I believe birth is as humbling as it is extraordinary. I offer infant feeding support and perinatal care for new and evolving families in Midcoast Maine. My approach to care draws from my hospitality background, formal birthwork and lactation education, as well as personal experience as a parent of two.

Hospitality. I believe that hospitality aspires to do more than just provide a service; hospitality thrives on connection. I followed my love of food into the hospitality industry (and away from the journalism I had previously been pursuing) and eventually found my way into wine culture in a big way. The most meaningful aspect of my eventual role as wine director for a small urban restaurant group was the countless interactions I had with unique, hungry individuals walking through the doors every night. I would have plenty to say about wine if anyone asked, but mostly I did a lot of listening and observing. What did the guest actually want at that very moment? Sometimes they had specific requests (very specific!) and other times they simply wanted to chat, perhaps about things completely unrelated to wine. I learned a lot about people by hearing these stories tableside and grappling with the fickleness of language every day.

It brought me joy to connect with and accommodate people on their own terms. I deeply wanted them to feel taken care of, whatever that meant for them! Driven by my innate desire to nurture and connect, my ability to anticipate the needs of others and provide meaningful service became second nature over time.

Hospitality need not be limited to the realm of hotels, restaurants and organized events. One may provide intuitive hospitality to individuals in their own homes, whenever and wherever they are most vulnerable, and particularly during important moments of transition.

Nature. I believe in the wisdom of nature. When we listen to nature — feel it in our bodies, participate in the subtle rhythms around us — we tap into ancient wisdom that carries us through transformational moments in our lives. Working alone or alongside other humans on organic farms; growing my own food on windowsills, balconies, and in backyards; exploring the power of herbal medicine; dancing (any kind of dancing); enjoying food in season; taking care of animals; birthing in my own space; and nursing my children are just a few of the ways I have explored my connection with the wisdom of nature.

To listen to Nature is to be open to what we discover when we follow our hearts through a door into the unknown, and to trust that we were meant to be there.