My family moved moved around the central United States on average every two years throughout my childhood. You'd be surprised how many different cultural experiences one can have in just 11 of the 50 states! I learned to adapt, be flexible and open minded!

My job as a young adult took me on several short term trips all over the world. I have a natural inclination to nurture women and children, so that is what I did overseas. I worked with children (educationally, music education, etc.) and with women in prisons, women escaping abusive relationships, and service groups.

In one of my trips to Ghana, Africa, I was on a Salvation Army compound in a very rural area that had a maternity ward. I was invited to observe a birth and some postpartum events (exams, education, etc.) in that clinic. I jumped right in and spoke words of encouragement to the women there (despite the language barrier, they appreciated and understood my efforts).

My own birth experiences taught me how important it is for a woman and her loved ones to be supported during the birth experience. It has an impact on the entire family! What happens during birth is not just a means to an end, but is a spiritual, psychological, and physical journey that has a lasting impression on the family unit.

I want that impact and impression to be a positive one that will strengthen mothers, children, fathers, and everyone who is a part of that family's life. I am a doula because I believe all families deserve to have a positive birth experience and if I can help that happen for someone, then I need to do that. I look forward enthusiatically to working with women and their families.

Services / Skills

Lending library, lactation support, postpartum care, labor support and now offer placenta preparation.

Education / Experience

I recently completed an apprenticeship with a very well-respected certified doula and childbirth educator (Wendy Scharp) here in Madison. I am working towards certification through CAPPA as a labor doula and childbirth educator and through DONA as a labor doula. I am currently completing my Bachelor's of Science in Healthcare Administration, so I can have the business end of compassionate care under my belt as well. I breastfed my first two children for a few months, but successfully figured out how to breastfeed my youngest child for thirteen months and I really wish I would have found the support I needed with my first two because the experience and benefits were amazing and could not be replaced by any other experience! I have taken workshops in breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and safe baby wearing. I am also passionate about talking to women about the amazing placenta!

Births attended

Self, three; as doula, 18; other, witness to birth in rural Africa.

Katie can be reached at 608-695-5227 or doulakatiecasey@yahoo.com. Or view her website at doulakatiecasey.webs.com.

-- January 26, 2012