merrie anderson
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Hi I'm Merrie! I am a wife and a mother of four children, living in Arvada, Colorado. When I am not attending a birth or teaching a class, I am at home with my children. Besides family, my passion in life is childbirth.
I was that weird kid who asked her mom's friends their birth stories growing up! My other passions include cooking and baking, riding horses, and traveling the world in search of the best hot springs. I am originally from Littleton, Colorado and am child number five from a family of seven children. I love traveling. My senior year of high school was spent as an exchange student in France. A year later I spent a summer in Venezuela learning Spanish and traveling to exotic places in South America. A couple years later I took a semester off from college to teach English in China through a volunteer program. Ironically enough, in a group of forty-five teachers (only five were male!) I met my future husband Kirk. Before we were married I also spent a year and a half in Taiwan learning Mandarin Chinese. After I returned we married and both resumed our studies. I majored in Chinese and he majored in English (he stuck to what he knew!). For me, the birth room is magic. Our bodies, our babies, our partners, all working to allow the magic to unfold that ends with a precious baby. I personally have had very difficult births, and understand the emotional depth that labor can bring a woman. I love helping women find their center, their trust in the birth process, and ultimately the ability to surrender to what our bodies dictate. Peace on earth begins with mother and baby, and it's a privilege to help families on this journey. Contact Me: merrie@intuitivebirth.com |
misty stewart
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Hi, I'm Misty! Plant-lover, wannabe island dweller, living my life in Lakewood, Colorado. I'm a wife and mom to 3 boys (oh boy!). Outside of the birth room, you'll most likely find me getting my hands dirty in the garden, in the kitchen creating something delicious with my 15yr old son or trying out the next local foodie place!
I have been surrounded by birth my entire life. Being the second youngest of 8, I watched my older siblings grow their families and became enthralled with the process of pregnancy, birth, and caring for little ones. That experience led me to my life as a doula and childbirth educator. I believe the most important thing for every mother to know is that she deserves to be in control of her own birth story. I strive to give each mother the comfort, knowledge, and support she needs on her journey of bringing her baby into the world. Contact Me: misty@intuitivebirth.com |
rachel strother
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Hi I'm Rachel! I have been fascinated by pregnancy and birth for as long as I can remember. When I was four years old my mother played "The Miracle of Life" on VHS for me and my eyes were glued to the screen.
Many years later I discovered the role of a doula and I knew it was the right path for me! I love giving families the guidance and support they need to feel strong and empowered during their birth experience. Health and wellness have always been my passion. In addition to birth work, I am a nutrition therapist and yoga instructor. I use my experience in each of these fields to support my clients with a holistic approach that considers body, mind, and spirit. A few fun facts about me: I am a Denver native. I spent five years as a professional dancer. When I am not in the birth room I love hiking, skiing, cooking, traveling the world, and seeing live music with my husband. Contact Me: rachel@intuitivebirth.com |
Tammy Ireland
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My name is Tammy Ireland. My husband is from Scotland and we live with our two teenage children on Holland Street! I love Jesus, babies, puppies, beaches and laughing So hard you can’t breathe! A Colorado native, I grew up in a large family surrounded by birth and babies and little kids in general. I LOVED it!
I received a BA in science from Whittier College, planning to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating, I decided to work part-time as a nanny. Little did I know the part-time job would end up being a full-time career for almost 22 years. It was incredible! I traveled the world, learning and training on the job to be a mom, a house manager and personal assistant. The three children and their family I was privileged to care for are now some of my best friends. In deciding to change careers, I did a lot of soul searching; and you know what? -- I love puppies and babies, and I really want my second act to focus on that! So here I am! I started walking dogs and now I’m a certified Doula! I am convinced the reason I can look back at both of my birth stories (son 18 and daughter 15) without any regret is because of my faith and the encouragement, love and knowledge of my husband, mother and friends during my deliveries! I chose this profession now because of my desire to educate, support, love and empower anyone who is about to write one of the most important stories they will ever tell … their Birth Story. Contact Me: tamara@intuitivebirth.com |
Natalie Connolly
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Hi, I am Natalie! I am a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International, I am a yoga teacher, aromatherapist, herbalist, baby lover & all things in between. I came to birth work through means of yoga, first through practice in mind-body awareness then by developing a fascination in what I think is the most incredible thing a body can do- to make and bring forth new life!
I have a passion for helping others and for empowering women in any stage of life, especially as they are bringing new life into the world. Whether it be emotional support, information on classes, physical support, guided meditations, relaxation techniques, or to simply occupy space so that they know they don't have to go through birth alone, I am excited to use my creative and kind energy to help guide women in their journey to motherhood. When I am not helping a mama or mama to be, I am likely teaching in the yoga room, playing with different herbs & tinctures, or in the mountains seeking the crisp, cool air. I believe that every mama deserves the birth story of her dreams and I am so grateful I get to do this in this lifetime & cannot wait to connect! All the love! Contact Me: natalie@intuitivebirth.com |
Lauren ruth
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Hi! I’m Lauren! I am a birth doula, educator, and mama to two little boys living in Highlands Ranch. My background is in education where I have been a classroom and online teacher for 12+ years. I’m thrilled to have made the jump into birth work and birth education.
If I’m not attending a birth, you’ll find me spending time with my family, traveling, or training. I love all things athletic and am a junkie for yoga, open water swimming, triathlons, and marathons. For most of my life I didn’t know much about birth. It wasn’t until my first pregnancy that I found my love for birth stories. After the stressful pregnancy and birth of my second son, I decided I wanted to help other families navigate the American birth system. I want to empower families to take an educated and active role in their pregnancies and births. It is a privilege to work with your family during this exciting transitional time. Birth is absolutely magical and I'm honored to walk this sacred journey with you! Contact Me: lauren@intuitivebirth.com |
Kacey Bengtson
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Hi there, I’m Kacey!
I am a Colorado native and live in Arvada with my husband, our three awesome boys and our gorgeous Bassett Hound, Hazel. In my free time I enjoy weight training, quilting and vacationing with my family. I grew up in Arvada and have enjoyed being a part of this community through the years. With both of my parents being elementary school teachers, it’s no wonder I followed in their footsteps. I have been an art educator for a combined 13 years and have also enjoyed my time as a stay-at-home-mom with my sons. I enjoyed my time as a teacher, but with that said, I have always wanted to be in birth work! I did a lot of soul searching in order to get back to what I was truly meant to do. I love being a doula! I have always been interested in birth. As a teenager, my aunt invited me to attend the birth of my cousin. It was one of the best days of my life. Witnessing those precious moments of true joy and the togetherness of family will stay with me forever. I have a love for birth stories and its always fun re-telling my children about the day they were born. My hope is that my mamas-to-be will find joy in telling their birth stories to their children one day. As a doula, I believe in the power of positive thinking and I encourage my mamas to believe in their own strength. I also strongly believe in education as a source of power for women and their partners. Preparing for birth emotionally and physically is one of the best gifts a mom can give to herself and to her family. My goal as a birth doula is to bring comfort, connection and reassurance to the birth space. I would be absolutely honored to be a part of your story. Contact Me: kacey@intuitivebirth.com |