About
Hi there! I'm Hannah, a birth doula, sleep training consultant, and mom of two boys in Pocatello, Idaho.
Even before I went through pregnancy, emergency c-sections, and the exhaustion of sleep disfunction, I knew I wanted to work with mothers, children, and families to create the most peaceful, supportive environments of thriving. I'm so glad you're here.
my journey
Welcome to my corner of support, guidance, and care.
I'm Hannah, a passionate advocate for mothers, infants, and the sacred journey of bringing new life into the world. My story, much like yours, is woven with love, challenges, and unwavering dedication to nurturing the bonds that shape our families.
From a young age, my heart has been drawn to assisting families, especially mothers, on their unique journeys. Growing up in a household with a resilient single mother, I witnessed the strength that emerges in the face of adversity. Her struggles etched a deep-seated determination in me to offer unwavering support to moms navigating the complexities of parenthood.
My path began with a Bachelor's in marriage and family studies, coupled with a minor in child development. The initial spark of my journey led me to explore play therapy and child development for kids on the autism spectrum. Yet, life had other plans, and my own experiences as a mother reshaped my direction.
A TALE OF TWO BIRTHS
I know firsthand the difference support, advocacy, and autonomy has on your birth experience, your recovery, and your mental health.
I had an already difficult first pregnancy, still in school and away from family and community. Even though I have a wonderful and supportive husband, neither of us really knew what to expect and were shaken by a diagnosis of preeclampsia at 37 weeks.
Worry for both myself and the baby sent me in to be induced at 39 weeks, where we learned even more stressful and confusing information that our baby was breach.
The Fitzens
even though I thought we were prepared, neither of us knew what to do.
Should we turn him? Should we wait? Should we go right to an emergency c-section with our baby's dropping heart rate?
Amidst the confusion and distress, we were rushed to the c-section delivery after which my baby needed oxygen in the NICU. As a brand new, first time mom, I was crushed to miss these first precious moments with my baby, especially after I was told I couldn't go to the NICU for twelve hours and my baby had to stay there for a minimum of six, even if not medically necessary.
I wish I had known our rights. I wish I'd had someone to advocate, to report, to regain those lost and precious hours.
But my husband was doing his best, making no headway, and so stressed in his own experience. I can't help but imagine now what it would have been like, had we had a doula on our team during those excruciating six hours without even an update from a medical professional after our baby went into the NICU.
Even though my second birth was just as medically challenging, if not more than the first, I learned how much better the experience could be with a birth team who prioritized your experience, even amidst intensity and uncertainty.
A California study showed that women who have the support of a doula were more likely to feel positive about their birth experiences (82.5 %) than women who did not have the benefit of support (67.4%).
A doula can help reduce the likelihood that you will require an epidural. A study found that 7.8% of women using doulas requested an epidural as compared to 55.3% of women labouring without a doula.*
*CASE WESTERN UNIVERSITY, CLEVELAND, OHIO
Through extreme challenges in pregnancy, birth, and sleep for both my babies, I knew I wanted to help other new moms avoid the distress, regret, and decline in mental health resulting from not having educated and experienced advocacy and support.
Even with the best doctors, midwives, and nurses, there is so much to be attended to on the medical side that sometimes your voice, questions, and emotional experience fall by the wayside.
My two births stand as bookends of my journey. The contrast between isolation and connection, uncertainty and empowerment,
serves as a testament to the transformative power of advocacy and support.
Again, I didn't come to the field of sleep learning for babies and children by accident. I know personally and deeply understand the toll of breastfeeding for hours, with only fifteen minute sleep stretches. Wondering what was normal. Feeling too exhausted to even begin to search out solutions. Three months of holding my second child as the only way he'd sleep, plus trying keep up with a toddler, running on less than fumes.
Amidst these personally uncharted and turbulent waters, I began with personal research and then certified as a pediatric sleep consultant because of the profound impact quality sleep has on both mental and emotional well-being.
Sleep?
What About
So How Can I Help?
I love being able to provide the intimacy, ease, and familiarity that comes from longer term support as both your doula and sleep consultant.
Beginning with our prenatal visits, we'll plan for as much peace and simplicity as possible for both you and your family through pregnancy, birth, and the new rhythms of welcoming an infant into your home.
I offer shorter term services as well, but I love drawing on all my fields of expertise for my full spectrum, A-Z clients. I'm honored to be a steadfast presence of reassurance, choices, knowledge, and support through this sacred threshold for you and your family.
full spectrum birth & sleep support
A Little Bit More...
CATCH ME
Reading! Always! Everything!
Historical fiction, fantasy, romance...every chance I get!
can't possibly
Stay awake during a movie or tv show without doing something with my hands so I crochet and cross stitch
outside, I'm
Camping with my family, fishing, or doing water balloon fights!
can't live without
A book, my Kindle, and a project to work on
comfort food
My mom's squash macaroni or a summer vegetable stew
dream vacation
Somewhere tropical! I hate the cold. Relaxing with my family in the heat :)
