Claire Dixon

Pronouns:

She/her

Identities: 

• White

• Heterosexual

• Cisgender

• Married

• Mother

• Able-bodied

• First Gen Student

Credentials:

Certified Lactation Counselor (May 2021), M. Ed. Loyola Chicago (May 2016), Not something you get a certificate for… But my lactation journey lasted around 17 months with my first son, and I am 3 months in with my second son. 

Degrees/Trainings: 

• Undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communication, Bowling Green State University 2011

• Masters in Education, Loyola University Chicago (May 2016)

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What brought you to birthwork?

Becoming a mother changed my life in many different ways, one of which was my career path. After 12 years of working in higher education I realized that I could take my passion for education and apply it to my new world as a mother. I watched many friends struggle, receive bad advice, or seek support from unhealthy/inaccurate sources, and I had had enough! Completing my CLC training kept me busy during the pandemic and slowly but surely I changed my career path to meet this new passion. I am not sure of all of the places this work will take me, and I am very excited to see where the path unfolds. 

What’s something about birthwork that you are particularly passionate about?

I am passionate about guilt and shame-free support. The world of parenting comes with so much judgment - people do not need it from me! I believe that through helping parents meet THEIR goals and support THEIR needs people will find the most success. Your path does not need to be the same as mine, what would the fun in that be? I want to know your goals and then work my hardest to help you meet them. 

Relevant Personal Experiences?

I started this journey as a Live Light client myself! I was lucky to have doula support with my first birth and will be repeating that in a few short weeks. Early on in my lactation journey with my son I attended what felt like every group, followed countless instagram pages, met with several CLC’s, and read every blog. Eventually I found my own way and had a beautiful lactation journey for about 17 months. I hope to do the same again with baby #2 who will be here in May. 

What are some of your outside hobbies/interests? 

• Taking endless walks and exploring new parks around Detroit.

• Sailing at the Detroit Yacht Club and floating at the pool as much as possible!

• Trying new restaurants around Detroit on a rare date night and ordering takeout from our favorites more frequently (Yum Village, Karl’s, Bangkok 96, Ima)

• Working in my backyard garden and cooking up all the food we grow

Anything else you want (potential) clients to know about you?

I believe there is a time and a place for antidotes/stories, but I will always be transparent about providing evidence-based support. Sometimes the answer will be “there’s not great research on that topic…” or “I don’t know, but I will find out”. I care deeply about my clients having the best information possible, even if that means I need to find a referral or do some research. That said, if you want to know about my experiences with lactation all you have to do is ask! 

Natasha Kinner

Pronouns:

She/her

Identities: 

• Bi-racial (Puerto Rican & White)

• Heterosexual

• Business Owner

• Cisgender 

• Spiritual (but brought up in Christianity)

• Able-bodied

Credentials:

Certified through ProDoula, Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator trained through BADT, Certified Yoga Instructor RYT 200, Birth Assistant- certified in Neonatal Resuscitation, CPR certified

Degrees/Trainings: 

• Childbirth International Program for postpartum doula support

• NRP certification through Health Stream

• Yoga teacher training (RYT200) at Passion Yoga School

• DONA Program for birth doula support

• BADT Program for childbirth education

• Additional trainings: Spinning Babies, EMT training with EMETSEEI Institute Inc. 

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What brought you to birthwork?: 

During my yoga teacher training in Costa Rica a midwife came and spoke all about the idea of conscious partnering, conscious sex, and conscious conception- energetically connecting & sending love energy to the cells that will become a baby . I was inspired to believe that if the world knew how powerful their energy was and how it can affect the very cells that are in our unborn child then we can change the world. Initially I found myself being drawn to teach prenatal yoga so I could help birthing people connect with their baby but then I heard about the doula role and I knew it was what I’m supposed to be doing.  

What’s something about birthwork that you are particularly passionate about? 

Education.  I am a firm believer that the more understanding one has the less scary things are and the more confident one will be when confronted with changes in their plan or  when unexpected situations may arise.  Education also allows them to have make fully informed decisions and know their choices and it can help my client know what to ask their provider to make sure they are in alignment in order to have the birth experience they desire.

Relevant Personal Experiences?

My birth experience: I was under the care of a home birth midwife throughout the entirety of my pregnancy, all was totally normal and the plan was to birth at the birth center.  While in labor my daughter was not tolerating the contractions so I was transferred to the hospital.  Due to the decels in her heart rate I had an emergency cesarean.  Dealing with the complete change of plans and the unexpected in my personal life really allows me to help encourage my clients to be open to the idea of being flexible, to have a plan-b prepared so that if the unexpected does happen they feel like they are still having their desires/hopes/choices respected and heard, and to be empathetic and to understand how best to support my client and their partner.

What are some of your outside hobbies/interests? 

• Hanging out with my family & pets

• Travel

• Practicing yoga

• Cooking 

• Anything outdoors (kayaking, hiking, biking etc)

• Reading, mostly fiction 

• Listening to birth/political/comedy/parenting  podcasts

• Love going to see live music 

• Plants ( gardening & using herbs as medicine)

Anything else you want (potential) clients to know about you?

• I am blessed to be the mother to a beautiful daughter

• I love all animals, but I’m definitely more of a cat person

• I love board games and can get competitive!

Amber Adams-Jackson

Lead Doula

Pronouns:

She/her

Identities: 

• Black

• Cisgender

• Female

Credentials:

• Certified Labor Doula

• Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

• CPR / AED Certified

  Degrees/Trainings: 

• ProDoula Labor Doula Training

• ProDoula Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Training

• Commonsense Childbirth Institute Training 

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What Brought You to Birthwork?

 I’ve loved birth  & babies since I was a teenager. Fast forward to later in life as an adult and mother, I sat down with myself to determine what I wanted to do in my life that I loved and would also be meaningful. It took me some time to pursue however, once I became a doula I’ve never looked back. 

What’s something about birthwork that you are particularly passionate about?

Education, Information and Resources. Let’s be real, you hear so much of,  “if I knew that I would’ve…” And I want to be part of this change with the next generations to come.

What are some of your outside hobbies/interests? 

My kids and I loved being outdoors. I adore my family and friends visits / time together. With my “me time” I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts and a great concert!

Anything else you want (potential) clients to know about you?

As a mom of 3 who's been through a lot in my time here on earth, I understand all the things, worries, and the profound knowledge that bringing a child into this world is such a personal, sacred space. If I'm allowed on the journey with you, I promise I will have your back through it all.