I believe that birth is not an illness.  It can and should be a wonderful journey that a woman will remember for the rest of her life. I believe that the least interference and interventions used with the birth process will usually be the best for the woman and her baby, however, the decision to use medication or not should be the choice of the mother and should not be based on fear, lack of knowledge, or what others expect.  I believe that a woman should enter labor with confidence that her body was designed to do this. As a Doula, it is my job and my joy to educate and comfort the couple before, during and after labor. My role is to suggest ways to help labor move along, “mother the mother,” and help her partner to feel confident in his/her role.  I strive to help the couple achieve the birth experience that they hope for and to help them gather the information needed to make informed decisions about their labor and birth choices. After the birth, I will assist the mother with getting started with breast feeding if any help is needed.  I usually provide one post-partum visit to the new family, and am available by phone to help with any questions the new parents may have.

For me, being a Doula is more than a profession. It is a calling.  I feel very honored and blessed to be with a family during this special time of their lives.

As a member of DONA (Doulas of North America) I strongly agree and believe that "every effort should be made to ensure that all laboring women receive support, not only from those close to them but also from specially trained caregivers." I will not deny a family because of financial need.   

Qualifications

• Certified as a birth doula through DONA International (Doulas of North America)
• Certified as a Christian labor doula through Cascade Christian Childbirth Association
• Certified as a Chirstian birth educator through Cascade Christian Childbirth Association
• Infant and child CPR certified
• Basic first aid trained
• Operation Special Delivery Doula and OSD State Representative for TN and KY
• Certified National Child Passenger Safety Technician

Continuing Education -

• DONA conference 8/09
• Breastfeeding Basics Online Course 8/09
• Currently working on Post Partum Doula Certification through CAPPA

My Family

My family at my husband's Scoutmaster retirement ceremony 

My husband and I on the Volunteer Princess 

My oldest son, Adam, "the rugger"

Background

Lori has been a proud resident of Blount County Tennessee, located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains for the past 12 years.   

She has been married to her husband Bill, for 19 years. She has four wonderful children. One is in graduate school, one a senior in college and two are still at home.  All four were/are being homeschooled. 

Three of her children were delivered in hospitals and the last one was delivered at a birthing center with a midwife. All were natural childbirths.

Lori has been been an active member of her church for the past 8 or 9 years. She is a paid nursery worker, a vacation Bible school leader, college ministry coordinator and she also works with the youth.  

Lori was the past administrator of the Blount Home Education Association, a 4-H volunteer leader on the local, regional and state level, a former Girl Scout leader, was very active with the Boy Scouts program, providing service to the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of our local pack and troop and also on the district level. She previously served as the troop and pack executive officer for BSA troop/pack 442.

In addition, Lori was a Creative Memories consultant for 7 years and still enjoys scrapbooking, faithbooking and teaching others how to record their story or life journey.  She enjoys baking and cooking with her husband, spending time with her family, church activities, some outdoor activities, and crafting of different types. In her "spare" time, she enjoys reading and learning more about the pregnancy and postpartum period of a woman's life and earnestly looks for ways to provide ongoing care to these women and their families.   

Mikie, the middle son and "skater dude"

Tommy, the youngest, our "gentle giant"