About Kristina

When I was pregnant with my daughter I immediately knew I wanted a homebirth, attended by midwives. As the pregnancy was coming to an end I knew I needed a doula. I was starting to feel like my needs couldn't be met by the people who were going to be at my birth. I needed a woman with experience and whose sole purpose was to focus on me. I hired a doula and I immediately felt relieved — I knew I could do this. After a few meetings, discussion of my wants and fears and lots of tears, I felt ready. When I went into labour everything fell into place. My daughter was in my arms after six hours with only 40 minutes of pushing. We named her Claire Sophia.

In the days following, my doula was an amazing support for the breastfeeding challenges I had. We worked together and she sat with me and helped me with positioning and latch. She recommended breastfeeding clinics and most importantly never gave up on me. After many weeks of struggles my daughter and I found a rhythm and continued to breastfeed for over two years.

The weeks following the birth, I knew I had to do this. The desire to support women through this amazing and empowering time in their lives meant so much to me — thus began my journey as a doula. I began the certification process through Doulas of North America (DONA), and I am now a DONA Certified Birth Doula.

In November 2007 I had my second daughter, Norah Marie. She was also born at home, with midwives, a doula, my husband and daughter. Norah's birth was very different from Claire's. It lasted a total of three hours from the first twinge to the birth. It was intense and fast, but with the support I had, I managed and now feel very proud of my accomplishments with both my labours.

My birth preferences are just that: mine. I believe that women should give birth where they feel most comfortable, where they can let go and be free. Whether that's at home, in the hospital or in water.

I see pregnancy and birth as a natural event, not an illness or surgical procedure. I don't advocate that all women should have a homebirth or go "au natural" but rather have an informed birth: to recognize the kind of birth they want, and have support in fulfilling that. To walk away from it and feel proud.

I want for all mothers to have a powerful experience surrounding childbirth, to be in touch with their wants, wishes and their bodies and know that inside of them is the power to move a baby.