DOULAS

* Doula and aspiring Nurse Midwife '" I am in the midst of my doula certification with Childbirth International. I started my MSN and CNM coursework at The Ohio State University, but moved to the Portland, OR, for my husband's job before I was able to finish. I am hoping to complete the degree here in the Northwest eventually, but am enjoying being a doula in the meantime! * Volunteer '" I am a volunteer with PDX doulas. * Mom and wife '" I have two beautiful kids, Jack (age 5) and Ruby (Age 2) and a fantastic husband, Chris. We are loving living in the Pacific Northwest, and relish hiking to waterfalls and trips to the beach. *Fitness buff '" in my "free" time, I lift weights and train for road races. My favorite distance is the half-marathon! *Amateur photographer '" I take pictures of my kids, scenery, and interesting bugs.

@ My previous work experience includes being a Certified Doula through Doulas Make a Difference! and Doulas of North America (DONA). I completed Childbirth Educator training through Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), and helped in the writing of a childbirth education curriculum for Cascade Christian Childbirth Association. Also, I spent four years as a Volunteer Certified Breastfeeding Support Provider through our local WIC office, sat as Vice President of Douas of Southern Oregon, and provided birth support as an Independent contractor for La Clinica at Ashland Community Hospital. One of the most exciting things I did during that time was to travel to Croatia with my mentor, teacher and dear friend to promote her book and assist in a home birth. While retired from actively pursuing my birthing career, I continue to read periodicals and love the subject in general. More recently, I have been taking more of an interest in literature and writing. I have always loved the feeling of getting my thoughts out on paper or screen! I live with my wonderful boyfriend, four children, grandson, crazy adorable cat Mouse, dog Gizmo, loud, annoying and ancient bird Cinnamon, and some fish. I enjoy cooking frugally and healthfully for my very large family, teaching my daughters the art of belly dance, painting with acrylics and oil pastels, and reading lots and lots of books.

I am a doula, writer, and performance artist. I was raised in Missouri, went to college in New York City, and now live in Lafayette, Louisiana.

I was born and raised in the bible belt where I-35, I-40 and I-44 all intersect. Edmond Memorial High School and the University of Oklahoma are my alma maters. I have been a student, a tutor, a drive-thru professional, a research assistant, a laboratory technician, a biomedical researcher, a case manager for victims of hurricanes, a high school science teacher, a doula, a technical writer, a wife and a mother (a.k.a. cook, laundress, housekeeper, maid, baker, nurse, dog groomer, hair stylist, landscaper, nanny, personal shopper, accountant).

Samantha Van Vleet is a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator and third year pre-medical student. She, her husband and her three children reside in southcentral Alaska. She is actively involved in the birthing community and is co-leading a new chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Netwrok (ICAN) on the Kenai Peninsula.

Leanne is a doula, childbirth educator, home birth photographer, radio personality and writer. She loves helping couples make the transition to parenthood.

I am a freelance writer, DIY decorator and full-time student. I have three children and we live in Boise, ID.

Elizabeth Mathis spent 8 years working with recombinant DNA in a biochemistry lab. Now she is a stay-at-home mother of a beautiful little girl.

I'm a 22 year old housewife with a passion for natural living and cars.

I'm young single mother of two boys, a liberal Democrat, and a born again Pagan witch for nearly 14 years. I write about natural family living, pregnancy, homebirth, attachment parenting, and religion or politics once in a while.

An aspiring writer on a broad range of topics that affect women in many areas of the world and stages of life.