My passion for teaching started young
I didn’t always know I wanted to be a birth coach. In fact, I didn’t know this was even an option until I was in my 20s. But when I look back on my life, it’s so easy to see birth is where I belong.
I have always loved learning. As a child, I was a voracious reader and my imagination was unstoppable. I’ve got ADHD so I’ve wanted to be a million different things in my life, but my first memory of what I wanted to be when I grew up was when I was five. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher.
But even at the tender age of five, I knew I wanted to do it in a special way. I spent all my time coming up with my own imaginary classroom. I had a room full of students (who I named and gave traits and hobbies) that I faithfully created custom curriculum for. I believed that everyone was unique and needed an individual learning plan.
If we change birth, we can change the world
I’ve held many jobs that helped me become a better birth coach, including being a Montessori teacher’s assistant. My love for individualized learning was honed in this space. I was fascinated by how motivated children are to learn when they’re able to choose their own path. And I was curious how that could be applied to adult learning. It shapes how I practice.
It was also in the Montessori classroom that I came to believe that if we changed the way we shape people, we could change the world. I saw children being loved and nurtured in ways that were so counterintuitive to everything I’d been raised with and seen culturally. And I watched as older kids who had been in Montessori for years were geared towards solving problems, building community and changing the world. It inspired me to build those philosophies into my own home and life. I have always wanted to change the world. What better place to start than the very beginning of life?
We all have a vested interest in changing the world. Birth is important because it affirms our humanity and reminds us that we’re all connected. If you want to make a difference for future generations, examine how you can make a difference for birthing people in your community.
Nerd Culture & Authenticity
Outside of the Montessori classroom, I found my authentic self in the nerd community. I was able to shed the idea of who I thought I was supposed to be (serious and put-together) and embrace my childlike wonder and sense of fun.
I love tons of different aspects of nerd culture, but none of them have captured me the way Dungeons and Dragons has. My experience of playing D&D has always been a healing one. I’ve been able to examine my values and beliefs, grow as a person, become kinder, develop intimate relationships, and have FUN. And running Dungeons and Dragons for my friends gave me so much confidence. I came to believe that I had something unique and valuable to offer families as they prepared for their babies’ births. I had a unique style of DMing that I was able to translate to my work as a birth coach.
I haven’t always known how to bridge these two deep wells of passion that I carry. Picture this…
How is birth like Dungeons and Dragons?
I’m at a retreat for birth workers. We’ve spent days in community, being totally vulnerable and developing intimacy. We’ve explored ways to hold space for our clients. To strengthen the fabric of our society by treating birth as a rite of passage. It’s deep work. It’s spiritual and beautiful.
On the last day, we’re brought to a labyrinth and encouraged to enter it with a question to ponder. Some of my cohorts meditated on how to empower birthing people with knowledge. Others thought about how to enhance their practice with birth art or mindfulness breathing.
It was during this retreat, as I approached the threshold of the labyrinth, that I found myself asking the question “How is birth like Dungeons and Dragons?” I wanted to find the connection between the two things I was most passionate about.
I didn’t find my answer that day, as many who walk the labyrinth know. I’ve pondered that question for years, growing these two passions of mine with the tender touch and abiding love of a gardener. This morning, I realized something. At its core, Dungeons and Dragons is about storytelling. And I believe that much like a good birth, a good story can change the world.
Over the years, I’ve honed my storytelling ability at the game table. And I’ve been weaving those skills into my birth work without even realizing it. I show up for parents in a really unique and beautiful way through the power of story.
Empowering Education
I use this passion for birth to empower expecting families with up-to-date, evidence based information that helps them make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. They feel confident as they step into their parenthood journey.
What gets me out of bed every day is the desire to make a positive contribution to the world. Wanna change the world with me?
Birth is an Adventure
My clients are nerds, neurodivergent folks and queer babes. They share my love of learning new things. I value community building and creating a safe and affirming place for birthing people. If you’re looking to level up your learning experience, let’s schedule a (virtual) coffee date.
This is my story and I’d love to learn yours.
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