief that your experience throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum can be one where you felt well informed, empowered and supported, unconditionally.
Read on to learn a little more about me.
I was born and raised in The Netherlands, which is where the first part of my life took place. It is where I met my husband, where we got married and it is also where my first two children were born.
After I graduated high school, I went on to study Social Work, majoring in Pedagogics. What’s that? I studied and trained as a parental coach; to support them as they navigate any and all questions and situations parenting a child brings about. From newborns to teenagers, Pedagogics covers it all. And while Pedagogics focuses on more than just parents (it also looks to grandparents, community, schools, extracurricular activity providers, etc.), my specialty has always been supporting those directly involved in raising the child on a day-to-day basis. I have worked with homeless teen moms as well as grandparents raising their grandchildren. After I received my bachelor’s degree in Social Work, I went on to also receive my bachelor’s degree in secondary education. I worked as an educator and guidance counselor at a trade school in The Netherlands. I dearly loved my work and my students. However, in 2018, my husband and I found our dreams had outgrown our tiny country. And so, we moved from The Netherlands to Southern Oregon, where a new chapter of life began.
The experiences I had during my third pregnancy and birth, and the wonderful support I received from my midwife, have moved me to become a doula. I firmly believe every woman not only deserves, but needs to be unconditionally supported during this time in her life. The kind of support I wish I had had during my first two births. Doulas can bring that support into your birthing experience.
The transformation that takes place in every woman, though it may look different for everyone. And to a degree, it also takes place in those closest to her. I experienced it myself with every pregnancy and birth, and I have witnessed it countless times. Even with the most amazing support system, there is something extra that a doula brings to the table, that I consider to be unique. When a support system is lacking, for whatever reason, I believe a doula is critical.
As doulas, we are able to guide the mother and her family, should there be a need. Doulas offer unconditional emotional support. We can act as educators to the parents, make sure you are well informed of all the options- even ones you didn’t know you have. We support you physically by teaching and practicing positions to use during labor and delivery, so that they may become second nature to you. Because of our experience, we remain a calming presence throughout your labor and delivery. Because our own beliefs and convictions are not a factor in your birth experience, and because we leave ours at the door, we can focus on you and yours and how they will influence what is to come.
When you are ready, send me a message here, and we will set up your complimentary consultation.