How I became a Birth & Bereavement Doula
In August of 2021, at 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant, we got the news that no parent ever wants to hear. There was no heartbeat. Our sweet Judah Ray was with Jesus.
Throughout my pregnancy with Judah, I became enthralled with birth, reading and educating myself on all the things. Natural pain relief, relaxation techniques, the body’s miraculous and innate ability to birth. His pregnancy gave me confidence and knowledge that my body was created to birth, and I was passionate about it!
But instead of meeting him like we had planned, I was met with a list of questions and decisions that had to be made. It was overwhelming. I felt so alone, despite the many loving people around me. I remember reaching out to the only person I knew who had experienced this before me. I just wanted someone who understood my pain.
A year after we lost Judah, I was connected with a young family who was walking into the heart wrenching journey of stillbirth. It was then that I became passionate about walking with bereaved families through the loss of their precious babies. A few months after walking with this family, I decided to pursue a birth and bereavement doula certification and became certified through StillBirthDay in October of 2023. I now get to serve families through their live births or stillbirths.
The name of my business, Ray of Birth is a nod to both of my boys. The poppies in the middle of the logo represent Judah as it is his birth flower, and the rays of sunshine represent his little brother who we nicknamed as our “Sunshine Baby.”
Judah Ray, although his life here on earth too short, changed me and created in me a passion to serve and advocate for families. What a beautiful gift his life has given not only me, but the families I get to serve in his honor.
If you find yourself walking the road of pregnancy loss, please reach out here and I would be honored to walk with you during this hard time.
Ray of Birth Doula Services 