I was born and raised in Eastern Pennsylvania, graduated from Kutztown University in 1985 and was married in1988. My husband, Jim graduated from the United States Naval Academy and became a Naval Aviator flying helicopters. In 1990 we had our first daughter, Margaret, at the Naval Hospital Pensacola. Our second daughter, Ashley, was born in 1992 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Our third and final child was born at the Bethesda Naval Hospital (almost the parking lot) in 1995. The military moved us several times but our family settled in Jacksonville, Florida.
Pregnancy, labor, childbirth education and breast feeding have always been a passion of mine. From a little girl I was amazed at how beautiful a pregnant mother was. I remember my summers being at the community pool, the mothers would sit around the baby pool watching their young children play in the water. I was always amazed at the mothers growing bellies. It seemed like someone was always pregnant or nursing their baby. This began my passion for all there is about birth and babies.
After the births of my three daughters, I would do what ever I could to help other mothers, especially women who’s husbands were out to sea. I continued my reading and education, always wanting to be a doula. Finally in 2017 I made the decision to retire from teaching elementary school and begin my quest to become a certified doula. I chose DONA and had the pleasure of being taught by Rae Davies, she is an absolutely amazing woman with so much knowledge and experience. I am proud to say, that I am an official Certified DONA Doula, Jane Szerba CD(DONA). In 2020 I decided to further my certification and enrolled to become a Hypnobabies Childbirth Instructor, due to COVID, my training was completed in May of 2021. I am proud to say that I am officially a certified Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor. Another amazing milestone in my life is the birth of my first grandson on May 22, 2022. Watching my middle daughter birth is one of my most treasured experiences. Coming in late July 2023 will be the birth of my second grandchild. So excited to experience my oldest daughter through her birthing process:)