Motherhood has a learning curve
Even though I read all the books, nothing truly prepared me for life postpartum with my first child. When she arrived earthside, I was delighted to be a mother but also challenged in ways I hadn't anticipated. Infant feeding and soothing had a learning curve. I was so exhausted that I often found my field of vision foggy. At four weeks postpartum and in the midst of this fog, support arrived in the form of my oldest sister - an experienced mother and empathetic listener. She encouraged me. She told me to trust my gut. She held and soothed my infant during the witching hour and sent me to bed. Her visit was brief, but I emerged from that week a more confident mother.
Even though I read all the books, nothing truly prepared me for life postpartum with my first child. When she arrived earthside, I was delighted to be a mother but also challenged in ways I hadn't anticipated. Infant feeding and soothing had a learning curve. I was so exhausted that I often found my field of vision foggy. At four weeks postpartum and in the midst of this fog, support arrived in the form of my oldest sister - an experienced mother and empathetic listener. She encouraged me. She told me to trust my gut. She held and soothed my infant during the witching hour and sent me to bed. Her visit was brief, but I emerged from that week a more confident mother.
I knew I needed support
Fast-forward to the birth of my third child, and I knew I needed support. I knew I needed rest. I will never forget the sweet, exhausted joy of handing my daughter, some twelve hours after her birth, to my mother as she sat in the rocking chair beside my bed. With full trust that she would wake me when my baby needed me, I fell into a happy slumber.
Fast-forward to the birth of my third child, and I knew I needed support. I knew I needed rest. I will never forget the sweet, exhausted joy of handing my daughter, some twelve hours after her birth, to my mother as she sat in the rocking chair beside my bed. With full trust that she would wake me when my baby needed me, I fell into a happy slumber.
Nested Mama provides that support
These experiences, alongside the roughest of moments and the sweetest of joys, shape my passion for supporting parents. As a transplant to the state of Iowa, I experienced first-hand how embarking on this journey of parenthood without a nearby familial network can be daunting to expectant parents. That’s why I founded Nested Mama - to give parents the physical, emotional, and educational support they need to confidently navigate the transition into parenthood.
These experiences, alongside the roughest of moments and the sweetest of joys, shape my passion for supporting parents. As a transplant to the state of Iowa, I experienced first-hand how embarking on this journey of parenthood without a nearby familial network can be daunting to expectant parents. That’s why I founded Nested Mama - to give parents the physical, emotional, and educational support they need to confidently navigate the transition into parenthood.
Ph.D., Doula, and Educator
In 2014, I earned my Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa. In my time as an academic, I taught classes focusing on women and children of the past. Now with Nested Mama, I take the skills of teaching and understanding I honed in my graduate study to provide my clients with evidence-based information and support from preconception through postpartum and beyond.
In 2014, I earned my Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa. In my time as an academic, I taught classes focusing on women and children of the past. Now with Nested Mama, I take the skills of teaching and understanding I honed in my graduate study to provide my clients with evidence-based information and support from preconception through postpartum and beyond.
Education, Certification, and Training
- Bebo Mia Certified Fertility Specialist, 2019
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Advocate (P.A.I.L), 2019
- Bebo Mia Certified Infant Sleep Educator, 2018
- Bebo Mia EcoBaby Certification, 2018
- Madriella Childbirth Educator, 2018
- Madriella Breastfeeding Educator, 2018
- Madriella Certified Professional Doula, 2018
- Madriella Certified Postpartum Doula, 2018
- Madriella Certified Birth Doula, 2018
- PhD, English, The University of Iowa, 2014
- BA, English & Humanities, Valparaiso University, 2008
Questions? Want to learn more about Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support?
Consultations are available in person, over the phone, or via video chat.
Consultations are available in person, over the phone, or via video chat.
Serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding Corridor communities
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