I believe that each woman on her own is powerful, and when we get together that is where the magic happens! I love walking down the street, wearing my baby on my chest, passing another mama and smiling kindly at each other. There is a certain knowing and sense of belonging that we share once we have experienced this rite of passage.

So, how did I get here? After the birth of my first child I began making placenta art, and have been making prints for friends and clients since then. During these years I felt a strong urge to care for the women around me who were also moving through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. After the births of both of my children I dealt with grief and postpartum anxiety. Experiencing grief and anxiety during a time where you also feel joy, passion and love is… complex. Postpartum is not simply a list of check boxes to be ticked. It is a time of massive hormonal fluctuation, increased needs for nourishment, and a time of intense change in your mind, body and spirit. After my second child was born I felt very determined to give back and help other mothers going through this, so I completed a DONA doula training and officially created The Afterbirth, LLC with the intention of focusing on all things postpartum. My approach to starting this business has been organic and slow-paced as I was still a postpartum mother myself. As I move through this part of my life I am constantly reminded of nourishing ways to support others along their motherhood journey. I am forever learning and expanding my mind.

One thing I want you to know is that women do not need saving. We are powerful, intelligent and wise. It’s just that we were never meant to do all of this on our own; we deserve to be supported, held, celebrated and cared for by others. From the bottom of my heart, I can say that it would be both a privilege and an honor to support you.

In my personal time, I enjoy spending time outdoors as I find it relaxes me and resets my nervous system. I try to live slowly and simply each day, which is hard to do in a fast-paced society, nevertheless I persist. I am a deeply sensitive and intentional woman who finds motherhood to be the best part of life. It is hard to believe that for many years, I did not think that I wanted to have children. Yes, it is challenging, but it is also rewarding beyond measure. I am drawn towards intimate moments to deeply connect with people. Naturally curious, I enjoy learning about history and listening to other people’s life stories - I can’t wait to hear yours!

Yours truly,

Dana

I have completed the following relevant trainings and education:

4-Month Womb Circle Facilitator Training | Womben Wellness.

Postpartum Energetics | Carla Sage and Toyah Hicks.

Innate Traditions: Physiologic Baby Care Course | Rachelle Garcia Seliga.

Foundations in Babywearing Education | Joanna McNeilly, Founder of Center for Babywearing Studies.

Mechanics of Pushing for Labor | Gina Conley, MS, Doula, Founder of Mamaste Fit.

Breastfeeding and Lactation: The Fundamentals | Katie James, IBCLC, Midwife.

Childbirth Physiology Course | Dr. Rachel Reed.

Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Professional Placenta Service Providers | APPA Advance.

DONA International Approved Birth & Postpartum Doula Workshop | Teri Nava-Anderson, PhD.

The NOEL Method for Newborns | On-Track Baby.

Infant and Adult CPR Certified | American Red Cross.