Q: How long have you been married?
A: This June will be 20 years
Q: How many kids do you have?
A: Five here, one in heaven
Q: Did you find out the sex of your children while pregnant, or wait until they were born?
A: We found out for the first two and were surprised for the other three
Q: What child was born closest to the estimated due date, and who was furthest?
A: I never made it to any of my estimated due dates. My second was born at 36 weeks 2 days, and my youngest was born one day before her estimated due date.
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: Skip it, potato chips please!
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: ALL THE COFFEE
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I enjoy reading, writing, knitting, and doing funny cross-stitch projects.
Q: How long have you been married?
A: 22 years this June
Q: How many kids do you have?
A: Five on Earth, one in heaven
Q: Did you find out the sex of your children while pregnant, or wait until they were born?
A: Surprised for the first three, found out for the last two
Q: What child was born closest to the estimated due date, and who was furthest?
A: Number five was closest (two days “early,” and the only one of mine who was early) and number four was nine days “late”
Q: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A: Chocolate chip cookie dough
Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Tea
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: Reading, gardening, being a chicken farmer
Q: Did you always plan to be a doula?
A: No, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Le Moyne College and was a journalist and editor before becoming a doula. I always wanted to be a mother and I’m so thankful that I am. Once I experienced pregnancy and birth, I was drawn to helping other women as they journeyed through those life-altering experiences as well. It’s been a natural fit since then!
Q: What’s your favorite tool in your doula bag?
A: It’s not a thing exactly. I think my ability to meet clients where they are emotionally and really tune in to what they need in the moment is the best thing I can offer. Obviously cool washcloths and ice chips are super helpful and refreshing during too!
Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Summer
Q: Are you working on any upcoming projects?
A: Yes, always! I’m working on a book about Hyperemesis Gravidarum pregnancy, and I’m also writing an introductory course on Natural Family Planning that I hope to offer online soon. And of course some funny cross-stitch projects.
Q: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
A: I have probably 100 of them! My first profession was as a journalist and editor, so I’ve always found so much inspiration from lots of different people and literature. One that I have hanging above my desk reads:
{Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often. ~Susan Statham}
Obviously as a writer I find it quite applicable to actual writing but also to our lives in general – we can always strive to learn more, to love more, to care more for others. We have to keep moving and growing and changing for the better. I also think it can be applied to the journey of labor and giving birth: we write our plans as best as we can, but sometimes we have to edit along the way.
Q: Did you always plan to be a doula?
A: Nope, I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psych Child Life.
Q: What’s your favorite tool in your doula bag?
A: My passion for this career!
Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Summer
Q: Are you working on any upcoming projects?
A: Yes – raising chicks, getting ready to plant our garden
Q: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
A: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” –Jeremiah 29:11
Q: What are some TV shows you like?
A: I usually read at night, but I still occasionally watch Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, and I used to watch This Is Us
Q: What is one piece of advice you give to new parents?
A: Ask for help. Don’t wait for people to offer.
Q: What surprised you most about being pregnant?
A: How much I loved it!
Q: What are some TV shows you like?
A: I’ve been cutting back on TV lately, but I’ve always enjoyed Friends, LOST, The Blacklist, ER, Little House on the Prairie, The X-Files, How I Met Your Mother, the Walking Dead, Alias
Q: What surprised you most about being pregnant?
A: How sick I was
Q: What is one piece of advice you give to new parents?
A: Eat when the baby eats, sleep when the baby sleeps, fold laundry when the baby folds laundry. (Lower your standards for housework for a while and just rest and take care of yourself and baby!)
** ”Getting to Know You” is one of the songs in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “The King and I.” Elizabeth was in it in high school.