was to eventually study midwifery; however, the birth of my own 5 children filled such an enormous part of my life there was little time to pursue that goal.  I would not have wanted it any other way.

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In 2001, I followed my passion for delivery and birth to Inova Loudoun Hospital (ILH). As a NICU nurse, i had the opportunity to attend not only high risk deliveries, but also the deliveries of very healthy mothers. When the Natural Birth Center opened at ILH, I was fortunate enough to attend their very first delivery.

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While at the Birth Center I was able to participate in many innovative programs to better the experience of the birthing process, including increased skin-to-skin time, the uninterrupted “golden hour”, timed cord clamping, delayed bathing, and tub rather than sponge bathing newborns.  I initiated changes including a neurodevelopmental committee in conjunction with our physical and occupational therapists to study and present the most current evidence based practices in the care of the neonate. 

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In 2012 I became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and worked closely with the lactation department to assist breastfeeding mothers undertake what is sometimes a daunting but very important gift to their babies and themselves. This was especially important in the NICU where it was often weeks before mothers could put their babies to the breast. 

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Attending conferences, doing research studies and receiving certifications has kept my education current. My interest in reducing a mother’s need for pain medication and increasing their relaxation levels led me to undertake research on the effect of music therapy on new mothers. My results were presented at a national AWHONN conference.

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The last few years I have been working as the Family Support Coordinator for the NICU.  I formed a strong group of mothers from the NICU to support families and friends.   I am still actively involved with fund raising for the new NICU at ILH. 

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By the most wonderful stroke of luck, I was able to meet all of the amazing women in Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare while working at Inova Loudoun Hospital. When my daughter gave birth, Hilary and I became much closer as there could be no one more qualified to bring my granddaughter in to this world. We were all thrilled to have a homebirth with Hilary and Andrea, it was a peaceful miracle. Andrea was my first choice for the birth assistant out of the many nurses I know. I have attended numerous deliveries with Heather and I am always awed by her calm and caring demeanor, learning from her thoughtful ways. 

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Despite attending more than 1,000 deliveries my excitement and passion for birth has never dulled. The opportunity to work delivering compassionate care with Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare is truly a dream come true. So, I may not have become a midwife, but I now get to work with the best.