DeAnne Todd, CD(DONA)
I have been a doula since 1996. I began attending the births of my friends and childbirth students before I ever heard the word doula and figured out is was actually a profession!
2. Why did you decide to become a doula?
I love helping women have an empowering birth experience. Even if a woman can't follow her original plans for labor she can feel successful if she makes her own decisions and feels respected. It is an honor to be with a family and this very important and intimate time.
3. What are your hobbies, passions, diversions, etc.
I was a professional dancer prior to becoming a childbirth educator and doula and I still love to hobble through a dance class. I love reading and travel and I really enjoy doing volunteer work with pregnant women.
4. What is your philosophy about birth?
Birth is not an illness. I believe most women are capable of delivering naturally with little or no interventions. I also believe people have the right to chose the birth experience they want. A doulas job is to support the clients choices while offering alternatives if needed, not to further her own agenda.
5. A little something about your personal life.
I am married with three children ages 22 (unmedicated hospital birth), 12 (homebirth with a midwife) and 4 (long plane trip to China).
6. What are your specialties, unique qualities, whatever... what might make someone want to hire you specifically?
I have taught childbirth classes since 1991, starting with a certification from The Bradley Method. I am now certified through Lamaze International and DONA. I love helping couples in labor and my passion lies with helping incarcerated women who would otherwise be laboring alone.
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