I am given such gifts by my clients every year—their trust, their willingness to include me on an intimate family journey. I am given the gift of seeing strength, vulnerability, courage, fortitude, patience, and love. And I am always learning and growing alongside my clients. I am also grateful to the couples who have trusted me to assist in their preparation through my childbirth education classes. You are also gifts to me.

So in return, I would like to offer you this gift of a slideshow retelling some of those memories shared. The images you’ll see are only those that had previously been posted on social media with permission. So not every single family is represented.

While it is no secret that 2020 was a struggle for all of us, some more than others, it still had some special moments. While my family came through the year rather unscathed, I’ll still admit some of the brightest spots were when I was standing alongside my clients as they held their babies in their arms for the first time. You are all so dear to me. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to 2021 and hopefully an even brighter year for us all.

It was a privilege to co-chair the 2017 BirthWorks Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia with Cathy Daub, founder and president of BirthWorks International. Thank you to everyone who helped behind the scenes, the speakers who inspired us and got us thinking, and the attendees who came together so willing and open to explore and learn. It was an incredible assembly, and arguably the best birth conference EVER to come to the Hampton Roads area. The conversations, inspiration, and waves of change are already being felt at local hospitals and beyond. Take a moment to watch this video that shows a glimpse of the incredible time we spent together.

I am looking forward to our next BirthWorks Conference, time and location yet to be determined. Below is a short testimonial from the 2017 conference, including words from Ina May Gaskin, and some local midwives you might recognize including, Blair Conger, CNM, and Terri Hewitt, CPM. Hear what they had to say about their experience and consider joining us for the next one! You do not have to be a BirthWorks member to attend. Our conferences are open to everyone.